CHICAGO, IL - City health officials cited the Spoke and Bird for health violations during an inspection on 07/28/2025.
the Spoke and Bird is positioned at 205-209 E 18Th Street in the South Loop area, drawing neighborhood patrons and tourists.
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Inspectors documented: "Observed TCS and raw foods held at improper internal temperatures in three prep cold holding units, such as 10 lbs of raw ground beef at 49. 150. All cold TCS food must maintain 41f or below." This finding indicates a need for compliance with established food safety protocols.
Inspectors documented deficiencies involving sanitation, an essential component of restaurant operations.
Industry experts consistently emphasize the critical importance of proper sanitation protocols. The Food Safety Modernization Act clearly states that Proper sanitation practices prevent cross-contamination and maintain the integrity of food preparation environments.
The inspection found infractions involving pest control, a fundamental aspect of food service operations.
Health experts emphasize that pest activity can rapidly contaminate food preparation surfaces and stored ingredients Data compiled by food safety institutions reveals that Federal food safety regulations require all food service establishments to maintain comprehensive pest exclusion programs. Per FDA Food Code Standards, such standards maintain that dining facilities comply with comprehensive protection measures.
The examination revealed violations related to hand washing, which need to be addressed for proper compliance.
Food safety professionals regularly stress the essential nature of adequate hand washing procedures. As outlined in Chicago Health Department Requirements, The CDC emphasizes that inadequate hand washing contributes to approximately 89% of foodborne illness outbreaks. These federal guidelines guarantee that restaurants adhere to strict health requirements.
Inspectors documented deficiencies involving temperature control, an essential component of restaurant operations.
Industry experts consistently emphasize the critical importance of proper temperature control protocols. The HACCP Temperature Monitoring clearly states that The FDA requires continuous temperature monitoring for all potentially hazardous foods in commercial kitchens.
The implications extend to broader community food safety standards. Health department data shows that correction of violations helps maintain community health standards.
The Chicago Department of Public Health has mandated that the Spoke and Bird immediately address all identified violations before resuming normal operations. A follow-up inspection has been scheduled to verify compliance.
These findings underscore the essential nature of comprehensive health compliance in restaurant operations. Community members should feel empowered to examine health department findings when choosing restaurants.
📋 Complete Inspection Data
| Inspection ID | 2621395 |
| DBA Name | THE SPOKE AND BIRD |
| AKA Name | CAFE SOCIETY INC. |
| License # | 2313848 |
| Facility Type | Restaurant |
| Risk | Risk 1 (High) |
| Address | 205-209 E 18TH ST |
| City | CHICAGO |
| State | IL |
| Zip | 60616 |
| Inspection Date | 07/28/2025 |
| Inspection Type | Canvass |
| Results | Pass w/ Conditions |
| Violations | 22. PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED TCS AND RAW FOODS HELD AT IMPROPER INTERNAL TEMPERATURES IN THREE PREP COLD HOLDING UNITS |
| 5LBS OF SHREDDED CHEESE AT 49.8F AND 3LBS OF SLICED TOMATOES 47.4F. MANAGER DISCARDED AND DENATURED A TOTAL 18LBS AT $150. ALL COLD TCS FOOD MUST MAINTAIN 41F OR BELOW. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005. | 33. PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL - Comments | NOTED IMPROPER COLD-HOLD TEMPERATURES OF 50.2F |
| AND 55.4F AT THREE PREP COOLERS IN KITCHEN. INFORMED ALL REFRIGERATOR UNITS SHALL MAINTAIN A PROPER TEMPERATURE OF 41F AND BELOW. REFRIGERATOR UNITS MUST NOT BE USED UNTIL REINSPECTED BY CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH (CDPH). PRIORITY VIOLATION # 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED." | 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments | OBSERVED FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE COMMON NAME OF FOODS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. | 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: OBSERVED HAND SINK AND THREE COMPARTMENT SINK INSTALLED ON FOOD TRAILER ON SIDE OF RESTAURANT WITH NO AVAILABLE WATER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT THIS AREA CAN ONLY BE USED FOR PRE-PACKAGED ITEMS AND STORAGE. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030. CITATION ISSUED. |
| Latitude | 41.85779301755597 |
| Longitude | -87.62209492339515 |
| Location | (41.85779301755597 |
Frequently Asked Questions
When was this inspection conducted?
This inspection was conducted on July 28, 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.