🏠 Home 🔍 Search 📰 News
Health Inspections Weekly Reports Monthly Analysis
📋 Directory 📖 Food Code 🏢 Chains 📍 Locations
Chicago New York City Boston Seattle Metro
ℹ️ About 🌙 Toggle Theme

ROCKY PANCAKE HOUSE in CHICAGO, IL Failed Its Health Inspection on 04/17/23

📍 View ROCKY PANCAKE HOUSE Business Profile

CHICAGO, IL - ROCKY PANCAKE HOUSE received citations for health code violations during an inspection on 04/17/2023.

Situated at 2948 E 83RD ST, the establishment is part of Chatham's active food service sector. The Chatham area undergoes regular health inspections as part of the city's comprehensive food safety monitoring program.

The inspection identified 3 distinct violations requiring correction. Each violation has established correction procedures that must be followed to achieve compliance.

The first violation related to pest management. Inspectors documented: Person in Charge Present, Demonstrates Knowledge, and Performs Duties - Comments: Pic Doesn't Have a Certified Food Managers Certificate.must Provide and Maintain.(priority Foundation 7-38-012). The FDA Food Code requires establishments to eliminate conditions that attract and harbor pests, including proper waste management and facility maintenance. For more information, see FDA pest control standards. Pest droppings and debris can trigger allergic reactions and asthma in sensitive individuals.

The second violation related to hand sanitation. Inspectors documented: City of Chicago Food Service Sanitation Certificate - Comments: Observed No Valid Certified Food Managers Certificate Posted to View While Tcs Foods Are Being Prepared,handled and Served Such As (grits,rice,eggs,sausage,etc)must Provide and Maintain.owners Daughter Had Obtained a Copy on Her Phone From the Instructor That Was Not Properly Filled Out and After Speaking with Her About It Changes Were Made to Paper Work Still Only a Copy on Phone That Is Not Acceptable.must Provide a Valid Receipt.(priority Foundation 7-38-012). 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. Cross-contamination from raw foods to ready-to-eat items often occurs through unwashed hands.

The third violation concerned handwashing procedures. Inspectors documented: Hands Clean & Properly Washed - Comments: Observed Male Food Handler Handling Report Papers Then Put on Plastic Gloves and Put Food on the Grill to Cook for a Customer Without Washing Hands and Then Put on His Hat with the Gloves on .must Wash Hands After Every Possible Contamination.(cos)(pri. 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 correction of health violations is monitored through follow-up inspections and documentation requirements. Establishments must demonstrate that they have addressed the root causes of violations, not just the immediate symptoms.

This inspection data is provided by Chicago Department of Public Health. The establishment had violations identified during the 04/17/2023 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was this inspection conducted?

This inspection was conducted on August 21, 2025.

Who conducted this inspection?

Chicago Department of Public Health

What violations were found during this inspection?

The following violations were documented: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: FRONT DOOR IN NEED OF CLOSING TO PROTECT AREA FROM FLYING INSPECTS. INSTRUCTED TO CLOSE DOOR AND MAINTAIN CLOSE AT ALL TIMES.; CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: ALL RUBBER GASKETS ON REACH IN COOLERS IN NEED OF CLEANING OR REPLACING. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN; WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED - Comments: ALL WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE STORED IN A CLEAN SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN; IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED - Comments: ALL MULTI USE UNTILS MUST BE STORED IN A CLEAN SANITIZED CONTAINER NOT IN BETWEEN COOLERS AND CUTTING AREAS. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: LARGE CAN OPENER IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP AT BLADE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: ALL PREP TABLES AND TABLE LEGS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN; NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL D=FOOD SPILLS AND BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CLEAN; GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED - Comments: AREA AROUND DUMPSTER AND GREASE CONTAINER IN NEED OF WEED GROWTH REMOVAL. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL WEEDS AND MAINTAIN; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: FLOORS AND WALLS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS AND BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN; SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE CONTAINERS AND UTENSILS NOT INVERTED BEHIND FRONT COUNTER AND PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INVERT ALL SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES TO PROTECT FROM CONTAMINATION.; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED SOILED CARDBOARD ON FLOOR AND SHELVES IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE. ALL FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES SHALL BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.; NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD SPILLS AND DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, COOLERS, FREEZERS, SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED OPENINGS ALONG WALLS AND CEILINGS, AROUND ELECTRICAL OUTLETS AND PIPE FITITNGS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL OPENINGS, CRACKS AND CREVICES IN ALL AREAS.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED CLUTTER IN DINING AREA, ON SHELVES UNDER FRONT COUNTER, IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ARTICLES TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED GREASE SPILLS ON WALLS IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.; ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP ON FILTERS IN VENTILATION HOOD. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.; INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED OVER 100 MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED ON SHELVES IN DRY FOOD STORAGE AREA, ON LEDGE NEAR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK, ON TOP OF FURNACE, INSIDE VANITY CABINET IN WASHROOM, INSIDE BOTTOM COMPARTMENTS OF COOLERS, ON FLOOR INSIDE CLOSET IN DINING AREA, ON FLOOR ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALL AN EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED.; SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE CONTAINERS AND UTENSILS NOT INVERTED BEHIND FRONT COUNTER AND PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INVERT ALL SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES TO PROTECT FROM CONTAMINATION.; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED SOILED CARDBOARD ON FLOOR AND SHELVES IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE. ALL FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES SHALL BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.; NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD SPILLS AND DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, COOLERS, FREEZERS, SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED OPENINGS ALONG WALLS AND CEILINGS, AROUND ELECTRICAL OUTLETS AND PIPE FITITNGS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL OPENINGS, CRACKS AND CREVICES IN ALL AREAS.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED CLUTTER IN DINING AREA, ON SHELVES UNDER FRONT COUNTER, IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ARTICLES TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED GREASE SPILLS ON WALLS IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.; ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP ON FILTERS IN VENTILATION HOOD. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.; PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED - Comments: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLAITONS NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2574960 ON 4-26-24:37-MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE. 38-OBSERVED REAR DOOR FRAME HAS SEVEARL HOLES MUST MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING.41-MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE. 47-MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN & PITTED CUTTING BOARDS.56-MUST REPLACE BURNTOUT LIGHTS IN DINING AREA AND MISSING LIGHT SHIELD IN DISH WASHING AREA.58-OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR FOOD MANAGER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED; FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: Violation Codes: 3-302.12 Inspector Comments: MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.; INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: Violation Codes: 6-202.15 Inspector Comments: OBSERVED AN APPX. "1/2-3/4" GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT DOOR AND REAR DOOR FRAME HAS SEVEARL HOLES MUST MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING.; WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED - Comments: Violation Codes: 3-304.14 Inspector Comments: MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION FROM CUTTING BOARDS WHEN NOT IN USE.; UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED - Comments: Violation Codes: 4-903.11 (A; B; D) Inspector Comments: MUST INVERT MULTI-USE UTENSILS ON DISH STORAGE SHELVES.; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: Violation Codes: 4-501.12 Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN & PITTED CUTTING BOARDS.; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: Violation Codes: 4-501.11 Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKETS ON 2- DOOR PREP COOLER.; NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: Violation Codes: 4-601.11(C) Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM GRILL TABLES,ALL USED AND UNUSED COOLERS AND FREEZERS,COUNTERS.; PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: Violation Codes: 5-205.15 Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LEAKY FAUCET AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.; ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: Violation Codes: 6-202.11 Inspector Comments: MUST REPLACE BURNTOUT LIGHTS IN DINING AREA AND MISSING LIGHT SHIELD IN DISH WASHING AREA.; ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: Violation Codes: 2-102.13 Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR ALL EMPLOYEES.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.; ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: Violation Codes: 2-102.13 Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR FOOD MANAGER.; PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES - Comments: PIC DOESN'T HAVE A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS CERTIFICATE.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012); CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO VALID CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS CERTIFICATE POSTED TO VIEW WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED,HANDLED AND SERVED SUCH AS (GRITS,RICE,EGGS,SAUSAGE,ETC)MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.OWNERS DAUGHTER HAD OBTAINED A COPY ON HER PHONE FROM THE INSTRUCTOR THAT WAS NOT PROPERLY FILLED OUT AND AFTER SPEAKING WITH HER ABOUT IT CHANGES WERE MADE TO PAPER WORK STILL ONLY A COPY ON PHONE THAT IS NOT ACCEPTABLE.MUST PROVIDE A VALID RECEIPT.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012); HANDS CLEAN & PROPERLY WASHED - Comments: OBSERVED MALE FOOD HANDLER HANDLING REPORT PAPERS THEN PUT ON PLASTIC GLOVES AND PUT FOOD ON THE GRILL TO COOK FOR A CUSTOMER WITHOUT WASHING HANDS AND THEN PUT ON HIS HAT WITH THE GLOVES ON .MUST WASH HANDS AFTER EVERY POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.(COS)(PRIORITY 7-38-010)(CITATION ISSUED); ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED HAND SINK NOT ACCESSIBLE.OBSERVED A FLOOR LAMP STORED IN FRONT OF HAND SINK NOT ABLE TO WASH HANDS.LAMP WAS REMOVED FROM IN FRONT OF SINK DURING INSPECTION. MUST KEEP ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIMES.(COS)(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C)(CITATION ISSUED); PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF TCS FOODS SUCH AS 5.6LBS. COOKED SAUSAGE AT 101.7F AND 2.5 LBS. HASH BROWNS 51.8F IN A PLASTIC/BOX CONTAINER ON LEDGE NEAR COOKING EQUIPMENT.PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED BY MANAGER.MUST HAVE HOT HOLDING FOODS AT 135.0F OR ABOVE. APPX. 8.1 LBS. $30.(COS)(PRIORITY 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED); TOXIC SUBSTANCES PROPERLY IDENTIFIED, STORED, & USED - Comments: OBSERVED TOXIC RODENT POISON OPEN AND SCATTERED ON FLOOR UNDERNEATH COOKING EQUIPMENT AND OPEN CONTAINERS OF OVER THE COUNTER RODENT POISON STORED ON SHELVING UNITS AT FRONT SERVICE COUNTER NEXT TO JARS OF PEANUT BUTTER,CAN MILK,ETC.MUST REMOVE POISON AND HAVE CLOSED INSIDE OF PROPER BAIT STATIONS.(COS)(PRIORITY 7-38-015); FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.; INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX.75 OR MORE MICE DROPPINGS ON REAR LEDGES AND ON FLOOR BEHIND ALL COOLERS AND FREEZERS,ON FLOOR UNDER MOP SINK,BEHIND FURNACE & HOT WATER TANK,ON & INSIDE OF BRICKS AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK,ON FLOOR UNDER SHELVING UNITS IN REAR STORAGE AREA,ON FLOOR UNDER TABLE OF ARTICLES FOR SALE IN DINING AREA,ON FLOOR UNDER COOLERS IN FRONT PREP AREA. MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS.RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 4/17/23.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A)(CITATION ISSUED); INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED AN APPX. "1/2-3/4" GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT DOOR. MUST MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING.; WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED - Comments: MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION FROM CUTTING BOARDS WHEN NOT IN USE.; UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED - Comments: MUST INVERT MULTI-USE UTENSILS ON DISH STORAGE SHELVES.; SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED - Comments: MUST STORE PLASTIC WEAR WITH HANDLES IN UPRIGHT POSITION.; GLOVES USED PROPERLY - Comments: OBSERVED MALE FOOD HANDLER PUT ON GLOVES AND HAT WITHOUT WASHING HANDS.; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: MUST ELIMINATE CRATES USED FOR FOOD STORAGE AND PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING UNITS.; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKETS ON 2- DOOR PREP COOLER.; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN & PITTED CUTTING BOARDS.; NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM GRILL TABLES,ALL USED AND UNUSED COOLERS AND FREEZERS,COUNTERS.; PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LEAKY FAUCET AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.; ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: MUST REPALCE BURNTOUT LIGHTS IN DINING AREA AND MISSING LIGHT SHIELD IN DISH WASHING AREA.; ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR ALL EMPLOYEES.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.; ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR FOOD MANAGER..

Why are these violations concerning?

Cross-contamination from raw foods to ready-to-eat items often occurs through unwashed hands. The CDC identifies poor hand hygiene as a leading contributor to foodborne illness outbreaks.

Important Health Information

Data Sources

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.

Complete Inspection History

View all health inspections, pass rates, and violation history for ROCKY PANCAKE HOUSE

View Business Profile →
Advertisement