CHICAGO, IL - A routine inspection at Gaoku Izakaya & Craft Drinks on 08/05/2025 resulted in citations for health code violations.
The popular restaurant is located at 2759 W Augusta Boulevard Chicago Illinois in Chicago's West Town district, serving local residents and visitors.
Inspectors documented: "3. Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting - comments: observed no signed employees health policies must provide and maintain. Observed no clean-up policy procedure and items for vomiting and d..." This finding indicates a need for compliance with established food safety protocols.
Inspectors documented deficiencies involving hand washing, an essential component of restaurant operations.
Restaurant industry standards emphasize hand washing as fundamental to food safety protocols According to Chicago Health Department Requirements, The CDC emphasizes that inadequate hand washing contributes to approximately 89% of foodborne illness outbreaks. This regulatory framework ensures that food service establishments meet rigorous safety standards.
The inspection found infractions involving pest control, a fundamental aspect of food service operations.
Pest control violations represent some of the most significant infractions in food service inspections Data compiled by food safety institutions reveals that Federal food safety regulations require all food service establishments to maintain comprehensive pest exclusion programs. Per HACCP Prevention Guidelines, such standards maintain that dining facilities comply with comprehensive protection measures.
Inspectors documented deficiencies involving sanitation, an essential component of restaurant operations.
Sanitation violations encompass a broad spectrum of cleanliness and maintenance issues that affect food safety Data compiled by food safety institutions reveals that Proper sanitation practices prevent cross-contamination and maintain the integrity of food preparation environments. Per Food Safety Modernization Act, such standards maintain that dining facilities comply with comprehensive protection measures.
Health department officials noted violations related to temperature control, which require attention for public health compliance.
Industry research indicates that improper food temperatures can allow dangerous bacteria to multiply rapidly Data compiled by food safety institutions reveals that Maintaining proper food temperatures is the most effective method for preventing bacterial growth and foodborne illness. Per USDA Safe Temperature Standards, such standards maintain that dining facilities comply with comprehensive protection measures.
These types of violations require attention to maintain compliance standards for the establishment and its customers. Health officials note that addressing such conditions helps maintain public confidence in food service establishments.
Regulatory authorities have scheduled an extensive follow-up review to confirm that every infraction has been adequately corrected. Management are required to show complete correction before these violations will be deemed closed.
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.
| Inspection ID | 2621764 |
| DBA Name | GAOKU IZAKAYA & CRAFT DRINKS |
| AKA Name | GAOKU |
| License # | 2934909 |
| Facility Type | Restaurant |
| Risk | Risk 1 (High) |
| Address | 2759 W AUGUSTA BLVD |
| City | CHICAGO |
| State | IL |
| Zip | 60622 |
| Inspection Date | 08/05/2025 |
| Inspection Type | Canvass |
| Results | Fail |
| Violations | 3. MANAGEMENT |
| RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments | OBSERVED NO SIGNED EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICIES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010)(CITATION ISSUED) | 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS - Comments: OBSERVED NO CLEAN-UP POLICY PROCEDURE AND ITEMS FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEA MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED) | 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: MUST PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGN AT HAND SINK IN BAR AREA. | 14. REQUIRED RECORDS AVAILABLE: SHELLSTOCK TAGS |
| PARASITE DESTRUCTION - Comments | OBSERVED 90-DAY SHELLFISH TAGS WITHOUT DATE SOLD OR LAST SERVED ON TAGS.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)(COS)(CITATION ISSUED) | 38. INSECTS |
| & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments | OBSERVED A GAP IN LEFT CORNER OF REAR DOOR TO BE TIGHT FITTING TO PREVENT INSECT ENTRY. | 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM WALK IN COOLER SHELVING UNITS. MUST CLEAN CALCIUM BUILD UP FROM INTERIOR PARTS OF DISH MACHINE.MUST DEFROST ICE BUILD UP FROM CHEST FREEZER IN BAR AREA. | 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW DEVICE ON BOTH ICE MACHINES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. | 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED |
| MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments | MUST ELEVATE |
| REMOVE OR ORGANIZE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS IN HOT WATER TANK AREA AND BASEMENT NEAR WALK IN COOLER. | 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments | MUST REPLACE CRACKED LIGHT SHIELD IN PREP AREA. | 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR ALL EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. | 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR FOOD MANAGER MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. |
| Latitude | 41.89917318360608 |
| Longitude | -87.69672978333593 |
| Location | (41.89917318360608 |
This inspection was conducted on August 5, 2025.
Chicago Department of Public Health
The following violations were found: hand-washing, pest-control, sanitation, temperature-control.
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.
All inspection data for this report is sourced directly from the Chicago Department of Public Health . View the original data source .
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.
