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THE WOODLAWN

7857 S WOODLAWN AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60619 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

THE WOODLAWN has been inspected 15 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since October 15, 2018. The most recent inspection, on September 23, 2026, found no infractions.

6 of 15 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there was 1 inspection with 0 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Handwashing and staff hygiene, Pests and Food temperature control.

The last 3 inspections in a row found no infractions. 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.

  • 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 5 times across 5 separate inspections, most recently on May 9, 2025. For example: ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

  • 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 2 separate inspections, most recently on July 16, 2021. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

  • Food temperature controlHigher risk

    Bacteria multiply fastest between about 4 °C and 60 °C (40 °F to 140 °F). Inspectors check that cold food stays cold, hot food stays hot, cooked food is cooled quickly, and that staff have accurate thermometers. Temperature problems are one of the most common causes of food poisoning, so these are treated as critical findings.

    Recorded 3 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on October 26, 2018. For example: THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

  • 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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on July 16, 2021. For example: NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

  • Protecting food from contaminationHigher risk

    This covers how food is stored, prepared and displayed: raw meat kept away from ready-to-eat food, food covered and stored off the floor, and nothing dripping or splashing into it. Cross-contamination from raw to cooked food is a direct route for salmonella and E. coli.

    Recorded 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on October 26, 2018. For example: CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

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.

15 inspections

  1. Canvass

    0 infractions

  2. Complaint

    0 infractions

  3. Complaint

    0 infractions

  4. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS AT HAND WASHING SINKS IN PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGNS AT ALL HAND WASHNG SINKS USED BY EMPLOYEES.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED RAW WOOD SHELVING AND SURFACES IN BOTH PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL RAW WOOD SURFACES TO MAKE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED LEAKING FAUCET ON 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN EAST PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED CEILING NOT SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED MISSING OUTLET COVERS ALONG WALLS IN PREP AND DINING AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED FOOD SPILLS AND SPLATTER ON WALLS IN PREP AREA, DUST, DIRT AND DEBRIS ON FLOORS IN PREP AREA, AND IN CEILING OF BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
  5. Non-Inspection

    0 infractions

  6. Non-Inspection

    0 infractions

  7. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLES IN THE TOILET ROOMS AS REQUIRED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED THE WALLS IN THE KITCHEN NOT FINISHED(DRY WALL) AND AT THE REAR DOOR WAY IN THE KITCHEN ALSO NOT FINISHED. MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE FLOORS ALONG THE WALL BASE AND IN CORNERS IN THE KITCHEN AND IN THE BASEMENT TO REMOVE SPILLS,DEBRIS AND/OR GREASE.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • INSTRUCTED THE PIC TO COMPLY WITH THE IDPH FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENT OR CITATIONS WILL FOLLOW.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN THE ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CITY SANITATION CERTIFICATE HOLDLERS.
  8. Non-Inspection

    0 infractions

  9. Canvass Re-Inspection

    6 infractions

    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED CUTTING BOARD AT THE COLD PREP STATION BADLY STAINED. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND CLEAN AND SANITIZE EVERY TWO HOURS UNTIL CUTTING BOARD IS REPLACED.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED A POTATO CUTTER FRAMED WITH RAW WOOD EXPOSED. INSTRUCTED TO PAINT OR STAIN TO MAKE EASY TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLES IN THE TOILET ROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED BUILD UP OF DUST AND OIL ON THE HOOD VENTILATION SYSTEM. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE FOOD CONTAMINATION. Edit Delete
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE FOR FOOD SERVICE WORKERS. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND PROVIDE COPY ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER WITHOUT ALLERGEN TRANING CERTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND PROVIDE ON SITE.
  10. Canvass

    15 infractions

    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • OBSERVED NO SUPPLIES ON SITE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING OR DIARRHEAL EVENTS THAT MAY HAPPEN IN THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED NO PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK ONSITE DURING INSPECTION WITH EVIDENCE OF PEST THROUGHOUT FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ON SITE AND HAVE ACCESIBLE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(C)
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF PEST AND INSECT ACTIVITY. APPROX 20 DROPPINGS INSIDE AND UNDER THE DEEP FRYERS. ANOTHER 15 DROPPINGS NEAR THE WALL OF THE TWO DOOR REFRIGERATOR JUST LEFT OF THE DEEP FYERS AND ANOTHER 10 DROPPINGS ALONG THE WALL NEAR THE WOODLAWN STREET SIDE. INSTRUCTED TO CONTACT PEST CONTROL TO HAVE SERVICE AND PROOF OF SERVICE BEFORE RETURN DATE. CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020 (A) PRIORITY FOUNDATION.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED CUTTING BOARD AT THE COLD PREP STATION BADLY STAINED. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND CLEAN AND SANITIZE EVERY TWO HOURS UNTIL CUTTING BOARD IS REPLACED.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED A POTATO CUTTER FRAMED WITH RAW WOOD EXPOSED. INSTRUCTED TO PAINT OR STAIN TO MAKE EASY TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP ON THE INSIDE OF THE REFRIGERATION UNITS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED COLD WATER TURNED OFF AT THE VALVE, WHEN TURNED ON ACCESSIVE LEAKING FROM DRAIN PIPES. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD WORKING CONDITION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030(C) PRIORITY
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLES IN THE TOILET ROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED A BUILD UP OF DIRT,FOOD DEBRIS AND OIL ON FLOORS, WALLS AND UNDER EQUIPMENT IN REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED WALL IN REAR FOOD PREP AREA NEAR TWO DOOR REFRIGERATOR WITH MISSING DRY WALL COVERING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED LEAK AT DRAIN PIPE OF THREE COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATED IN THE FRONT FOOD SERVICE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED BUILD UP OF DUST AND OIL ON THE HOOD VENTILATION SYSTEM. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE FOOD CONTAMINATION.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE FOR FOOD SERVICE WORKERS. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND PROVIDE COPY ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER WITHOUT ALLERGEN TRANING CERTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND PROVIDE ON SITE.
    • 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION FROM REPORT 2463996 NOT CORRECTED. 6-201.11 C 03/11/2021 FOUND BASEMENT USED AS STORAGE AND IS NOT FINISHED. OBSERVED CEMENT/BRICK WALLS AND A WOOD UNSEALED CEILING IN SAID AREA. OBSERVED FOOD (PACKAGED PASTA ETC.) AND SINGLE SERVICE UTENSILS STORED IN SAID AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE FLOORS WALLS AND CEILINGS IN ALL STORAGE AREAS.
  11. Complaint Re-Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • FOUND BASEMENT USED AS STORAGE AND IS NOT FINISHED. OBSERVED CEMENT/BRICK WALLS AND A WOOD UNSEALED CEILING IN SAID AREA. OBSERVED FOOD (PACKAGED PASTA ETC.) AND SINGLE SERVICE UTENSILS STORED IN SAID AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE FLOORS WALLS AND CEILINGS IN ALL STORAGE AREAS.
  12. Complaint

    4 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • FOUND NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HANDWASHING SINK LOCATED IN FOOD PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • FOUND 10 FLIES IN FOOD PREPARATION AREA. FOUND 10 - 15 MOUSE DROPPINGS IN FOOD PREPARATION AREA BEHIND BLACK STORAGE RACK UNDER FOOD PREPARATION TABLE NEXT TO FOOD PREPARATION COOLER. THE PREMISES MUST BE MAINTAINED FREE FROM RODENTS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE, CLEAN, SANITIZE, AND MAINTAIN SAID AREAS. RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
    • 50. HOT & COLD WATER AVAILABLE; ADEQUATE PRESSURE
      • FOUND NO HOT WATER ON SITE. FOUND WATER TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 89F - 91F LOCATED AT: 3 COMPARTMENT SINK, ALL HAND WASHING SINKS, AND UTILITY SINK. HOT WATER GENERATION AND DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS SHALL BE SUFFICIENT TO MEET THE PEAK HOT WATER DEMANDS THROUGHOUT THE RETAIL FOOD ESTABLISHMENT. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • FOUND BASEMENT USED AS STORAGE AND IS NOT FINISHED. OBSERVED CEMENT/BRICK WALLS AND A WOOD UNSEALED CEILING IN SAID AREA. OBSERVED FOOD (PACKAGED PASTA ETC.) AND SINGLE SERVICE UTENSILS STORED IN SAID AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE FLOORS WALLS AND CEILINGS IN ALL STORAGE AREAS.
  13. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED KITCHEN FLOOR TILES IN POOR REPAIR (CRACKED). INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTIAN SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED THE FILTER ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT DUSTY. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
  14. License Re-Inspection

    7 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012(A)
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • OBSERVED NO CLEAN UP POLICY AVAILABLE FOR VOMITING OR DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE CLEAN UP POLICY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005
    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • OBSERVED NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER FOR INTERNAL TEMPERATURES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED NO SHELVING FOR FOOD STORAGE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING. ALL FOOD SHALL BE STORED 6 INCHES ABOVE FLOOR.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED OPENINGS IN WALLS AROUND PIPE FITTINGS UNDER HAND WASHING SINKS IN PREP AND WASHROOM AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL OPENINGS AROUND PIPE FITTINGS AND MAINTAIN.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AVAILABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ALL EMPLOYEES.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING AVAILABLE. ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING.
  15. License

    9 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012(A)
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • OBSERVED NO CLEAN UP POLICY AVAILABLE FOR VOMITING OR DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE CLEAN UP POLICY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005
    • 33. PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
      • OBSERVED ONLY ONE REFRIGERATOR ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE REFRIGERATION. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005
    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • OBSERVED NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER FOR INTERNAL TEMPERATURES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED NO SHELVING FOR FOOD STORAGE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING. ALL FOOD SHALL BE STORED 6 INCHES ABOVE FLOOR.
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • OBSERVED SMALL 3-COMPARTMENT SINK INSTALLED IN PREP AREA. SINK COMPARTMENTS SHALL BE LARGE ENOUGH TO ACCOMMODATE IMMERSION OF LARGEST EQUIPMENT AND UTENSIL. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-025
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED OPENINGS IN WALLS AND CEILINGS AROUND DUCT EQUIPMENT AND OUTLETS IN PREP AREA, AROUND PIPE FITTINGS UNDER HAND WASHING SINKS IN PREP AND WASHROOM AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL OPENINGS IN WALLS AND CEILINGS, AROUND PIPE FITTINGS, ELECTRICAL OUTLETS, ETC AND MAINTAIN.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AVAILABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ALL EMPLOYEES.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING AVAILABLE. ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING.

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