CHICAGO, IL - DSTRKT BAR & GRILL received citations for health code violations during an inspection on 04/07/2023.
Situated at 1540 N MILWAUKEE AVE, the establishment is part of Wicker Park's active food service sector. The Wicker Park area undergoes regular health inspections as part of the city's comprehensive food safety monitoring program.
The inspection identified 6 distinct violations requiring correction. Each violation has established correction procedures that must be followed to achieve compliance.
The first violation concerned food storage. Inspectors documented: Food Properly Labeled. Improper storage can lead to cross-contamination between raw and ready-to-eat foods.
The second violation involved storage procedures. Inspectors documented: Original Container - Comments: Observed No Label on Bulk Container of Onions. Instructed to Label All Bulk Ingredient Containers.. Allergen cross-contact during storage can trigger severe reactions in sensitive individuals.
The third violation concerned handwashing procedures. Inspectors documented: Food & Non-food Contact Surfaces Cleanable, Properly Designed, Constructed & Used - Comments: Observed Hand Dryers in Upstairs and Downstairs Bathrooms Not Working and the Front of Soap Dispenser in Basement Men's Bathroom Falling Off. Instructed to Repair or Replace and Maintain in Good Condition.. According to FDA guidelines, proper handwashing with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds is the single most effective way to prevent foodborne illness transmission. For more information, see FDA handwashing requirements. The CDC identifies poor hand hygiene as a leading contributor to foodborne illness outbreaks.
The fourth violation involved sanitization. Inspectors documented: Toilet Facilities: Properly Constructed, Supplied, & Cleaned - Comments: Observed No Covered Trash Receptacle Inside the Downstairs Women's Room and Upstairs Toilet Rooms. Instructed to Provide.. FDA sanitation guidelines require regular cleaning and sanitizing of all food contact surfaces to prevent cross-contamination and bacterial growth. For more information, see FDA sanitation standards. Cross-contamination from improperly sanitized equipment is a common cause of foodborne illness.
The fifth violation concerned food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: Adequate Ventilation & Lighting. Non-compliance with safety standards may create conditions that compromise food safety.
The sixth violation related to physical facilities. Inspectors documented: Designated Areas Used - Comments: Observed Burnt-out Light in Ceiling of Rear Food Prep Area. Instructed to Repair or Replace and Maintain in Good Condition.. Inadequate lighting may result in improper cleaning or food preparation.
Health code violations require prompt correction to maintain operating permits. The health department typically conducts re-inspections to verify that identified issues have been properly addressed.
This inspection data is provided by Chicago Department of Public Health. The establishment had violations identified during the 04/07/2023 inspection. Conditions may have changed since this inspection. For current compliance status, consult the Chicago Department of Public Health. For more information about restaurant inspection regulations in this area, visit the Chicago Food Service Sanitation Rules. Learn more about food safety at FDA.gov and CDC.gov.
This inspection was conducted on August 21, 2025.
Chicago Department of Public Health
The following violations were documented: FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: 3-302.12 : MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE (SQUEEZE BOTTLES, SHAKERS,ETC); INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: 6-202.15 : OBSERVED A GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF REAR GARBAGE DOOR MUST MAKE TIGHT FITTING TO PREVENT INSECT ENTRY.; IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED - Comments: 3-304.12 : OBSERVED ICE SCOOP STORED ON TOPSIDE OF ICE MACHINE MUST STORE IN A PROPER MANNER.; UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED - Comments: 4-903.11 (A; B; D) : MUST INVERT MULTI-USE UTENSILS ON STORAGE SHELVES IN KITCHEN.; NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: 4-601.11(C) : MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FRYER CABINETS,LEGS & WHEEL BASES OF EQUIPMENT.; PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: 5-204.12 C: OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE TO BE SEEN FOR SERVICING MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: 6-201.13 Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE FLOORING SEPERATING LEAVING A GAP IN FRONT PREP AREA,CEILING IN MEN'S BASEMENT TOILET ROOM,GROUT FLOOR IN BASEMENT BAR AREA,DAMAGED WOOD FLOORING AT 1ST FL. BAR AREA.MUST REPLACE MISSING FLOOR DRAIN COVERS IN BAR AREAS.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: 6-501.13 : MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS AND GREASE BUILD UP FROM FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES OF EQUIPMENT AND BAR AREAS.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: 6-201.11 : MUST CLEAN DUST FROM REAR PREP AREA CEILING.; ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: 6-501.14 : MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FILTER AND HOOD OF COOKING EQUIPMENT.; PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF TCS FOODS SUCH AS 1- DOZEN RAW SHELLED EGGS-50.4F.1LBS. SHREEDED LETTUCE-44.6F.3LBS. SHREEDED COOKED CHICKEN-51.8F.11LBS. PRE-COOKED CHICKEN WINGS-54.0F-54.5F.1LB. BEEF EMPANADAS-49.3F.1LB. CHICKEN EMPANADAS-51.1F.8LBS.DICED RAW CHICKEN-48.9F.10LBS. RAW STEAK-50.0F INSIDE OF 1- DOOR REACH IN COOLER & PREP COOLER. PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED BY MANAGER.MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING FOODS AT 41.0F OR BELOW. APPX.36LBS. $256.(PRIORITY 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED)(COS); PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL - Comments: OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF 1- DOOR REACH IN COOLER AT 52.2F IN REAR PREP AREA AND 1- DOOR PREP COOLER AT 47.1F IN FRONT PREP AREA. A HELD FOR INSPECTION TAG HAS BEEN PLACED ON BOTH UNITS. MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING UNITS AT 41.0F OR BELOW. ONCE REPAIRED EMAIL:FOOD@CITYOFCHICAGO.ORG.(PRIORITY 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED)(COS); THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments: MUST REPLACE BROKEN THERMOMETER IN 1- DOOR FRONT PREP COOLER.; FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE (SQUEEZE BOTTLES, SHAKERS,ETC); INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX. 15 OR MORE LIVE SMALL FLIES FLYING AROUND UNDER ICE BIN IN 1ST FL. BAR AREA,IN BASEMENT MEN'S TOILET ROOM AND 1- LIVE ROACH CRAWLING ON GREASE TRAP AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK. RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 5/30/25.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A)(CITATION ISSUED); INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED A GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF REAR GARBAGE DOOR MUST MAKE TIGHT FITTING TO PREVENT INSECT ENTRY.; IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED - Comments: OBSERVED ICE SCOOP STORED ON TOPSIDE OF ICE MACHINE MUST STORE IN A PROPER MANNER.; UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED - Comments: MUST INVERT MULTI-USE UTENSILS ON STORAGE SHELVES IN KITCHEN.; WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments: OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL TEST KIT TO CHECK SANITIZING SOLUTION PPM'S AT LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE AND 3- COMPARTMENT SINKS AT BARS.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED); NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FRYER CABINETS,LEGS & WHEEL BASES OF EQUIPMENT.; PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE TO BE SEEN FOR SERVICING MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE FLOORING SEPERATING LEAVING A GAP IN FRONT PREP AREA,GROUT FLOOR IN BASEMENT BAR AREA,DAMAGED WOOD FLOORING AT 1ST FL. BAR AREA.MUST REPLACE MISSING FLOOR DRAIN COVERS IN BAR AREAS.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS AND GREASE BUILD UP FROM FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES OF EQUIPMENT AND BAR AREAS.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: MUST CLEAN DUST FROM REAR PREP AREA CEILING.; ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FILTER AND HOOD OF COOKING EQUIPMENT.; FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: OBSERVED NO LABEL ON BULK CONTAINER OF ONIONS. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL BULK INGREDIENT CONTAINERS.; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED HAND DRYERS IN UPSTAIRS AND DOWNSTAIRS BATHROOMS NOT WORKING AND THE FRONT OF SOAP DISPENSER IN BASEMENT MEN'S BATHROOM FALLING OFF. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.; TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: OBSERVED NO COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE INSIDE THE DOWNSTAIRS WOMEN'S ROOM AND UPSTAIRS TOILET ROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.; ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED BURNT-OUT LIGHT IN CEILING OF REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION..
Improper storage can lead to cross-contamination between raw and ready-to-eat foods. Allergen cross-contact during storage can trigger severe reactions in sensitive individuals. The CDC identifies poor hand hygiene as a leading contributor to foodborne illness outbreaks. Cross-contamination from improperly sanitized equipment is a common cause of foodborne illness.
This inspection data is sourced directly from Chicago Department of Public Health. For the most current information, please visit the official health department website.
Federal Guidelines: Our reporting follows standards established by the FDA Food Code, CDC Food Safety Guidelines, and USDA Food Safety Standards.
📖 Food Safety Codes: Reference the specific regulations that govern this establishment: Chicago Food Code, FDA Food Code 2022
⚠️ Important Note: Restaurant conditions can change rapidly. This inspection represents a snapshot in time and may not reflect current conditions. For the most up-to-date information, consider checking recent reviews or contacting the establishment directly.
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