Canvass Re-Inspection
Sep 23, 2026
Pass
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Sep 23, 2026 · Original Source
Restaurant · Chicago, IL
Almost Home Tavern & Grill
3801-3809 N Clark St
Last inspected Sep 23, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗
Pass
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ImprovingThe latest inspection recorded fewer violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.
Quick Answers
- When was Almost Home Tavern & Grill last inspected?
- The most recent inspection on record was on Sep 23, 2026. The result listed by Chicago Department of Public Health was “Pass”.
- Were any violations recorded at the last inspection?
- No. No violations were recorded at the most recent inspection.
- How many inspections are on record?
- 7 inspections on record, from Jun 6, 2024 to Sep 23, 2026.
- Has Almost Home Tavern & Grill ever been closed by the health department?
- No closure appears in the 7 inspection records we hold for this business. The earliest is dated Jun 6, 2024.
The Full Inspection History
7 inspectionsCanvass
Oct 30, 2025
Fail
10 recorded violations
notedCode 1Permits, training, and postings
Official Wording
PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
Inspector’s Notes
PERSON IN CHARGE UNABLE TO PROVIDE A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION
In Plain English
A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.
More about paperwork, training, or posting issuesnotedCode 2Permits, training, and postings
Official Wording
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
Inspector’s Notes
PERSON IN CHARGE UNABLE TO PROVIDE A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFIECATE WHILE FOOD IS BEING PREPARED AND SERVED SUCH AS HAMBURGERS, CHICKEN WINGS SOUPS ETC. INSTRUCTED TO OPERATE WITH A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGER AND PROVIDE A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE AT ALL TIMES FOOD IS BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
In Plain English
A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.
More about paperwork, training, or posting issuesnotedCode 3Permits, training, and postings
Official Wording
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 CITATION ISSUED.
In Plain English
A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.
More about paperwork, training, or posting issuesnotedCode 5Other
Official Wording
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED NO CLEAN UP PROCEDURE OR SUPPLIES ON PREMISES TO RESPOND TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
In Plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingnotedCode 10Handwashing
Official Wording
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS OR POSTERS NEAR HAND WASHING SINKS IN FRONT BAR AREA. MUST PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGNS AND MAINTAIN.
In Plain English
Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.
More about handwashing problemsnotedCode 16Cleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF BLACK SLIMY SUBSTANCE IN THE INTERIOR CONTACT SURFACES OF ICE MACHINE DRIPPING DOWN INTO ICE. ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO TURN OFF ICE MACHINE REMOVE ICE AND HAVE INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE CLEAN AND SANITIZE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
In Plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsnotedCode 36Equipment and utensils
Official Wording
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
Inspector’s Notes
VISIBLE AND WORKING THERMOMETER NEEDED IN PREP COOLERS IN KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREA. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
In Plain English
Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.
More about equipment or utensil issuesnotedCode 37Food source and labeling
Official Wording
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
Inspector’s Notes
MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN THE ORIGINAL CONTAINER.
In Plain English
Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.
More about food source, dating, or labeling problemsnotedCode 38Pests
Official Wording
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
Inspector’s Notes
OUTER OPENINGS NOT PROTECTED. OBSERVED REAR EXIT SIDE DOOR WITH 1/2 INCH OPENING ON BOTTOM DOOR. MUST MAKE DOOR RODENT PROOF TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.
In Plain English
The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.
More about signs of rodents or insectsnotedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED HEAVY ACCUMULATION OF DUST AND DIRT BUILD UP ON WALLS AND CEILINGS ABOVE PREP TABLES AND COOLERS. ALSO OBSERVED DUST BUILD UP INSIDE LIGHT SHIELDS COVERS ABOVE FOOD STORAGE SHELVING AND PREP COOLERS. MUST CLEAN DUST AND DIRT AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED DIRT AND FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOOR UNDER AROUND AND BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT AND REFRIGERATION UNITS IN THE KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREA. ALSO OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOOR THROUGHOUT BASEMENT FOOD STORAGE AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED OPENINGS INTO FLOOR WALLS AND CEILING ON BASEMENT BY ICE MACHINE AND REAR DRY STORAGE AREA. MUST SEAL AND MAINTAIN. MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACES.
In Plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Oct 30, 2025 · Original Source
Canvass Re-Inspection
Jun 17, 2024
Pass
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jun 17, 2024 · Original Source
License Re-Inspection
Jun 17, 2024
Pass
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jun 17, 2024 · Original Source
Canvass Re-Inspection
Jun 13, 2024
Fail
7 recorded violations
notedCode 38Pests
Official Wording
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
Inspector’s Notes
NOTED AT THIS REINSPECTION APPROXIMATELY OVER 300 SMALL DRAIN FLIES SWARMING THE BAR FLO0R DRAIN AND THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AREA AT DRAIN AREA. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE ALL FLIES, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AFFECTED AREAS AND RECOMMEND HAVING PEST CO. SERVICE FOR FLIES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A)
In Plain English
The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.
More about signs of rodents or insectsnotedCode 39Contamination
Official Wording
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
Inspector’s Notes
3-307.11--- MUST PROVIDE A SMOOTH, CLEANABLE CEILING ABOVE THE TWO BASEMENT BOX FREEZERS OR MOVE TO AN AREA WITH A SMOOTH, CLEANABLE CEILING.
In Plain English
Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.
More about food not protected from contaminationnotedCode 40Employee health and hygiene
Official Wording
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
Inspector’s Notes
NOTED COOK ON SITE WITHOUT A HAIR OR BEARD RESTRAINT. MUST PROVIDE AT ALL TIMES WHILE PREPARING AND HANDLING FOODS.
In Plain English
This covers things like hair restraints, jewelry, clean clothing, eating or drinking in food prep areas, touching ready-to-eat food with bare hands, or not having a sick-employee policy.
More about employee hygiene or health policy issuesnotedCode 44Equipment and utensils
Official Wording
UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
Inspector’s Notes
4-903.11 (A;B;D)--- ALL POTS, PANS, SERVING BOWLS, TO GO CONTAINERS MUST BE STORED INVERTED/PROTECTED FROM CONTAMINATION.
In Plain English
Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.
More about equipment or utensil issuesnotedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s Notes
6-201.11--- DIRT AND DEBRIS BEHIND AND AROUND THE KITCHEN DISH WASHING MACHINE AND KITCHEN THREE COMPARTMENT SINK GREASE TRAP.----ALL FLOOR DRAINS THROUGHOUT THE BAR NOTED DIRTY WITH DEBRIS AND BLACK SLIME SUBSTANCE.----FLOORS THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT WALK-IN COOLER WITH FOOD SPILLAGE. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.-----BLACKENED, MOLDY WALL CAULKING AT THE KITCHEN THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REPLACE.
In Plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsnotedCode 58Permits, training, and postings
Official Wording
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
Inspector’s Notes
2-102.13---- MUST PROVIDE PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES FOR ALL THE CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS.
In Plain English
A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.
More about paperwork, training, or posting issuesnotedCode 59Other
Official Wording
PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION CORRECTED
Inspector’s Notes
PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM 6-6-24 REPORT #2595818. #60- 8-404.13(B:4) PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT #2580075 ON 8-14-23 NOT CORRECTED.#55- 6-501.12-- INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG WALL BASE AND UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT ESPECIALLY UNDERNEATH THE DISH WASHING AREA, AT THE REAR DRY STORAGE AND THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT FOOD/DRY STORAGE AREA.#55- 6-501.114-- NOTED HEAVY CLUTTER THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT FOOD/DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN, ORGANIZE AND/OR REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ARTICLES TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST.PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.
In Plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jun 13, 2024 · Original Source
License
Jun 6, 2024
Fail
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jun 6, 2024 · Original Source
Canvass
Jun 6, 2024
Fail
12 recorded violations
notedCode 16Cleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
Inspector’s Notes
NOTED THE KITCHEN CHLORINE CHEMICAL DISH WASHING MACHINE NOT PROPERLY DISPENSING SANITIZER. NOTED 0 PPM CHLORINE. MACHINE TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION AND MUST NOT USE UNTIL REPAIRED AND PROPERLY DISPENSES CHLORINE, C.D.P.H CONTACTED FOR RE-INSPECTION AND TAG REMOVAL. INSTRUCTED TO USE THE BAR DISH WASHING MACHINE OR THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK TO WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-025 CITATION ISSUED.
In Plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsnotedCode 37Food source and labeling
Official Wording
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
Inspector’s Notes
ALL BULK FOOD CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH THE PRODUCT COMMON NAME.
In Plain English
Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.
More about food source, dating, or labeling problemsnotedCode 38Pests
Official Wording
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
Inspector’s Notes
NOTED A ONE INCH GAP ALONG THE BOTTOM THRESHOLD OF THE KITCHEN EXIT DOOR LEADING TO THE OUTSIDE. MUST PROVIDE A TIGHT FITTING SEAL ON THE BOTTOM OF THE DOOR.
In Plain English
The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.
More about signs of rodents or insectsnotedCode 39Contamination
Official Wording
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
Inspector’s Notes
MUST PROVIDE A SMOOTH, CLEANABLE CEILING ABOVE THE TWO BASEMENT BOX FREEZERS OR MOVE TO AN AREA WITH A SMOOTH, CLEANABLE CEILING.
In Plain English
Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.
More about food not protected from contaminationnotedCode 44Equipment and utensils
Official Wording
UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
Inspector’s Notes
ALL POTS, PANS, SERVING BOWLS, TO GO CONTAINERS MUST BE STORED INVERTED/PROTECTED FROM CONTAMINATION.
In Plain English
Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.
More about equipment or utensil issuesnotedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
Inspector’s Notes
MUST REMOVE FROM PREMISES THE POROUS STONE PESTLE AND MORTAR BOWL USED FOR FOODS. UNABLE TO PROPERLY WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE THE STONE BOWL.
In Plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsnotedCode 48Cleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
Inspector’s Notes
NO CHLORINE CHEMICAL TEST STRIPS ON SITE FOR THE DISH WASHING MACHINES. NO QUATERNARY CHEMICAL TEST STRIPS ON SITE FOR THE SANITIZER BEING USED AT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINKS. MUST PROVIDE BOTH. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
In Plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsnotedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
Inspector’s Notes
RAW WOODEN SHELVING AT THE SERVER STATION MUST BE PAINTED/SEALED.----WOMEN'S WASHROOM DOOR REPAIRED WITH DUCT TAPE. MUST NOT USE DUCT TAPE AS A MEANS OF REPAIR. MUST BE SMOOTH, CLEANABLE SURFACE.
In Plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsnotedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s Notes
MISSING FLOOR DRAIN COVER AT THE BAR. MUST REPLACE.
In Plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsnotedCode 57Permits, training, and postings
Official Wording
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
Inspector’s Notes
NOTED NUMEROUS EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES. MUST PROVIDE UPDATED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES FOR ALL REQUIRED EMPLOYEES.
In Plain English
A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.
More about paperwork, training, or posting issuesnotedCode 58Permits, training, and postings
Official Wording
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
Inspector’s Notes
MUST PROVIDE PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES FOR ALL THE CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS.
In Plain English
A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.
More about paperwork, training, or posting issuesnotedCode 60Other
Official Wording
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
Inspector’s Notes
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT #2580075 ON 8-14-23 NOT CORRECTED.#55- 6-501.12-- INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG WALL BASE AND UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT ESPECIALLY UNDERNEATH THE DISH WASHING AREA, AT THE REAR DRY STORAGE AND THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT FOOD/DRY STORAGE AREA.#55- 6-501.114 Inspector Comments: NOTED HEAVY CLUTTER THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT FOOD/DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN, ORGANIZE AND/OR REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ARTICLES TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.
In Plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jun 6, 2024 · Original Source