What is Nick's Drive Inn's health inspection score?

Nick's Drive Inn has a SafeDine safety score of 70 out of 100 (Grade B). This score is calculated from official government health inspection data, factoring in violation severity, recency, and trends.

When was Nick's Drive Inn last inspected?

Nick's Drive Inn was last inspected on January 17, 2025. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does Nick's Drive Inn have?

Nick's Drive Inn has 33 total violations across 6 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is Nick's Drive Inn safe to eat at?

Nick's Drive Inn has a good safety record with a score of 70/100. While there are some noted violations, overall compliance is solid.

What type of cuisine does Nick's Drive Inn serve?

Nick's Drive Inn serves American cuisine. Visit their SafeDine page for safety scores, inspection history, and more details.

Official Health Record

Nick's Drive Inn

Name: Nick's Drive Inn
Address: 7216 N HARLEM AVE, Chicago, 60631
Rating: 70

7216 N HARLEM AVE, Chicago

Data may be outdated — inspected 1/17/2025

▲Improving

Own or manage this restaurant?

Claim it to unlock analytics →

0Good

American•Chicago

Ranked #960 of 1000 in ChicagoBetter than 22% of american restaurants

Improving

6 inspections

Last: Jan 17, 2025

low confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

Clean Rate

5.5

Avg Violations

16 months ago

Last Inspected

Top Concerns

Most common issues from recent inspections

HandwashingHigh Priority

Employees not properly washing hands — contamination risk

Temperature control

Food not kept at safe temperatures — risk of bacterial growth

Cross-contamination

Raw and cooked foods not properly separated

Pest issuesHigh Priority

Evidence of pests found during inspection

Plumbing issues

Plumbing or waste disposal problems

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-30

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-3 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-2 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-6 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Freshness Penalty

-12 pts

Score reduced due to stale inspection data

Inspection Timeline

+19 pts

Latest

100% weight

2nd

60% weight

3rd

30% weight

How scoring works: Every restaurant starts at 100 points. Points are deducted for violations found during inspections.

Recent inspections are weighted more heavily. High priority violations (direct health hazards) have the greatest impact.

Location

Open location in Google Maps →

7216 N HARLEM AVE, Chicago, IL 60631

Open in Maps

View Menu Order Online

Violation Timeline

Jun 2022

1 inspections

1 high priority

1 basic

Jun

Jul 2023

1 inspections

2 high priority

3 basic

Jan 2024

1 inspections

3 high priority

1 intermediate

7 basic

Jan

Feb 2024

1 inspections

1 intermediate

5 basic

Jan 2025

2 inspections

2 high priority

1 intermediate

6 basic

Jan

Inspection History

6 records on file

2 Canvass Re-Inspection4 Canvass

Jan 25

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionLatestPass

1 Basic

1 total

98/100inspection score

−2 pts

Basic (1)

−2 pts

57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
OBSERVED ALL FOOD HANDLER CARDS ON SITE ARE EXPIRED. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES MUST COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.

Base deductions−2 pts

Jan 25

Canvass InspectionFail

2 High1 Med5 Basic

8 total1 risk factor

60/100inspection score

−35 pts

High Priority (2)

−20 pts

2CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATERisk Factor−10
OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION WHILE TCS ITEMS SUCH AS CHICKEN WERE PREPARED. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN AN EMPLOYEE HOLDING A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE INSIDE RESTROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SIGNAGE.

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

36THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE−5
OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER AND INSIDE PREP COOLER NEAR CASH REGISTER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETERS INSIDE ALL COOLERS.

Basic (5)

−10 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED HEAVY BUILD UP OF ICE INSIDE FREEZER USED TO STORE ICE CREAM NEXT TO MILKSHAKE MIXER. INSTRUCTED TO DEFROST AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
OBSERVED CRACKED HOT WATER KNOB ON HANDWASHING SINK LOCATED IN REAR ALCOVE NEAR 3 COMPARTMENT. SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED BUILD UP OF FOOD DEBRIS AND GRIME IN INTERIOR OF MICROWAVE LOCATED ON FRONT COOK LINE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
OBSERVED ALL FOOD HANDLER CARDS ON SITE ARE EXPIRED. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES MUST COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
60PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING REPEAT CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2589137 DATED 2/5/2024: #38 "NOTED REAR EXIT DOOR TO THE BUILDING NOT RODENT PROOF WITH GAP AT THE BOTTOM OF DOOR (ABOUT 1/4 INCH). INSTRUCTED TO SEAL GAPS TO PREVENT ENTRY POINTS FOR PESTS." INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND COME INTO COMPLIANCE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.

Base deductions−35 pts

Risk factor bonus (1× +5)−5 pts

Feb 24

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionPass

1 Med5 Basic

6 total

85/100inspection score

−15 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
6-202.15: NOTED REAR EXIT DOOR TO THE BUILDING NOT RODENT PROOF WITH GAP AT THE BOTTOM OF DOOR (ABOUT 1/4 INCH). INSTRUCTED TO SEAL GAPS TO PREVENT ENTRY POINTS FOR PESTS.

Basic (5)

−10 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
4-201.11: NOTED TORN RUBBER GASKET INSIDE THE WALK IN FREEZER AT THE KITCHEN PREP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL REPAIR AND MAINTAIN AND/OR REPLACE.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
4-501.11: NOTED ICE BUILD UP INSIDE THE WALK IN FREEZER ON THE FLOOR AND SHELVES AND THE UPRIGHT FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO DEFROST, CLEAN,REPAIR AND MAINTAIN THE CONDENSATION UNITS.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
6-201.11: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG WALL BASE AND UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT ESPECIALLY THE REAR DRY STORAGE AREA, REMOVE CARDBOARD BOXES FROM THE FLOOR OF THE WALK IN FREEZER AND FOOD PREP AREAS.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
6-201.17: NOTED HEAVY DIRT AND DUST ON CEILINGS THROUGHOUT THE ESTABLISHMENT. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
NOTED HEAVY DIRT AND GREASE ACCUMULATION INSIDE, ON PIPES/CONDUITS AND ON EDGES OF THE EXHAUST HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN HOOD, FILTERS AND PIPES/CONDUITS.

Base deductions−15 pts

Jan 24

Canvass InspectionFail

3 High1 Med7 Basic

11 total2 risk factors

41/100inspection score

−49 pts

High Priority (3)

−30 pts

1PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIESRisk Factor−10
NO PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
2CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATERisk Factor−10
NOTED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE CERTIFICATE ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS (HAMBURGER, CHICKEN SOUPS ETC.) WERE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO ORIGINAL FOOD SERVICE CERTIFICATE MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES TCS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED, AND ALSO THE PERSON IN CHARGE MUST HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFICATE BY NEXT INSPECTION (UPON BEING INSPECTED) PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
29COMPLIANCE WITH VARIANCE/SPECIALIZED PROCESS/HACCP−10
NOTED PREMISE MAKING YOGURT WITH NO HACCP PLAN OR VARIANCE AS REQUIRED BY THE CITY ORDINANCE. MUST USE COMMERCIALLY PREPARED YOGURT UNTIL A HACCP PLAN APPROVAL IS OBTAINED.MANAGER IMMEDIATELY AND VOLUNTARILY DISPOSED OF 60 LBS OF PRODUCTS WORTH $180.00 THROUGH DENATURING PROCESS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005(A). CITATION ISSUED.

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
NOTED REAR EXIT DOOR TO THE BUILDING NOT RODENT PROOF WITH GAP AT THE BOTTOM OF DOOR (ABOUT 1/4 INCH). INSTRUCTED TO SEAL GAPS TO PREVENT ENTRY POINTS FOR PESTS.

Basic (7)

−14 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
NOTED A CONTAINER OF MILK AND CRANBERRY JUICE BOTTLE STORED INSIDE THE ICE MACHINE CONTAINER. ICE USED FOR CUSTOMER CONSUMPTION. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CONTAINER OF MILK AND DISPOSE OF ICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
NOTED DIRTY WIPING CLOTHS ON PREP TABLES AT FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS. NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL WASHCLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION ESPECIALLY WHEN NOT IN USE.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
NOTED TORN RUBBER GASKET INSIDE THE WALK IN FREEZER AT THE KITCHEN PREP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL REPAIR AND MAINTAIN AND/OR REPLACE.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OTED ICE BUILD UP INSIDE THE WALK IN FREEZER ON THE FLOOR AND SHELVES AND THE UPRIGHT FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO DEFROST, CLEAN,REPAIR AND MAINTAIN THE CONDENSATION UNITS.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG WALL BASE AND UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT ESPECIALLY THE REAR DRY STORAGE AREA, REMOVE CARDBOARD BOXES FROM THE FLOOR OF THE WALK IN FREEZER AND FOOD PREP AREAS.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
NOTED HEAVY DIRT AND DUST ON CEILINGS THROUGHOUT THE ESTABLISHMENT. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
60PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
NOTED THE FOLLOWING PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION #58 RULE #PA-100-0367 FROM INSPECTION REPORT #2579021 DATED 7/25/2023 NOT CORRECTED. NOTED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ON DUTY WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-42-090

Base deductions−49 pts

Risk factor bonus (2× +5)−10 pts

Jul 23

Canvass InspectionPass w/ Conditions

2 High3 Basic

5 total2 risk factors

64/100inspection score

−26 pts

High Priority (2)

−20 pts

1PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIESRisk Factor−10
PERSON IN CHARGE WITH NO CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE.
2CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATERisk Factor−10
FOUND NO CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION MANAGER ON PREMISES WHILE HANDLING TCS FOODS.(HANDLES CHICKEN,BEEF,ETC.)PRIORITY FOUNDATION.CITATION ISSUED.7-38-012.MUST PROVIDE.

Basic (3)

−6 pts

55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
FOUND STORAGE AREAS WITH CLUTTER.(BOXES,TOOLS,ETC.)MUST CLEAN AND ORGANIZE.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
FOUND GAS STOVE AT DISHWASHING AREAS NOT UNDER HOOD.MUST REMOVE OR PLACE UNDER HOOD.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
FOUND SANITATION MANAGER WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING. MUST PROVIDE.

Base deductions−26 pts

Risk factor bonus (2× +5)−10 pts

Jun 22

Canvass InspectionPass w/ Conditions

1 High1 Basic

2 total1 risk factor

83/100inspection score

−12 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

2CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATERisk Factor−10
OBSERVED NO ONE WITH A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE WHILE TIME TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED FOODS INCLUDING BURGERS AND CHICKEN ARE BEING SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012.

Basic (1)

−2 pts

55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED MOPS NEED TO BE PROPERLY HUNG TO DRY.

Base deductions−12 pts

Risk factor bonus (1× +5)−5 pts

Community Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!

Leave a Review

Community Safety Reports

No reviewed safety reports. Help keep others safe by reporting any food safety concerns.

Data source: Chicago CDPH · Official government inspection records

Grading System

85 – 100
Excellent
70 – 84
Good
Below 70
Fair

About SafeDine Scores

Scores are calculated using official government inspection data. High Priority violations (direct health hazards) have the greatest impact, followed by Intermediate and Basic violations. Community reviews can adjust the score by up to 5 points when 3+ reviews are submitted.

Explore More

Restaurants in Chicago American Restaurants Best in Chicago All Illinois Restaurants