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AFRO JOE'S COFFEE & TEA

8344 S HALSTED ST, IL 60620 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

AFRO JOE'S COFFEE & TEA has been inspected 6 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since August 24, 2020. The most recent inspection, on April 29, 2022, found no infractions.

2 of 6 inspections on record found no infractions at all. No inspections are on record from the past 12 months. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Pests, Cleaning and sanitizing and Handwashing and staff hygiene.

Recent inspections have recorded fewer infractions than earlier ones, so the record is improving.

What these findings mean

Health authorities word their violations differently, so we group them by what they mean for food safety. Higher-risk findings are the ones inspectors treat as critical, because they can directly make someone sick.

  • PestsHigher risk

    Signs of mice, rats, cockroaches or flies, or gaps and clutter that let them get in or hide. Pests carry bacteria and can contaminate food and surfaces, so evidence of activity is treated seriously and usually triggers a follow-up visit.

    Recorded 4 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on May 21, 2021. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

  • Cleaning and sanitizingHigher risk

    Anything that touches food, such as cutting boards, dishes and utensils, must be washed, rinsed and sanitized. Inspectors check dishwasher temperatures, sanitizer strength and how wiping cloths are stored. Poor sanitizing lets bacteria survive from one use to the next.

    Recorded 4 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on May 7, 2021. For example: WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

  • Handwashing and staff hygieneHigher risk

    Hands are the main way germs like norovirus move from people to food. Inspectors look for stocked, accessible handwashing sinks, staff washing hands when required, hair restraints, and sick employees being kept away from food. Gaps here can spread illness quickly.

    Recorded 2 times on September 15, 2020. For example: ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

  • Protecting food from contaminationHigher risk

    This covers how food is stored, prepared and displayed: raw meat kept away from ready-to-eat food, food covered and stored off the floor, and nothing dripping or splashing into it. Cross-contamination from raw to cooked food is a direct route for salmonella and E. coli.

    Recorded once on September 15, 2020. For example: CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

  • Building, plumbing and upkeepLower risk

    Floors, walls and ceilings must be smooth and clean, with working lighting, ventilation, plumbing, hot and cold water, and washrooms. These are rarely an immediate food-safety risk on their own, but persistent problems can lead to pest or sanitation issues.

    Recorded 15 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on May 7, 2021. For example: PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

About this data

These results come from Chicago Department of Public Health, which inspects food premises and other public facilities in this area. We republish the authority's public disclosure data and refresh it regularly; the official record is the final word.

6 inspections

  1. Canvass

    0 infractions

  2. Canvass Re-Inspection

    2 infractions

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED 1/4" GAP ON BOTTOM CORNERS OF REAR DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS ON DOOR TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
    • 45. SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED
      • OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES AND UTENSILS STORED ON FLOOR UNDER FRONT COUNTER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL ITEMS SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
  3. Canvass

    6 infractions

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED 1/4" GAP ON BOTTOM CORNERS OF REAR DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS ON DOOR TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
    • 45. SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED
      • OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES AND UTENSILS STORED ON FLOOR UNDER FRONT COUNTER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL ITEMS SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL TEST KIT AVAILABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE TEST KIT FOR PROPER CONCENTRATION IN SANITIZING SOLUTIONS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED LEAK UNDER 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR.
    • 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED: 47-MUST APPLY A SEALANT OR PAINT RAW WOOD SURFACES AT SERVICE COUNTER AND BOOTH SEATING.48-OBSERVED 3- COMPARTMENT SINK COMPARTMENTS NOT LARGE ENOUGH TO SUBMERGE LARGEST PIECES OF EQUIPMENT.MUST PROVIDE SMALLER EQUIPMENT OR PROVIDE A LARGER SINK. 51-MUST INSTALL A SERVICE SINK(DUMP SINK) IN COFFEE PREP AREA FOR LIQUID WASTE. 55-MUST FINISH WALLS TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE IN MOP SINK CLOSET.MUST COVER OR REMOVE EXCESSIVE INSULATION EXPOSED IN CEILING THROUGHOUT PREMISES. 55-MUST APPLY A SEALANT ON CONCRETE FLOOR AND BRICK WALL THROUGHOUT PREMISES TO BE SMOOTH,EASILY CLEANABLE AND NON-POROUS. 56-MUST INSTALL A VENTILATION HOOD WITH FILTERS ABOVE CONVECTION OVEN IF KILOWATTS ARE MORE THAN 750KW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090
    • 61. SUMMARY REPORT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC
      • OBSERVED NO SUMMARY REPORT POSTED. INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY SHALL BE POSTED IN PLAIN VIEW OF CUSTOMERS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-010(B)
  4. License Re-Inspection

    9 infractions

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • Violation Codes: 6-202.15 Inspector Comments: OBSERVED AN APPX."1/2-3/4" GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT AND REAR DOORS.MUST MAKE DOORS TIGHT FITTING.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • Violation Codes: 4-101.19 Inspector Comments: MUST APPLY A SEALANT OR PAINT RAW WOOD SURFACES AT SERVICE COUNTER AND BOOTH SEATING.
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • Violation Codes: 4-301.12 Inspector Comments: OBSERVED 3- COMPARTMENT SINK COMPARTMENTS NOT LARGE ENOUGH TO SUBMERGE LARGEST PIECES OF EQUIPMENT.MUST PROVIDE SMALLER EQUIPMENT OR PROVIDE A LARGER SINK.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • Violation Codes: 4-301.16 Inspector Comments: MUST INSTALL A SERVICE SINK(DUMP SINK) IN COFFEE PREP AREA FOR LIQUID WASTE
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • Violation Codes: 6-201.16 Inspector Comments: MUST FINISH WALLS TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE IN MOP SINK CLOSET.MUST COVER OR REMOVE EXCESSIVE INSULATION EXPOSED IN CEILING THROUGHOUT PREMISES.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • Violation Codes: 6-201.13 Inspector Comments: MUST SEAL ALL OPENINGS AROUND PIPES AND WIRES LEADING INTO WALLS THROUGHOUT PREMISES.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • Violation Codes: 6-201.11 Inspector Comments: MUST APPLY A SEALANT ON CONCRETE FLOOR AND BRICK WALL THROUGHOUT PREMISES TO BE SMOOTH,EASILY CLEANABLE AND NON-POUROUS.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • Violation Codes: 6-501.114 Inspector Comments: MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE OR ORGANIZE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS IN MOP SINK CLOSET.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • Violation Codes: 4-202.18 Inspector Comments: MUST INSTALL A VENTILATION HOOD WITH FILTERS ABOVE CONVECTION OVEN IF KILOWATTS ARE MORE THAN 750KW.
  5. License

    17 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • OBSERVED NO SIGNED EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICIES.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010)
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • MUST PROVIDE HAND DRYING DEVICE AT HAND SINK IN TOILET ROOM.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C)
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • MUST PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGNS AT HAND SINKS ON PREMISES.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED AN APPX."1/2-3/4" GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT AND REAR DOORS.MUST MAKE DOORS TIGHT FITTING.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED NO BARRIER AT ENTRY INTO PREP AREA THAT IS WIDE OPEN APPX.10FT OR MORE MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.MUST PROVIDE SNEEZE GUARDS AT COFFEE SERVICE COUNTER AT FOOD DISPLAY AND EQUIPMENT.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • MUST APPLY A SEALANT OR PAINT RAW WOOD SURFACES AT SERVICE COUNTER AND BOOTH SEATING.
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL TEST KIT FOR CHECKING SANITIZING SOLUTION PPM'S AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • OBSERVED 3- COMPARTMENT SINK COMPARTMENTS NOT LARGE ENOUGH TO SUBMERGE LARGEST PIECES OF EQUIPMENT.MUST PROVIDE SMALLER EQUIPMENT OR PROVIDE A LARGER SINK.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • MUST INSTALL A SERVICE SINK(DUMP SINK) IN COFFEE PREP AREA FOR LIQUID WASTE.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • MUST PROVIDE A GARBAGE CAN WITH LID FOR UNISEX TOILET ROOM.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST PROVIDE A HOOKING SYSTEM TO HANG WET MOPS.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST FINISH WALLS TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE IN MOP SINK CLOSET.MUST COVER OR REMOVE EXCESSIVE INSULATION EXPOSED IN CEILING THROUGHOUT PREMISES.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST SEAL ALL OPENINGS AROUND PIPES AND WIRES LEADING INTO WALLS THROUGHOUT PREMISES.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE MISSING WALL OUTLET COVERS WHERE NEEDED.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST APPLY A SEALANT ON CONCRETE FLOOR AND BRICK WALL THROUGHOUT PREMISES TO BE SMOOTH,EASILY CLEANABLE AND NON-POUROUS.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE OR ORGANIZE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS IN MOP SINK CLOSET.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • MUST INSTALL A VENTILATION HOOD WITH FILTERS ABOVE CONVECTION OVEN IF KILOWATTS ARE MORE THAN 750KW.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • MUST PROVIDE FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR FOOD MANAGERS.
  6. License

    0 infractions

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