⚠️ Recent Failed Inspections ⚠️
FAIL Risk 1 (High)

CAFE URBANO Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

CAFE URBANO 4176 N ELSTON AVE, CHICAGO 60618 Restaurant
May 29, 2025 Complaint License #2349064
12
Total Violations
5
Critical
2
Major
5
Minor
1
Corrected On Site

Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector

12
Violation #3
CRITICAL
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: OBSERVED NO VERIFIABLE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. LEFT TEMPLATE AND INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN COPIES OF POLICY SIGNED BY ALL EMPLOYEES ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.
Ill food workers cause 70% of foodborne outbreaks. Proper reporting prevents transmission of Norovirus, Hepatitis A, Salmonella, and other serious diseases.
All food employees must understand and follow health reporting requirements and food safety responsibilities.
Employees must: Report illness symptoms and exposures; Be excluded/restricted when ill; Understand their role in preventing foodborne illness; Follow proper hygiene practices; Have signed health policy on file.
Violation #8
CRITICAL
HANDS CLEAN & PROPERLY WASHED - Comments: NO HAND WASHING BY THE EMPLOYEE/COOK AFTER GOING IN AND OUT OF PREP AREA,SERVE CUSTOMERS,HANDLING CASH REGISTER,WIPING COUNTER ETC..,THAN GLOVED HANDS AND HANDLED FOODS. FOOD HANDLERS MUST WASH HANDS PRIOR TO PUT ON GLOVES, AFTER ANY POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION. MANAGER DISCUSSED ISSUE WITH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-010.CITATION ISSUED.
Improper sanitization fails to kill pathogens, allowing contaminated equipment to spread illness throughout facility.
Sanitizing solutions and rinse water must meet specific requirements for effectiveness.
Chemical sanitizers: Chlorine 50-100 ppm, Quaternary ammonium 200-400 ppm, Iodine 12.5-25 ppm; Hot water: 171°F for 30 seconds or 180°F at dish surface; Test strips required; Proper contact time.
Violation #10
CRITICAL
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: HANDWASHING SINK AT PREP AREA NOT ACCESSIBLE FOR FOR HANDWASHING.INSIDE SAID SINK WAS A PLASTIC CONTAINER WITH SOAP AND A DIRTY VENT COVER SOAKING.PERSONAL REMOVED FOR SANITARIAN WASHING HANDS.SINK MUST BE FREE AT ALL TIME FOR PROPER HANDWASHING PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION:7-38-030(C),CITATION ISSUED
Blocked or unsupplied sinks force employees to skip handwashing, spreading fecal bacteria and viruses to food.
Handwashing sinks must be accessible, properly supplied, and used only for handwashing.
Each sink needs: Warm water (100°F minimum); Soap in dispensers; Paper towels or air dryers; Waste receptacles; Signage; Clear access; Used only for handwashing.
Violation #38
CRITICAL
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OUTER OPENING NOT PROTECTED.SIDE SCREEN DOOR MESH IS MISSING .FOUND MAIN DOOR OPENED.MUST REPLACE MESH AT SAID DOOR OR KEEP DOOR CLOSED AT ALL TIMES.
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 #43
MINOR
IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED - Comments: OBSERVED COOKS LINE KNIVES BEING STORED IMPROPERLY BETWEEN PREP COOLER AND TABLE. MUST PROVIDE A PROPER KNIFE HOLDER.
Improper storage contaminates utensils between uses.
In-use utensils must be properly stored between uses.
Store in food with handle out; On clean surface; In running water; In water at 135°F or above.
Violation #44
MINOR
UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED - Comments: PLASTIC UTENSILS STORED IN PUBLIC VIEW MUST BE INVERT,TO MINIMIZE SOURCE OF CONTAMINATION
Clutter harbors pests and prevents proper cleaning.
Facility must be free of unnecessary items and litter.
Remove unnecessary equipment; No litter; Organized storage; No living quarters; Personal items in designated areas.
Violation #47
MINOR
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: MUST NOT USE MILK CRATES AS A MEANS OF ELEVATION FOR STORED ITEMS. RUST SHELVES UNDER PREP TABLES IN THE PREP AREA,REPLACE.NOT SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE
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 #47
MINOR
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: BROKEN RUBBER LID AT TOP OF ICE MACHINE.MUST REPLACE
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: COLD WATER HANDLED AT HANDWASHING SINK TO TIGHT TO OPEN.REPAIR ISSUE
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 #53
MAJOR
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: OBSERVED TOILET ROOM DOOR TO NOT BE SELF CLOSING. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A SELF CLOSING DEVICE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
Inadequate facilities lead to poor hygiene and contamination.
Toilet rooms must be properly equipped and maintained.
Self-closing doors; Toilet paper; Covered waste receptacles; Handwashing supplies; Cleaned regularly; Proper ventilation.
Violation #55
MINOR
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE PEELING PAINT ON CEILING ABOVE PREP COOLER BROKEN WALL BY THE SIDE DOOR.REPAIR
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 #55
MINOR
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE PEELING PAINT ON CEILING ABOVE PREP COOLER BROKEN WALL BY THE SIDE DOOR.REPAIR
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.

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