ImprovingThe latest inspection recorded fewer violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.
Quick Answers
When was Humboldt Haus Deli & Liquor last inspected?
The most recent inspection on record was on Oct 13, 2026. The result listed by Chicago Department of Public Health was “Pass”.
Were any violations recorded at the last inspection?
Yes: 3 violations recorded. Each one is listed below with the official wording.
How many inspections are on record?
7 inspections on record, from Nov 26, 2024 to Oct 13, 2026.
Has Humboldt Haus Deli & Liquor ever been closed by the health department?
No closure appears in the 7 inspection records we hold for this business. The earliest is dated Nov 26, 2024.
The Full Inspection History
7 inspections
Complaint Re-Inspection
Oct 13, 2026
Pass
3 recorded violations
notedCode 41Cleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector’s Notes
4-901.12 OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS STORED IMPROPERLY ON CUTTING BOARDS IN 1ST FLOOR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO STORE IN A SOLUTION WITH SOLUTION @ 50PPM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
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.
4-501.12 OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS IN 1ST FLOOR PREP AREA WITH DEEP CUTS ARE DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE 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.
6-501.16 OBSERVD MOPS STORED IMPROPERLY INSIDE MOP BUCKETS AND SOILED WATER INSIDE UTILITY CLOSET. INSTRUCTED TO HANG DRY TO PROHIBIT 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.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Oct 13, 2026 · Original Source
Complaint
Oct 1, 2026
Fail
7 recorded violations
notedCode 6Employee health and hygiene
Official Wording
Proper eating, tasting, drinking, or tobacco use
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED OPEN CUP OF ICE AND WATER STORED ON PREP TABLE NEXT TO SLICED LETTUCE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A CLOSED BEVERAGE CONTAINER TO PREVENT POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.
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.
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED NO HAND CLEANSER AVAILABLE AT HANDSINK LOCATED IN (IN USE) BASEMENT PREP AREA DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN FOR PROPER HANDWASHING AS REQUIRED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-030 (C). CITATION ISSUED. PIC PROVIDED AT THIS TIME.
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.
OBSERVED INTERNAL FOOD CONTACT SURFACES OF ICE MACHINE WITH VISIBLE BLACK MOLD LIKE BUILD UP ON PANELS OF EQUIPMENT DRIPPING ONTO ICE USED FOR HUMAN CONSUTMPTION. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN. 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.
OBSERVED 15 SMALL BLACK LIVE FLIES IN BASEMENT PREP AREA ON WALL, CARDBOARD BOXES STORED ON SHELVING RACKS, 3 COMPARTMENT SINK FAUCET NECK AND ON EXTERIOR SURFACES OF 2 DOOR COOLING UNITS. RECOMMENDED TO CONTACT PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE, MUST ELIMINATE LIVE FLY 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.
OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS STORED IMPROPERLY ON CUTTING BOARDS IN 1ST FLOOR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO STORE IN A SOLUTION WITH SOLUTION @ 50PPM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
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.
OBSERVD CUTTING BOARDS IN 1ST FLOOR PREP AREA WITH DEEP CUTS ARE DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE 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.
OBSERVD MOPS STORED IMPROPERLY INSIDE MOP BUCKETS AND SOILED WATER INSIDE UTILITY CLOSET. INSTRUCTED TO HANG DRY TO PROHIBIT 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.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Oct 1, 2026 · Original Source
Complaint
Apr 20, 2026
Pass w/ Conditions
6 recorded violations
notedCode 22Food temperature
Official Wording
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 55 LBS OF VARIETY DELI MEAT STORED INSIDE BASEMENT PREP AREA 2 DOOR COOLER AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. NOTED TEMPERATURE OF PACKAGED MEAT RANING BETWEEN 49-55.0F. NOTED APPROXIMATELY 2 LBS COOKED EGGPLANT AND 2 LBS ZUCHINNI STORED IN ADDITIONAL COOLING UNIT IN BASEMENT PREP TEMPERATURE @58F. INSTRUCTED TO HOLD ALL COLD TCS FOOD @41F AND BELOW AND MAINTAIN AS REQUIRED.PIC VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED ALL SAID FOOD ITEMS. TOTAL COST APPROX $100. PRIORITY VIOLATION. #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
In Plain English
Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.
OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER OPERATING IN SANDWICH PREP WITHOUT HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN
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 INTERIOR SURFACES OF COOLING UNITS THROUGHOUT BASEMENT PREP AREA WITH DRIED FOOD SPILLS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FREE OF BUILDUP.
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 OUTSIDE RECEPTACLES NOT MAINTAINED DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. NOTED LARGE BLACK TRASHBAGS OVERFLOWING IN ALL 3 RECEPTACLES LOCATED IN RECEPTACLE AREA. NOTED LIDS WIDE OPEN AND UNABLE TO CLOSE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TIGHT FITTED LIDS ON SAID RECEPTACLES IN ORDER TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE. MUST MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-020 (B). CITATION ISSUED
In Plain English
Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.
OBSERVED FLOORS IN COFFEE PREP AREA EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE TRASH, DRIED DEBRIS ETC 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.
OBSERVED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WITHOUT ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AS REQUIRED.
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 20, 2026 · Original Source
Canvass Re-Inspection
Oct 17, 2025
Pass
6 recorded violations
notedCode 36Equipment and utensils
Official Wording
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
Inspector’s Notes
4-204.112(B): **C** Temperature Measuring Devices (NO THERMOMETER IN EQUIPMENT) OBSERVED NO ABIENT AIR THERMOMETERS IN REACH COOLERS THROUGHOUT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
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.
4-904.11: **C** Kitchenware and Tableware- Preventing Contamination OBSERVED IN BASEMENT STORAGE EQUIPMENT NOT INVERTED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT AFTER SANITIZING AND AIR DRYING.
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.
SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED
Inspector’s Notes
4-903.12: **C** Prohibitions OBSERVED SEWAGE LINES OVER FOOD AND SINGLE-USE ITEMS IN THE BASEMENT NOT PROPERLY SHIELDED TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION. NOTED BASEMENT STORAGE ALSO HAS OPEN EXPOSED BRICK WALLS AND EXPOSED BREAKING WOOD CEILING THAT ARE CRUMBLING ONTO SINGLE USE ITEMS MUST PROVIDE BARRIER MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY SHIELD THE SEWAGE LINES TO INTERCEPT POTENTIAL DRIPS OR REMOVE THE ITEMS STORED BENEATH THE SEWAGE LINES.
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.
4-501.12: **C** Cutting Surfaces OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS IN THE PREP AND BASEMENT PREP AREA WITH OPEN SEAMS AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REFINISH OR REPLACE DAMAGED OR STAINED CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
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.
5-501.17: **C** Toilet Room Receptacles, Covered OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE FOR PROPER DISPOSAL OF SANITARY NAPKINS IN ALL-GENDER WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE.
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.
6-201.16: **C** Wall and Ceiling Coverings and Coatings OBSERVED EXPOSED BRICK WALLS IN THE BASEMENT STORAGE AND PREP AREAS OF THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO COVER AS WALLS SHOULD BE SEALED,SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
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 17, 2025 · Original Source
Canvass
Oct 10, 2025
Fail
8 recorded violations
notedCode 16Cleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED ICE MACHINE LOCATED IN BASEMENT WITH A BUILD-UP OF BLACK SLIME SUBSTANCE, DRIPPING ONTO ICE CUBES STORED BELOW ICE BIN.ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE, AND MAINTAIN. 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.
OBSERVED GRAB & GO FOOD ITEMS ON DISPLAY NOT PROPERLY LABELED. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROPERLY LABEL ALL PACKAGED FOOD ITEMS WITH IDENTITY, NET WEIGHT, INGREDIENTS, LIST MAJOR ALLERGENS, BUSINESS NAME AND ADDRESS WHERE MADE AND PACKAGED, AND PACKAGE AND REPACKAGED & CONSUMPTION DATES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
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.
SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED SEWAGE LINES OVER FOOD AND SINGLE-USE ITEMS IN THE BASEMENT NOT PROPERLY SHIELDED TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION. NOTED BASEMENT STORAGE ALSO HAS OPEN EXPOSED BRICK WALLS AND EXPOSED BREAKING WOOD CEILING THAT ARE CRUMBLING ONTO SINGLE USE ITEMS MUST PROVIDE BARRIER MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY SHIELD THE SEWAGE LINES TO INTERCEPT POTENTIAL DRIPS OR REMOVE THE ITEMS STORED BENEATH THE SEWAGE LINES.
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.
OBSERVED MILK CRATES AND PALLETS BEING USED AS SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE PREP AND BASEMENT STORAGE AREAS. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE SHELVING THAT IS 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND PROVIDES FLOOR ACCESSIBILITY TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FACILITY CLEANING.
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 NO COVERED RECEPTACLE FOR PROPER DISPOSAL OF SANITARY NAPKINS IN ALL-GENDER WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE.
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 EXPOSED BRICK WALLS IN THE BASEMENT STORAGE AND PREP AREAS OF THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO COVER AS WALLS SHOULD BE SEALED,SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
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 10, 2025 · Original Source
Canvass Re-Inspection
Nov 29, 2024
Pass
1 recorded violation
notedCode 10Handwashing
Official Wording
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
Inspector’s Notes
FOUND NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HANDSINKS AT PREPARATION AREAS.MUST PROVIDE.
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.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Nov 29, 2024 · Original Source
Canvass
Nov 26, 2024
Pass w/ Conditions
5 recorded violations
notedCode 1Permits, training, and postings
Official Wording
PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
Inspector’s Notes
PERSON IN CHARGE WITH NO CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATES.MUST PROVIDE.
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.
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
Inspector’s Notes
FOUND NO CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION MANAGER CERTIFICATES WHILE HANDLING TCS FOODS.(HANDLES ROAST BEEF, TURKEY,ETC.)PRIORITY FOUNDATION.CITATION ISSUED.7-38-012.MUST PROVIDE.
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.
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
Inspector’s Notes
FOUND NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HANDSINKS AT PREPARATION AREAS.MUST PROVIDE.
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.
FOUND TCS FOODS INSIDE REACH IN COOLER AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES. 2 POUNDS TUNA AT 53.2F, 5 POUNDS SLICED TOMATOES AT 56.3F, 30 POUNDS SLICED CHEESE AT 55.8F, 15 POUNDS ROAST BEEF AT 52.2F, 5 POUNDS TURKEY AT 51.8F, AND 5 POUNDS SALAMI AT 52.3F. PRIORITY VIOLATION.CITATION ISSUED.7-38-005.DISPOSED OF 62 POUNDS OF TCS FOODS. VALUE OF TCS FOOD 700 DOLLARS.
In Plain English
Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.
PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
Inspector’s Notes
FOUND REACH IN COOLER AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES.COOLER AT 52.3F.PRIORITY VIOLATION.CITATION ISSUED.7-38-005.TAGGED REACH IN COOLER.
In Plain English
Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.