What is Great Sea Restaurant's health inspection score?

Great Sea Restaurant has a SafeDine safety score of 39 out of 100 (Grade C). This score is calculated from official government health inspection data, factoring in violation severity, recency, and trends.

When was Great Sea Restaurant last inspected?

Great Sea Restaurant was last inspected on June 26, 2025. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does Great Sea Restaurant have?

Great Sea Restaurant has 46 total violations across 6 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is Great Sea Restaurant safe to eat at?

Great Sea Restaurant has a safety score of 39/100, which suggests room for improvement. Review the detailed inspection history on SafeDine for more information.

What type of cuisine does Great Sea Restaurant serve?

Great Sea Restaurant serves American cuisine. Visit their SafeDine page for safety scores, inspection history, and more details.

Official Health Record

Great Sea Restaurant

Name: Great Sea Restaurant
Address: 3253 W LAWRENCE AVE, Chicago, 60625
Rating: 39

3253 W LAWRENCE AVE, Chicago

Last inspected 11mo ago

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0Poor

American•Lincoln Square

Ranked #344 of 448 in Lincoln SquareBetter than 22% of american restaurants

Declining

6 inspections

Last: Jun 26, 2025

medium confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

17%

Clean Rate

7.7

Avg Violations

11 months ago

Last Inspected

Top Concerns

Most common issues from recent inspections

HandwashingHigh Priority

Employees not properly washing hands — contamination risk

Temperature controlHigh Priority

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

SanitationHigh Priority

Equipment or surfaces not properly cleaned/sanitized

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-61

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-23 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-5 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-15 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Freshness Penalty

-7 pts

Score reduced due to stale inspection data

Inspection Timeline

-25 pts

Latest

100% weight

100

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

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3253 W LAWRENCE AVE, Chicago, IL 60625

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Violation Timeline

Sep 2022

2 inspections

1 high priority

5 intermediate

7 basic

Sep

Feb 2023

1 inspections

2 high priority

1 intermediate

3 basic

Jul 2024

1 inspections

4 high priority

3 intermediate

4 basic

Jul

Aug 2024

1 inspections

Jun 2025

1 inspections

3 high priority

1 intermediate

12 basic

Jun

Inspection History

6 records on file

3 Canvass2 Canvass Re-Inspection1 Complaint

Jun 25

Canvass InspectionLatestPass w/ Conditions

3 High1 Med12 Basic

16 total

41/100inspection score

−59 pts

High Priority (3)

−30 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
NOTED THE DISH WASHING/PREP HAND WASHING SINK NOT ACCESSIBLE FOR USE. SINK BLOCKED BY PREP TABLE. MANAGER REMOVED THE TABLE. REVIEWED HAND WASHING SINKS MUST BE ACCESSIBLE FOR USE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-0303(C) CITATION ISSUED.
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
NO PAPER TOWELS LOCATED AT THE DISHWASHING/PREP HAND WASHING SINK. MUST PROVIDE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) SEE THE ABOVE VIOLATION #10 FOR CITATION.
16FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED−10
NOTED THE CHLORINE CHEMICAL DISHWASHING MACHINE NOT DISPENSING SANITIZER WHILE DISHES BEING WASHED. 0 PPM CHLORINE AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. MACHINE TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION AND MUST NOT USE UNTIL REPAIRED, PROPERLY DISPENSES CHLORINE SANITIZER AND C.D.P.H CONTACTED FOR RE-INSPECTION AND TAG REMOVAL. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-025 CITATION ISSUED.

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
REAR EXIT DOOR WITH A 1 INCH OPENING AROUND THE DOOR HANDLE. MUST PROVIDE A TIGHT FITTING SEAL ON DOOR AND SEAL ALL OPENINGS.

Basic (12)

−24 pts

40PERSONAL CLEANLINESS−2
NOTED A FOOD HANDLER WITH A LARGE BEARD. MUST PROVIDE BEARD GUARDS FOR FOOD HANDLERS WITH BEARDS.
41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
ALL PREP AREA WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE HELD IN A CONTAINER WITH A SANITIZING SOLUTION.
43IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED−2
MUST PROVIDE A AN ICE SCOOP WITH A HANDLE AT THE FRONT PREP ICE BIN.----NOTED IN-USE RICE SCOOP BEING STORED IN A CONTAINER OF WATER AT A TEMPERATURE OF 90.6F. IF STORED IN HOT WATER, MUST MAINTAIN A MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 135F OR STORE ON/IN A CLEAN SURFACE/CONTAINER AND WASH, RINSE, SANITIZE AS NEED OR EVERY 4 HOURS.
44UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED−2
CLEAN STORED MIXING BOWLS MUST BE STORED INVERTED.
45SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED−2
ALL STORED ITEMS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY IN ALL AREAS MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOORS.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
MUST NOT USE DUCT TAPE AS A MEANS OF REPAIR FOR TOP METAL PORTION OF THE ICE BIN IN THE FRONT PREP.----MUST NOT USE RAW WOOD AND STRING AS A MEANS OF REPAIR INSIDE THE KITCHEN COOLER.----MUST NOT USE GROCERY BAGS AS FOOD CONTAINERS INSIDE BOX FREEZERS. MUST USE FOOD GRADE DISPOSABLE BAGS OR WASHABLE CONTAINERS.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
ALL RAW WOODEN TABLES, EQUIPMENT STANDS, SHELVING AT HAND WASHING SINKS MUST BE PAINTED, SEAL AND NON-ABSORBENT.----MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD AS LINER FOR SHELVING OR VENT COVERS THROUGHOUT.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
LEAK ON THE NOZZLE OF THE FRONT PREP THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AND THE BASEMENT 2 COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REPAIR ALL.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
ALL UNNECESSARY UNUSED ITEMS NOTED PILED IN THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF THE BASEMENT MUST BE REMOVED FROM THE PREMISES TO PREVENT PEST HARBORING AND ALL OTHER NEED ITEMS STORED ELEVATED, ORGANIZED AND ACCESSIBLE.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
NOTED WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES IN THE MENS WASHROOM. MUST REPLACE.----MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD AS MATTING FOR FLOORS OR GUARDS ON WALLS THROUGHOUT.----NOTED POOLING LIQUID ON FLOORS IN SEVERAL AREAS THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT. MUST REMOVE POOLING LIQUID AND MAINTAIN DRY FLOORS.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
MUST NOT STORE SOILED MOP HEADS AT THE ICE MACHINE OR ON THE REAR PATIO. MUST STORE INVERTED AT THE UTILITY SERVICE SINK.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES FOR ALL REQUIRED EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE.

Base deductions−59 pts

Aug 24

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionCleanPass

No violations

100/100inspection score

Jul 24

Canvass InspectionFail

4 High3 Med4 Basic

11 total

37/100inspection score

−63 pts

High Priority (4)

−40 pts

9NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH RTE FOOD OR A PRE-APPROVED ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURE PROPERLY ALLOWED−10
OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE TOUCHING READY-TO-EAT FOOD WITH THEIR BARE HANDS DURING PREPARATION.OBSERVED THE EMPLOYEE TOUCHING COOKED CHICKEN WINGS WITH THEIR BARE HANDS.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT READY-TO-EAT FOODS CANNOT BE HANDLED WITH BARE HANDS AND TO USE GLOVES, TONGS, SPATULAS, DELI PAPER ETC..PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-010,CITATION ISSUED.
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED MISSING HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HAND SINKS IN MAIN KITCHEN PREP AREA AND FRONT BEVERAGE SMOOTHIE PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
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.
33PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL−10
OBSERVED A 3-DOOR COOLER IN THE REAR KITCHEN WITH AN AIR TEMPERATURE OF 65.5F. (NO TCS FOODS WERE FOUND INSIDE SAID COOLER AT THIS TIME OF INSPECTION.) INSTRUCTED MANAGER COLD HOLDING UNITS MUST MAINTAIN COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 41.0F OR COLDER AT ALL TIMES. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR REFRIGERATION UNIT; TAGGED "HELD FOR INSPECTION" AT THIS TIME. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE UNTIL REPAIRED.(SEE COMMENTS BELOW). PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005,NO CITATION ISSUED.

Intermediate (3)

−15 pts

36THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE−5
OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER INSIDE REFRIGERATION UNITS LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AREAS.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ADEQUATE,ACCURATE WORKING THERMOMETERS FOR REFRIGERATION UNITS.
37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS IN KITCHEN PREP AREA WITHOUT A LABEL.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE COMMON NAME ON ALL BULK CONTAINERS TO PROPERLY IDENTIFY ITEM (NAME (SALT, SUGAR, FLOUR ETC).
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF PEST ACTIVITY ON THE PREMISES.OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 60 RODENT (MICE) DROPPINGS ON THE FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS BEHIND THE THE CHEST FREEZERS,UNDERNEATH THE STORAGE RACKS IN THE BASEMENT STORAGE AREAS AND INSIDE THE ELECTRICAL ROOM IN SAME BASEMENT AREA.INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE AND REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS FROM ALL AFFECTED AREAS.ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A),CITATION ISSUED.

Basic (4)

−8 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
INSTRUCTED TO TRANSFER FOOD PRODUCTS FROM AN OPEN ORIGINAL CAN CONTAINER INTO FOOD GRADE CONTAINER FOR PROPER FOOD STORAGE AND MAINTAIN.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE MICROWAVES AND DEEP FRYERS WITH ENCRUSTED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD-UP ALSO,STORAGE RACKS THROUGHOUT THE KITCHEN IN NEED OF A DETAIL CLEANING AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND ORGANIZE BASEMENT STORAGE AREAS AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES DUE TO POTENTIAL PEST HARBORAGE AND ELEVATE STOCK ITEMS AT LEAST 6" INCHES OFF THE FLOOR FOR EASIER CLEANING AND MAINTAIN.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE KITCHEN EXHAUST HOODS/FILTERS AND ATTACHED EQUIPMENTS TO REMOVE ACCUMULATION OF DUSTS/DEBRIS AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−63 pts

Feb 23

Complaint InspectionPass w/ Conditions

2 High1 Med3 Basic

6 total1 risk factor

64/100inspection score

−31 pts

High Priority (2)

−20 pts

8HANDS CLEAN & PROPERLY WASHEDRisk Factor−10
OBSERVED FOOD EMPLOYEE IMPROPERLY WASHING HANDS. EMPLOYEE DID NOT USE SOAP WHEN WASHING HANDS. EMPLOYEE ALSO TURNED OFF FAUCET WITH BARE HANDS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL EMPLOYEES WASH HANDS WITH SOAP AND TURN OFF FAUCET WITH PAPER TOWELS OR OTHER APPROPRIATE BARRIER. PRIROTY VIOLATION 7-38-010 CITATION ISSUED.
33PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL−10
OBSERVED CHICKEN BEING COOLED USING IMPROPER METHODS. CHICKEN WAS COOLING IN BULK TUBS AND WAS FILLED PAST RIM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PLACE CHICKEN IN SHALLOW PANS OR OTHER EFFECTIVE METHODS IN ORDER TO COOL PROPERLY. MANAGER HAD CHICKEN MOVED TO SHALLOW PANS IN SMALLER PORTIONS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED 3 DOOR COOLER SOY SAUCE AND SUPPLIES STORED BETWEEN BACKDOOR AND GATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE SURROUNDING AREA IS RODENT PROOF.

Basic (3)

−6 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
OBSERVED EMPLOYEE DROP COOKED CHICKEN ON FLOOR THEN PICK UP SAID PIECE OF CHICKEN AND ADD TO BATCH OF CHICKEN TO BE SERVED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DISCARD ANY UNPACKAGED FOOD PRODUCT THAT FALLS TO FLOOR TO AVOID CROSS-CONTAMINATION. MANAGER DISCARDED 10 POUNDS OF CHICKEN ($150) PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
OBSERVED OLD SOILED SPONGES BEING UTILIZED IN 3 COMP SINK WHICH ALSO SERVES AS PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE SPONGES ARE NOT USED FOR FOOD CONTACT SURFACES.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED CLUTTER IN OUTSIDE WITH ITMES BEING STORED DIRECTLY ON THE FLOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER ELEVATE ALL ITEMS AT LEAST SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.

Base deductions−31 pts

Risk factor bonus (1× +5)−5 pts

Sep 22

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionPass

2 Med2 Basic

4 total

86/100inspection score

−14 pts

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

36THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE−5
4-204.112(B) INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE INSIDE COOLERS.
37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
3-302.12 INSTRUCTED TO LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS IDENTIFIED WITH COMMON NAME (SALT, FLOUR, SUGAR ETC)

Basic (2)

−4 pts

57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
FOOD HANDLERS WITH INCOMPLETE PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CERTIFICATE FOR EACH EMPLOYEE.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
2-102.13 FOUND EXPIRED APPROVED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE AVAILABLE. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSON WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH CURRENT ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.

Base deductions−14 pts

Sep 22

Canvass InspectionFail

1 High3 Med5 Basic

9 total

65/100inspection score

−35 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

16FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED−10
INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR SURFACES OF ICE MACHINE WITH MINIMAL BUILD UP.

Intermediate (3)

−15 pts

36THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE−5
INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE INSIDE COOLERS.
37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
INSTRUCTED TO LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS IDENTIFIED WITH COMMON NAME (SALT, FLOUR, SUGAR ETC)
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
FOUND OVER 30 RODENT (MICE) DROPPINGS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS UNDER AND AROUND COOLERS IN THE PREP AREA AND OVER 20 DROPPINGS ALONG THE WALLS IN THE BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE AFFECTED AREAS. RECOMMEND TO CONTACT LICENSED PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020 (A) CITATION ISSUED

Basic (5)

−10 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
FOOD AND NON FOOD ITEMS MUST BE STORED 6" OFF THE FLOOR TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION AND FOR EASY ACCESS ON CLEANING IN REAR AND FRONT STORAGE AREA.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR STRIPPED (HOT) FAUCET HANDLE IN REAR PREP AREA (NEXT TO STOVE).
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES STORED IN REAR OUTSIDE AREA TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
FOOD HANDLERS WITH INCOMPLETE PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CERTIFICATE FOR EACH EMPLOYEE.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
FOUND EXPIRED APPROVED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE AVAILABLE. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSON WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.

Base deductions−35 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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