Restaurant Grade Cards: Arlington Heights vs Chicago

Does Cook County use letter grades like Los Angeles?

No. CCDPH posts numerical inspection results categorized as priority, priority foundation, and core violations under the Illinois Food Code. Chicago uses a separate pass, conditional pass, or fail rating administered by CDPH.

How often are suburban restaurants inspected?

CCDPH inspects high-risk facilities up to three times annually and moderate-risk twice per year. Complaints, foodborne illness reports, and follow-ups for priority violations trigger additional unannounced visits at any time.

Where can residents view inspection results?

CCDPH publishes inspection reports on the Food Protection portal at cookcountypublichealth.org. Search by establishment name or address; results show recent visits, violations cited, and any reinspection or enforcement actions taken.

Why doesn't my favorite Chicago restaurant have a letter grade in the window?

Chicago has never adopted the A/B/C letter system. CDPH publishes Pass, Pass-with-Conditions, or Fail outcomes online instead of requiring a posted card at the entrance.

Where can I look up a Chicago restaurant's inspection?

Visit data.cityofchicago.org Food Inspections or chicagohealthatlas.org. Both list every CDPH inspection, the violation count, and whether the result was Pass, Conditional, or Fail.

What happens if a restaurant fails inspection?

CDPH closes the operation until a reinspection within seven days. The establishment must correct every critical violation. Reopening requires CDPH approval; repeat failures can lead to license revocation under MCC 4-8.