COCOBAR in The Loop Fails Health Inspection

COCOBAR restaurant inspection

CHICAGO, IL - Food safety inspectors found regulatory violations at Cocobar during an inspection on 07/21/2025.

The dining establishment functions from 316 N Wabash Avenue in The Loop, a well-trafficked section of Chicago recognized for its restaurant culture.

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The inspection details: "1. Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties - comments: observed no city of chicago certified foodservice manager on premises. Observed no city of chicago certified foodservice manager on premises." These circumstances require correction according to industry standards.

The inspection found infractions involving sanitation, a fundamental aspect of food service operations.

Industry best practices require establishments to maintain rigorous cleaning schedules and equipment maintenance Research conducted by federal health agencies demonstrates that The FDA Food Code establishes comprehensive sanitation requirements that form the foundation of safe food service operations. The Food Safety Modernization Act provides comprehensive guidance for preventing such violations.

The inspection identified violations related to pest control, an important area of food safety.

Public health authorities continually highlight the fundamental significance of comprehensive pest control practices. Studies from public health organizations show that Effective pest control is considered a critical control point in preventing foodborne illness outbreaks. The FDA Pest Control Guidelines offers detailed requirements for maintaining compliance.

Inspectors documented deficiencies involving hand washing, an essential component of restaurant operations.

Hand washing violations directly impact food safety and customer health protection According to CDC Hand Hygiene Guidelines, Proper hand hygiene represents the single most effective method for preventing cross-contamination in food service. This regulatory framework ensures that food service establishments meet rigorous safety standards.

The inspection found infractions involving temperature control, a fundamental aspect of food service operations.

Professional food safety experts consider temperature monitoring essential for preventing foodborne illness According to FDA Temperature Safety Guidelines, The FDA requires continuous temperature monitoring for all potentially hazardous foods in commercial kitchens. This regulatory framework ensures that food service establishments meet rigorous safety standards.

In addition to regulatory requirements, these issues may affect the business's standing and public trust. Community health organizations track health department findings to provide education to local residents.

City health officials have required that Cocobar promptly correct these infractions before continuing food service. Re-examination will be conducted to ensure corrections.

This inspection emphasizes the fundamental necessity of strict regulatory adherence in dining establishments. Area customers have the right to access compliance documentation when selecting food service establishments.

📋 Complete Inspection Data

Inspection ID 2621020
DBA Name COCOBAR
AKA Name COCOBAR
License # 3021213
Facility Type Restaurant
Risk Risk 1 (High)
Address 316 N WABASH AVE
City CHICAGO
State IL
Zip 60601
Inspection Date 07/21/2025
Inspection Type Complaint
Results Fail
Violations 1. PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT
AND PERFORMS DUTIES - Comments OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER MUST BE ON PREMISES AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION | 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER MUST BE ON PREMISES AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED. | 3. MANAGEMENT
RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments OBSERVED NO VERIFIABLE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FOOD EMPLOYEES SHALL BE INFORMED IN A VERIFIABLE MANNER OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT TO THE PERSON IN CHARGE INFORMATION ABOUT THEIR HEALTH AND ACTIVITIES AS THEY RELATE TO DISEASES THAT ARE TRANSMISSIBLE THROUGH FOOD. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 CITATION ISSUED. | 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS AT HANDWASHING SINK IN BAR/DISHWASHING/PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED HANDWASHING SINKS SHALL BE PROVIDED WITH INDIVIDUAL DISPOSABLE TOWELS OR HEATED AIR HAND DRYING DEVICE AT ALL TIMES. CORRECTED ON SITE MANAGER PROVIDED PAPER TOWELS FOR HANDWASHING SINK IN BAR/DISHWASHING/PREP AREA BEFORE CONCLUSION OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED. | 16. FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED - Comments: OBSERVED BLACK MOLDLIKE SUBSTANCE ON LOWER AREA OF SHIELD OF ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO DESTROY ICE
& ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments OBSERVED OPENINGS AT LEFT AND RIGHT CORNER AT BASE OF FRONT SINGLE ENTRANCE DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRANCE. | 50. HOT & COLD WATER AVAILABLE; ADEQUATE PRESSURE - Comments: OBSERVED NO HOT RUNNING WATER ON THE PREMISES
CITATION ISSUED. | 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments OBSERVED LEFT HANDWASHING SINKS IN MEN AND WOMEN'S WASHROOMS AT IMPROPER MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 91.6F AND 90.4F. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR LEFT HANDWASHING SINKS IN MEN'S AND WOMEN'S WASHROOMS INSTRUCTED A HANDWASHING SINK SHALL BE EQUIPPED TO PROVIDE WATER AT A TEMPERATURE OF AT LEAST 100F THROUGH A MIXING VALVE OR COMBINATION FAUCET(NOTE: OBSERVED THE RIGHT HANDWASHING SINKS IN THE MEN AND WOMEN'S WASHROOMS AT PROPER TEMPERATURE.) | 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING PROVIDED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROOF OF COMPLETED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS.
Latitude 41.88731575801603
Longitude -87.62666237333485
Location (41.88731575801603

Frequently Asked Questions

When was this inspection conducted?

This inspection was conducted on July 21, 2025.

Who conducted this inspection?

Chicago Department of Public Health

What violations were found during this inspection?

The following violations were found: sanitation, pest-control, hand-washing, temperature-control.

Why are these violations concerning?

Health code violations can increase the risk of foodborne illness. Common concerns include improper food temperatures (which can allow bacteria growth), inadequate handwashing facilities (which can spread germs), pest activity (which can contaminate food), and cross-contamination risks. These violations are monitored by health departments to ensure public safety and prevent foodborne illness outbreaks.

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📋 Data Sources & Health Guidelines

Inspection Data Source

All inspection data for this report is sourced directly from the Chicago Department of Public Health . View the original data source .

Federal Health Guidelines

Food safety standards referenced in this report are based on:

Important Note: This article is based on official inspection reports at the time of inspection. Current conditions may differ. Always check the most recent inspection results before dining. Establishments have the opportunity to correct violations and request re-inspection.