ImprovingThe latest inspection recorded fewer violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.
Quick Answers
When was The Study At University Of Chicago/Truth Be Told last inspected?
The most recent inspection on record was on Nov 9, 2026. The result listed by Chicago Department of Public Health was “Pass w/ Conditions”.
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?
6 inspections on record, from Dec 8, 2023 to Nov 9, 2026.
Has The Study At University Of Chicago/Truth Be Told ever been closed by the health department?
No closure appears in the 6 inspection records we hold for this business. The earliest is dated Dec 8, 2023.
The Full Inspection History
6 inspections
Canvass
Nov 9, 2026
Pass w/ Conditions
3 recorded violations
notedCode 16Cleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector’s Notes
No sanitizer provided to bar service area low temp dish washing machine, 0ppm obtained on Cl test strips, machine being used during inspection, instructed manager to provide proper sanitizer concentration at final rinse. Priority violation 7-38-025.
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.
Food handler not wearing hair restraint in prep kitchen, instructed to wear.
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.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Nov 9, 2026 · Original Source
Canvass Re-Inspection
Aug 1, 2025
Pass
6 recorded violations
notedCode 16Cleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED RESIDUE ON INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE IN FIRST AND SECOND FLOOR PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ICE MACHINES.
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.
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED ICE NOT PROPERLY COVERED IN BAR AND BULK CONTAINERS NOT COVERED IN FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY COVER ALL ITEMS TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION. OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK-IN COOLER AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS OFF FLOOR TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
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.
OBSERVED ICE BUILDUP INSIDE WALK-IN FREEZER IN SECOND FLOOR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN WALK-IN FREEZER.
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 DEBRIS AND SPILLS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF SINKS, PREP TABLES, COOKING EQUIPMENT, SHELVING UNITS, HOLDING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES AND EQUIPMENT.
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 LEAKING DRAINPIPE UNDER 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN DISH WASHING AREA. INTRUCTED 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.
OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS AND SPILLS ON FLOORS INSIDE FLOOR DRAINS, UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER, WALK-IN FREEZER, PREP, BAR, AND STORAGE 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.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Aug 1, 2025 · Original Source
Canvass
Jul 23, 2025
Fail
9 recorded violations
notedCode 6Employee health and hygiene
Official Wording
PROPER EATING, TASTING, DRINKING, OR TOBACCO USE
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED EMPLOYEE DRINKING FROM OPEN CUP IN BAR AREA INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE CLOSED LID CONTAINERS FOR EMPLOYEE BEVERAGES TO PREVENT 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 HOT WATER AT HAND WASHING SINKS IN REAR WOMEN STAFF (71.6F) AND MEN STAFF (73.4F) WASHROOMS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HOT WATER AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS FOR PROPER HAND WASHING. PRIORITY 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.
OBSERVED RESIDUE ON INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE IN FIRST AND SECOND FLOOR PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ICE MACHINES.
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.
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED NO DISCLOSURE FOR CONSUMER ADVISORY ON MENU. INSTUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE DISCLOSURE ON ALL MENUS AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005
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.
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED ICE NOT PROPERLY COVERED IN BAR AND BULK CONTAINERS NOT COVERED IN FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY COVER ALL ITEMS TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION. OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK-IN COOLER AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS OFF FLOOR TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
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.
OBSERVED ICE BUILDUP INSIDE WALK-IN FREEZER IN SECOND FLOOR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN WALK-IN FREEZER.
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 DEBRIS AND SPILLS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF SINKS, PREP TABLES, COOKING EQUIPMENT, SHELVING UNITS, HOLDING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES AND EQUIPMENT.
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 LEAKING DRAINPIPE UNDER 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN DISH WASHING AREA. INTRUCTED 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.
OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS AND SPILLS ON FLOORS INSIDE FLOOR DRAINS, UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER, WALK-IN FREEZER, PREP, BAR, AND STORAGE 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.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jul 23, 2025 · Original Source
Canvass
Dec 3, 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
THE PERSON IN CHARGE HAS NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS 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.
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
Inspector’s Notes
THE PERSON IN CHARGE HAS NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS CERTIFICATE AS REQUIRED; MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. 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.
THE CAN OPENER BLADE ON THE KITCHEN PREP TABLE IN NEED OF CLEANING; CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. CORRECTED ON SITE.
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.
INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE FLOORS UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT AND FLOOR DRAINS WHERE NEEDED 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.
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.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Dec 3, 2024 · Original Source
Canvass Re-Inspection
Dec 15, 2023
Pass
5 recorded violations
notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
Inspector’s Notes
COOKING EQUIPMENT AT FRONT PREP AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. 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.
FLOOR ALL ALONG WALL BASES IN FRONT BAR AREA, FRONT PREP LINE AND ALONG DISH AREA IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. FLOOR DRAINS IN FRONT BAR AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD AND 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.
CUTTING BOARDS IN NEED OF REPALCING WHERE WORN OR DISCOLORED. INSTRUCTED TO 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.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
Inspector’s Notes
HOOD VENT FILTERS AND SURROUNDING AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL GREASE BUILD UP AND DUST BUILD UP. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
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.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Dec 15, 2023 · Original Source
Canvass
Dec 8, 2023
Fail
7 recorded violations
notedCode 38Pests
Official Wording
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED LIVE FLY ACTIVITY IN DINING AREA AND FRONT BAR AREA. APPROXIMATELY 15-20 FLIES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CONTACT PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE AND CLEAN ALL AREAS WHERE BUILD UP AND WATER ARE PRESENT. 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.
LARGE CAN OPENER IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. 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.
FLOOR ALL ALONG WALL BASES IN FRONT BAR AREA, FRONT PREP LINE AND ALONG DISH AREA IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. FLOOR DRAINS IN FRONT BAR AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD AND 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.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
Inspector’s Notes
HOOD VENT FILTERS AND SURROUNDING AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL GREASE BUILD UP AND DUST BUILD UP. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
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.
FOUND DISHMACHINE AT FRONT BAR AREA IN SERVICE WITH MULTI USE GLASSWARE IN MACHINE. FOUND MACHINE WITH O PPM SANITIZER DUE TO SANITIZER CONTAINER EMPTY. ASK MANAGER TO REPLACE SANITIZER CONTAINER WITH NEW, HOWEVER NO SANITIZER IS AVAILABLE. MACHINE IS BEING TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION AT THIS TIME. MACHINE MAY NOT BE USED UNTIL REINSPECTED. PRIORITY 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.
COOKING EQUIPMENT AT FRONT PREP AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. 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.