Restaurant · Chicago, IL

Maxwell Street Cicero

244-246 S Cicero Ave

Last inspected Oct 7, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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ImprovingThe latest inspection recorded fewer violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.

Quick Answers

When was Maxwell Street Cicero last inspected?: The most recent inspection on record was on Oct 7, 2026. The result listed by Chicago Department of Public Health was “Pass”.
Were any violations recorded at the last inspection?: Yes: 4 violations recorded. Each one is listed below with the official wording.
How many inspections are on record?: 6 inspections on record, from Sep 5, 2024 to Oct 7, 2026.
Has Maxwell Street Cicero ever been closed by the health department?: No closure appears in the 6 inspection records we hold for this business. The earliest is dated Sep 5, 2024.

The Full Inspection History

6 inspections

Complaint Re-Inspection

Oct 7, 2026

Pass

4 recorded violations

notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official Wording

Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used

Inspector’s Notes

4-501.11 OBSERVED DAMAGED COOLER DOOR GASKETS ON COOLERS IN DISHWASHING AND OFFICE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED NO STOPPERS FOR 3-COMPARTEMNT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE STOPPERS FOR 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.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official Wording

Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

Inspector’s Notes

4-602.13 OBSERVED FOOD SPILLS AND DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, COOLERS, FREEZERS, HOLDING UNITS, PREP TABLES, SHELVING UNITS, SINKS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN 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.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

notedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official Wording

Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

Inspector’s Notes

5-205.15 OBSERVED LEAKING FAUCET ON 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

In Plain English

The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.

More about water, plumbing, or sewage problems

notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official Wording

Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

Inspector’s Notes

6-501.11 OBSERVED MISSING AND DAMAGED CEILING TILES, BASEBOARDS AND MISSING GROUT ON FLOOR TILES IN PREP, DISHWASHING AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER 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.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Oct 7, 2026 · Original Source

Complaint

Sep 30, 2026

Fail

7 recorded violations

notedCode 36Equipment and utensils

Official Wording

Thermometers provided & accurate

Inspector’s Notes

OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER INSIDE REFRIGERATOR IN OFFICE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER INSIDE REFRIGERATOR.

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 issues

notedCode 38Pests

Official Wording

Insects, rodents, & animals not present

Inspector’s Notes

OBSERVED NUMEROUS FLYING INSECTS IN PREP, DISHWASHING AND STORAGE, AREAS, OVER 10 RAT DROPPINGS ON FLOOR NEAT WASHROOM, OVER 20 MICE DROPPINGS INSIDE WOODEN EQUIPMENT IN STORAGE AREA NEAR OFFICE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALL AN EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 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.

More about signs of rodents or insects

notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official Wording

Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used

Inspector’s Notes

OBSERVED DAMAGED COOLER DOOR GASKETS ON COOLERS IN DISHWASHING AND OFFICE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED NO STOPPERS FOR 3-COMPARTEMNT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE STOPPERS FOR 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.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official Wording

Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

Inspector’s Notes

OBSERVED FOOD SPILLS AND DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, COOLERS, FREEZERS, HOLDING UNITS, PREP TABLES, SHELVING UNITS, SINKS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN 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.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

notedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official Wording

Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

Inspector’s Notes

OBSERVED LEAKING FAUCET ON 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

In Plain English

The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.

More about water, plumbing, or sewage problems

notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official Wording

Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

Inspector’s Notes

OBSERVED UNUSED ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT IN STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNUSED ITEMS 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.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

notedCode 61Other

Official Wording

Summary report displayed and visible to the public

Inspector’s Notes

PREVIOUS INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY NOT POSTED AND VISIBLE TO CUSTOMERS. INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY SHALL BE POSTED IN PLAIN VIEW OF CUSTOMERS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-010 CITATION ISSUED

In Plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Sep 30, 2026 · Original Source

Short Form Complaint

Nov 26, 2025

Pass

2 recorded violations

notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official Wording

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

Inspector’s Notes

OBSERVED PLASTIC COATING ON BOTTOM OF PREP TABLE. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN SURFACE 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.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

notedCode 53Cleaning and sanitizing

Official Wording

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

Inspector’s Notes

OBSERVED FAUCET IN BATHROOM WITH CRACKS AND DAMAGE. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPLACE 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.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Nov 26, 2025 · Original Source

Complaint

Oct 22, 2025

Pass

2 recorded violations

notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official Wording

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

Inspector’s Notes

OBSERVED PLASTIC COATING ON BOTTOM OF PREP TABLE. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN SURFACE 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.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

notedCode 53Cleaning and sanitizing

Official Wording

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

Inspector’s Notes

OBSERVED FAUCET IN BATHROOM WITH CRACKS AND DAMAGE. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPLACE 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.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Oct 22, 2025 · Original Source

Complaint

Feb 27, 2025

Pass

4 recorded violations

notedCode 36Equipment and utensils

Official Wording

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

Inspector’s Notes

OBSERVED BROKEN THERMNOMETER FOR UPRIGHT COOLER LOCATED IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSRUCTED TO REPLACE.

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 issues

notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official Wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s Notes

OBSERVED FRONT PREP AREA IN BETWEEN GRILL AND SHELVING UNIT WITH ACCUMULATED GEARSE BUILDUP. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE 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.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

notedCode 54Facility maintenance

Official Wording

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

Inspector’s Notes

OBSERVED REFUSE AREA WITH EXCESSIVE TRASH SURROUNDING RECEPTACLES. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE IN ORDER TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.

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.

More about building upkeep issues

notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official Wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s Notes

OBSERVDD FLOORS THROUGHOUT FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS UNDERNEATH ALL PREP TABLES AND HEAVY EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE TRASH BEHIND WHITE FREEZER CHEST NEAR WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CLEAN 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.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Feb 27, 2025 · Original Source

Complaint

Sep 5, 2024

Pass w/ Conditions

5 recorded violations

notedCode 36Equipment and utensils

Official Wording

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

Inspector’s Notes

OBSERVEED NO VISIBLE AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETER INSIDE UPRIGHT COOLER IN FRONT PREP AREA. 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.

More about equipment or utensil issues

notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official Wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s Notes

OBSERVED WHITE BUCKETS USED TO STORE SLICED POTATOES WITH HEAVY BUILD-UP ON EXTERIOR SURFACES. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE BUCKETS.

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 problems

notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official Wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s Notes

OBSERVED SPLITTING WALL IN REAR PREP AREA NEXT TO THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.

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 problems

notedCode 16Cleaning and sanitizing

Official Wording

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

Inspector’s Notes

OBSERVED POTATO SLICER WITH ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS BUILDUP WITH BLACK MOLD-LIKE SUBSTANCE THROUGHOUT. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL FOOD CONTACT SURFACES. 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 problems

notedCode 57Permits, training, and postings

Official Wording

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

Inspector’s Notes

OBSERVED 1 EMPLOYEE WORKING WITHOUT FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED PIC ALL EMPLOYEES MUST COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.

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 issues

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Sep 5, 2024 · Original Source