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THE WATERHOLE LOUNGE

1400 S WESTERN AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60608 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

THE WATERHOLE LOUNGE has been inspected 6 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since March 14, 2014. The most recent inspection, on December 4, 2025, recorded 6 infractions.

None of the 6 inspections on record were free of infractions. In the past 12 months there was 1 inspection with 6 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Pests, Handwashing and staff hygiene and Cleaning and sanitizing.

Recent inspections have recorded fewer infractions than earlier ones, so the record is improving.

What these findings mean

Health authorities word their violations differently, so we group them by what they mean for food safety. Higher-risk findings are the ones inspectors treat as critical, because they can directly make someone sick.

  • PestsHigher risk

    Signs of mice, rats, cockroaches or flies, or gaps and clutter that let them get in or hide. Pests carry bacteria and can contaminate food and surfaces, so evidence of activity is treated seriously and usually triggers a follow-up visit.

    Recorded 3 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on December 4, 2025. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

  • Handwashing and staff hygieneHigher risk

    Hands are the main way germs like norovirus move from people to food. Inspectors look for stocked, accessible handwashing sinks, staff washing hands when required, hair restraints, and sick employees being kept away from food. Gaps here can spread illness quickly.

    Recorded once on December 4, 2025. For example: PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

  • Cleaning and sanitizingHigher risk

    Anything that touches food, such as cutting boards, dishes and utensils, must be washed, rinsed and sanitized. Inspectors check dishwasher temperatures, sanitizer strength and how wiping cloths are stored. Poor sanitizing lets bacteria survive from one use to the next.

    Recorded once on October 26, 2015. For example: DISH WASHING FACILITIES: PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED, MAINTAINED, INSTALLED, LOCATED AND OPERATED

  • Equipment and utensilsLower risk

    Equipment has to be built from cleanable materials, kept in good repair and stored properly. These findings are mostly about upkeep, like a cracked shelf, a worn gasket or utensils stored the wrong way. They are generally lower risk but show how well the kitchen is maintained.

    Recorded 17 times across 5 separate inspections, most recently on October 27, 2016. For example: FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

  • Building, plumbing and upkeepLower risk

    Floors, walls and ceilings must be smooth and clean, with working lighting, ventilation, plumbing, hot and cold water, and washrooms. These are rarely an immediate food-safety risk on their own, but persistent problems can lead to pest or sanitation issues.

    Recorded 7 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on December 4, 2025. For example: TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

About this data

These results come from Chicago Department of Public Health, which inspects food premises and other public facilities in this area. We republish the authority's public disclosure data and refresh it regularly; the official record is the final word.

6 inspections

  1. Canvass

    6 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010 NO CITATION ISSUED
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEAN UP KIT ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN A VOMIT/DIARRHEA KIT ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • REAR DOOR WITH A 1/4" GAP NOTED UNDERNEATH, MAKING THE DOOR NOT RODENT/INSECT PROOFED. INSTRUCTED TO RODENT/INSECT PROOF THE REAR DOOR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • THE TRASH RECEPTACLE IN THE WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM HAS NO LID. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A TRASH RECEPTACLE WITH A LID AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • FLOORS IN THE CORNER OF THE BAR AND IN THE BASEMENT WITH DIRT AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • FOUND 3 GRILLS OUTSIDE ON THE SIDE OF THE BUILDING. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL GRILLS FROM THE PREMISES, FOR GRILLING OUTSIDE IS PROHIBITED PER THE CITY OF CHICAGO CODE.
  2. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • OBSERVED A BROWNISH SUBSTANCE INSIDE OF THE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED MINOR LEAK ON THE FAUCET OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATED IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • OBSERVED TOOLS IN BASEMENT BEING STORED ON THE FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO ELEVATE EVERYTHING AT LEAST 6 INCHES AND MAINTAIN.
  3. Canvass Re-Inspection

    3 infractions

    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • INSTALL LIGHT SHIELDS OR SHATTERPROOF BULBS IN PREP AND DISHWASHING AREAS.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • REPAIR VENTILATION FANS IN FRONT WASHROOMS.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • REMOVE ALL UNUSED EQUIPMENT AND ARTICLES IN BASEMENT TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
  4. Canvass

    8 infractions

    • 18. NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
      • OBSERVED OVER 50 FLYING INSECTS IN BAR, PREP, STORAGE, AND WASHROOM AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALL AN EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS. MIDDLE SIDE DOOR NOT RODENT PROOFED, 1/4" GAP ON BOTTOM CORNERS OF DOOR. SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS ON DOOR TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020
    • 24. DISH WASHING FACILITIES: PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED, MAINTAINED, INSTALLED, LOCATED AND OPERATED
      • 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR BAR NOT PROPERLY DESIGNED, FAUCET DOES NOT REACH ALL THREE COMPARTMENTS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INSTALL LONGER FAUCET ON BAR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-030
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • CLEAN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE, FRYERS, COOLERS, AND FREEZERS.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • CLEAN FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP, STORAGE, AND BASEMENT AREAS.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • SEAL OPENINGS IN WALLS AND CEILINGS IN KITCHEN. SEAL HOLE IN CEILING NEAR DUCT IN REAR ICE MACHINE AREA.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • INSTALL LIGHT SHIELDS OR SHATTERPROOF BULBS IN PREP AND DISHWASHING AREAS.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • INSTALL VISIBLE BACK FLOW DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE. REPAIR VENTILATION FANS IN FRONT WASHROOMS. REPAIR LEAKING FAUCET ON KITCHEN 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • REMOVE ALL UNUSED EQUIPMENT AND ARTICLES IN BASEMENT TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
  5. Canvass Re-Inspection

    4 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • CUTTING BOARDS STAINED WITH DEEP, DARK GROOVES. INSTD TO REPAIR OR REPLACE SAME
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • ALL FRYERS NEED CLEANING, FREE OF DEBRIS BUILD-UP.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • CEILING LEAKING IN REAR. REPAIR SAME. SEAL ALL SMALL HOLES NOTED AROUND PIPES
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • NO EXPOSED HANDSINKS NOTED IN FRONT OR REAR BAR. INSTD TO INSTALL SAME.
  6. Canvass

    6 infractions

    • 18. NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
      • OVER 50 MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED ALONG WALLBASE AND ON STORAGE SHELVES IN REAR. INSTD TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AFFECTED AREAS. INCOMPLETE PEST CONTROL LOGBOOK ON SITE, INSTD TO PROVIDE UPDATED SERVICE RECEIPT, COPY OF COMPANY BUSINESS LICENSE AND DIAGRAM OF FACILITY. SIDE EXIT DOOR NOT RODENT PROOF, APPROX 1/2 INCH GAP AT BOTTOM CORNER OF DOOR. INSTD TO RODENT PROOF DOOR SO AS TO BE TIGHT FITTING. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020 SERIOUS.
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • CUTTING BOARDS STAINED WITH DEEP, DARK GROOVES. INSTD TO REPAIR OR REPLACE SAME.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • ALL STORAGE SHELVES, COOKING EQUIPMENT, FRYERS, COOLERS, FREEZERS NEED CLEANING, FREE OF DEBRIS BUILD-UP.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • FLOOR THRU-OUT UNDER AND BEHIND HEAVY EQUIPMENT ALONG WALLBASE AND INCLUDING BASEMENT NEEDS CLEANING FREE OF DEBRIS.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • CEILING LEAKING IN REAR. REPAIR SAME. SEAL ALL SMALL HOLES NOTED AROUND PIPES.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • NO EXPOSED HANDSINKS NOTED IN FRONT OR REAR BAR. INSTD TO INSTALL SAME.

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