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IsTheKitchenClean displays publicly available food inspection data from the Chicago Department of Public Health. Trending rankings and summaries are automated interpretations of that data and are not official health department assessments. Inspection findings reflect conditions at a specific point in time and may not represent current conditions at a restaurant.

Subway

Chain

5040 S Cottage Grove Ave, Chicago, IL 60615

South Loop

Sep 21, 2026 — Complaint inspection

Fail

Triggered by a public complaint about this restaurant.

Handwashing sink water too cold and meats stored above safe temperature; $200 of product discarded.

Key Findings

  • Prep handwashing sink water measured only 70°F instead of hot water required for proper hand hygiene.
  • Turkey and ham in walk-in cooler stored at 47-48°F instead of required 41°F or below; about 20 lbs of meat discarded.
  • Food handlers observed preparing food without hair restraints.
  • Food debris, spills, and grease buildup found on floors and surfaces throughout facility, including under shelving, prep areas, and around cooking equipment.

Key findings are derived directly from the inspector's notes from the Chicago Department of Public Health. See the full violation notes below.

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Violation code #10 — ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
Inspector's Notes:

OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING SINKS NOT MAINTAINED WITH HOT WATER: IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF HOT WATER OBSERVED PREP HANDSINK (70F). PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.

Violation code #22 — PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
Inspector's Notes:

OBSERVED TURKEY AT 48.1F AND HAM 47.1F STORED IN WALK-IN COOLER AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DISCARD APPROXIMATELY 20LBS AND $200 OF PRODUCT. ALL COLD TCS FOOD MUST MAINTAIN 41F OR BELOW DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY, AND SERVICE. PRIORITY CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005

Viewing inspection from Sep 21, 2026 · Show current spotlight →

Inspection History

Subway has had 8 inspections in the last 5 years with a 88% pass rate. Last inspection was on Oct 1, 2026.

Oct 1, 2026Pass

Complaint Re-Inspection — A follow-up to confirm complaint-related violations were fixed.

Sep 21, 2026FailVIEWING NOW

Complaint — Triggered by a public complaint about this restaurant.

4 violations
Jan 28, 2026Conditional

Canvass — A routine, unannounced visit by a city health inspector.

4 violations