What is Firewater Saloon's health inspection score?

Firewater Saloon has a SafeDine safety score of 83 out of 100 (Grade B). This score is calculated from official government health inspection data, factoring in violation severity, recency, and trends.

When was Firewater Saloon last inspected?

Firewater Saloon was last inspected on April 16, 2025. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does Firewater Saloon have?

Firewater Saloon has 42 total violations across 7 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is Firewater Saloon safe to eat at?

Firewater Saloon has a good safety record with a score of 83/100. While there are some noted violations, overall compliance is solid.

Official Health Record

Firewater Saloon

Name: Firewater Saloon
Address: 6689-6695 N OLIPHANT AVE, Chicago, 60631
Rating: 83

6689-6695 N OLIPHANT AVE, Chicago

Last inspected 11mo ago

▲Improving

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0Good

Chicago

Ranked #960 of 1000 in Chicago

Improving

7 inspections

Last: Apr 16, 2025

medium confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

14%

Clean Rate

Avg Violations

12 months ago

Last Inspected

Top Concerns

Most common issues from recent inspections

Cross-contamination

Raw and cooked foods not properly separated

HandwashingHigh Priority

Employees not properly washing hands — contamination risk

Temperature control

Food not kept at safe temperatures — risk of bacterial growth

Plumbing issues

Plumbing or waste disposal problems

Sanitation

Equipment or surfaces not properly cleaned/sanitized

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-17

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-1 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-1 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-7 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Freshness Penalty

-7 pts

Score reduced due to stale inspection data

Inspection Timeline

+19 pts

100

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

6689-6695 N OLIPHANT AVE, Chicago, IL 60631

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Violation Timeline

Oct 2022

2 inspections

3 high priority

5 intermediate

6 basic

Oct

Nov 2022

1 inspections

3 basic

Oct 2023

1 inspections

1 intermediate

4 basic

Oct

Jul 2024

1 inspections

1 high priority

1 intermediate

12 basic

Apr 2025

2 inspections

6 basic

Apr

Inspection History

7 records on file

3 Canvass Re-Inspection4 Canvass

Apr 25

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionLatestCleanPass

No violations

100/100inspection score

Apr 25

Canvass InspectionFail

6 Basic

6 total

88/100inspection score

−12 pts

Basic (6)

−12 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
OBSERVED BUCKET CONNECTED TO DISCHARGE TUBE IN WALK-IN COOLER USED TO STORE KEGS FILLED WITH DIRTY WATER WITH A GREAN FOAM ON TOP. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN WALK-IN COOLER IN GOOD CONDITION.
48WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS−2
OBSERVED NO CHLORINE SANITIZER TESTING DEVICES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION WHILE CHLORINE SANITIZER WAS IN USE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN CHLORINE SANITIZER TESTING DEVICES ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED NONWORKING WHITE REFRIGERATOR AND CARD TABLE IN BASEMENT ROOM TO LEFT OF STAIRS. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE FROM PREMISES.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED BUILD UP OF FOOD DEBRIS IN INTERIOR OF MICROWAVE IN REAR PREP AREA AND DEBRIS LIKE BEER BOTTLES, PLASTIC CAPS, ETC ON FLOOR THROUGHOUT BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
60PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING REPEAT CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2596860 DATED 7/1/2024: #10 "OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINKS LOCATED IN BAR AND REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE." #36 "OBSERVED NO THERMOMTER INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER LOCATED IN BASEMENT AND USED TO STORE MEATS." 47 "OBSERVED TORN GASKETS ON DOOR OF 3 DOOR FREEZER AND 2 DOO PREP COOLER ON COOK LINE IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION." #54 "OBSERVED HEAVY BUILD UP OF GREASE ON EXTERIOR OF USED COOKING OIL CONTAINER LOCATED IN ALLEY. INSTURCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION." #56 "OBSERVED MULTIPLE CRACKED LIGHT SHIELDS OVER LIGHTS IN CEILING OF REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION." #57 "OBSERVED 3 EMPLOYEES WITHOUT FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES MUST COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES." INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND COME
62COMPLIANCE WITH CLEAN INDOOR AIR ORDINANCE−2
OBSERVED BEER BOTTLE BEING USED AS AN ASHTRAY IN REAR STORAGE AND OFFICE AREA AND CIGARETTE BUTTS ON GROUND IN SAME OFFICE AND STORAGE AREA AND ON BASEMENT FLOOR NEAR STAIRCASE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ASHTRAYS AND CIGARETTE BUTTS AND MAINTAIN FACILITY IN COMPLIANCE WITH CLEAN INDOOR AIR ORDINANCE. VIOLATION 7-32-020(C). CITATION ISSUED.

Base deductions−12 pts

Jul 24

Canvass InspectionPass

1 High1 Med12 Basic

14 total

61/100inspection score

−39 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINKS LOCATED IN BAR AND REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

36THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE−5
OBSERVED NO THERMOMTER INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER LOCATED IN BASEMENT AND USED TO STORE MEATS.

Basic (12)

−24 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
OBSERVED SOILED ALUMINIUM FOIL COVERING BOTTOM OF PREP TABLE IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE SURFACES THROUGHOUT.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED TORN GASKETS ON DOOR OF 3 DOOR FREEZER AND 2 DOO PREP COOLER ON COOK LINE IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
OBSERVED SLIGHT LEAK COMING FROM PIPE UNDERNEATH 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
OBSERVED NO COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE INSIDE UNISEX EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
OBSERVED BROKEN LATCH ON BATHROOM STALL IN MEN'S TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
54GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED−2
OBSERVED HEAVY BUILD UP OF GREASE ON EXTERIOR OF USED COOKING OIL CONTAINER LOCATED IN ALLEY. INSTURCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED BUILD UP OF GREASE AND GRIME ON EXTERIOR OF FRYERS AND UNDERNEATH COOKING EQUIPMENT IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED BUILD UP OF GREASE ON HOOD OVER COOK LINE. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED BUILD UP OF DUST ON VENTS IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED MULTIPLE CRACKED LIGHT SHIELDS OVER LIGHTS IN CEILING OF REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED 3 BURNT OUT LIGHTBULBS IN HOOD OVER COOK LINE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
OBSERVED 3 EMPLOYEES WITHOUT FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES MUST COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.

Base deductions−39 pts

Oct 23

Canvass InspectionPass

1 Med4 Basic

5 total

87/100inspection score

−13 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED 1/4 INCH GAP AT REAR EXIT DOOR SWEEP. MUST RODENT PROOF SAID DOOR.

Basic (4)

−8 pts

40PERSONAL CLEANLINESS−2
OBSERVED SOME FOOD HANDLERS NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS. INSRUCTED MANAGER ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD/GREASE BUILD UP ON VENTILATION HOOD/FILTERS AND PREP AREA COOLERS CONDENSERS WITH DUST BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN VENTILATION HOOD/FILTERS AND CLEAN COOLERS CONDENSERS.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED ONE CEILING LIGHT COVER NOT TIGHT FITTED ABOVE DISHWASH 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REATTACH/MAKE TIGHT FITTED CEILING LIGHT COVER ABOVE DISHWASH 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
SOME FOOD MANAGERS WITHOUT FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES. INSRUCTED ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST HAVE FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES.

Base deductions−13 pts

Nov 22

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionPass w/ Conditions

3 Basic

3 total

94/100inspection score

−6 pts

Basic (3)

−6 pts

55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED HOLES IN CEILING ABOVE DRY STORAGE WEST SIDE BASEMENT. CLOSE ALL HOLES IN AREA ABOVE DRY STORAGE. OBSERVED EAST SIDE BASEMENT WITH LIQUOR ROOM STORAGE WITH SHELVES WALLS AND CEILING NOT SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. MUST MAKE ALL WALLS, FLOORS AND CEILING SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED STANDING WATER ON FLOOR OF BASEMENT. MUST REMOVE STANDING WATER AND KEEP FLOOR IN A CLEAN DRY CONDITION.
59PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
OBSERVED PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #60 from report #2565883 dated 10/25/22 not corrected: #56 Found unvented oven in kitchen. Must be under hood or provide proper documentation for oven to remain unvented. Oven was tagged during inspection. Priority Violation 7-42-090

Base deductions−6 pts

Oct 22

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionFail

2 Med2 Basic

4 total

86/100inspection score

−14 pts

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

25CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD−5
OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY REMINDER STATEMENT ON MENU NOR DISCLOSURE LINKING REMINDER STATEMENT TO THE ITEMS THAT ARE SERVED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED INCLUDING EGGS, BURGERS AND STEAK. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED SMALL FLIES IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. MUST CONTACT PEST CONTROL AND ELIMINATE SMALL FLY ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020 (A)

Basic (2)

−4 pts

55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED HOLES IN CEILING ABOVE DRY STORAGE WEST SIDE BASEMENT. CLOSE ALL HOLES IN AREA ABOVE DRY STORAGE. OBSERVED EAST SIDE BASEMENT WITH LIQUOR ROOM STORAGE WITH SHELVES WALLS AND CEILING NOT SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. MUST MAKE ALL WALLS, FLOORS AND CEILING SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
60PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT DATED 6/7/21 NOT CORRECTED INCLUDING VIOLATION #10 NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT ALL HANDSINKS (PREP BAR AND WASHROOMS) #36 INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETERS VISIBLE (2) WALK IN COOLERS (MAIN PREP AND BASEMENT) #37 INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER LABELS FOR FOOD CONTAINERS IDENTIFIED WITH COMMON NAME (SALT SUGAR CHIPS ETC.) #55 INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CONDENSER FAN COVER WITH EXCESSIVE DUST AND MOLD LIKE BUILD UP INSIDE MAIN WALK IN COOLER (FIRST FLOOR) #56 INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE NON WORKING LIGHTBULBS INSIDE REACH IN COOLERS, REACH IN FREEZERS AND NON WORKING LIGHT BULBS IN KITCHEN HOOD. #56 FOUND UNVENTED OVEN IN KITCHEN. MUST BE UNDER HOOD OR PROVIDE PROPER VENTILATION. #57 OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS WITH NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090.

Base deductions−14 pts

Oct 22

Canvass InspectionFail

3 High3 Med4 Basic

10 total

47/100inspection score

−53 pts

High Priority (3)

−30 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED ONLY HANDSINK BEHIND BAR TOTALLY INACCESSIBLE A BUCKET INSIDE SINK AND A STACK OF BUCKETS IN FRONT OF SINK BLOCKING ACCESS. BUCKETS WERE REMOVED DURING INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030 (C) CITATION ISSUED.
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED NO SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS AT HAND SINK BEHIND BAR AND NO PAPER TOWELS AT HANDSINK IN KITCHEN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030 (C).
33PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL−10
OBSERVED 2 DOOR REACH IN COOLER ON COOKING LINE NOT MAINTAINING 41F OR LESS. OBSERVED TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED FOODS INSIDE COOLER AT 50.4F. COOLER WAS TAGGED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005.

Intermediate (3)

−15 pts

22PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES−5
OBSERVED TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED FOODS INCLUDING 3 LBS OF HAM AT 50.4F VALUED AT $10. 1 LB OF BLUE CHEESE VALUED AT $4 AT 52.3F AND 1 LB OF FETA CHEESE AT 52.2F VALUED AT $4 WITHIN COOLER THAT WAS FOUND AT 50F. FOOD WAS VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005.
25CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD−5
OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY REMINDER STATEMENT ON MENU NOR DISCLOSURE LINKING REMINDER STATEMENT TO THE ITEMS THAT ARE SERVED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED INCLUDING EGGS, BURGERS AND STEAK. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED SMALL FLIES IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. MUST CONTACT PEST CONTROL AND ELIMINATE SMALL FLY ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020 (A)

Basic (4)

−8 pts

55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED STANDING WATER ON FLOOR OF BASEMENT. MUST REMOVE STANDING WATER AND KEEP FLOOR IN A CLEAN DRY CONDITION.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED HOLES IN CEILING ABOVE DRY STORAGE WEST SIDE BASEMENT. CLOSE ALL HOLES IN AREA ABOVE DRY STORAGE. OBSERVED EAST SIDE BASEMENT WITH LIQUOR ROOM STORAGE WITH SHELVES WALLS AND CEILING NOT SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. MUST MAKE ALL WALLS, FLOORS AND CEILING SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
60PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT DATED 6/7/21 NOT CORRECTED INCLUDING VIOLATION #10 NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT ALL HANDSINKS (PREP BAR AND WASHROOMS) #36 INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETERS VISIBLE (2) WALK IN COOLERS (MAIN PREP AND BASEMENT) #37 INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER LABELS FOR FOOD CONTAINERS IDENTIFIED WITH COMMON NAME (SALT SUGAR CHIPS ETC.) #55 INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CONDENSER FAN COVER WITH EXCESSIVE DUST AND MOLD LIKE BUILD UP INSIDE MAIN WALK IN COOLER (FIRST FLOOR) #56 INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE NON WORKING LIGHTBULBS INSIDE REACH IN COOLERS, REACH IN FREEZERS AND NON WORKING LIGHT BULBS IN KITCHEN HOOD. #56 FOUND UNVENTED OVEN IN KITCHEN. MUST BE UNDER HOOD OR PROVIDE PROPER VENTILATION. #57 OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS WITH NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090.
61SUMMARY REPORT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC−2
OBSERVED NO INSPECTION SUMMARY REPORT FROM 6/7/21 POSTED ON PREMISE FOR PUBLIC VIEW. INSTRUCTED MANAGER, AGAIN, THAT SUMMARY REPORT MUST BE POSTED FOR THE PUBLIC TO SEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-010(b).

Base deductions−53 pts

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Community Safety Reports

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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.

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