PASS
Risk 1 (High)
PANCAKE CAFE/AJI SUSHI Passes Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
August 18, 2025
Complaint Re-Inspection
License #2781346
10
Total Violations
3
Critical
1
Major
6
Minor
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
10
Violation #38
CRITICAL
Violation Details
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED 10 DEAD COACKROACHES ON PREP TABLE BELOW THE MICROWAVE IN THE TOASTER AREA ON NORTHERN MOST PORTION OF PANCAKE CAFE NEAR THE 2 DOOR REACH IN COOLER. OBSERVED 3 DEAD ROACHES ON THE SHELF NEXT TO THE REAR/NORTH ENTRANCE TO THE KITCHEN OF THE PANCAKE CAFE. OBSERVED ADDITIONAL 2 DEAD COCKROACHES UNDER THE SHELVES DIRECTLY ACROSS DEEP FRYER AND CONVECTION OVEN IN THE REAR HALL PREP AREA OF PANCAKE CAFE. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FREE OF DEAD COCKROACHES AND INSECTS.
Why This Matters
Pests spread numerous diseases through contamination.
Food Code Requirement
No pests or animals allowed in facility.
Specific Requirements
No evidence of pests; No live animals except service animals; Effective pest control program.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-501.111
Violation #47
MINOR
Violation Details
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED TWO (2) DOOR COOLER AT THE TOASTER PREP AREA AT THE NORTHERN MOST END OF THE PANCAKE CAFE TO HAVE SEVEREALY TORN AND LOOSE GASEKTS. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE TORN GASKETS.
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: OBSERVED TWO (2) DOOR COOLER AT THE TOASTER PREP AREA AT THE NORTHERN MOST END OF THE PANCAKE CAFE TO HAVE SEVEREALY TORN AND LOOSE GASEKTS. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE TORN GASKETS.
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: OBSERVED THE GASKETS AND DOOR HINGES OF THE TWO (2) DOOR COOLER LOCATED AT NORTHERN MOST END OF THE PANCAKE CAFE/TOASTER PREP AREA TO BE EXTREMELY DIRTY, WITH FOOD DEBRIS, GREASE, AND TRASH BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DETAIL CLEAN ALL GASKETS AND HINGES AND CREVICES AND MAINTAIN FREE OF EXCESSIVE DEBRIS AND GREASE BUILD UP.
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 #51
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE PRESENT AT THE COFFEE MAKER/MACHINE AT THE NORTH SIDE COFFEE PREP AREA IN THE PANCAKE CAFE PORTION OF THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE A BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE AT THE COFFEE MACHINE WATER LINE.
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 #51
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: OBSERVED THE HOT WATER HANDLE OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE MAIN DISHWASHING AREA TO BE MISSING. HOT WATER AND SINK IS STILL FUNCTIONAL. INSTRUCTED TO SERVICE AND REPLACE. OBSERVED LEAK FROM 3 COMPARTMENT SINK DRAIN IN THE FRONT BAR AREA IN THE PANCAKE CAFE SOUTHERN MOST ENTRANCE. WATER DRIPPING ON FLOOR BELOW 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO SERVICE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD REPAIR.
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: OBSERVED ALL THREE BATHROOMS AT FACILITY TO BE WITHOUT A SELF CLOSING DOOR AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE A SELF CLOSING MECHANISM FOR ALL BATHROOM DOORS.
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: OBSERVED VARIOUS GAPS AND OPEN CORNERS IN THE AJI SUSHI COUNTER PREP LINE, SURROUNDING THE REACH IN/PREP COOLERS AS WELL AS THE HAND SINKS. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL ALL JUNCTURES AND ENCLOSE/SEAL ALL GAPS TO PROVIDE A CLEANABLE SURFACE.
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 THE FLOORING BELOW THE SINGLE FRYER AND THE CONVECTION OVEN IN THE REAR PREP HALL LEADING TO THE NORTH END TOASTER TO BE HEAVILY SOILED WITH GREASE BUILD UP, FOOD DEBRIS, AND PIECES OF TRASH. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DETAIL CLEAN ALL FLOORS AND MAINTAIN FREE OF EXCESSIVE TRASH AND DEBRIS BUILD UP. OBSERVED THE MAIN PREP LINE ON THE PANCAKE CAFE UNDER THE DRAWER COOLERS AND FRYERS, AS WELL AS THE FLOOR UNDER THE COOLERS IN THE AJI PREP/BAR LINE TO BE HEAVILY SOILED WITH FOOD DEBRIS AND TRASH BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FREE OF EXCESSIVE TRASH AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP.
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 THE FLOORING BELOW THE SINGLE FRYER AND THE CONVECTION OVEN IN THE REAR PREP HALL LEADING TO THE NORTH END TOASTER TO BE HEAVILY SOILED WITH GREASE BUILD UP, FOOD DEBRIS, AND PIECES OF TRASH. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DETAIL CLEAN ALL FLOORS AND MAINTAIN FREE OF EXCESSIVE TRASH AND DEBRIS BUILD UP. OBSERVED THE MAIN PREP LINE ON THE PANCAKE CAFE UNDER THE DRAWER COOLERS AND FRYERS, AS WELL AS THE FLOOR UNDER THE COOLERS IN THE AJI PREP/BAR LINE TO BE HEAVILY SOILED WITH FOOD DEBRIS AND TRASH BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FREE OF EXCESSIVE TRASH AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP.
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