RestaurantLicence 2247282

Maxwell Street Cicero

244-246 S Cicero Ave, Chicago 60644

Latest verdictPassOct 7, 2026 · 6 days ago

Inspections24since Apr 25, 2013

Fail rate20.8%5 of 24 verdictscitywide 22.4% · below average

City risk ratingMedium riskWhat this kind of business could do if it went wrong — not a grade it earned.

Read the pairs, not the count. A failure is normally followed within days by a re-inspection, and that re-inspection is a second row here. On the timeline below they sit almost on top of each other — one bad day, two marks.

The whole record

Pass67%
Conditional13%
Fail21%

24 inspections from 2013 to 2026 · hover a mark

201520172019202120232025

PassOct 7, 2026Complaint Re-InspectionRisk 2 (Medium)
1. 47
  Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
  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.
2. 49
  Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
  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.
3. 51
  Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
  5-205.15 observed leaking faucet on 3-compartment sink. Instructed manager to repair and maintain.
4. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  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.
5. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  6-501.114 observed unused articles and equipment in storage areas. Instructed manager to remove all unused items to prevent pest harborage.
FailSep 30, 2026ComplaintRisk 2 (Medium)
1. 36
  Thermometers provided & accurate
  Observed no thermometer inside refrigerator in office. Instructed manager to provide thermometer inside refrigerator.
2. 38
  Insects, rodents, & animals not present
  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
3. 47
  Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
  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.
4. 49
  Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
  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.
5. 51
  Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
  Observed leaking faucet on 3-compartment sink. Instructed manager to repair and maintain.
6. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  Observed food debris and grease buildup on floors under all equipment, along walls and in all corners. Instructed manager to clean and maintain floors in all areas.
7. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  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.
8. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  Observed unused articles and equipment in storage areas. Instructed manager to remove all unused items to prevent pest harborage.
9. 61
  Summary report displayed and visible to the public
  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
PassNov 26, 2025Short Form ComplaintRisk 2 (Medium)
1. 47
  Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
  Observed plastic coating on bottom of prep table. Instructed person in charge to remove and maintain surface smooth and easily cleanable.
2. 53
  Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
  Observed faucet in bathroom with cracks and damage. Instructed person in charge to replace and maintain.
PassOct 22, 2025ComplaintRisk 2 (Medium)
1. 47
  Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
  Observed plastic coating on bottom of prep table. Instructed person in charge to remove and maintain surface smooth and easily cleanable.
2. 53
  Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
  Observed faucet in bathroom with cracks and damage. Instructed person in charge to replace and maintain.
PassFeb 27, 2025ComplaintRisk 2 (Medium)
1. 36
  Thermometers provided & accurate
  Observed broken thermnometer for upright cooler located in front prep area. Insructed to replace.
2. 49
  Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
  Observed front prep area in between grill and shelving unit with accumulated gearse buildup. Instructed to remove and maintain.
3. 54
  Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
  Observed refuse area with excessive trash surrounding receptacles. Instructed to remove in order to prevent pest harborage.
4. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  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.
ConditionalSep 5, 2024ComplaintRisk 2 (Medium)
1. 16
  Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
  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.
2. 36
  Thermometers provided & accurate
  Observeed no visible ambient air thermometer inside upright cooler in front prep area. Instructed to provide.
3. 49
  Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
  Observed white buckets used to store sliced potatoes with heavy build-up on exterior surfaces. Instructed to replace buckets.
4. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  Observed splitting wall in rear prep area next to three compartment sink. Instructed to repair.
5. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  Observed dirt and food debris on floor under, around, and behind all cooking equipment, cooling units, in corners, and along wallbase throghout premises. Instructed to clean and maintain floor.
6. 57
  All food employees have food handler training
  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.
PassJun 21, 2023ComplaintRisk 2 (Medium)
1. 49
  Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
  Observed a build up of dirt and food debris under the shelving units in the front food service area and the cooking equipment. Instructed to clean and maintain.
2. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  Observed dirt and food debris on floor under around and behind front cooking equipment and underneath 3-compartment in corners and along wallbase throghout premises. Must clean and maintain floor.
3. 57
  All food employees have food handler training
  Observed 2 employees working without food handler certificates. Instructed all employees must complete food handler training and maintain records thereof on site at all times
PassFeb 2, 2023Complaint Re-InspectionRisk 2 (Medium)
FailFeb 1, 2023ComplaintRisk 2 (Medium)
1. 3
  Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
  Observed no employee health policy on site as required; must provide. Instructed the person in charge to provide documentation of employees responsibility to report any illness transmissible through food.priority foundation 7-38-010
2. 3
  Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
3. 37
  Food properly labeled; original container
  Observed seasoning out of the original containers without labels containing the product name. Instructed to label all foods and spices with common name that are out of the original containers.
4. 41
  Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
  Observed soiled wiping cloths stored on prep tables. Instructed manager to store in sanitizing solution between uses.
5. 49
  Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
  Observed a build up of dirt and food debris under the shelving units in the front food service area and the cooking equipment. Instructed to clean and maintain.
6. 51
  Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
  Observed the handwashing sink in the prep area clogged and water leaking profusely into a bucket when draining. Instructed to repair or replace leaky pipe. Priority violation 7-38-030(c). Citation issued. .
7. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  Observed dirt and food debris on floor under around and behind front cooking equipment and underneath 3-compartment in corners and along wallbase throghout premises. Must clean and maintain floor.
8. 56
  Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
  Observed both lights under the hood ventilation system out. Instructed to repair both and maintain.
9. 57
  All food employees have food handler training
  Observed 2 employees working without food handler certificates. Instructed all employees must complete food handler training and maintain records thereof on site at all times
PassJul 6, 2022ComplaintRisk 2 (Medium)
1. 49
  Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
  Observed the inside of the walk in cooler with a build up of dirt and debris on the floor, under the shelving units. Instructed to clean and maintain.
2. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  Observed a build up of dirt and debris on the floors trhoughout the facility, under and around all cooking and non cooking equipment. Instructed to clean and maintain all areas as a means of preventing possible pest and or insect harboring.
3. 56
  Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
  Observed a build up of grease on the vents in the front food service area. Instructed to clean and maintain.
4. 56
  Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
  Observed both lights under the hood ventilation system out, one missing a bulb and protective shielding. Instructed to repair both and maintain.
PassJan 27, 2022ComplaintRisk 2 (Medium)
1. 38
  Insects, rodents, & animals not present
  Observed a small opening in the back of the side door. Instructed to seal and maintain.
2. 47
  Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
  Observed plastic shopping bags being used to store cheese inside walk in cooler. Instructed to obtain food grade bags or containers to store any foods.
3. 49
  Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
  Observed a build up of dirt and food debris under the shelving units in the front food service area and the cooking equipment. Instructed to clean and maintain.
4. 51
  Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
  Observed loose faucet head in the empolyee toilet room. Instructed to repair and maintain in good working order.
ConditionalMay 18, 2021Complaint Re-InspectionRisk 2 (Medium)
1. 3
  Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
  Observed no written employee health policy on site. Instructed facility to establish an appropriate employee health policy and maintain with verifiable signed copies on site for all food employees. Priority foundation violation #7-38-010.
FailApr 29, 2021ComplaintRisk 2 (Medium)
1. 3
  Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
  Observed no written employee health policy on site. Instructed facility to establish an appropriate employee health policy and maintain with verifiable signed copies on site for all food employees. Priority foundation violation #7-38-010
2. 41
  Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
  Observed wiping cloths stored on top of prep tables. Must properly stored wiping cloths in a sanitizing solution when not in use.
3. 47
  Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
  Missing stoppers at the 3-compartment sink. Must provide sink stoppers at the 3-compartment sink.
4. 53
  Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
  No covered waste receptacle provided at the unisex employee washroom. Must provide and maintain.
5. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  Observed dirt and food debris on floor under around and behind front cooking equipment and underneath 3-compartment in corners and along wallbase throghout premises. Must clean and maintain floor.
6. 57
  All food employees have food handler training
  Observed no proof of food handlers certificates on premises. Must provide food handlers certificates for all employees who do not have city of Chicago certificate.
7. 60
  Previous core violation corrected
  Previous core violations not corrected. #38observed a 1/4" gap at the bottom of the front entrance door. Must provide a tight fitting seal at all outer openings to prevent the entry of pests.#47observed milk crates being used as shelving throughout the walk-in cooler and storage areas. Must remove and provide shelving that is 6" off the floor and provides floor accessibility to ensure adequate facility cleaning. #47observed cheese slices stored in plastic grocery bags in the walk-in freezer. Management instructed to use proper food grade storage bags and containers only. #51 observed the front hand sink to have a slow drain. Observed the facuet at the three compartment sink to have a leak. Instructed to repair plumbing. #55 observed excess clutter (in janitor closet) and unnecessary articles (chest freezer) stored near the employee toliet room. Must remove all unnecessary articles, clean all clutter, organize, and maintain areas at all times. #55 observed missing and damaged floor tiles in the dry storage room. Instructed to repair to create a smooth and easily cleanable surface. Must maintain at all times.#55 observed missing ceilings tile panels in the rear and water stained ceiling in the dry storage. Instructed to repair, replace missing panels and/or replace the stained ceiling tiles.
ConditionalMay 27, 2020CanvassRisk 2 (Medium)
1. 3
  Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
  Observed no written employee health policy on site. Instructed facility to establish an appropriate employee health policy and maintain with verifiable signed copies on site for all food employees. Priority foundation violation #7-38-010. No citation issued.
2. 38
  Insects, rodents, & animals not present
  Observed a 1/4" gap at the bottom of the front entrance door. Must provide a tight fitting seal at all outer openings to prevent the entry of pests.
3. 47
  Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
  Observed milk crates being used as shelving throughout the walk-in cooler and storage areas. Must remove and provide shelving that is 6" off the floor and provides floor accessibility to ensure adequate facility cleaning.
4. 47
  Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
  Observed cardboard used as liner on food prep equipment and shelves. Instructed to remove.
5. 47
  Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
  Observed cheese slices stored in plastic grocery bags in the walk-in freezer. Management instructed to use proper food grade storage bags and containers only.
6. 51
  Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
  Observed the front hand sink to have a slow drain. Observed the facuet at the three compartment sink to have a leak. Instructed to repair plumbing.
7. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  Observed excess clutter (in janitor closet) and unnecessary articles (chest freezer) stored near the employee toliet room. Must remove all unnecessary articles, clean all clutter, organize, and maintain areas at all times.
8. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  Observed missing and damaged floor tiles in the dry storage room. Instructed to repair to create a smooth and easily cleanable surface. Must maintain at all times.
9. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  Observed missing ceilings tile panels in the rear and water stained ceiling in the dry storage. Instructed to repair, replace missing panels and/or replace the stained ceiling tiles.
PassMar 29, 2018ComplaintRisk 2 (Medium)
1. 35
  Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
  Clean the spiderwebs and dust from the outside wall where the customer enclosure is located.
2. 36
  Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
  Must provide additional lighting in the office/storage room.
3. 38
  Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
  Repair the leak at the exposed handwashing sink. Must provide 2 additional sink stoppers at the 3 compartment sink.
4. 41
  Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
  Remove excess clutter in the storage room to eliminate pest harborage conditions.
5. 45
  Food handler requirements met
  Observed a food handling employee without a food handler certificate. Must provide proof of training.
PassAug 31, 2017Complaint Re-InspectionRisk 2 (Medium)
FailAug 24, 2017ComplaintRisk 2 (Medium)
1. 18
  No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
  Observed over 30 live flies scattered in the rear storage area on the walls and storage shevling. Instructed manager to remove flies and detail clean areas. Instructed manager to call pc for service. Serious citation issued #7-38-020.
2. 21
  * certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
  No valid city of Chicago certified manager on duty while potentially hazardous foods are being prepared, handled and served such as polish, steak and tamales. City certifed manager must be on duty at all time. Serious citation issued #7-38-012.
3. 38
  Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
  Noted a leaky pipe underneath the 3 compartment sink. Must repair and maintain.
PassSep 30, 2016CanvassRisk 2 (Medium)
1. 34
  Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
  Must clean floors in the rear storage furance area,along wall base and corners
PassNov 23, 2015Short Form ComplaintRisk 2 (Medium)
1. 35
  Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
  Observed water stained ceiling tiles in the rear storage room where the utility sink is located; instructed to replace tiles where needed. Some loose wall paneling observed on the wall next to the reach in cooler; reattach wall paneling.
2. 37
  Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters
  The self closing device on the washroom door is broken; repair the self closing device on the washroom door.
3. 45
  Food handler requirements met
  Instructed that all food handlers that are not city of Chicago food service managers must obtain the required idph food handler training certificate.
PassNov 3, 2015CanvassRisk 2 (Medium)
1. 32
  Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
  Some cleaning needed to the bottom of the fryers to remove grease observed; clean fryers.
2. 34
  Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
  Clean floors under around and behind equipment where needed.
3. 35
  Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
  Observed water stained ceiling tiles in the rear storage room where the utility sink is located; instructed to replace tiles where needed. Some loose wall paneling observed on the wall next to the reach in cooler; reattach wall paneling.
4. 37
  Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters
  The self closing device on the washroom door is broken; repair the self closing device on the washroom door.
5. 38
  Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
  Found one compartment of the three comp sink clogged with food; instructed to remove food particles to unclog.
6. 45
  Food handler requirements met
  Instructed that all food handlers that are not city of Chicago food service managers must obtain the required food handler training certificate.
PassJun 3, 2014Short Form ComplaintRisk 2 (Medium)
1. 34
  Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
  Must repaint peeling paint on floor throughout.
2. 35
  Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
  Must repair or replace damaged threshold at front door.loose wall panel & wall base in toilet room.
3. 38
  Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
  Must repair leaky pipe at 3- comp sink and provide sink stoppers for same.
PassJan 30, 2014Complaint Re-InspectionRisk 2 (Medium)
1. 35
  Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
  Instructed to seal gaps and openings in ceiling tiles.
FailJan 28, 2014ComplaintRisk 2 (Medium)
1. 11
  Adequate number, convenient, accessible, designed, and maintained
  Toilet room faucet (hot and cold water) not working.critical citation issue.
2. 35
  Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
  Instructed to seal gaps and openings in ceiling tiles.
3. 40
  Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
  Instructed to provide refrigerator thermometer in front prep area.
PassApr 25, 2013LicenseRisk 2 (Medium)
1. 32
  Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
  The sink back splash area and water filling faucets above the steam tables are dirty; wash, rinse and sanitize said areas.
2. 41
  Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
  The rear storage rooms are full of clutter, clean out and organize the storage rooms.

Fails sit above the line, passes below. Every inspection the city has published for this licence.

On the street

Apple Maps street-level imagery. Click to look around the block.

What it gets cited for

5515×
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
479×
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
498×
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
387×
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
356×
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
515×
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
35×
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
364×
Thermometers provided & accurate

Counted across every inspection on record here. A code that keeps coming back is the more telling signal.

Source

Published by the Chicago Department of Public Health as Food Inspections, updated weekly. This page shows every row the city holds under licence 2247282 — a business that changed hands may carry history from its predecessor.