PASS
Risk 1 (High)
CAFE EL MESON INCORPORATED Passes Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
October 2, 2026
Canvass Re-Inspection
License #2411699
6
Total Violations
1
Critical
1
Major
4
Minor
Inspection Summary
This restaurant was inspected by the Chicago Department of Public Health on October 2, 2026. The inspection type was "Canvass Re-Inspection" and resulted in a Pass outcome.
This establishment is classified as Risk 1 (High), which determines the inspection frequency and focus areas.
The inspector documented 6 violations during this inspection, including 1 critical violation that required immediate attention.
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
6
Violation #39
MAJOR
Violation Details
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: 3-307.11: OBSERVED FAUCET USED FOR OBTAINING WATER TO RINSE EQUIPMENT ATTACHED TO WATER LINE OF HANDWASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE FAUCET USED FOR OBTAINING WATER FROM HANDWASHING SINK TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION OF EQUIPMENT USED FOR MAKING BEVERAGES INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO UTILIZE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK TO OBTAIN WATER.
Why This Matters
Contamination during preparation is a leading cause of foodborne illness.
Food Code Requirement
Prevent contamination during all food handling.
Specific Requirements
Minimize bare hand contact; Prevent cross-contamination; Use clean equipment; Proper employee hygiene.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-307.11
Violation #47
MINOR
Violation Details
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: 4-101.19: OBSERVED BOXES AND CONTAINERS STORED ON FLOOR IN UTILITY CLOSET. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING UNITS TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD AND NON FOOD ITEMS AT LEAST SIX INCHES OFF OF FLOOR FOR EASE OF CLEANABILITY.
Why This Matters
Poor design creates areas that harbor bacteria.
Food Code Requirement
All surfaces must be designed to be easily cleanable.
Specific Requirements
Smooth, non-porous surfaces; Free of cracks and crevices; Easily disassembled; Accessible for cleaning.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-101.11
Violation #51
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: 5-204.12: UNABLE TO LOCATE BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE SO THAT IT SHALL BE LOCATED SO THAT IT MAY BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED.
Why This Matters
Backflow can contaminate entire water supply with sewage or chemicals.
Food Code Requirement
Plumbing must be properly installed with backflow prevention.
Specific Requirements
Air gaps at fixtures; Backflow preventers on connections; No cross-connections; Annual testing of devices; Proper drainage.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-202.13
Violation #55
MINOR
Violation Details
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: 6-501.11: OBSERVED DAMAGED WALL BEHIND HANDWASHING SINK IN FIRST FLOOR WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO SMOOTHLY REPAIR WALL BEHIND HANDWASHING SINK IN FIRST FLOOR WASHROOM FOR EASE OF CLEANABILITY.
Why This Matters
Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.
Food Code Requirement
Building must be maintained in good condition.
Specific Requirements
No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-501.11
Violation #55
MINOR
Violation Details
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: 6-501.12: OBSERVED SPLASHES ON WALL ABOVE AND TO THE RIGHT OF THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. OBSERVED BUILDUP ON EXTERIOR OF GREASE TRAP NEAR FLOOR. OBSERVED EQUIPMENT ON FLOOR UNDERNEATH THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AND PREP TABLE ACROSS FROM THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN IN SAID AREAS AND MAINTAIN
Why This Matters
Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.
Food Code Requirement
Building must be maintained in good condition.
Specific Requirements
No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-501.11
Violation #55
MINOR
Violation Details
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: 6-501.12: OBSERVED SPLASHES ON WALL ABOVE AND TO THE RIGHT OF THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. OBSERVED BUILDUP ON EXTERIOR OF GREASE TRAP NEAR FLOOR. OBSERVED EQUIPMENT ON FLOOR UNDERNEATH THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AND PREP TABLE ACROSS FROM THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN IN SAID AREAS AND MAINTAIN
Why This Matters
Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.
Food Code Requirement
Building must be maintained in good condition.
Specific Requirements
No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-501.11
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