PASS W/ CONDITIONS
Risk 1 (High)
CESAR'S ON BROADWAY Gets Conditional Pass on Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
September 27, 2019
Complaint
License #1492853
14
Total Violations
7
Critical
1
Major
6
Minor
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
14
Violation #2
CRITICAL
Violation Details
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: NOTED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE TCS FOODS (RICE, CHICKEN SOUPS ETC.) WERE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES TCS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED AND ALSO THE PERSON IN CHARGE MUST HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFICATE BY NEXT INSPECTION (UPON BEING INSPECTED) PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
Why This Matters
Lack of certification indicates potential gaps in food safety knowledge, increasing risk of improper food handling and foodborne illness.
Food Code Requirement
Valid City of Chicago Food Service Sanitation Certificate required and must be posted.
Specific Requirements
Certificate must be: Current and valid; Posted conspicuously in public view; Held by person in charge during all operating hours; Renewed before expiration date.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-102.11
Violation #10
CRITICAL
Violation Details
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: NO SOAP AT HAND WASH SINKS OF THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS AT ALL HAND WASH SINKS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-030(C)
Why This Matters
Blocked or unsupplied sinks force employees to skip handwashing, spreading fecal bacteria and viruses to food.
Food Code Requirement
Handwashing sinks must be accessible, properly supplied, and used only for handwashing.
Specific Requirements
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.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-202.12, 6-301.11
Violation #10
CRITICAL
Violation Details
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: NOTED NO HOT RUNNING WATER AT THE HAND WASH SINK OF BARS AT THE 2ND FLOOR, 1ST FLOOR AND BASEMENT. TEMPERATURES OF HOT RUNNING WATER WAS 87.8F,84.9F AND 88.4F. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN WATER TEMPERATURE OF HAND WASH SINK MINIMUM OF 100F AND 110F WITH MIXING VALVES. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-030(C) PF. NO CITATION ISSUED TODAY.
Why This Matters
Blocked or unsupplied sinks force employees to skip handwashing, spreading fecal bacteria and viruses to food.
Food Code Requirement
Handwashing sinks must be accessible, properly supplied, and used only for handwashing.
Specific Requirements
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.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-202.12, 6-301.11
Violation #16
CRITICAL
Violation Details
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED - Comments: NOTED EMPLOYEE WASHING DISHES AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK WITHOUT SETTING IT UP TO WASH RINSE AND SANITIZE AS REQUIRED BY THE CODE. NO SANITIZER WAS USED TO SET UP THE SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO ALWAYS SET UP THE SINK WHEN WASHING EQUIPMENT. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY HAD EMPLOYEE SET UP THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK TO WASH RINSE AND SANITIZE USING THE CHLORINE. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-025
Why This Matters
Dirty equipment harbors and spreads pathogens, causing cross-contamination and illness.
Food Code Requirement
All food contact surfaces must be properly cleaned and sanitized.
Specific Requirements
Wash, rinse, sanitize after each use; Clean between different raw foods; Every 4 hours for continuous use; When contaminated; Proper procedures and chemicals.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-601.11, 4-602.11
Violation #22
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: NOTED INTERNAL TEMPERATURE OF THE FOLLOWING TCS FOOD ITEMS INSIDE SERVICE COOLERS AND 2 DOOR REFRIGERATION UNIT TO BE IMPROPER:-FISH 50.4F, SHRIMP 47.1F, CHEESE 51.4F/49.3F, RICE 49.3F/48.9F, CHICKEN 45.9F, BEANS 44.8F, GUACAMOLE 50.5F. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY AND VOLUNTARILY DISPOSED OF 64 LBS OF PRODUCTS WORTH $100.00 THROUGH DENATURING PROCESS. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005
Why This Matters
Temperatures below 135°F allow bacteria to multiply, especially spore-formers that survive cooking.
Food Code Requirement
Hot foods must be held at 135°F or above.
Specific Requirements
Maintain 135°F or above; Check temperatures regularly; Proper hot holding equipment; Cannot reheat in hot holding units.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-501.16(A)(1)
Violation #35
MINOR
Violation Details
APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED - Comments: NOTED ASSORTED FROZEN FOOD ITEMS GUAVA AND OTHER BEVERAGES IN A BUS PAN FILLED WITH WATER AT THE PREP TABLE OF THE BASEMENT PREP AREA THAWING. MANAGER STATED THAT THE FOOD ITEMS WERE THERE FOR DEFROSTING. DISCUSSED WITH MANAGEMENT THE DIFFERENT METHODS OF DEFROSTING FOOD:- EITHER UNDER COLD RUNNING WATER OF INSIDE THE REFRIGERATION UNIT. PRODUCTS WERE STILL FROZEN. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY HAD EMPLOYEES PUT THE BUS PAN UNDERNEATH COLD RUNNING WATER.
Why This Matters
Damaged surfaces cannot be properly cleaned and may harbor pests.
Food Code Requirement
Walls and ceilings must be smooth, cleanable, and in good repair.
Specific Requirements
Smooth, washable surfaces in food areas; Light colored; No holes or cracks; Clean and maintained.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-201.11
Violation #43
MINOR
Violation Details
IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED - Comments: NOTED SERVING PLATES ON SHELVES AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT ALL SERVING PLATES AT THE DINNING TABLES TO PREVENT DUST ACCUMULATION.
Why This Matters
Improper storage contaminates utensils between uses.
Food Code Requirement
In-use utensils must be properly stored between uses.
Specific Requirements
Store in food with handle out; On clean surface; In running water; In water at 135°F or above.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-304.12
Violation #47
MINOR
Violation Details
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: NOTED ICE SCOOP STORED INSIDE ICE MACHINE ON ICE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND PROVIDE AN ICE SCOOP HOLDER.
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 #48
CRITICAL
Violation Details
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments: NOTED NO SANITIZER TEST STRIP KIT ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A TEST STRIP KIT ON SITE AT ALL TIMES TO PROPERLY MONITOR THE STRENGTH OF THE SANITIZER PF. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-38-005
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 #51
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: NOTED LEAKAGE AT THE BOTTOM PIPPING OF HAND WASH SINKS AT THE SECOND FLOOR AND BASEMENT BARS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
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 #53
MAJOR
Violation Details
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: NOTED WASH ROOMS ON PREMISE WITH GARBAGE RECEPTACLES AND NO LIDS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TRASH CANS WITH LIDS AT ALL WOMEN WASH ROOMS AND UNISEX WASH ROOMS
Why This Matters
Inadequate facilities lead to poor hygiene and contamination.
Food Code Requirement
Toilet rooms must be properly equipped and maintained.
Specific Requirements
Self-closing doors; Toilet paper; Covered waste receptacles; Handwashing supplies; Cleaned regularly; Proper ventilation.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-302.11
Violation #55
MINOR
Violation Details
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: NOTED THE FOLLOWING:-FLOORS THROUGHOUT PREMISE ESPECIALLY ALONG WALL BASE AND UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT WITH DIRT, GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS UNDERNEATH THE COOKING STOVE, AND UNDERNEATH ALL BARS INCLUDING THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AT THE FIRST FLOOR KITCHEN PREP. INSTRUCTED TOO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. -WALLS WITH CRACKS, GAP ON FLOOR AT THE JOINT OF WALL AND FLOOR, ALSO UNDERNEATH THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AT THE MAIN KITCHEN.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. -NOTED ROUGH AND UNFINISHED BRICK WALLS BEHIND BARS AT THE 3RD FLOORS. INSTRUCTED TO REFINISH WALLS TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
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: ACCUMULATED DUST ON DUCT VENT ABOVE COOKING/PREP AREA AND ON WASHROOM EXHAUST VENT COVERS. MUST CLEAN 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: ACCUMULATED DUST ON DUCT VENT ABOVE COOKING/PREP AREA AND ON WASHROOM EXHAUST VENT COVERS. MUST CLEAN 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