CHICAGO, IL - GAOKU IZAKAYA & CRAFT DRINKS received citations for health code violations during an inspection on 08/13/2025.
Located at 2759 W AUGUSTA BLVD in the West Town area, the establishment serves the local community. The West Town neighborhood maintains numerous food service establishments that undergo regular health monitoring.
The inspection identified 7 distinct violations requiring correction. Health inspectors document such issues to ensure establishments take corrective action promptly.
The first violation involved pest prevention. Inspectors documented: 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: 6-202.15 : OBSERVED A GAP IN LEFT CORNER OF REAR DOOR TO BE TIGHT FITTING TO PREVENT INSECT ENTRY.. 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. Rodents can transmit Salmonella, Hantavirus, and other serious pathogens through their droppings and urine.
The second violation concerned cleaning procedures. Inspectors documented: 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: 4-601.11(C) : MUST CLEAN CALCIUM BUILD UP FROM INTERIOR PARTS OF DISH MACHINE.MUST DEFROST ICE BUILD UP FROM CHEST FREEZER IN BAR AREA.. 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. Inadequate sanitization allows bacteria to survive and multiply on food contact surfaces.
The third violation related to food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: 5-204.12 : OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW DEVICE ON BOTH ICE MACHINES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.. Regulatory standards exist to minimize health risks to consumers.
The fourth violation related to hand sanitation. Inspectors documented: 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: 6-201.13 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE MISSING WALL BASES UNDERNEATH 3- COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR DISH WASHING AREA.. 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. Fecal-oral transmission of pathogens occurs when hands are not properly washed after restroom use.
The fifth violation concerned pest prevention. Inspectors documented: 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: 6-201.17 : MUST CLEAN DUST BUILD UP FROM WALL AND CEILING VENTS IN KITCHEN AND TOILET ROOMS,DEAD INSECTS FROM LIGHT SHIELDS IN PREP AREA.. 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. Cockroaches can spread E. coli and Salmonella by contaminating food and surfaces.
The sixth violation concerned sanitization. Inspectors documented: 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: 6-501.16 : MUST PROVIDE A HOOKING SYSTEM TO HANG UP WET MOPS.. 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 seventh violation related to food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: 55. PHYS. Regulatory standards exist to minimize health risks to consumers.
Establishments receiving violations must submit correction plans and may face additional inspections. Failure to address violations can result in fines, permit suspension, or closure.
This inspection data is provided by Chicago Department of Public Health. The establishment had violations identified during the 08/13/2025 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: MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: OBSERVED NO SIGNED EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICIES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010)(CITATION ISSUED); 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); ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: MUST PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGN AT HAND SINK IN BAR AREA.; 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); INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX. 30 OR MORE RAT DROPPINGS ON FLOOR AROUND SUMP PUMP LID,ON FLOOR UNDERNEATH WOOD SUPPORT IN SAME AREA.MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS. RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 8/5/25.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A)(CITATION ISSUED); INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED A GAP IN LEFT CORNER OF REAR DOOR TO BE TIGHT FITTING TO PREVENT INSECT ENTRY.; 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.; PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW DEVICE ON BOTH ICE MACHINES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE MISSING WALL BASES UNDERNEATH 3- COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR DISH WASHING AREA.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: MUST CLEAN DUST BUILD UP FROM WALL AND CEILING VENTS IN DINING AREA AND TOILET ROOMS,DEAD INSECTS FROM LIGHT SHIELDS IN PREP AREA.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: MUST PROVIDE A HOOKING SYSTEM TO HANG UP WET MOPS.; 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.; ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: MUST REPLACE CRACKED LIGHT SHIELD IN PREP 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 MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: NOTED ASSORTED FOOD ITEMS INSIDE FREEZER FOOD STORED INSIDE THIN PLASTIC WRAP. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL FOOD ITEMS INSIDE APPROVED FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS OR FOOD GRADE BAGS.; ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: NOTED SOME DIRT AND GREASE ACCUMULATION INSIDE OF THE EXHAUST HOOD ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN HOOD, FILTERS, AND PIPES/CONDUITS..
Rodents can transmit Salmonella, Hantavirus, and other serious pathogens through their droppings and urine. Inadequate sanitization allows bacteria to survive and multiply on food contact surfaces. Fecal-oral transmission of pathogens occurs when hands are not properly washed after restroom use. Cockroaches can spread E. coli and Salmonella by contaminating food and surfaces. 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.
View all health inspections, pass rates, and violation history for GAOKU IZAKAYA & CRAFT DRINKS
View Business Profile →