What is True Food Kitchen's health inspection score?

True Food Kitchen has a SafeDine safety score of 65 out of 100 (Grade C). This score is calculated from official government health inspection data, factoring in violation severity, recency, and trends.

When was True Food Kitchen last inspected?

True Food Kitchen was last inspected on May 12, 2026. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does True Food Kitchen have?

True Food Kitchen has 30 total violations across 1 inspection on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is True Food Kitchen safe to eat at?

True Food Kitchen has a safety score of 65/100, which suggests room for improvement. Review the detailed inspection history on SafeDine for more information.

What type of cuisine does True Food Kitchen serve?

True Food Kitchen serves American cuisine. Visit their SafeDine page for safety scores, inspection history, and more details.

Official Health Record

True Food Kitchen

Name: True Food Kitchen
Address: 1-9 W ERIE ST, Chicago, 60654
Rating: 65

1-9 W ERIE ST, Chicago

Last Inspected: 5/12/2026

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0Fair

American•River North

Ranked #384 of 551 in River NorthBetter than 22% of american restaurants

Stable

8 inspections

Last: May 12, 2026

high confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

13%

Clean Rate

3.8

Avg Violations

1 month ago

Last Inspected

Top Concerns

Most common issues from recent inspections

Temperature controlHigh Priority

Food not kept at safe temperatures — risk of bacterial growth

Pest issues

Evidence of pests found during inspection

SanitationHigh Priority

Equipment or surfaces not properly cleaned/sanitized

Plumbing issues

Plumbing or waste disposal problems

Food storage

Food not properly stored or protected

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-32

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-4 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-13 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-2 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Inspection Timeline

-2 pts

Latest

100% weight

2nd

60% weight

3rd

30% weight

Real-time Score: 68/100 — This score includes today's freshness penalty and may differ slightly from the displayed score (65/100) which is computed during our regular data sync.

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

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1-9 W ERIE ST, Chicago, IL 60654

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Violation Timeline

Nov 2022

1 inspections

2 basic

Nov

Dec 2023

2 inspections

2 high priority

1 basic

Jul 2024

2 inspections

4 intermediate

4 basic

Jul

Jul 2025

2 inspections

3 high priority

2 intermediate

7 basic

May 2026

1 inspections

1 high priority

4 intermediate

May

Inspection History

8 records on file

3 Complaint2 Complaint Re-Inspection1 Canvass Re-Inspection2 Canvass

May 26

Complaint InspectionLatestPass with Conditions

1 High4 Med

5 total1 risk factor

65/100inspection score

−30 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

33PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROLRisk Factor−10

Intermediate (4)

−20 pts

22PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES−5
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−5
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−5
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−5

Base deductions−30 pts

Risk factor bonus (1× +5)−5 pts

Jul 25

Complaint Re-Inspection InspectionPass

1 High

1 total

90/100inspection score

−10 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

16FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED−10
4-602.11(B-E)--OBSERVED A SLIGHT DEBRIS ACCUMULATION ENCRUSTED ON THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE.MUST REMOVE DEBRIS, DETAIL CLEAN INSIDE ICE MACHINE/HAVE SERVICED AND MAINTAIN ICE MACHINE AT ALL TIMES.

Base deductions−10 pts

Jul 25

Complaint InspectionFail

2 High2 Med7 Basic

11 total1 risk factor

51/100inspection score

−44 pts

High Priority (2)

−20 pts

2CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATERisk Factor−10
NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE OR VALID DOCUMENTATION ON THE PREMISES WHILE TCS FOODS (CHICKEN,HUMMUS ETC.) ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED TO CUSTOMERS.INSTRUCTED PERSON-IN-CHARGE THAT A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGER MUST BE ON THE PREMISES AT ALL TIMES WHEN (TCS FOODS)ARE PREPARED,HANDLED,AND/OR SERVED.INSTRUCTED TO COMPLY AND POST ORIGINAL CERTIFICATES AS REQUIRED.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012,CITATION ISSUED.
16FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED−10
OBSERVED A SLIGHT DEBRIS ACCUMULATION ENCRUSTED ON THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE.MUST REMOVE DEBRIS, DETAIL CLEAN INSIDE ICE MACHINE/HAVE SERVICED AND MAINTAIN ICE MACHINE AT ALL TIMES.

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS IN REAR WITHOUT A LABEL. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE COMMON NAME ON ALL BULK CONTAINERS TO PROPERLY IDENTIFY ITEM (SALT, SUGAR, FLOUR ETC).
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF PEST ACTIVITY ON THE PREMISES.APPROXIMATELY 30 LIVE SMALL FLYING INSECTS OBSERVED ON THE WALLS AND CEILING TILES IN THE REAR DISHWASHING ROOM AND IN THE UTILITY MOP SINK AREA.ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A), CITATION ISSUED.

Basic (7)

−14 pts

41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
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
OBSERVED STAINED CUTTING BOARDS IN THE MAIN FRONT PREP AREAS.INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE OR REPLACE THE CUTTING BOARDS AND TO MAINTAIN.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN EXTERIOR SURFACES OF THE DISHMACHINE WITH DRIED UP DEBRIS AND TO MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND ORGANIZE REAR STORAGE ROOM AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES DUE TO POTENTIAL PEST HARBORAGE AND ELEVATE STOCK ITEMS, AT LEAST 6" INCHES OFF THE FLOOR TO FACILITATE CLEANING AND TO MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS OF THE DISHWASHING ROOM AND REAR STORAGE ROOM AND UTILITY MOP SINK AREA INCLUDING ALL FLOOR DRAINS IN BAR AREAS AND TO MAINTAIN.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN CEILING VENTILATION COVERS INSIDE THE WASHROOMS TO REMOVE ACCUMULATION OF DUSTS AND TO MAINTAIN.
60PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT#2597228 DATED:07/09/2024 #44---4-904.13: OBSERVED EXPOSED PRESET KNIFE AND FORK ON TABLES IN INDOOR AND OUTDOOR DINING AREAS.INSTRUCTED MANAGER ALL PRESET TABLEWARE SHALL BE PROTECTED FROM CONTAMINATION BY BEING WRAPPED, COVERED OR INVERTED. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLY WITH NOTED VIOLATION AND TO MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090, CITATION ISSUED.

Base deductions−44 pts

Risk factor bonus (1× +5)−5 pts

Jul 24

Complaint Re-Inspection InspectionPass

1 Med2 Basic

3 total

91/100inspection score

−9 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
6-202.15: OBSERVED OPENING IN MIDDLE OF FRONT ENTRANCE OUTER DOUBLE DOORS AND OPENING ON LEFT CORNER AT BASE OF GARAGE LIKE DOOR IN DUMPSTER AREA. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRANCE.

Basic (2)

−4 pts

44UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED−2
4-903.12: OBSERVED CONDENSATION FROM CEILING DRIPPING ONTO CLEAN EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS ON SHELVES ABOVE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN DISH ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO RELOCATE EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS IN SAID AREA TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION DURING STORAGE.
44UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED−2
4-904.13: OBSERVED EXPOSED PRESET KNIFE AND FORK ON TABLES IN INDOOR AND OUTDOOR DINING AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER ALL PRESET TABLEWARE SHALL BE PROTECTED FROM CONTAMINATION BY BEING WRAPPED, COVERED OR INVERTED.

Base deductions−9 pts

Jul 24

Complaint InspectionFail

3 Med2 Basic

5 total

81/100inspection score

−19 pts

Intermediate (3)

−15 pts

22PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES−5
OBSERVED COLD TCS FOOD, ROASTED CORN, HELD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF 50.9F . INSTRUCTED ALL COLD TCS FOOD MUST BE HELD AT 41F OR BELOW. CORRECTED ON SITE MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AND DENATURED FOOD VALUED AT $5 WEIGHING 1.4LBS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED
25CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD−5
OBSERVED NO DISCLOSURE ON MENU STATING ANIMAL DERIVED FOODS WITH AN ASTERISK ARE SERVED RAW, UNDERCOOKED OR COOKED TO ORDER . INSTRUCTED TO ADD DISCLOSURE STATING THAT ANIMAL DERIVED FOODS WITH AN ASTERISK ARE SERVED RAW, UNDERCOOKED, OR COOKED TO ORDER TO MENU. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED OPENING IN MIDDLE OF FRONT ENTRANCE OUTER DOUBLE DOORS AND OPENING ON LEFT CORNER AT BASE OF GARAGE LIKE DOOR IN DUMPSTER AREA INSTRUCTED TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRANCE.

Basic (2)

−4 pts

44UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED−2
OBSERVED CONDENSATION FROM CEILING DRIPPING ONTO CLEAN EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS ON SHELVES ABOVE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN DISH ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO RELOCATE EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS IN SAID AREA TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION DURING STORAGE.
44UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED−2
OBSERVED EXPOSED PRESET KNIFE AND FORK ON TABLES IN INDOOR AND OUTDOOR DINING AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER ALL PRESET TABLEWARE SHALL BE PROTECTED FROM CONTAMINATION BY BEING WRAPPED, COVERED OR INVERTED.

Base deductions−19 pts

Dec 23

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionCleanPass

No violations

100/100inspection score

Dec 23

Canvass InspectionFail

2 High1 Basic

3 total1 risk factor

73/100inspection score

−22 pts

High Priority (2)

−20 pts

2CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATERisk Factor−10
No certified food service manager on site, no certificate posted while handling and serving TCS foods ( chicken, fish...) instructed to obtain. Priority foundation violation 7-38-012.
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
No hot running water at men's toilet room hand wash sinks, 56f. Instructed to provide 100-120f water temp range at all hand wash sinks. Priority violation 7-38-030(C)

Basic (1)

−2 pts

48WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS−2
No heat strips/ dish machine thermometer for high temps dish machine, instructed to obtain, Priority foundation violation 7-38-005. No citation issued.

Base deductions−22 pts

Risk factor bonus (1× +5)−5 pts

Nov 22

Canvass InspectionPass

2 Basic

2 total

96/100inspection score

−4 pts

Basic (2)

−4 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED LOCK IS BROKEN ON FAMILY RESTROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
OBSERVED SLIGHT LEAK COMING FROM HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.

Base deductions−4 pts

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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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