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CAFE UTJEHA, INC.

5350 N LINCOLN AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60625 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

CAFE UTJEHA, INC. has been inspected 12 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since February 16, 2011. The most recent inspection, on November 26, 2025, recorded 11 infractions.

1 of 12 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there was 1 inspection with 11 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Food temperature control, Handwashing and staff hygiene and Cleaning and sanitizing.

The number of infractions per inspection has stayed roughly the same over time.

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.

  • Food temperature controlHigher risk

    Bacteria multiply fastest between about 4 °C and 60 °C (40 °F to 140 °F). Inspectors check that cold food stays cold, hot food stays hot, cooked food is cooled quickly, and that staff have accurate thermometers. Temperature problems are one of the most common causes of food poisoning, so these are treated as critical findings.

    Recorded 4 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on June 11, 2020. For example: THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

  • 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 3 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on November 26, 2025. For example: PROPER EATING, TASTING, DRINKING, OR TOBACCO USE

  • 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 3 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on November 26, 2025. For example: FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

  • 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 November 26, 2025. For example: CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

  • Food source, labelling and allergensHigher risk

    Food must come from approved suppliers, stay in labelled containers and be thrown out when it is spoiled or damaged, such as dented or swollen cans. Labelling matters for allergies: an unlabelled container can hide an allergen.

    Recorded once on August 21, 2018. For example: PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION

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.

12 inspections

  1. Canvass

    11 infractions

    • 1. PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
      • THE PERSON IN CHARGE DOES NOT HAVE A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.
    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED ON THE PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.
    • 6. PROPER EATING, TASTING, DRINKING, OR TOBACCO USE
      • NOTED EMPLOYEE EATING AND DRINKING IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. MUST NOT EAT IN THE FOOD PREP AREA AND ALL BEVERAGES MUST BE IN A COVERED CONTAINER.
    • 16. FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
      • SOME AREAS IN THE THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE IN NEED OF CLEANING.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • MUST NOT STORE ANY UTENSILS, WATER PITCHERS, EQUIPMENT NEXT TO OR SURROUNDING THE PREP HAND WASHING SINK.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • MUST PROVIDE A LID FOR THE ICE BIN IN THE FOOD PREP AREA.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • TOP WOODEN PORTION OF THE WOOD COUNTER/PREP SURFACE IN PREP AREA IN POOR REPAIR WITH CHIPPING DAMAGED WOOD. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE TO BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • NOTED PEELING PLASTIC ON THE TOP PORTION OF THE ICE MACHINE. MUST REMOVE TO BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE LOCATED ON THE UTILITY SERVICE SINK WITH A HOSE ATTACHED. MUST PROVIDE A VISIBLE BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES FOR ALL EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE.
    • 62. COMPLIANCE WITH CLEAN INDOOR AIR ORDINANCE
      • NOTED FIVE, DIRTY WITH ASH, ASHTRAYS IN THE REAR ENCLOSED DINING ROOM OF THE ESTABLISHMENT. INSTRUCTED OWNER THERE IS NO SMOKING ALLOWED INSIDE RETAIL FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS. CITATION ISSUED 7-32-020 (C)
  2. Canvass

    0 infractions

  3. Canvass

    6 infractions

    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE DURING THE INSPECTION WHILE THE TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS (MILK) HAS BEEN PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012.CITATION ISSUED
    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • MANAGER PROVIDED NO PROOF OF EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY THAT INCLUDES A SIGNED ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FROM EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7.38.010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • OBSERVED NO PROBE THERMOMETER FOR TAKING FOOD TEMPERATURES.MUST PROVIDE.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED) 7-38-005
    • 44. UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
      • MUST REMOVE SINGLE SERVICE FOOD UTENSILS AND CUPS STORED IN KITCHEN CABINETS UNDER HAND WASHING SINK
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES NOT LOCATED CAPPUCCINO/ESPRESSO MACHINE. MUST INSTALL BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES OR AIR GAP BETWEEN THE WATER SUPPLY INLET AND THE UNIT SO IT MAY BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED CARPET IN LADY'S BATHROOM.MUST REMOVE TO MAINTAIN EASY CLEANABLE SURFACES
  4. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • OBSERVED NO CLEAN-UP OF VOMITING AND DIARRHEA PROCEDURE ON SITE DURING INSPECTION BUT NO COMPLETE CLEAN-UP KIT ON PREMISES DURING INSPECTION.MISSING MOP HEAD AND MASK. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE SAID PROCEDURE ALONG WITH REQUIRED EQUIPMENT FOR CLEAN-UP. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-005
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES NOT LOCATED AT ICE MACHINE AND CAPPUCCINO/ESPRESSO MACHINE. MUST INSTALL BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES OR AIR GAP BETWEEN THE WATER SUPPLY INLET AND THE UNIT SO IT MAY BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • MUST INSTALL PROPER DRAIN TO SEWAGE ON DRAIN ORIGINATED FROM COFFEE MACHINE
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • MUST PROVIDE TOILET ROOM RECEPTACLE WITH COVER FOR SANITARY NAPKINS IN LADY'S BATHROOM
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST REPAIR WALLS BY REACH IN COOLER IN UTILITY ROOM
  5. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • 2-102.14(A)-NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POILICY. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-012(A) NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • 2-501.11- NO PROCEDURE FOR CLEANING AFTER AN EMPLOYEE OR A PATRON EXPERIENCES VOMITING AND/OR DIARRHEA. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 23. PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
      • 3-501.17(C)A REFRIGERATED READY TO EAT TIME TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD MUST BE PROPERLY LABELED AND DATED AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 41. WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
      • 3-304.14(D)-WIPING CLOTH FOR WIPING THE PREP TABLES, SERVING COUNTER,DINING TABLES MUST BE STORED ON A BUCKET WITH SANITIZING SOLUTION.
    • 43. IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
      • 3-304.12(E)- ICE SCOOP MUST BE STORED ON A SEPARATE CONTAINER HANDLED UP TO PREVENT POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.
  6. Canvass Re-Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • NO GREASE TRAP BOX AT THE DISHWASHING 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN. NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE AT THE COFFEE EXPRESSO MACHINE AT PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A VISIBLE BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE AND MAINTAIN.
  7. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 19. OUTSIDE GARBAGE WASTE GREASE AND STORAGE AREA; CLEAN, RODENT PROOF, ALL CONTAINERS COVERED
      • OUTSIDE GARBAGE DUMPSTER NOT MAINTAINED HAS A BROKEN LID WITH APPROXIMATELY A 3"INCH HOLE AT CORNER OF LID OF SAID GARBAGE DUMPSTER.INSTRUCTED TO NOTIFY DISPOSAL COMPANY TO REPAIR/REPLACE LID OF SAID GARBAGE DUMPSTER AND MAINTAIN CONTAINER COVERED,RODENT PROOFED AT ALL TIMES.SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • NO GREASE TRAP BOX AT THE DISHWASHING 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN. NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE AT THE COFFEE EXPRESSO MACHINE AT PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A VISIBLE BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • NO THERMOMETER INSIDE THE REFRIGERATOR AT PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN A VISIBLE THERMOMETER.
  8. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • NO THREE SINK STOPPERS FOR THREE COMPARTMENT SINK, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE,
  9. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • FRONT STORAGE CABINETS AND UNDER COUNTER TOP EUQUIPMENT NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN NAD SANITIZE ALL FOOD CONTACT SURFACES.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • FLOOR ALONG WALL BASE AND BEHIND EQUIPMENT NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN DAILY.
    • 43. FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED
      • ICE SCOOP NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO STORE IN SANITIZE HOLDER OR CONTAINER.
  10. Canvass

    7 infractions

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • FOOD DEBRIS AND DUST ON INTERIOR/EXTERIOR OF EQUIPMENT; INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN/SANITIZE; COOLERS, FREEZER, CABINETS, MOP SINK AND ICE MACHINE.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • DEBRIS/FOOD DEBRIS BUILD-UP ON FLOORS; INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS AT PREP AREA AND MOP/STORAGE CLOSET, UNDER, BEHIND EQUIPMENT AT CORNERS AND ALONG WALLS.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • OBSERVED LARGE OPENINGS ALONG NORTH WALLS BEHIND PREP AREA; INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR WALL/SEAL OPENINGS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • NO BACK FLOW PREVENTER ON MOP SINK, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE BACK FLOW PREVENTER OR CUT THREADS ON FAUCET.
    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • NO THERMOMETER FOR ONE DOOR PREP REACH IN COOLER, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A THERMOMETER.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • OBSERVED CLUTTER INSIDE MOP/STORAGE CLOSET; INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CLUTTER, CLEAN AND ORGANIZE TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE. ARTICLES MUST BE STORED OFF FLOOR, AWAY FROM WALLS.
    • 43. FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED
      • ICE SCOOP IMPROPERLY STORED; INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORED IN AN APPROVED SANITIZER.
  11. Canvass

    7 infractions

    • 21. * CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED
      • NO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE WHILE SERVING SMOOTHIES, TERAMISU, CHEESE CAKE,MILK,ICE CREAM,ETC. ONE CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFICATE POSTED ON THE WALL,BUT THE SAID PERSON IS NOT ON SITE. CITATION ISSUED SERIOUS 7-38-012.
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • MUST DEFROST THE REACH IN COOLER AND REACH IN FREEZER WITH HEAVY ICE ACCUMULATED AND MAINTAIN.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • MUST CLEAN IN DETAIL THE FLOOR AROUND AND BEHIND THE WATER HEATER AND MAINTAIN.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • MUST SEAL ALL THE GAPS/CREVICES AROUND THE CONDUIT AND PIPES INSIDE THE STORAGE ROOM.
    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • MUST REPLACE BROKEN THERMOMETER INSIDE THE REACH IN COOLER BESIDE THE FRONT COUNTER. MUST PROVIDE VISIBLE THERMOMETER IN REACH IN COOLER BEHIND FRONT COUNTER, AND REACH IN FREEZER IN THE STORAGE ROOM.
    • 43. FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED
      • ALL WASH CLOTHS USED FOR WIPING THE FRONT COUNTER, COOLERS, DINING TABLES, MUST BE STORED IN A BUCKET WITH SANITIZING SOLUTION.
    • 70. NO SMOKING REGULATIONS
      • FOUND DISPOSABLE GLASS BEING USE AS AN ASTRAYS WITH CIGARETTE BUTTS INSIDE, IN ALL DINING TABLES IN THE PATIO. INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT ALL ASTRAYS SHALL BE REMOVED FROM ANY AREA WHERE SMOKING IS PROHIBITED. CITATION ISSUED 7-32-020(C). CLEAN INDOOR AIR ORDINANCE.
  12. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • All utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each usage. MUST CLEAN CABINETS THRU-OUT PREP AREA.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. MUST CLEAN FLOORS THRU-OUT PREMISES, AT CORNERS AND ALONG WALLS.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. MUST REPAIR EAST WALL INSIDE MENS WASHROOM.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • MUST CLEAN AND ORGANIZE MOP CLOSET TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
    • 43. FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED
      • Between uses and during storage ice dispensing utensils and ice receptacles shall be stored in a way that protects them from contamination.

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