FAIL
Risk 2 (Medium)
CARAVANSERAI COFFEE BAR Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
CARAVANSERAI COFFEE BAR
(AKA: DARK MATTER/CARAVANSERAI COFFEE BAR)
2901 W BELMONT AVE, CHICAGO 60618
Restaurant
August 11, 2025
Complaint
License #2708582
5
Total Violations
2
Critical
3
Major
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
5
Violation #28
CRITICAL
Violation Details
TOXIC SUBSTANCES PROPERLY IDENTIFIED, STORED, & USED - Comments: OBSERVED EMPLOYEE PERSONAL CARE ITEMS STORED ON SHELF ABOVE SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES (NAPKINS, INDIVIDUALLY-WRAPPED PLASTICWARE). INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE DESIGNATED AREA FOR THE STORAGE OF EMPLOYEE PERSONAL CARE ITEMS THAT DOES NOT POSE RISK OF CONTAMINATION OF FOOD, CLEAN EQUIPMENT, OR UTENSILS AND MAINTAIN.
Why This Matters
Unpasteurized products can contain dangerous pathogens.
Food Code Requirement
Only pasteurized dairy and eggs in certain situations; no prohibited foods.
Specific Requirements
Pasteurized eggs for recipes not fully cooked; Pasteurized dairy products; No home-prepared foods.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-401.11
Violation #37
MAJOR
Violation Details
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: OBSERVED BULK DRY FOOD CONTAINERS IN THE FRONT COFFEE BAR AREA NOT LABELED WITH THE COMMON NAME OF THE FOOD STORED. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL BULK DRY FOOD CONTAINERS WITH THE COMMON NAME OF THE FOOD STORED AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
Why This Matters
Missing allergen labeling can cause severe allergic reactions.
Food Code Requirement
All food properly labeled with required information.
Specific Requirements
Common name; Ingredients; Allergen declarations; Date marking; Manufacturer info; Net quantity.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-202.18
Violation #39
MAJOR
Violation Details
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: OBSERVED DRY TEA BAGS STORED IN ORIGINAL BOX DIRECTLY ON THE FLOOR OF THE SMALL STORAGE CLOSET. INSTRUCTED TO RELOCATE TEA BAGS AND STORE ALL FOOD AT LEAST 6 INCHES ABOVE THE FLOOR IN ORIGINAL CONTAINERS AND MAINTAIN.
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 #48
CRITICAL
Violation Details
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments: OBSERVED NO CHLORINE CHEMICAL SANITIZER CONCENTRATION TEST KIT PROVIDED ON-SITE FOR USE WITH THE LOW-TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AT LEAST ONE CHEMICAL SANITIZER CONCENTRATION TEST KIT FOR ALL CHEMICAL SANITIZERS USED IN FOOD OPERATIONS ON-SITE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
Why This Matters
Cannot verify sanitization without test strips, risking contaminated equipment.
Food Code Requirement
Warewashing facilities must be properly equipped and supplied.
Specific Requirements
3-compartment sink or dishwasher; Test strips for sanitizer; Thermometers for water temperature; Adequate drainboards; Proper detergents.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-302.14
Violation #48
CRITICAL
Violation Details
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments: OBSERVED NO CHLORINE CHEMICAL SANITIZER CONCENTRATION TEST KIT PROVIDED ON-SITE FOR USE WITH THE LOW-TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AT LEAST ONE CHEMICAL SANITIZER CONCENTRATION TEST KIT FOR ALL CHEMICAL SANITIZERS USED IN FOOD OPERATIONS ON-SITE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
Why This Matters
Cannot verify sanitization without test strips, risking contaminated equipment.
Food Code Requirement
Warewashing facilities must be properly equipped and supplied.
Specific Requirements
3-compartment sink or dishwasher; Test strips for sanitizer; Thermometers for water temperature; Adequate drainboards; Proper detergents.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-302.14
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