⚠️ Recent Failed Inspections ⚠️
FAIL Risk 1 (High)

CAFE 53 Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

CAFE 53 1369 E 53RD ST, CHICAGO 60615 Restaurant
March 11, 2011 License License #2084345
5
Total Violations
2
Critical
1
Major
2
Minor

Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector

5
Violation #2
CRITICAL
FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE - Comments: GELATO FREEZER NOT ON AND OPERATING. MUST REPAIR AND HAVE ON AND OPERATING TO VERIFY THAT IT HOLDS THE PROPER TEMPERATURE.
Lack of certification indicates potential gaps in food safety knowledge, increasing risk of improper food handling and foodborne illness.
Valid City of Chicago Food Service Sanitation Certificate required and must be posted.
Certificate must be: Current and valid; Posted conspicuously in public view; Held by person in charge during all operating hours; Renewed before expiration date.
Violation #35
MINOR
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS - Comments: MUST REMOVE PEELING PAINT FROM CEILING ABOVE REAR DISH WASHING AREA. MUST SEAL ALL LARGE GAPS ALONG WALL BASES IN REAR CLOSET AND INSTALL COVING. MUST SEAL OPENINGS AND RAW WOOD AROUND HOT WATER HEATER COVER IN MENS WASHROOM.
Damaged surfaces cannot be properly cleaned and may harbor pests.
Walls and ceilings must be smooth, cleanable, and in good repair.
Smooth, washable surfaces in food areas; Light colored; No holes or cracks; Clean and maintained.
Violation #36
MINOR
LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED - Comments: MUST PROVIDE THE PROPER LIGHT SHEILDS AND END CAPS ON LIGHTS OVER ALL FOOD PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS OR PROVIDE PROOF OF SHATTER PROOF BULBS.
Inadequate lighting prevents detection of contamination and pests.
Adequate protected lighting required in all areas.
50 foot-candles at prep surfaces; 20 foot-candles at 30 inches in storage; Shielded bulbs over exposed food; Clean fixtures.
Violation #38
CRITICAL
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: MUST INSTALL A DIPPER WELL NEAR GELATO FREEZER. MUST REPAIR LEAKY FAUCET AT HAND SINK. MUST INSTALL A BACK FLOW DEVICE AT THE ESPRESSO MACHINE.
Pests spread numerous diseases through contamination.
No pests or animals allowed in facility.
No evidence of pests; No live animals except service animals; Effective pest control program.
Violation #38
CRITICAL
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: MUST INSTALL A DIPPER WELL NEAR GELATO FREEZER. MUST REPAIR LEAKY FAUCET AT HAND SINK. MUST INSTALL A BACK FLOW DEVICE AT THE ESPRESSO MACHINE.
Pests spread numerous diseases through contamination.
No pests or animals allowed in facility.
No evidence of pests; No live animals except service animals; Effective pest control program.

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