⚠️ Recent Failed Inspections ⚠️
FAIL Risk 1 (High)

Cafe Central Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

Cafe Central 1437 W CHICAGO AVE, CHICAGO 60642 Restaurant
April 17, 2025 Canvass License #2204097
6
Total Violations
3
Critical
1
Major
2
Minor

Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector

6
Violation #22
CRITICAL
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS INSIDE OF THE PREP COOLERS. OBSERVED BEEF STEW AT 44-57F, POTATO PUREE AT 44F, AND ROOT VEGETABLE PUREE AT 44F INSIDE OF THE PREP COOLERS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL COLD FOODS BELOW 41F. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
Temperatures below 135°F allow bacteria to multiply, especially spore-formers that survive cooking.
Hot foods must be held at 135°F or above.
Maintain 135°F or above; Check temperatures regularly; Proper hot holding equipment; Cannot reheat in hot holding units.
Violation #33
MAJOR
PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL - Comments: OBSERVED THE 2-DOOR PREP COOLER WITH AN AIR TEMPERATURE OF 50F. THE COOLER WAS USED TO STORE TCS FOODS SUCH AS POTATO AND ROOT VEGETABLE PUREES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN THE COOLERS BELOW 41F. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
Dirty equipment harbors bacteria and attracts pests.
All equipment and utensils must be clean and properly maintained.
Equipment clean to sight and touch; Free of food debris and grease; Maintained in good repair; Stored properly when clean.
Violation #38
CRITICAL
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF RODENT ACTIVITY IN THE BASEMENT. OBSERVED APPROX. 100 RAT DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR OF THE BASEMENT HVAC CLOSET AND IN THE REAR OF THE BASEMENT. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS FROM ALL AFFECTED AREAS. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
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 #49
MINOR
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: CLEAN THE GREASE BUILDUP ON THE OUTSIDE DOOR OF THE 2-DOOR PREP COOLER, 3-COMPARTMENT SINK ON THE PIPES BENEATH THE SINK AND EXTERIOR OF THE SINK BASINS, EXTERIOR OF THE STOVE AND EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR OF THE DEEP FRYER.
Accumulated soil attracts pests and harbors bacteria.
All surfaces must be kept clean.
Clean equipment interiors and exteriors; Walls, ceilings, floors clean; Remove grease and debris; Clean as often as necessary.
Violation #51
CRITICAL
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: OBSERVED A LEAK AT THE DRAIN LINE OF THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
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 #51
CRITICAL
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: OBSERVED A LEAK AT THE DRAIN LINE OF THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
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.

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