PASS W/ CONDITIONS
Risk 1 (High)
CANDELA CUBAN CAFE Gets Conditional Pass on Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
August 26, 2025
License
License #3045896
5
Total Violations
2
Critical
1
Major
2
Minor
Inspection Summary
This restaurant was inspected by the Chicago Department of Public Health on August 26, 2025. The inspection type was "License" and resulted in a Pass w/ Conditions outcome.
This establishment is classified as Risk 1 (High), which determines the inspection frequency and focus areas.
The inspector documented 5 violations during this inspection, including 2 critical violations that required immediate attention.
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
5
Violation #3
CRITICAL
Violation Details
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO ESTABLISH AN APPROPRIATE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AND MAINTAIN WITH VERIFIABLE SIGNED COPIES ON SITE FOR ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES IN ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF REPORTING AGREEMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
Why This Matters
Ill food workers cause 70% of foodborne outbreaks. Proper reporting prevents transmission of Norovirus, Hepatitis A, Salmonella, and other serious diseases.
Food Code Requirement
All food employees must understand and follow health reporting requirements and food safety responsibilities.
Specific Requirements
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.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-201.11 - 2-201.13
Violation #47
MINOR
Violation Details
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED CUTTING BOARD ATTACHED TO DELI PREP COOLER WITH DEEP CUTS AND STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO DEEP CLEAN AND RESTORE TO A SMOOTH AND EASY TO CLEAN SURFACE BY SANDING AND RESEALING OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
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: OBSERVED NO BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ESPRESSO MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL.
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: OBSERVED CLUTTER IN SOUTHEAST CORNER OF REAR PREP AREA. NOTED CLEANING PRODUCTS, LADDERS STACKED IN CORNER. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL ITEMS UNNECESSARY TO BUSINESS, ALL KEPT ITEMS SHALL BE STORED ON PROPER SHELVING THAT IS NON-POROUS, SMOOTH, AND EASY TO CLEAN AND A MINIMUM OF 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR TO ENSURE PROPER CLEANING OF THE FLOOR
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: OBSERVED CLUTTER IN SOUTHEAST CORNER OF REAR PREP AREA. NOTED CLEANING PRODUCTS, LADDERS STACKED IN CORNER. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL ITEMS UNNECESSARY TO BUSINESS, ALL KEPT ITEMS SHALL BE STORED ON PROPER SHELVING THAT IS NON-POROUS, SMOOTH, AND EASY TO CLEAN AND A MINIMUM OF 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR TO ENSURE PROPER CLEANING OF THE FLOOR
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