A PLACE BY DAMAO in CHICAGO, IL Failed Its Health Inspection on 08/19/25

CHICAGO, IL - Health department officials identified compliance issues at A PLACE BY DAMAO in an inspection dated 08/19/2025.

The facility operates from 2621 S HALSTED ST in Pilsen, an area known for its diverse dining options. Health inspections in this district help ensure consistent food safety standards.

The inspection identified 4 distinct violations requiring correction. Each violation has established correction procedures that must be followed to achieve compliance.

The first violation concerned food temperatures. Inspectors documented: 2. City of Chicago Food Service Sanitation Certificate - Comments: Observed a Picture on a Cell Phone of the City of Chicago Food Service Manager Certificate. Instructed Must Have Original Certificate with the Manager on Site, No Photos or Copies Are Allowed. Priority Foundation Violation 7-38-012,no Citation Issued. The FDA Food Code requires cold foods to be held at 41°F or below and hot foods at 135°F or above to prevent bacterial growth in the "danger zone." For more information, see FDA guidelines on temperature control. The CDC reports that temperature abuse is a factor in many foodborne illness outbreaks.

The second violation related to food temperatures. Inspectors documented: 10. Adequate Handwashing Sinks Properly Supplied and Accessible - Comments: Observed No Hot Water in the Rear Employee Toilet Room at This Time. Instructed to Have Hot and Cold Running at All Hand Wash Sinks. Priority Violation 7-38-030(c), No Citation Issued. The FDA Food Code requires cold foods to be held at 41°F or below and hot foods at 135°F or above to prevent bacterial growth in the "danger zone." For more information, see FDA guidelines on temperature control. The CDC reports that temperature abuse is a factor in many foodborne illness outbreaks.

The third violation involved food temperatures. Inspectors documented: 36. Thermometers Provided & Accurate - Comments: Observed No Probe Stem Thermometer for Taking Food Temperatures. Must Provide. Priority Foundation 7-38-005, No Citation Issued. The FDA Food Code requires cold foods to be held at 41°F or below and hot foods at 135°F or above to prevent bacterial growth in the "danger zone." For more information, see FDA guidelines on temperature control. Pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus can produce toxins in improperly stored food that are not destroyed by reheating.

The fourth violation involved pest management. Inspectors documented: 38. Insects, Rodents, & Animals Not Present - Comments: Observed Pest Control Log Book Is Missing Required Information. Missing Record of Visits, Missing Copy of Service Ticket That Sets Forth Pest Control Idph License Number. Must Provide and Maintain All Requ. 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.

Health code violations require prompt correction to maintain operating permits. The health department typically conducts re-inspections to verify that identified issues have been properly addressed.

This inspection data is provided by Chicago Department of Public Health. The establishment had violations identified during the 08/19/2025 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.