What is Whale Fish & Chicken's health inspection score?

Whale Fish & Chicken has a SafeDine safety score of 62 out of 100 (Grade C). This score is calculated from official government health inspection data, factoring in violation severity, recency, and trends.

When was Whale Fish & Chicken last inspected?

Whale Fish & Chicken was last inspected on March 10, 2025. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does Whale Fish & Chicken have?

Whale Fish & Chicken has 21 total violations across 3 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is Whale Fish & Chicken safe to eat at?

Whale Fish & Chicken has a safety score of 62/100, which suggests room for improvement. Review the detailed inspection history on SafeDine for more information.

What type of cuisine does Whale Fish & Chicken serve?

Whale Fish & Chicken serves Chicken cuisine. Visit their SafeDine page for safety scores, inspection history, and more details.

Official Health Record

Whale Fish & Chicken

Name: Whale Fish & Chicken
Address: 3600 W CHICAGO AVE, Chicago, 60651
Rating: 62

3600 W CHICAGO AVE, Chicago

Data may be outdated — inspected 3/10/2025

Own or manage this restaurant?

Claim it to unlock analytics →

0Fair

Chicken•Chicago

Ranked #999 of 1000 in ChicagoBetter than 97% of chicken restaurants

Stable

3 inspections

Last: Mar 10, 2025

low confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

Clean Rate

Avg Violations

13 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 issues

Evidence of pests found during inspection

Employee hygiene

Personal hygiene practices not followed

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-38

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-3 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-9 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-9 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Freshness Penalty

-12 pts

Score reduced due to stale inspection data

Inspection Timeline

+5 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

3600 W CHICAGO AVE, Chicago, IL 60651

Open in Maps

View Menu Order Online

Violation Timeline

Dec 2023

1 inspections

8 basic

Dec

Sep 2024

1 inspections

1 high priority

4 intermediate

2 basic

Mar 2025

1 inspections

1 intermediate

5 basic

Mar

Inspection History

3 records on file

3 Complaint

Mar 25

Complaint InspectionLatestPass

1 Med5 Basic

6 total

85/100inspection score

−15 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
OBSERVED CONTAINERS WITH FLOUR NOT IN ITS ORIGINAL FOOD CONTAINERS/PACKAGING FOR CHICKEN, SHRIMP AND FISH WITH NO LABEL IN THE FOOD PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LABELS.

Basic (5)

−10 pts

40PERSONAL CLEANLINESS−2
OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER WITH NO HAIR NET/RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
OBSERVED IMPROPER STORAGE OF WIPING CLOTHS ON THE FOOD PREP TABLE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE PROPERLY BETWEEN USAGE.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED CHEESE SLICES STORED IN PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS IN THE COOLER DISPLAY UNIT. INSTRUCTED TO ONLY FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS/CONTAINERS ONLY.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVE IMPROPER MOP STORAGE IN A BUCKET IN THE DISHWASH AREA. INSTRUCTED TO STORE PROPERLY BETWEEN USAGE.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED WATER-STAINED CEILING TILES IN THE DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−15 pts

Sep 24

Complaint InspectionPass

1 High4 Med2 Basic

7 total

66/100inspection score

−34 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED HANDWASHING SINK IN REAR WAREWASHING AREA MISSING SIGNAGE NOTIFYING EMPLOYEES TO WASH HANDS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE TO ALL HANDWASHING SINKS AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

Intermediate (4)

−20 pts

36THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE−5
OBSERVED FRONT SLIDING-DOOR DISPLAY COOLER MISSING INTERNAL AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE MEASURING DEVICE WHILE COLD-HOLDING TCS FOOD ITEMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AT LEAST ONE INTERNAL AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE MEASURING DEVICE IN ALL COLD-HOLDING UNITS USED TO STORE TCS FOOD ITEMS AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
OBSERVED PRE-PACKAGED GRAB-AND-GO TAFFY GRAPES AND PUDDING CUPS STORED IN SLIDING-DOOR DISPLAY COOLER FOR SALE TO CONSUMERS MISSING ADEQUATE FOOD LABELS. LISTED FOOD ITEMS ARE FROM LICENSED FOOD MANUFACUTRER: THE CAKE FACTORY AT 13651 KENTON AVE, CRESTWOOD, IL 60418. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE NAME AND ADDRESS OF MANUFACTURER OR DISTRIBUTOR AND LIST OF INGREDIENTS ON ALL PRE-PACKAGED CONTAINERS FOR DIRECT SALE TO CONSUMERS. PERSON-IN-CHARGE VOLUNTARILY WITHHELD UNLABELED FOOD ITEMS FROM SALE UNTIL ADEQUATE LABELS ARE RECEIVED FROM MANUFACTURER.
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED INSECT CONTROL DEVICE INSTALLED ABOVE FOOD CONTAINERS IN THE REAR DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE OR RELOCATE INSECT CONTROL DEVICE SO THAT IT IS NOT ABOVE FOOD, EQUIPMENT, OR UTENSILS AND MAINTAIN.
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 1/2" GAP BETWEEN REAR EXTERIOR DOOR AND DOOR FRAME ON ALL SIDES OF DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE EXTERIOR DOOR TO ELIMINATE GAP BETWEEN DOOR AND DOOR FRAME AND PROTECT OUTER OPENINGS FROM PESTS AND MAINTAIN.

Basic (2)

−4 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
OBSERVED SINGLE-USE PAPER CUP USED AS A SCOOP IN DRY FOOD STORAGE CONTAINER IN REAR DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE SINGLE-USE UTENSIL AND REPLACE WITH MULTI-USE UTENSIL WITH A HANDLE TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION WHILE SCOOPING AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED FLOORS BENEATH FOOD PREP TABLE AND DRY FOOD STORAGE SHELF ON EASTERN WALL OF FACILITY (NEAR WALK-IN FREEZER AND WATER HEATER) TO BE SOILED WITH DRIED FOOD DEBRIS AND HEAVY DUST. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS BENEATH EQUIPMENT AT ADEQUATE FREQUENCY TO PREVENT BUILD UP OF SOIL AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−34 pts

Dec 23

Complaint InspectionPass

8 Basic

8 total

84/100inspection score

−16 pts

Basic (8)

−16 pts

45SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED−2
OBSERVED WHITE TO GO CONTAINERS ABOVE HOT HOLDING AREA AND ALUMINUM FOIL PANS UNDERNEATH PREP TABLE IN FRONT NOT INVERTED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT ALL EQUIPMENT DURING STORAGE TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED DAMAGED GASKET ON EASTSIDE DOOR OF THREE DOOR LARGE COLD HOLDING UNIT ACROSS FROM THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AND MIDDLE AND WESTSIDE DOOR OF SMALL COLD HOLDING UNIT IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR/REPLACE DAMAGED GSKETS AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED DAMAGED TOP OF SMALL WHITE SHELVING UNIT IN SMALL REAR STORAGE ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR TOP SHELF OR REPLACE CART.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED SODA BOTTLES IN SMALL STORAGE ROOM AND BOX OF WHITE BAGS IN PREP AREA STORED ON FLOOR AND SODA CRATES AND BLUE PALLETS USED FOR ELEVATION IN WALKIN COOLER AND WALKIN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING UNITS TO ELEVATE FOOD AND NONFOOD ITEMS AT LEAST SIX INCHES OFF OF FLOOR FOR EASE OF CLEANABILITY AND TO PREVENT AREAS FOR PEST HARBORAGE.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED DUST ON TOP SURFACE OF KNIFE RACK. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED STAINED, DAMAGED OR MISSING CEILING TILES THROUGHOUT FACILITY, IN SMALL STORAGE ROOM, DISHWASHING AREA, FRONT PREP AND WAITING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE ALL STAINED, DAMAGED OR MISSING CEILING TILES THROUGHOUT FACILITY AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED BUILDUP IN CORNERS AND ALONG BASES OF WALL IN STOREROOM. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN CORNERS AND ALONG BASES OF WALL IN STOREROOM. OBSERVED BUILDUP ALONG WALLS AND IN CORNERS IN FRONT PREP AREA ON WESTSIDE WALL. OBSERVED DEBRIS AND BUILDUP ON FLOORS UNDERNEATH COOKING EQUIPMENT AND SMALL THREE DOOR COLD HOLDING UNIT IN FRONT PREP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS UNDERNEATH ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT AND UNDERNEATH SMALL THRRE DOOR COLD HOLDING UNIT AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED BUILDUP ON FLOORS, ALONG BASES OF WALL AND IN CORNERS IN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS, ALONG BASES OF WALL AND IN CORNERS OF WASHROOM AND MAINTAIN.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED DUSTY CEILING VENT COVERS IN WASHROOM AND IN FRONT PREP IN FRONT OF HOOD. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN CEILING VENT COVERS AND MAINTAIN.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
OBSERVED THREE EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CURRENT AND VALID PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS.

Base deductions−16 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 Chicken Restaurants Best in Chicago All Illinois Restaurants