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A sign outside the Gold Coast's famous The Pump Room cites "severe water damage" and workers at the Public Chicago hotel are telling guests the restaurant is closed after suffering broken water pipes. However, a city health department report from Thursday details a litany of code violations, including live roaches in kitchen prep areas and a lack of sufficient rodent proofing. The restaurant is closed, according to workers, and it's been cordoned off from the hotel lobby with a curtain and velvet rope.
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[Photo: Ashok Selvam]
Passersby can barely see the bright green "license suspended" sign from the corner of State and Goethe. The sign is obstructed, preventing anyone from getting a proper look, and the top can only be seen from across the street. Workers say the legendary restaurant, which dates back to 1938, could reopen in a few days. Hotel management hasn't responded with an official reply (See below)
The Pump Room has long been a magnet for celebrities over its 78-year history, including becoming a favorite of Frank Sinatra. Last year, owner Ian Schrager announced he was looking to sell the restaurant and the Public Chicago hotel.
Inspectors make no mention of burst pipes. They do mention fruit flies in food prep areas, that food handlers weren't wearing hair restraints and that there were dead roaches in corners. Read the full report below.
UPDATE: A statement from Pump Room ownership maintained that it's a pipe issue in the basement and that they would be open for dinner on Tuesday night.
UPDATE: The Pump Room did, in fact, re-open Tuesday night.
