⚠️ Recent Failed Inspections ⚠️
FAIL Risk 1 (High)

CAFE 353 Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

CAFE 353 353 N CLARK ST, CHICAGO 60654 Restaurant
June 17, 2025 Canvass License #1986998
7
Total Violations
2
Critical
1
Major
4
Minor
1
Corrected On Site

Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector

7
Violation #16
CRITICAL
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED - Comments: 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.
Dirty equipment harbors and spreads pathogens, causing cross-contamination and illness.
All food contact surfaces must be properly cleaned and sanitized.
Wash, rinse, sanitize after each use; Clean between different raw foods; Every 4 hours for continuous use; When contaminated; Proper procedures and chemicals.
Violation #47
MINOR
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED SOME COLOR CODED STAINED CUTTING BOARDS IN THE FIRST FLOOR FOOD PREP AREAS.INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE OR REPLACE THE CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN .
Poor design creates areas that harbor bacteria.
All surfaces must be designed to be easily cleanable.
Smooth, non-porous surfaces; Free of cracks and crevices; Easily disassembled; Accessible for cleaning.
Violation #51
CRITICAL
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: OBSERVED LOW WATER PRESSURE AT HANDWASHING SINK NEAR THE WALK-IN-FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR PLUMBING ISSUE AND MAINTAIN.
Backflow can contaminate entire water supply with sewage or chemicals.
Plumbing must be properly installed with backflow prevention.
Air gaps at fixtures; Backflow preventers on connections; No cross-connections; Annual testing of devices; Proper drainage.
Violation #55
MINOR
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED BLACKENED,MOLDY WALL CAULKING AT THE DISHWASHING MACHINE AREA.MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.
Building must be maintained in good condition.
No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.
Violation #56
MINOR
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ACCUMULATION OF DUSTS ON CEILING VENTILATION COVERS IN THE KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREA AND MAINTAIN.
Poor ventilation causes condensation and grease buildup; inadequate lighting hides contamination.
Proper ventilation and lighting required throughout.
Ventilation prevents condensation; Adequate lighting for operations; Fixtures shielded; Hoods over cooking equipment.
Violation #57
MINOR
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE.INSTRUCTED TO SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES AND MAINTAIN AS REQUIRED.
Smoking contaminates hands and food with nicotine and tar residues.
Smoking prohibited in food establishments.
No smoking in any part of establishment; Designated areas away from food; Proper signage posted.
Violation #57
MINOR
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE.INSTRUCTED TO SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES AND MAINTAIN AS REQUIRED.
Smoking contaminates hands and food with nicotine and tar residues.
Smoking prohibited in food establishments.
No smoking in any part of establishment; Designated areas away from food; Proper signage posted.

Health Department Information

Department Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH)
Division Food Protection Program
Report Issues Call 311 or File Online
More Information CDPH Food Protection
Data sourced from Chicago Open Data Portal - Chicago Department of Public Health inspections