ImprovingThe latest inspection recorded fewer violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.
Quick Answers
When was Best Sub last inspected?
The most recent inspection on record was on Oct 20, 2026. The result listed by Chicago Department of Public Health was “Pass w/ Conditions”.
Were any violations recorded at the last inspection?
Yes: 2 violations recorded. Each one is listed below with the official wording.
How many inspections are on record?
8 inspections on record, from Nov 28, 2023 to Oct 20, 2026.
Has Best Sub ever been closed by the health department?
No closure appears in the 8 inspection records we hold for this business. The earliest is dated Nov 28, 2023.
The Full Inspection History
8 inspections
Short Form Complaint
Oct 20, 2026
Pass w/ Conditions
2 recorded violations
notedCode 2Permits, training, and postings
Official Wording
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE (TCS FOODS) CHICKEN WINGS AND BEEF ETC. IS BEING PREPARED/HANDLED/SERVED TO CUSTOMERS.INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE, THAT A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WHEN (TCS FOODS) ARE PREPARED, HANDLED, AND/OR 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.
OBSERVED SOME WATERSTAINED CEILING TILES ABOVE THE DISHWASHING 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AREA.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
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.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Oct 20, 2026 · Original Source
Complaint Re-Inspection
Apr 29, 2026
Pass w/ Conditions
7 recorded violations
notedCode 2Permits, training, and postings
Official Wording
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE DURING TIME OF INSPECTION WITH VALID ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE HOLDER WHILE PREPARING BURGERS, DELI MEAT SANDWICHES, SLICED TOMATOES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AT LEAST ONE CERTIFICATE HOLDER WHILE OPEN AND OPERATING. 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.
2-402.11 OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER WITHOUT HAIR RESTRAINT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN WHILE HANDLING FOOD.
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.
4-501.11 OBSERVED HANDSINK IN NEED OF SPLASH GUARD NEXT TO REAR PREP AREA HANDSINK. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE BARRIER TO PREVENT POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.
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.
4-602.13 OBSERVED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP IN BETWEEN FRYERS AND PREP TABLES IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ACCUMULATED BUILD UP, CLEAN AND SANITIZE TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
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.
6-501.19 OBSERVED TOILETROOM DOOR NOT SELF CLOSING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AS REQUIRED.
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.
6-501.114 OBSERVED EXCESSIVE CLUTTER IN REAR STORAGE AREA NEAR FREEZING UNITS. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL MISCELLANEUS ITEMS AND ORGANIZE RESTAURANT EQUIPMENT.MUST MAINTAIN PREMISE
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.
2-102.13 OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER WITHOUT FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ON SITE FOR REVIEW.
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.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Apr 29, 2026 · Original Source
Complaint
Apr 15, 2026
Fail
8 recorded violations
notedCode 2Permits, training, and postings
Official Wording
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE DURING TIME OF INSPECTION WITH VALID ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE WHILE PREPARING AND SERVING SLICED TOMATOES, CHICKEN, GYRO AND CHICKEN. INSTUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AS REQUIRED. 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.
OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 100 SMALL BLACK LIVE FLIES IN REAR PREP AREA ON EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOLING UNITS, FLYING THROUGHOUT OFFICE, STANDING ON WALLS IN REAR PREP AND REAR STORAGE AREA ON BOXES AND UNOPENED SALAD DRESSING BOTTLES. RECOMMENDED TO CONTACT PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE. MUST ELIMINATE FLY ACTIVITY ON PREMISE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-020 (A). CITATION ISSUED.
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.
OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER WITHOUT HAIR RESTRAINT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN WHILE HANDLING FOOD.
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.
OBSERVED HANDSINK IN NEED OF SPLASH GUARD NEXT TO REAR PREP AREA HANDSINK. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE BARRIER TO PREVENT POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.
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.
OBSERVED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP IN BETWEEN FRYERS AND PREP TABLES IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ACCUMULATED BUILD UP, CLEAN AND SANITIZE TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
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.
OBSERVED TOILETROOM DOOR NOT SELF CLOSING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AS REQUIRED.
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.
OBSERVED EXCESSIVE CLUTTER IN REAR STORAGE AREA NEAR FREEZING UNITS. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL MISCELLANEUS ITEMS AND ORGANIZE RESTAURANT EQUIPMENT.MUST MAINTAIN PREMISE
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.
OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER WITHOUT FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ON SITE FOR REVIEW.
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.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Apr 15, 2026 · Original Source
Canvass
Nov 25, 2025
Pass w/ Conditions
2 recorded violations
notedCode 48Cleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
Inspector’s Notes
No sanitizer solution test strip on site, instructed to obtain. Priority foundation violation 7-38-005
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.
Broken floor tiles in rear prep kitchen, Instructed to repair and maintain.
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.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Nov 25, 2025 · Original Source
Complaint Re-Inspection
Sep 24, 2024
Pass
1 recorded violation
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s Notes
FOUND CLUTTER AT OFFICE AREAS AND STORAGE AREAS.(OLD EQUIPMENT/TOOLS)MUST CLEAN AND ORGANIZE
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.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Sep 24, 2024 · Original Source
Complaint
Sep 17, 2024
Fail
2 recorded violations
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s Notes
FOUND CLUTTER AT OFFICE AREAS AND STORAGE AREAS.(OLD EQUIPMENT/TOOLS)MUST CLEAN AND ORGANIZE.
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.
FOUND PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT DATED 12-5-23 INSPECTION# 2586311.VIOLATION 47. ALL OF THE CHEST FREEZERS HAVE THE PLASTIC INSIDE OF THE DOOR DUCT TAPED AND HAVE EXPOSED INSULATION AND WIRING INSIDE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE ALL BROKEN CHEST FREEZERS. VIOLATION 55. REPAIR THE BROKEN FLOOR TILES IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AND STORAGE AREA AROUND THE PREP COOLERS VIOLATION 57. OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITHOUT A VALID FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.PRIORITY FOUNDATION.CITATION ISSUED.7-42-090.MUST CORRECT ALL ABOVE STATED VIOLATIONS.
In Plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Sep 17, 2024 · Original Source
Canvass Re-Inspection
Dec 5, 2023
Pass
4 recorded violations
notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
Inspector’s Notes
4-602.13 CLEAN THE FOOD DEBRIS INSIDE OF THE EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK NEXT TO THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK, MICROWAVE, DEEP FRYERS, 7UP COOLER NEXT TO THE GRILL, KNIFE RACK, STORAGE SHELVES, INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF ALL PREP COOLERS, AND THE CHEST FREEZERS INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR.
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.
6-501.12 CLEAN THE FLOOR UNDER AND AROUND THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND GREASE TRAP. CLEAN THE GREASE BUILDUP ON THE WALLS NEXT TO THE VENTILATION HOOD AND AROUND THE PREP COOLER.
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.
4-501.11 ALL OF THE CHEST FREEZERS HAVE THE PLASTIC INSIDE OF THE DOOR DUCT TAPED AND HAVE EXPOSED INSULATION AND WIRING INSIDE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE ALL BROKEN CHEST FREEZERS.
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.
2-102.13 OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITHOUT A VALID FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.
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.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Dec 5, 2023 · Original Source
Canvass
Nov 28, 2023
Fail
6 recorded violations
notedCode 38Pests
Official Wording
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED LIVE INSECT ACTIVITY ON THE PREMISES. OBSERVED 2 LIVE COCKROACHES ON THE WALLS AROUND THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. ALSO OBSERVED 10 LIVE SMALL FLYING INSECTS ON THE WALLS AND SHELVES OF THE DISH WASHING AREA AND DRY STORAGE AREA. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
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.
REPAIR THE BROKEN FLOOR TILES IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AND STORAGE AREA AROUND THE PREP COOLERS. REPAIR THE LARGE GAP IN THE WALL AT THE FLOOR UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.
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.
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS PROVIDED AT ANY OF THE EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINKS AND AT THE HAND WASHING SINK INSIDE OF THE WASHROOM. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PAPER TOWELS AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS AT ALL TIMES. MANAGEMENT BOUGHT PAPER TOWELS AND PROVIDED THEM AT MY REQUEST. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
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.
ALL OF THE CHEST FREEZERS HAVE THE PLASTIC INSIDE OF THE DOOR DUCT TAPED AND HAVE EXPOSED INSULATION AND WIRING INSIDE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE ALL BROKEN CHEST FREEZERS.
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.
CLEAN THE FOOD DEBRIS INSIDE OF THE EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK NEXT TO THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK, MICROWAVE, DEEP FRYERS, 7UP COOLER NEXT TO THE GRILL, KNIFE RACK, STORAGE SHELVES, INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF ALL PREP COOLERS, AND THE CHEST FREEZERS INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR.
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.
OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITHOUT A VALID FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.
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.