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VAJRA

2039-2041 W NORTH AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60647 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

VAJRA has been inspected 9 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since May 23, 2023. The most recent inspection, on April 7, 2026, recorded 4 infractions.

5 of 9 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there were 4 inspections with 14 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Pests, Handwashing and staff hygiene and Cleaning and sanitizing.

Recent inspections have recorded more infractions than earlier ones, so it is worth reading the latest reports closely.

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 5 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on April 7, 2026. 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 5 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on March 30, 2026. For example: ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

  • 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 March 30, 2026. For example: FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

  • 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 once on July 31, 2025. For example: PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

  • 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 9 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on April 7, 2026. For example: PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

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.

9 inspections

  1. Complaint Re-Inspection

    4 infractions

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • 6-202.15 OBSERVED 1/4" GAP AT BOTTOM AND MIDDLE OF FRONT ENTRANCE DOORS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS ON DOORS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-501.11 OBSERVED MISSING FLOOR TILES AND GROUT BETWEEN FLOOR TILES IN PREP AND DISHWASHING AREAS. OBSERVED OPENINGS ALONG BASEBOARDS IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE FLOOR TILES, REPAIR BASEBOARDS AND GROUT FLOOR TILES AS NEEDED.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-501.12 OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON CEILING VENTS IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL CEILING VENTS.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • 2-102.13 OBSERVED MISSING ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CERTIFIED MANAGER. ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE VALID ALLERGEN TRAINING.
  2. Complaint

    10 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNS AT HANDWASHING SINKS IN BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HANDWASHING SIGNS AT ALL HANDWASHING SINKS USED BY EMPLOYEES.
    • 16. FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
      • OBSERVED 0 PPM FOR SANITIZING RINSE IN 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND LOW TEMPERATURE DISHMACHINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN 100 PPM FOR SANITZING RINSE IN 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND DISHMACHINE. DISHMACHINE IS TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION AND MUST NOT BE USED UNITL REINSPECTED BY CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH. PRIORITY 7-38-025 CITATION ISSUED.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSEREVED ROACH CRAWLING ON FLOOR NEAR DISH MACHINE IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALL AN EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED SEVERAL DEAD ROACHES ON FLOOR IN PREP, DISHWASHING, STORAGE AND BAR AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL DEAD INSECTS IN ALL AREAS.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED 1/4" GAP AT BOTTOM AND MIDDLE OF FRONT ENTRANCE DOORS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS ON DOORS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED LEAKING FAUCET ON 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN WEST PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED MISSING FLOOR TILES AND GROUT BETWEEN FLOOR TILES IN PREP AND DISHWASHING AREAS. OBSERVED OPENINGS ALONG BASEBOARDS IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE FLOOR TILES, REPAIR BASEBOARDS AND GROUT FLOOR TILES AS NEEDED.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON CEILING VENTS IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL CEILING VENTS.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED MISSING ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CERTIFIED MANAGER. ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE VALID ALLERGEN TRAINING.
    • 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2621574 ON 7-31-25:55-OBSERVED MISSING CEILINGS TILE PANELS IN THE REAR EQUIPMENT STORAGE/WATER HEATER ROOM, AND PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR, REPLACE MISSING PANELS AND/OR REPLACE THE STAINED CEILING TILES.55-OBSERVED 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN DISH AREA LEAKING FROM PIPES, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.57-OBSERVED NO PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN RECORDS AT ALL TIMES. FOUNDATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED
  3. Complaint

    0 infractions

  4. Complaint

    0 infractions

  5. Canvass

    14 infractions

    • 1. PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
      • OBSERVED PERSON IN CHARGE WITHOUT PROOF OF FOOD SAFETY MANAGEMENT TRAINING DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. MUST PROVIDE.
    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • OBSERVED FACILITY FOOD HANDLERS PREPARING AND HANDLING TIME AND TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY(TCS) FOODS WITHOUT ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER AND CERTIFICATE ON SITE. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE CITY OF CHICAGO ORIGINAL FOOD SERVICE CERTIFICATE MUST REMAIN POSTED ON SITE AND CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE DURING TCS FOOD PREP, COOKING, SERVING AND OPERATING HOURS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • OBSERVED FACILITY WITH USE A BODILY FLUID SPILL KIT FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS WITHOUT PROPER SANITIZER TO DISINFECT NOROVIRUS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO OBTAIN A CLEAN-UP APPROPRIATE SUPPLIES (INCLUDING SANITIZER EFFECTIVE AGAINST NOROVIRUS) ON SITE AT ALL TIMES TO PROPERLY CLEAN UP ANY VOMIT OR DIARRHEA EVENTS THAT CAN POTENTIALLY OCCUR INSIDE OF THE FOOD ESTABLISHMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWEL IN THE WASHROOM AT THE WASHBOWL SINK, NOR THE HAND-SINK IN THE PREP AREA. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT PAPER TOWELS MUST BE AVAILABLE AT HAND SINKS AT ALL TIMES. FOOD HANDLERS OBTAINED PAPER TOWEL FOR HAND SINK DURING TIME OF INSPECTION PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED HANDSINK IN PREP / DISH AREA NOT STOCKED WITH HAND SOAP. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT HAND SOAP MUST BE AVAILABLE AT HANDSINKS AT ALL TIMES. FOOD HANDLER OBTAINED HAND SOAP FOR HAND SINK DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-030(C). CITATION COMBINED WITH THE ABOVE VIOLATION
    • 16. FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
      • OBSERVED THE ICE BIN INTERIOR IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ICE, CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
    • 22. PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
      • NOTED INTERNAL TEMPERATURES OF THE FOLLOWING TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD ITEMS INSIDE THE COLD-HOLDING COOLER TO BE IMPROPER: CHICKEN RANGING FROM 69.6F-87.8F, LAMB/ONION DISH 59.0F, COOKED POTATOES RANGING IN TEMP 46.8F-49.4F, COOKED CAULIFLOWER AT 87.8F. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY AND VOLUNTARILY DISPOSED OF 15 LBS OF PRODUCTS WORTH $250.00 THROUGH THE DENATURING PROCESS. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 40. PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
      • OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS PREPPING FOOD WITHOUT HAIR RESTRAINTS. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED MILK CRATES BEING USED AS ELEVATION THROUGHOUT THE PREP AREAS. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE SHELVING THAT IS 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND PROVIDES FLOOR ACCESSIBILITY TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FACILITY CLEANING.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED MISSING CEILINGS TILE PANELS IN THE REAR EQUIPMENT STORAGE/WATER HEATER ROOM, AND PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR, REPLACE MISSING PANELS AND/OR REPLACE THE STAINED CEILING TILES.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED IN EQUIPMENT STORAGE/ WATER HEATER AREA AC UNIT WITH A MAJOR LEAK, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN DISH AREA LEAKING FROM PIPES, INSTRCUTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED NO PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN RECORDS AT ALL TIMES.
    • 61. SUMMARY REPORT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC
      • OBSERVED NO INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY POSTED ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT WAS GIVEN A COPY OF TODAY'S INSPECTION REPORT AND WAS INSTRUCTED TO POST IT IN PUBLIC VIEW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-010(B). CITATION ISSUED.
  6. Non-Inspection

    0 infractions

  7. License

    0 infractions

  8. Canvass

    0 infractions

  9. License

    2 infractions

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED 1/4 INCH GAP AT FRONT ENTRANCE DOUBLE DOORS SWEEP. MUST RODENT PROOF SAID DOORS.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • BAR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK PIPE DRAINING SLOWLY. INSTRUCTED SAID 3-COMPARTMENT SINK MUST DRAIN QUICKLY.

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