⚠️ Recent Failed Inspections ⚠️
FAIL Risk 1 (High)

TRUENORTH CAFE Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

TRUENORTH CAFE 1323 E 57TH ST, CHICAGO 60637 Restaurant
May 6, 2025 Complaint License #2583638
11
Total Violations
5
Critical
2
Major
4
Minor

Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector

11
Violation #6
CRITICAL
PROPER EATING, TASTING, DRINKING, OR TOBACCO USE - Comments: OBSERVED MANAGER EATING IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE DESIGNATED AREA FOR EMPLOYEE MEALS.
Hands are #1 vehicle for pathogen transfer. Bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods causes majority of foodborne outbreaks.
Proper handwashing and no bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods.
Wash hands for 20 seconds with soap and warm water; Use utensils, deli tissue, or gloves for ready-to-eat foods; Wash hands after restroom, handling raw foods, touching face/hair, and between tasks.
Violation #38
CRITICAL
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED OVER 100 MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED INSIDE PREP COOLERS ON COMPRESSOR THERMOSTAT, INNER SURGACES OF ALL COOLERS, ON FLOOR UNDER USED AND UNUSED DISPLAY COOLERS, ALONG WALLS BEHIND UNUSED TWO-DOOR COOLER AND SHELVING UNITS IN DINING AREA, ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS BEHIND PREP COOLERS, 3-COMPARTMENT SINK, PREP SINK IN REAR PREP AREA, ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS IN COFFEE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALL AN EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS. 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 1/4" GAP UNDER FRONT OVERHEAD DOOR AND ENTRANCE DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS ON DOORS TO PREVENT PEST 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 #40
MINOR
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS.
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 #49
MINOR
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE INTERIOR PANEL OF THE ICE MACHINE AND MAINTAIN.
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 #51
CRITICAL
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: OBSERVED THE COLD WATER FAUCET KNOB MISSING AT THE MOP SINK IN THE UTILITY CLOSET; INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
Backflow can contaminate entire water supply with sewage or chemicals.
Plumbing must be properly installed with backflow prevention.
Air gaps at fixtures; Backflow preventers on connections; No cross-connections; Annual testing of devices; Proper drainage.
Violation #51
CRITICAL
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: OBSERVED LEAKING FAUCETS ON 3-COMPARTMENT AND PREP SINKS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
Backflow can contaminate entire water supply with sewage or chemicals.
Plumbing must be properly installed with backflow prevention.
Air gaps at fixtures; Backflow preventers on connections; No cross-connections; Annual testing of devices; Proper drainage.
Violation #53
MAJOR
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE IN NORTH UNISEX WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE COVERED RECEPTACLES IN ALL WOMEN AND UNISEX WASHROOMS.
Inadequate facilities lead to poor hygiene and contamination.
Toilet rooms must be properly equipped and maintained.
Self-closing doors; Toilet paper; Covered waste receptacles; Handwashing supplies; Cleaned regularly; Proper ventilation.
Violation #55
MINOR
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN FRONT COFFEE PREP, DINING, REAR PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE ALL DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN ALL AREAS.
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: OBSERVED DEBRIS ON FLOOR ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS, DUST BUILDUP ON FIXTURES, PIPING AND ELECTRICAL OUTLETS ALONG WALLS IN PREP AND DINING AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
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: OBSERVED DEBRIS ON FLOOR ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS, DUST BUILDUP ON FIXTURES, PIPING AND ELECTRICAL OUTLETS ALONG WALLS IN PREP AND DINING AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
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.

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