Restaurant · Chicago, IL

Plein Air

5751 S Woodlawn Ave

Last inspected Nov 4, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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Pass w/ Conditions

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

Quick Answers

When was Plein Air last inspected?: The most recent inspection on record was on Nov 4, 2026. The result listed by Chicago Department of Public Health was “Pass w/ Conditions”.
Were any violations recorded at the last inspection?: Yes: 6 violations recorded. Each one is listed below with the official wording.
How many inspections are on record?: 6 inspections on record, from Nov 7, 2023 to Nov 4, 2026.
Has Plein Air ever been closed by the health department?: No closure appears in the 6 inspection records we hold for this business. The earliest is dated Nov 7, 2023.

The Full Inspection History

6 inspections

Canvass

Nov 4, 2026

Pass w/ Conditions

6 recorded violations

notedCode 1Permits, training, and postings

Official Wording

Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties

Inspector’s Notes

OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH VALID CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE.

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

notedCode 2Permits, training, and postings

Official Wording

City of chicago food service sanitation certificate

Inspector’s Notes

OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED, HANDLED AND SERVED SUCH AS (SANDWICHES, EGGS, BURRITOS, SOUPS, ETC) MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 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 issues

notedCode 3Permits, training, and postings

Official Wording

Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting

Inspector’s Notes

OBSERVED NO SIGNED COPIES OF EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO MAINTAIN POLICY WITH VERIFIABLE SIGNED COPIES ON SITE FOR ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES IN ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF REPORTING AGREEMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-010.

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

notedCode 5Other

Official Wording

Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events

Inspector’s Notes

OBSERVED FACILITY WITHOUT A BODILY FLUID SPILL KIT AND NO CORRESPONDING CLEAN UP PROCEDURE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO DEVELOP A CLEAN-UP PROCEDURE AND MAINTAIN APPROPRIATE SUPPLIES THAT CORRESPOND WITH ON-SITE PLAN. MUST KEEP BOTH THE POLICY AND SUPPLIES ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. 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 finding

notedCode 58Permits, training, and postings

Official Wording

Allergen training as required

Inspector’s Notes

OBSERVED FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.

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

notedCode 61Other

Official Wording

Summary report displayed and visible to the public

Inspector’s Notes

OBSERVED NO INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY POSTED ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT WAS GIVEN A COPY OF TODAY'S INSPECTION REPORT AND WAS INSTRUCTED TO POST IT IN PUBLIC VIEW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-010(B). 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, Nov 4, 2026 · Original Source

Canvass

Nov 13, 2025

Pass

8 recorded violations

notedCode 10Handwashing

Official Wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s Notes

OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS AT HAND WASHING SINKS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGNS AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS USED BY EMPLOYEES.

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 Wording

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

Inspector’s Notes

OBSERVED RESIDUE ON INTERIOR SURFACES OF ICE MACHINE.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 39Contamination

Official Wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s Notes

OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.

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 contamination

notedCode 41Cleaning and sanitizing

Official Wording

WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

Inspector’s Notes

OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS ON PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.

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 44Equipment and utensils

Official Wording

UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED

Inspector’s Notes

OBSERVED MULTI-USE TRAYS STORED ON FLOOR UNDER 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO RE-WASH, RINSE, SANITIZE AND STORE MULTI-USE EQUIPMENT OFF FLOOR TO PREVENT 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 issues

notedCode 45Equipment and utensils

Official Wording

SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED

Inspector’s Notes

OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES STORED ON FLOOR IN OUTSIDE STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR

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 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official Wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s Notes

OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS. 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 57Permits, training, and postings

Official Wording

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

Inspector’s Notes

OBSERVED MISSING AND EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE VALID FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ALL EMPLOYEES HANDLING FOOD AND/OR EQUIPMENT.

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, Nov 13, 2025 · Original Source

Complaint Re-Inspection

Dec 13, 2024

Pass

2 recorded violations

notedCode 37Food source and labeling

Official Wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s Notes

FOUND SMALL BULK STORAGE CONTAINERS IN STORAGE AREA NOT LABELED AS REQUIRED; INSTRUCTED TO LABEL CONTAINERS AS REQUIRED AND MAINTAIN.

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 problems

notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official Wording

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

Inspector’s Notes

THE DOOR TO THE ICE MACHINE IS LOOSE; INSTRUCTED TO TIGHTEN DOOR ON RIGHT SIDE. (DOOR DOES CLOSE BUT A SCREW IS LOOSE OR MISSING).

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, Dec 13, 2024 · Original Source

Complaint

Dec 6, 2024

Fail

5 recorded violations

notedCode 37Food source and labeling

Official Wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s Notes

FOUND SMALL BULK STORAGE CONTAINERS IN STORAGE AREA NOT LABELED AS REQUIRED; INSTRUCTED TO LABEL CONTAINERS AS REQUIRED AND MAINTAIN.

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 problems

notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official Wording

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

Inspector’s Notes

THE DOOR TO THE ICE MACHINE IS LOOSE; INSTRUCTED TO TIGHTEN DOOR ON RIGHT SIDE. (DOOR DOES CLOSE BUT A SCREW IS LOOSE OR MISSING)

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

ONLY ONE PUBLICLY ACCESSIBLE WASHROOM LOCATED IN RESTAURANT. RESTAURANT SERVES LIQUOR (PACKAGED GOODS AND CONSUMPTION ON PREMISES, PLUS OUTDOOR PATIO IN SEASON) AND IS REQUIRED TO HAVE A MINIMUM OF 2 PUBLICALY ACCESSIBLE WASHROOMS. ESTABLISHMENT IS NOT FOLLOWING THE PREVIOUSLY APPROVED VARIANCE PUT IN PLACE TO USE THE WASHROOMS LOCATED IN THE BOOKSTORE IN THE BUILDING. MUST COMPLY WITH THE VARIANCE TO OPERATE RESTAURANT DURING THE HOURS THAT THE BOOKSTORE IS OPEN AND/OR HAVE ACCESS TO THE BOOKSTORE WHEN RESTAURANT IS OPEN AND BOOKSTORE IS CLOSED. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLY WITH VARIANCE, INSTALL ANOTHER FULL WASHROOM IN THE RESTAURANT OR REMOVE SEATS IN THE RESTAURANT TO ACCOMODATE NO MORE THAN 30 PERSONS SEATED ON SITE, INCLUDING WORKING EMPLOYEES, DURING OPERATION. MAXIMUM OCCUPANCY COMBINATION OF EMPLOYEESS AND SEATS TO BE 30 OR LESS. A PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) 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 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official Wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s Notes

INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE FLOORS UNDER AND AROUND KITCHEN EQUIPMENT WHERE NEEDED. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE VENTS IN THE DINING AREA ABOVE DINING TABLES AND VENT ON THE WASHROOM CEILING TO REMOVE DUST OBSERVED.

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 60Other

Official Wording

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

Inspector’s Notes

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED AS REQUIRED; MUST CORRECT. #57 INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. #58 INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING. 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 finding

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Dec 6, 2024 · Original Source

Canvass

Jun 13, 2024

Pass

3 recorded violations

notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official Wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s Notes

OBSERVED DUST ON THE VENTILATION FAN ON THE CEILING OF THE WASHROOM; INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN VENT TO REMOVE DUST. FLOORS AROUND AND BEHIND SOME KITCHEN EQUIPMENT NEED CLEANING; CLEAN WHERE NEEDED.

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

INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD HANDLER 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.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues

notedCode 58Permits, training, and postings

Official Wording

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Inspector’s Notes

INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD ALLERGEN 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.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jun 13, 2024 · Original Source

Canvass

Nov 7, 2023

Pass

2 recorded violations

notedCode 41Cleaning and sanitizing

Official Wording

WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

Inspector’s Notes

OBSERVED A SPONGE AT FRONT AREA. RECOMMENDED TO CHANGE SPONGE MORE FREQUENTLY. CORRECT 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 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official Wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s Notes

INTERIOR OF CABINETS UNDER HAND SINK IN NEED OF CEANING TO REMOVE ALL DEBRIS. CORRECT 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 7, 2023 · Original Source