FAIL
Risk 1 (High)
NOLA CAFE & BAR Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
February 25, 2025
Complaint
License #2827391
11
Total Violations
3
Critical
3
Major
5
Minor
Inspection Summary
This restaurant was inspected by the Chicago Department of Public Health on February 25, 2025. The inspection type was "Complaint" and resulted in a Fail outcome.
This establishment is classified as Risk 1 (High), which determines the inspection frequency and focus areas.
The inspector documented 11 violations during this inspection, including 3 critical violations that required immediate attention.
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
11
Violation #10
CRITICAL
Violation Details
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: NOTED NO HANDWASH SIGNAGE IN GUEST/EMPLOYEE WASHROOM AND BASEMENT WASHROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
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: OBSERVED ICE MACHINE LOCATED IN KITCHEN AND AT NORTH WALL BAR WITH A BUILD-UP OF BLACK AND BROWN SUBSTNACE IN DIRECT CONTACT WITH ICE CUBES STORED AT BELOW ICE BIN. ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005.CITATION ISSUED
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 #23
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION - Comments: OBSERVED READY-TO-EAT, TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY (TCS) FOODS (COOKED PASTA IN TALL REFRIGERATOR, JAMBALAYA, GUMBO, COOKED LOBSTER, COOKED CRAWFISH, HOUSEMADE MAYO BASE DIP NOT LABELED TO INDICATE THE PRODUCT'S NAME AND DATE IN WHICH THE FOOD MUST BE SOLD, DISCARDED OR CONSUMED WITHIN 7 DAYS OF PREPARATION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER LABELS FOR DATE MARKING AND DISCARD DATE FOR REFRIGERATED, READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOODS HELD OVER 24HRS PLACED IN ALL COLD-HOLDING UNITS. PERSON IN CHARGE DISCARDED AND DENATURED APPROX. 80 LBS VALUED AT $300 PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED
Why This Matters
Inadequate reheating fails to kill bacteria that grew during storage.
Food Code Requirement
Foods must be reheated to 165°F within 2 hours.
Specific Requirements
Reheat to 165°F within 2 hours; Use proper equipment (not hot holding units); Discard if not reaching temperature in time.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-403.11
Violation #37
MAJOR
Violation Details
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: NOTED BULK DRY INGREDIENTS STORED IN KITCHEN WITHOUT LABELS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN LABELS ON CONTAINERS OF ITEMS REMOVED FROM ITS ORIGINAL CONTAINER.
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 CHIPS STORED ON SHELF ABOVE KITCHEN STOVE IN AN UNCOVERED BIN THAT HAS EXCESSIVE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF CONTAINER. INSTRUCTED TO COVER ALL STORED FOOD AND MAINTAIN CLEAN FOOD CONTACT SURFACES
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 #40
MINOR
Violation Details
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS - Comments: NOTED FOOD HANDLER IN KITCHEN WITHOUT PROPER HAIR RESTRAINTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS IN AND OUT OF KITCHEN.
Why This Matters
Poor personal hygiene transfers contaminants to food.
Food Code Requirement
Food handlers must maintain personal cleanliness.
Specific Requirements
Clean outer clothing; Hair restraints; Short, clean fingernails; No jewelry except plain ring; Clean hands and arms.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-303.11
Violation #47
MINOR
Violation Details
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: NOTED CUTTING BOARD IN KITCHEN WITH DEEP CUTS AND STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO DEEP CLEAN AND RESTORE TO SMOOTH AND EASY TO CLEAN SURFACE BY SANDING AND SEALING. 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 #47
MINOR
Violation Details
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: NOTED ALL MICROWAVES IN KITCHEN IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN 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 #49
MINOR
Violation Details
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: NOTED ENCRUSTED GREASE ON ALL SURFACES(TOPS AND BOTTOMS) OF ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT,STOVE, FRYERS AND OVEN. THE SHELF UNDER STOVE AND GRILL WITH FLOUR AND FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO DEEP CLEAN AND SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.
Why This Matters
Accumulated soil attracts pests and harbors bacteria.
Food Code Requirement
All surfaces must be kept clean.
Specific Requirements
Clean equipment interiors and exteriors; Walls, ceilings, floors clean; Remove grease and debris; Clean as often as necessary.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-601.11, 4-602.13
Violation #53
MAJOR
Violation Details
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: NOTED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE IN WOMANS WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
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 #53
MAJOR
Violation Details
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: NOTED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE IN WOMANS WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
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
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