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CAL'S CORNER

1200 N WELLS ST, CHICAGO, IL 60610 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

CAL'S CORNER has been inspected 7 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since October 31, 2023. The most recent inspection, on June 4, 2026, recorded 2 infractions.

None of the 7 inspections on record were free of infractions. In the past 12 months there were 2 inspections with 8 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Cleaning and sanitizing, Pests 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.

  • 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 8 times across 5 separate inspections, most recently on November 3, 2025. For example: FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

  • 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 6 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on February 19, 2025. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

  • 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 once on November 3, 2025. For example: ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

  • 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 14 times across 7 separate inspections, most recently on June 4, 2026. For example: PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

  • Food safety training and certificationLower risk

    Most jurisdictions require a certified food handler or manager on site, and some require allergen or food-worker training. These findings mean the paperwork or the trained person was missing at the time. They do not by themselves mean food was handled unsafely.

    Recorded 11 times across 6 separate inspections, most recently on November 3, 2025. For example: ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

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.

7 inspections

  1. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED THE FLOOR DRAIN UNDER THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN NEED OF A DETAIL CLEANING FROM DIRT, FOOD DEBRIS AND HEAVY STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE PEST AND OR INSECT ACTIVITY.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED THE FLOOR IN THE KITCHEN AREA AND IN THE FRONT SERVICE AREA UNDER AND AROUND ALL COOKING AND NON COOKING EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF A DETAIL CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL AREAS.
  2. Complaint

    6 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • NOTED NO PAPER TOWELS AT HAND WASH SINK OF THE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ALWAYS HAVE SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
    • 16. FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
      • NOTED A THICK BLACK AND SLIMY SUBSTANCE INSIDE THE INNER COMPARTMENT OF ICE MACHINE DRIPPING ONTO THE ICE. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT NOT TO USE ICE MACHINE UNTIL EQUIPMENT IS DETAIL CLEANED AND SANITIZE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INSIDE OF THE CHEST ICE CREAM FREEZER WITH SPILLS.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS ALONG WALL BASE AND UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT WHERE EVER NEEDED. MUST ALSO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOOR DRAIN UNDERNEATH THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • NOTED MISSING TILES ON FLOOR LEADING TO THE BATHROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE ALL TILES AND MAINTAIN.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • NOTED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ON DUTY WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.
  3. Complaint Re-Inspection

    7 infractions

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED MULTIPLE OPENINGS IN THE BASEMENT CEILING AREAS WHERE LARGE PIECES OF DRY WALL ARE MISSING. ALSO OBSERVED OPENINGS AROUND PIPES IN THE BASEMENT AS WELL AS OPENINGS IN THE WALLS WHERE EXPOSED BRICK IS LOCATED IN BASEMENT AREAS. ALSO OBSERVED AN AREA WHERE THER APPEARS TO BE STUDS TO CREATE A ROOM OF SOME SORT, INSTRUCTED TO SEAL ANY OPENINGS IN THAT AREA ALSO. ALSO OBSERVED AN OPENING AT THE BOTTOM OF THE STAIRS THAT MUST BE SEALED AS WELL. INSTRUCTED THAT FACILITY OWNER ***MUST*** SEAL ANY AND ALL OPENINGS AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE PEST AND OR INSECTS FROM ENTERING FACILITY.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED THE LOWER SHELVING IN THE REAR FOOD SERVICE AREA WITH A BUILD UP OF DIRT AND FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE PEST AND OR INSECT ACTIVITY.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED THE INSIDE OF THE LOWER REACH IN TWO DOOR COOLING UNIT WITH A BUILD UP OF FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN INSIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED THE NON COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA WITH A BUILD UP OF FOOD DEBRIS ON THE SIDES OF THE EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL AREAS.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED THE FLOOR AND WALL IN THE REAR FOOD SERVICE AREA WITH A BUILD UP OF FOOD DEBRIS, DIRT AND POSSIBLE FOOD SPILLAGE ON THE LOWER WALL AT THE PREP TABLE AREA. ALSO OBSERVED THE FRONT FOOD SERVICE AREA FLOOR WITH A BUILD UP OF DIRT, DEBRIS AND FOOD DEBRIS ON THE FLOOR UNDER AND AROUND THE EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL AREAS.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED PART OF THE FRAME MISSING AT THE ENTRANCE LEADING TO THE KITCHEN AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN AS A MEANS OF MAKING AREA EASY TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED NEW FOOD SERVICE MANAGER JULIA MATHAS WITHOUT PROPER FOOD ALLERGEN CERTIFICATION ON SITE. INFORMED THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS IN A RISK #1 FACILITY SHOULD HAV. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND PROVIDE ON SITE.
  4. Complaint

    8 infractions

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED APPROX 100-120 DROPPINGS IN THE BASEMENT AREA ALONG THE SOUTH AND NORTH WALLS AS WELL AS OBSERVED APPROX 30 DROPPINGS IN THE AREA BEHIND THE COFFEE GRIND STATION WITH RAW WOOD WHERE A WALL WOULD GO. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL AREAS AS NEEDED. CONTACT PEST CONTROL AND HAVE A SERVICE PROVIDED BEFORE OR ON RETURN DATE OF 2/18/2025. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020 CITATION ISSUED.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED MULTIPLE OPENINGS IN THE BASEMENT CEILING AREAS WHERE LARGE PIECES OF DRY WALL ARE MISSING. ALSO OBSERVED OPENINGS AROUND PIPES IN THE BASEMENT AS WELL AS OPENINGS IN THE WALLS WHERE EXPOSED BRICK IS LOCATED IN BASEMENT AREAS. ALSO OBSERVED AN AREA WHERE THER APPEARS TO BE STUDS TO CREATE A ROOM OF SOME SORT, INSTRUCTED TO SEAL ANY OPENINGS IN THAT AREA ALSO. ALSO OBSERVED AN OPENING AT THE BOTTOM OF THE STAIRS THAT MUST BE SEALED AS WELL. INSTRUCTED THAT FACILITY OWNER ***MUST*** SEAL ANY AND ALL OPENINGS AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE PEST AND OR INSECTS FROM ENTERING FACILITY.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED THE LOWER SHELVING IN THE REAR FOOD SERVICE AREA WITH A BUILD UP OF DIRT AND FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE PEST AND OR INSECT ACTIVITY.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED THE INSIDE OF THE LOWER REACH IN TWO DOOR COOLING UNIT WITH A BUILD UP OF FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN INSIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED THE NON COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA WITH A BUILD UP OF FOOD DEBRIS ON THE SIDES OF THE EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL AREAS.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED THE FLOOR AND WALL IN THE REAR FOOD SERVICE AREA WITH A BUILD UP OF FOOD DEBRIS, DIRT AND POSSIBLE FOOD SPILLAGE ON THE LOWER WALL AT THE PREP TABLE AREA. ALSO OBSERVED THE FRONT FOOD SERVICE AREA FLOOR WITH A BUILD UP OF DIRT, DEBRIS AND FOOD DEBRIS ON THE FLOOR UNDER AND AROUND THE EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL AREAS.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED PART OF THE FRAME MISSING AT THE ENTRANCE LEADING TO THE KITCHEN AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN AS A MEANS OF MAKING AREA EASY TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED NEW FOOD SERVICE MANAGER JULIA MATHAS WITHOUT PROPER FOOD ALLERGEN CERTIFICATION ON SITE. INFORMED THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS IN A RISK #1 FACILITY SHOULD HAV. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND PROVIDE ON SITE.
  5. Short Form Complaint

    10 infractions

    • 1. PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
      • OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER MUST BE ON PREMISES AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.
    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • 2-101.11 OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER MUST BE ON PREMISES AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • 6-501.115: OBSERVED CUSTOMER WITH DOG ENTER FACILITY DURING INSPECTION AND MANAGEMENT DID NOT ASK CUSTOMER IF DOG WAS A SERVICE ANIMAL DURING INSPECTION. CORRECTED ON SITE CUSTOMER AND DOG VOLUNTARILY LEFT FACILITY WITHOUT BEING ASKED BY MANAGEMENT AFTER RECEIVING ORDER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-40-060 CITATION ISSUED.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • 6-202.15: FOUND A 1/4 INCH GAP AT FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR; INSTRUCTED TO SEAL GAP. ADVISED TO INSTALL A DOOR SWEEP AT FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR BOTTOM.
    • 45. SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED
      • 4-903.11(A;C): FOUND BOXES OF SINGLE SERVICE CUPS AND CONTAINERS ON BASEMENT FLOOR; INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SHELVING AND STORE ITEMS ON SHELF ONLY.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • 4-602.13: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FOLLOWING: EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, INTERIORS OF REFRIGERATION UNITS, COUNTER AREAS, SINKS, ICE CREAM FREEZER.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-501.12: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FLOORS UNDER AROUND AND BEHIND FRONT COUNTER EQUIPMENT AND IN KITCHEN AREA TO REMOVE CRUMBS AND GREASE. ALSO CLEAN IN BASEMENT AREA WHERE FLOOR IS DAMP FROM RAIN YESTERDAY.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • 6-501.14: INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A VENTILATION SYSTEM ABOVE TABLE TOP FRYER USED FOR FRYING CHICKEN. UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE AMOUNT OF WATTS TO FRYER UNIT. THERE IS A STRONG PRESENCE OF SMOKE IN THE AIR FROM THE FRYER.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • 2-102.13: INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES AND HAVE PRINTED OUT FOR REVIEW.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • 2-102.13: INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING AND HAVE CERTIFICATE ON SITE.
  6. Canvass

    7 infractions

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • FOUND A 1/4 INCH GAP AT FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR; INSTRUCTED TO SEAL GAP. ADVISED TO INSTALL A DOOR SWEEP AT FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR BOTTOM.
    • 45. SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED
      • FOUND BOXES OF SINGLE SERVICE CUPS AND CONTAINERS ON BASEMENT FLOOR; INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SHELVING AND STORE ITEMS ON SHELF ONLY.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FOLLOWING: EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, INTERIORS OF REFRIGERATION UNITS, COUNTER AREAS, SINKS, ICE CREAM FREEZER.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FLOORS UNDER AROUND AND BEHIND FRONT COUNTER EQUIPMENT AND IN KITCHEN AREA TO REMOVE CRUMBS AND GREASE. ALSO CLEAN IN BASEMENT AREA WHERE FLOOR IS DAMP FROM RAIN YESTERDAY.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A VENTILATION SYSTEM ABOVE TABLE TOP FRYER USED FOR FRYING CHICKEN. UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE AMOUNT OF WATTS TO FRYER UNIT. THERE IS A STRONG PRESENCE OF SMOKE IN THE AIR FROM THE FRYER.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES AND HAVE PRINTED OUT FOR REVIEW.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING AND HAVE CERTIFICATE ON SITE.
  7. License

    5 infractions

    • 52. SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED
      • GREASE TRAP NOT LOCATED IN FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL/PROVIDE GREASE TRAP IN ACCORDANCE WITH ALL RELEVANT LAWS, RULES, AND REGULATIONS.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • WOMENS RESTROOM LACKS A COVERED RECEPTACLE FOR DISPOSAL OF FEMININE HYGIENE PRODUCTS. PROVIDE AT LEAST ONE COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE IN RESTROOM.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • UNNECESSARY ITEMS / NONFUNCTIONAL EQUIPMENT FOUND IN BASEMENT. THE PREMISES SHALL BE FREE OF ITEMS UNNECESSARY TO THE OPERATION OR MAINTENANCE OF THE ESTABLISHMENT. THIS INCLUDES EQUIPMENT THAT IS NONFUNCTIONAL OR NO LONGER USED.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATIONS NOT PROVIDED ON SITE. FACILITY MUST ENSURE ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES OBTAIN A VALID FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATION AND PROVIDE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • FOOD ALLERGEN CERTIFICATION NOT PROVIDED ON SITE. ALL CITY/PENDING CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN A VALID FOOD ALLERGEN CERTIFICATION AND PROVIDE ON SITE.

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