Food businessLicence 2881903

Whale Fish & Chicken

5650 W Division St, Chicago 60651

Latest verdictPassOct 5, 2026 · 8 days ago

Inspections13since Dec 19, 2022

Fail rate46.2%6 of 13 verdictscitywide 22.4% · above 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

Pass38%
Conditional15%
Fail46%

13 inspections from 2022 to 2026 · hover a mark

2023202420252026

PassOct 5, 2026Short Form ComplaintRisk 2 (Medium)
1. 40
  Personal cleanliness
  2-402.11---observed employee with no hair restraint in the food prep area.instructed manager to provide hair restraints for all employees in the food prep area.
2. 49
  Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
  4-602.13---instructed to detail clean the front window ledge at front customer area to remove litter debris and dead fly and better maintain.
3. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  6-501.12---observed dirty floors underneath the dry storage racks storing large dry bulk containers.instructed to clean floors in detail and maintain.
PassJul 1, 2026Complaint Re-InspectionRisk 2 (Medium)
1. 56
  Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
  4-202.18---instructed to detail clean the kitchen exhaust hood system to remove accumulation of grease build-up and maintain.
FailJun 23, 2026ComplaintRisk 2 (Medium)
1. 10
  Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
  Observed no hand paper towels provided at handwashing sink at the front prep area.instructed to provide and maintain hand papertowels at all handwashing sinks at all times.priority foundation violation 7-38-030(c), violation consolidated with the above citation.
2. 10
  Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
  Observed no hand soap provided at the handwashing sink inside the washroom and handwashing sink next to the dishwashing 3-compartment sink.instructed to provide and maintain hand soap at all handwashing sinks at all times.priority foundation violation 7-38-030(c), citation issued.
3. 38
  Insects, rodents, & animals not present
  Observed evidence of pest activity on the premises.observed approximately 10 rodent (mice) droppings on the floor at corner underneath the storage racks in the east side dry storage area and approx 15 rodent mice droppings on the floor behind the water heaters in the rear next to the washroom.instructed to detail clean and remove all rodent droppings.additional pest control service is needed to eliminate the pest activity.priority foundation violation 7-38-020(a), citation issued.
4. 40
  Personal cleanliness
  Observed employee with no hair restraint in the food prep area. Instructed to provide hair restraints for all employees in the food prep area.
5. 47
  Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
  Observed chipped paint and rust on the wire storage racks in the walk-in cooler. Instructed to remove chipped paint and rust and repaint or replace the shelves.
6. 48
  Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
  Observed missing sink stoppers for the dishwashing 3-compartment sink.instructed to provide and maintain 3 adequate working sink stoppers.
7. 49
  Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
  Instructed to clean the following equipment and maintain: prep tables (tops and bottoms),interior surfaces of dep fryers and other cooking equipment,under grills and shelves inside of refrigeration units also,interior storage shelfs behind the front counter.
8. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  Observed food debris and spills on the floors and surfaces throughout the facility. Instructed to detail clean under all shelving units, interior of prep dishwashing area, prep tables and all cooking equipment to remove spills, food debris, and dirt buildup.instructed to detail clean and maintain at all times.
9. 56
  Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
  Instructed to detail clean the kitchen exhaust hood system to remove accumulation of grease build-up and maintain.
10. 60
  Previous core violation corrected
  Previous core violations from inspection report#2615623 dated: 04/11/2025 #37---3-302.12: **c** food storage containers identified with common name of food observed food storage containers without labels containing the common name of foods in the food preparation and dry storage areas. Instructed to provide labels. #47---4-202.16: **c** nonfood-contact surfaces observed cardboard on the floor in the walk-in cooler and cardboard being used as a liner on shelving unit in the dry storage area. Instructed to remove. #47---4-101.11(b, c, d, e): **c** characteristics- materials for construction and repair observed food items (cheese) being stored improperly in plastic grocery bags in walk-in cooler. Instructed to store properly by using food-grade storage bags or containers. 54 5-501.115: **c** maintaining refuse areas and enclosures observed grease in surrounding area of outside dumpster. Instructed to clean and maintain area. #55---6-501.114: **c** maintaining premises, unnecessary items and litter observed unused/broken equipment behind the display cooler near the food preparation area and in the dry storage area. Instructed to remove. #55---6-201.16: **c** wall and ceiling coverings and coatings observed missing ceiling tile and water-stained ceiling tiles in the rear dry storage area. Instructed to replace and maintain. #57---2-102.13: **c** food handler training (pa 100-0367 food handling regulation enforcement act) observed food handlers on duty with no proof of food handlers training certificates. Instructed to provide. Instructed to correct noted violations and maintain by 6-30-2026. Priority foundation violation 7-42-090, citation issued.
11. 61
  Summary report displayed and visible to the public
  Previous inspection report summary from (04/11/2025) was not displayed for the public to view. Today's inspection report summary was issued and must be displayed and visible to the public at all times. Priority foundation violation 7-42-010 (b), citation issued.
ConditionalApr 11, 2025ComplaintRisk 2 (Medium)
1. 35
  Approved thawing methods used
  Observed improper thawing; a box of chicken and a box of fish thawing at the 3-compartment sink. Instructed to thaw properly.
2. 37
  Food properly labeled; original container
  Observed food storage containers without labels containing the common name of foods in the food preparation and dry storage areas. Instructed to provide labels.
3. 47
  Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
  Observed cardboard on the floor in the walk-in cooler and cardboard being used as liner on shelving unit in the dry storage area. Instructed to remove.
4. 47
  Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
  Observed food items (cheese) being stored improperly in plastic grocery bags in walk-in cooler. Instructed to store properly by using food grade storage bags or containers.
5. 54
  Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
  Observed grease in surrounding area of outside dumpster. Instructed to clean and maintain area.
6. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  Observed unused/broken equipment behind the display cooler near the food preparation area and in the dry strorage area. Instructed to remove.
7. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  Observed missing ceiling tile and water-stained ceiling tiles in the rear dry storage area. Instructed to replace and maintain.
8. 56
  Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
  Observed lightbulb out at the overhead hood at the grill/fryer area. Instructed to replace.
9. 57
  All food employees have food handler training
  Observed food handlers on duty with no proof of food handlers training certificates. Instructed to provide.
10. 58
  Allergen training as required
  Observed no certified food manager on duty with allergen training certificate. Instructed to provide.
11. 62
  Compliance with clean indoor air ordinance
  Observed evidence of smoking on site in the employee washroom; smelled cigarette smoke with evidence of a cigarette butt in the trash can. Instructed to discontinue smoking in prohibited areas to adhere to the clean indoor air ordinance. Citation issued 7-32-015.
PassOct 11, 2024Complaint Re-InspectionRisk 2 (Medium)
1. 36
  Thermometers provided & accurate
  Observed internal ambient air thermometer missing from the following cold-holding units: front reach-in cooler, 2-door upright chicken cooler. Instructed to provide at least one internal ambient air thermometer in all equipment used to cold-hold tcs food items and maintain at all times.
2. 37
  Food properly labeled; original container
  Observed individually-packaged coleslaw containers in the front reach-in cooler to be missing adequate food identity labels. Instructed to provide labels that include the common name of the food stored, the list of ingredients, the name and place of business of the manufacuturer, and other standards of identity as required by the law and maintain.
3. 39
  Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
  Observed single-use styrofoam cup used as scoop in several bulk food containers throughout kitchen and dry storage areas. Instructed to remove single-use cups and replace with multi-use utensils with handles to prevent contamination while scooping and maintain.
4. 49
  Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
  Observed nonfood-contact surfaces of vegetable shredder equipment in the rear storage area to be soiled with dried food debris and other soil. Instructed to clean nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment at adequate frequency to prevent build up of soil and maintain.
5. 51
  Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
  Observed floor-mounted drain grate near 3-compartment sink in the rear area to be heavily-soiled and clogged with food debris. No evidence of drain clogging or backup observed. Instructed to clean floor-mounted drain grate and maintain plumbing fixtures easily-cleanable.
FailOct 4, 2024ComplaintRisk 2 (Medium)
1. 10
  Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
  Observed disposable paper towels missing from handwashing sinks in the following areas: rear dishwashing area and restroom area. Instructed to provide disposable paper towels or other approved means of drying hands at all handwashing sinks and maintain at all times. The person in charge provided paper towels to all handwashing sinks at the time of inspection. Priority foundation violation. 7-38-030(c) citation combined with above violation.
2. 10
  Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
  Observed handwashing sink in rear dishwashing area with damaged p-trap and obstructed by supplies, inaccessible for use by employees. The facility has a functional handwashing sink on the wall directly behind the non-functional handwashing sink. Instructed to repair or replace handwashing sink p-trap and maintain handwashing sink functional with water supply and available for use by food employees for handwashing at all times. Priority foundation violation. 7-38-030(c) citation issued.
3. 10
  Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
  Observed handwashing sink signage notifying food employees to wash hands not provided at rear area handwashing sink. Instructed to provide adequate handwashing signage at all handwashing sinks and maintain at all times.
4. 36
  Thermometers provided & accurate
  Observed internal ambient air thermometer missing from the following cold-holding units: front reach-in cooler, 2-door upright chicken cooler. Instructed to provide at least one internal ambient air thermometer in all equipment used to cold-hold tcs' food items and maintain them at all times.
5. 37
  Food properly labeled; original container
  Observed individually-packaged coleslaw containers in the front reach-in cooler to be missing adequate food identity labels. Instructed to provide labels that include the common name of the food stored, the list of ingredients, the name and place of business of the manufacuturer, and other standards of identity as required by the law and maintain.
6. 39
  Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
  Observed single-use styrofoam cup used as scoop in several bulk food containers throughout kitchen and dry storage areas. Instructed to remove single-use cups and replace with multi-use utensils with handles to prevent contamination while scooping and maintain.
7. 49
  Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
  Observed nonfood-contact surfaces of vegetable shredder equipment in the rear storage area to be soiled with dried food debris and other soil. Instructed to clean nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment at adequate frequency to prevent build up of soil and maintain.
8. 51
  Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
  Observed floor-mounted drain grate near 3-compartment sink in the rear area to be heavily-soiled and clogged with food debris. No evidence of drain clogging or backup observed. Instructed to clean floor-mounted drain grate and maintain plumbing fixtures easily-cleanable.
ConditionalSep 5, 2023Short Form ComplaintRisk 2 (Medium)
1. 38
  Insects, rodents, & animals not present
  Observed one large live roach in hinge of two door cold holding unit. Instructed to eliminate roach activity and clean and sanitize affected area.corrected on site large roach was killed and removed by employee before end of inspection. Priority foundation 7-38-020(a) citation issued
PassAug 17, 2023Complaint Re-InspectionRisk 2 (Medium)
FailAug 16, 2023Complaint Re-InspectionRisk 2 (Medium)
1. 59
  Previous priority foundation violation corrected
  Previous priority foundation violation from report #2579366 on 8/1/23 not corrected: 38 - observed over 4 live cockroaches inside hood above cook line, additional pest control service is needed to eliminate the pest activity throughout. Priority violation 7-42-090.
FailAug 14, 2023Complaint Re-InspectionRisk 2 (Medium)
1. 49
  Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
  Observed accumulated grease and food debris on interior and exterior surfaces of cooking equipment, prep tables, coolers, freezers, shelving units, grease trap, interior of all deep fryers, and light shields. Instructed manager to clean and maintain.
2. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  Observed several dead roaches on floor throughout facility. Must detail clean and maintain same. Observed a heavy accumulation of dirt, dust, grease, food splatter and food debris on the walls and floors especially along the hot food service line under and around the cooking equipment and non cooking equipment. Instructed to clean and maintain all areas. Observed debris on floors along walls and corners throughout facility. Instructed manager to clean and maintain.
3. 59
  Previous priority foundation violation corrected
  Previous priority foundation violation from report #2579366 on 8/1/23 not corrected: 38 - observed over 12 live cockroaches on the rear handsink, walls, front counter area, and around the dish washing area. Additional pest control service is needed to eliminate the pest activity throughout. Priority violation 7-42-090.
FailAug 9, 2023Complaint Re-InspectionRisk 2 (Medium)
1. 49
  Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
  4-602.13 observed under 3 compartment sinks not clean, water stained, debris. Management instructed to clean and maintain same. Observed accumulated grease and food debris on interior and exterior surfaces of cooking equipment, prep tables, coolers, freezers, shelving units, grease trap, interior of all deep fryers, and light shields. Instructed manager to clean and maintain.
2. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  6-501.12 observed several dead roaches on floor throughout facility. Must detail clean and maintain same. Observed a heavy accumulation of dirt, dust, grease, food splatter and food debris on the walls and floors especially along the hot food service line under and around the cooking equipment and non cooking equipment. Instructed to clean and maintain all areas. Observed debris on floors along walls and corners throughout facility. Instructed manager to clean and maintain.
3. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  6-501.11 seal all openings in the walls especially around water pipes going into the wall.
4. 59
  Previous priority foundation violation corrected
  8-404.13(b)(3) previous priority foundation violation from report #2579366 on 8/1/23 not corrected: 38 - observed over 10 live cockroaches on the floor, walls and on equipment in the food prep areas and around the dish washing area. Additional pest control service is needed to eliminate the pest activity throughout. Priority violation 7-42-090. Citation issued.
FailAug 1, 2023ComplaintRisk 2 (Medium)
1. 10
  Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
  Observed no paper towels at all exposed hand washing sinks throughout facility. Instructed to maintain paper towels at all exposed hand washing sinks at all times. Priority foundation violation 7-38-030(c). Citation issued
2. 38
  Insects, rodents, & animals not present
  Observed inadequate insects control, found about 5 live roaches scattered through out facility. Instructed to eliminate insects activity in all affected areas, pest control service is recommended. Priority foundation violation 7-38-020(a)
3. 39
  Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
  Observed food items stored on floor in walk-in cooler. Instructed manager to elevate all food six inches off floor.
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. 45
  Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
  Store all to go containers inverted. All to go containers need to be protected from dirt and dust.
6. 47
  Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
  Observed shelving in the dry storage area made of unsealed wood. Found rusty metal shelves inside the 2-door prep cooler and inside the beverage air upright cooler. Instructed management that all shelving must be smooth, non-absorbent, and easily cleanable. Must seal wood shelves, and repaint/refinish the metal shelving to remove rust.
7. 47
  Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
  Observed torn/damaged and dirty rubber gasket on door of the coolers throughout the facility; instructed to repair or replace gasket.
8. 47
  Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
  Observed the inside of the deep fryer oil filtering unit with a build up of grease and food debris. Instructed to clean and maintain all
9. 49
  Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
  Observed under 3 compartment sinks not clean, water stained, debris. Instd to clean and maintain same
10. 49
  Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
  Observed accumulated grease and food debris on interior and exterior surfaces of cooking equipment, prep tables, coolers, freezers, shelving units. Instructed manager to clean and maintain.
11. 54
  Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
  Observed outside garbage dumpster lid broken and lid not tightly fitting causing lots of flies in dumpster area. Must replace lids to be tight fitting.(priority foundation 7-38-020(b)(citation issued)
12. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  Observed clear liquid pooling on floors in walk in cooler. Must keep floors clean and dry to prevent pest harborage.
13. +4 more
PassDec 19, 2022LicenseRisk 2 (Medium)
1. 38
  Insects, rodents, & animals not present
  Observed dead insects in the light shields throughout the kitchen. Must remove all dead insects, clean light shields, and maintain.
2. 47
  Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
  Observed shelving in the dry storage area made of unsealed wood. Found rusty metal shelves inside the 2-door prep cooler and inside the beverage air upright cooler. Instructed management that all shelving must be smooth, non-absorbent, and easily cleanable. Must seal wood shelves, and repaint/refinish the metal shelving to remove rust.
3. 49
  Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
  Observed dirt and grease build up on the gaskets inside the 2-door turbo air upright cooler. Must clean and maintain.
4. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  Found heavy dirt and debris build up on the floor inside the walk-in cooler. Instructed management to detail clean floor and maintain.
5. 56
  Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
  Observed multiple burned out lights throughout the dish and prep areas. Must replace light bulbs and provide adequate lighting.

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

On the street

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What it gets cited for

5512×
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
499×
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
477×
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
106×
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
565×
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
384×
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
373×
Food properly labeled; original container
393×
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display

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 2881903 — a business that changed hands may carry history from its predecessor.