⚠️ Recent Failed Inspections ⚠️
FAIL Risk 1 (High)

THE GALLERY CAFE Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

THE GALLERY CAFE 1760 W NORTH AVE, CHICAGO 60622 Restaurant
October 22, 2025 Canvass License #2458831
19
Total Violations
9
Critical
3
Major
7
Minor

Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector

19
Violation #1
CRITICAL
PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES - Comments: PIC DOESN'T HAVE A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS CERTIFICATE.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)(COS)
Without knowledgeable supervision, critical food safety practices may be overlooked, significantly increasing risk of foodborne illness outbreaks affecting multiple customers.
The person in charge must be present during all hours of operation, hold valid certification, and demonstrate food safety knowledge.
Person in charge must: Be present during all operating hours; Hold valid City of Chicago Food Service Sanitation Certificate; Demonstrate knowledge of foodborne disease prevention, HACCP principles, and Code requirements; Ensure employee compliance with food safety practices.
Violation #2
CRITICAL
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED,HANDLED AND SERVED SUCH AS (EGGS,HAM,CHICKEN,MILK,ETC,)MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)(CITATION ISSUED)FOOD MANAGER ARRIVED ON SITE AT 10:48 A.M.(COS)
Lack of certification indicates potential gaps in food safety knowledge, increasing risk of improper food handling and foodborne illness.
Valid City of Chicago Food Service Sanitation Certificate required and must be posted.
Certificate must be: Current and valid; Posted conspicuously in public view; Held by person in charge during all operating hours; Renewed before expiration date.
Violation #3
CRITICAL
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: OBSERVED NO SIGNED EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICIES FOR ALL EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010)(CITATION ISSUED)
Ill food workers cause 70% of foodborne outbreaks. Proper reporting prevents transmission of Norovirus, Hepatitis A, Salmonella, and other serious diseases.
All food employees must understand and follow health reporting requirements and food safety responsibilities.
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.
Violation #8
CRITICAL
HANDS CLEAN & PROPERLY WASHED - Comments: OBSERVED POOR HYGIENIC PRACTICES BY FOOD HANDLERS OBSERVED EMPLOYEES COMING FROM BASEMENT AND PUT ON PLASTIC GLOVES AND HANDLED BREAD AND SLICED CHEESE AND PUT IN OVEN WITHOUT WASHING HANDS.INSTRUCTED EMPLOYEES TO WASH HANDS AFTER EVERY POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.(PRIORITY 7-38- 010)(CITATION ISSUED)(COS)
Improper sanitization fails to kill pathogens, allowing contaminated equipment to spread illness throughout facility.
Sanitizing solutions and rinse water must meet specific requirements for effectiveness.
Chemical sanitizers: Chlorine 50-100 ppm, Quaternary ammonium 200-400 ppm, Iodine 12.5-25 ppm; Hot water: 171°F for 30 seconds or 180°F at dish surface; Test strips required; Proper contact time.
Violation #8
CRITICAL
HANDS CLEAN & PROPERLY WASHED - Comments: OBSERVED THE SAME ABOVE MENTIONED EMPLOYEE GO OVER TO THE 3- COMPARTMENT SINK AND WASHED HANDS.INSTRUCTED EMPLOYEE TO WASH HANDS AT DESIGNATED HAND WASHING SINK.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010) (CITATION ISSUED)(COS)
Improper sanitization fails to kill pathogens, allowing contaminated equipment to spread illness throughout facility.
Sanitizing solutions and rinse water must meet specific requirements for effectiveness.
Chemical sanitizers: Chlorine 50-100 ppm, Quaternary ammonium 200-400 ppm, Iodine 12.5-25 ppm; Hot water: 171°F for 30 seconds or 180°F at dish surface; Test strips required; Proper contact time.
Violation #28
CRITICAL
TOXIC SUBSTANCES PROPERLY IDENTIFIED, STORED, & USED - Comments: OBSERVED APPX. 8 OPEN TOXIC RODENTICIDE POISON SCATTERED ON FLOOR IN BASEMENT UNDER AND BEHIND FOOD STORAGE SHELVES,STAIR CASE,EQUIPMENT AND NEAR REAR DOOR MUST REMOVE CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS AND MAINTAIN.MANAGER REMOVE POISON DURING INSPECTION (COS)(PRIORITY 7-38-015)(CITATION ISSUED)
Unpasteurized products can contain dangerous pathogens.
Only pasteurized dairy and eggs in certain situations; no prohibited foods.
Pasteurized eggs for recipes not fully cooked; Pasteurized dairy products; No home-prepared foods.
Violation #38
CRITICAL
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED CUSTOMER WHITE SMALL PET DOG INSIDE OF FACILITY ON A LEASH AT FRONT SERVICE COUNTER AS CUSTOMER PLACED ORDER,NOTICED EMPLOYEE DIDN'T ASK IF DOG WAS A SERVICE ANIMAL.INSTRUCTED EMPLOYEE THEY MUST INQUIRE.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-40-060)(CITATION ISSUED)(COS)
Pests spread numerous diseases through contamination.
No pests or animals allowed in facility.
No evidence of pests; No live animals except service animals; Effective pest control program.
Violation #38
CRITICAL
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX. 75 OR MORE RAT DROPPINGS ON FLOOR UNDER,AROUND AND BEHIND FOOD STORAGE SHELVES & CONTAINERS,BEHIND CHEST FREEZERS,UNDER STAIR CASE,IN REAR STORAGE/HOT WATER TANK ROOM IN MIDDLE OF FLOOR AMONGST CLUTTER.MUST REMOVE DROPPING CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS. RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 10/22/25.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A)(CITATION ISSUED)
Pests spread numerous diseases through contamination.
No pests or animals allowed in facility.
No evidence of pests; No live animals except service animals; Effective pest control program.
Violation #38
CRITICAL
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED A GAP IN LEFT CORNER OF FRONT DOOR MUST MAKE TIGHT FITTING TO PREVENT INSECT ENTRY.
Pests spread numerous diseases through contamination.
No pests or animals allowed in facility.
No evidence of pests; No live animals except service animals; Effective pest control program.
Violation #39
MAJOR
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: OBSERVED SEVERAL PLASTIC BUCKETS WITH ROASTED COFFEE BEANS ON FLOOR IN PREP AREA MUST ELEVATE TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION.
Contamination during preparation is a leading cause of foodborne illness.
Prevent contamination during all food handling.
Minimize bare hand contact; Prevent cross-contamination; Use clean equipment; Proper employee hygiene.
Violation #40
MINOR
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS - Comments: OBSERVED EMPLOYEES NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
Poor personal hygiene transfers contaminants to food.
Food handlers must maintain personal cleanliness.
Clean outer clothing; Hair restraints; Short, clean fingernails; No jewelry except plain ring; Clean hands and arms.
Violation #46
MAJOR
GLOVES USED PROPERLY - Comments: OBSERVED IMPROPER USAGE OF GLOVES BY FOOD HANDLERS.(COS)
Improper glove use spreads contamination worse than bare hands.
Single-use gloves must be used correctly.
Wash hands before donning; Change when contaminated; Change between tasks; Single use only; Not a substitute for handwashing.
Violation #47
MINOR
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: MUST REMOVE FOIL LINED ON SHELVING UNIT TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
Poor design creates areas that harbor bacteria.
All surfaces must be designed to be easily cleanable.
Smooth, non-porous surfaces; Free of cracks and crevices; Easily disassembled; Accessible for cleaning.
Violation #49
MINOR
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM PREP TABLES,REACH IN COOLERS,PREP COOLERS,INTERIOR LEDGE OF ICE MACHINE.MUST DEFROST ICE BUILD UP FROM ALL CHEST FREEZER.
Accumulated soil attracts pests and harbors bacteria.
All surfaces must be kept clean.
Clean equipment interiors and exteriors; Walls, ceilings, floors clean; Remove grease and debris; Clean as often as necessary.
Violation #55
MINOR
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE AND ORGANIZE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS THROUGHOUT BASEMENT.
Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.
Building must be maintained in good condition.
No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.
Violation #55
MINOR
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: MUST REMOVE EXCESSIVE CAULKING ALONG WALL BASES IN PREP/DISH WASHING AREA TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.
Building must be maintained in good condition.
No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.
Violation #55
MINOR
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES THROUGHOUT PREMISES INCLUDING BASEMENT.
Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.
Building must be maintained in good condition.
No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.
Violation #57
MINOR
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: OBSERVED MISSING AND EXPIRED FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
Smoking contaminates hands and food with nicotine and tar residues.
Smoking prohibited in food establishments.
No smoking in any part of establishment; Designated areas away from food; Proper signage posted.
Violation #57
MINOR
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: OBSERVED MISSING AND EXPIRED FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
Smoking contaminates hands and food with nicotine and tar residues.
Smoking prohibited in food establishments.
No smoking in any part of establishment; Designated areas away from food; Proper signage posted.

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
Data sourced from Chicago Open Data Portal - Chicago Department of Public Health inspections