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COFFEE JOINT

2059 W IRVING PARK RD, CHICAGO, IL 60618 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

COFFEE JOINT has been inspected 10 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since May 9, 2016. The most recent inspection, on August 27, 2024, recorded 5 infractions.

2 of 10 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: Handwashing and staff hygiene, Cleaning and sanitizing and Food temperature control.

Recent inspections have recorded more infractions than earlier ones, so it is worth reading the latest reports closely.

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.

  • 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 8 times across 7 separate inspections, most recently on August 27, 2024. For example: PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

  • 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 4 separate inspections, most recently on August 27, 2024. For example: FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

  • 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 3 separate inspections, most recently on August 5, 2024. For example: PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

  • 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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on April 13, 2021. 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 8 times across 5 separate inspections, most recently on August 27, 2024. For example: PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

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.

10 inspections

  1. Complaint Re-Inspection

    5 infractions

    • 16. FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
      • NOTED INNER COMPARTMENT OF ICE MACHINE NOT CLEANED.INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 40. PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
      • NOTED EMPLOYEES AT THE PREP AREA PREPARING FOOD WITH NO HAIR RESTRAINTS OR PROTECTION. INSTRUCTED TO WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS OR PROTECTION AT ALL TIMES.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • NOTED ASSORTED FOOD ITEMS INSIDE REFRIGERATION UNITS STORED IN TIN CANS. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL FOOD ITEMS INSIDE APPROVED FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • NOTED UNFINISHED AND PEELING WOOD USED AT THE COUNTERTOP BY THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. NSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SHELVES WITH NON POROUS WOOD THAT ARE EASILY CLEANABLE AND MAINTAINED.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOOR DRAIN UNDERNEATH 3 COMPARTMENT SINK, UNDER AND AROUND COOLERS AND FLOORS IN THE BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. ALSO NOTED WET FLOORS AT THE BASMENT DRY STORAGE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN DRY FLOORS.
  2. Complaint

    8 infractions

    • 16. FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
      • NOTED INNER COMPARTMENT OF ICE MACHINE NOT CLEANED.INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 22. PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
      • NOTED INTERNAL TEMPERATURE OF THE FOLLOWING TCS FOOD ITEMS INSIDE SERVICE COOLERS TO BE IMPROPER:-YOGURT 58F, CHEESE 53.7, CHORIZO 66.3F. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY AND VOLUNTARILY DISPOSED OF 9LBS OF PRODUCTS WORTH $90.00 THROUGH DENATURING PROCESS. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 33. PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
      • EQUIPMENT NOT MAINTAINING PROPER TEMPERATURE. NOTED TEMPERATURE OF SERVICE COOLER AT THE PREP AREA TO BE IMPROPER AT 66.6F. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE EQUIPMENT UNTIL MAINTAINING PROPER TEMPERATURE OF 41F AND BELOW. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 40. PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
      • NOTED EMPLOYEES AT THE PREP AREA PREPARING FOOD WITH NO HAIR RESTRAINTS OR PROTECTION. INSTRUCTED TO WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS OR PROTECTION AT ALL TIMES
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • NOTED ASSORTED FOOD ITEMS INSIDE REFRIGERATION UNITS STORED IN TIN CANS. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL FOOD ITEMS INSIDE APPROVED FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • NOTED UNFINISHED AND PEELING WOOD USED AT THE COUNTERTOP BY THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. NSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SHELVES WITH NON POROUS WOOD THAT ARE EASILY CLEANABLE AND MAINTAINED.
    • 54. GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
      • NOTED OUTSIDE GARBAGE DUMPSTER OVERLOADED AND PREVENTING PROPER LID CLOSURE. INSTRUCTED TO ALWAYS HAVE DUMPSTER LID CLOSED TO PREVENT FOOD SOURCE FOR PEST PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-020(B).CITATION ISSUED.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOOR DRAIN UNDERNEATH 3 COMPARTMENT SINK, UNDER AND AROUND COOLERS AND FLOORS IN THE BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. ALSO NOTED WET FLOORS AT THE BASMENT DRY STORAGE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN DRY FLOORS.
  3. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HANDSINK INFRONT PREP/DISHWASHING AREA.
    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE INSIDE PREP AND REACH-IN COOLERS.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FOLLOWING: INTERIOR SURFACES OF TOASTER OVEN, 3 COMPARTMENT SINK, HANDSINK AND INTERIOR SURFACES (SIDES) OF ICE MACHINE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP/DISHWASHING AREA, FLOOR DRAIN UNDERNEATH 3 COMPARTMENT SINK, UNDER AND AROUND COOLERS AND FLOORS IN THE BASEMENT STORAGE AREA.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CEILING VENT COVER WITH DUST ACCUMULATION INSIDE WASHROOM.
  4. Short Form Complaint

    5 infractions

    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE TCS FOODS SUCH AS BREAKFAST SANDWICHES WERE BEING PRODUCED. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN AN EMPLOYEE HOLDING A CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • OBSERVED NO VERIFIABLE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. LEFT TEMPLATE AND INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN COPIES OF HEALTH POLICY SIGNED BY ALL EMPLOYEES ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • OBSERVED NO KIT AND PROCEDURE ON SITE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA. LEFT ONE PAGER AND INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN PROCEDURE AND KIT WITH ALL NECESSARY SUPPLIES ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS AVAILABLE AT EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN PAPER TOWELS AT HAND WASHING SINKS AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES MUST COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
  5. Canvass Re-Inspection

    2 infractions

    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED BOXES OF FOOD STORED ON THE FLOOR LEADING TO THE BASEMENT AND ON THE STEPS OF THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY STORE AND PROTECT FOOD ITEMS FROM CONTAMINATION WHILE STORED BY ELEVATING AT LEAST 6 INCHES FROM THE FLOOR ON RAISED SHELVING UNITS.
    • 40. PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
      • OBSERVED TWO EMPLOYEES IN THE FOOD PREP AREA PREPARING DRINKS AND FOOD WITH NO HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
  6. Canvass

    6 infractions

    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER ON SITE TO MONITOR THE INTERNAL FOOD TEMPERATURE OF TCS FOODS (MILK, YOGURT). FACILITY MUST OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN PROPER THERMOMETERS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED BOXES OF FOOD STORED ON THE FLOOR LEADING TO THE BASEMENT AND ON THE STEPS OF THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY STORE AND PROTECT FOOD ITEMS FROM CONTAMINATION WHILE STORED BY ELEVATING AT LEAST 6 INCHES FROM THE FLOOR ON RAISED SHELVING UNITS.
    • 40. PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
      • OBSERVED TWO EMPLOYEES IN THE FOOD PREP AREA PREPARING DRINKS AND FOOD WITH NO HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 41. WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
      • OBSERVED WET WIPING CLOTH HANGING ON THE SIDE OF THE SPLASH GUARD OF THE HAND WASHING SINK. MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USE.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED A LEAK FROM THE DRAINPIPE OF THE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION #52 (OBSERVED A BUCKET OF STANDING WASTE WATER FROM AN UNKNOWN SOURCE IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE FROM PREMISES) NOT CORRECTED WITHIN 90 DAY TIME FRAME ON THE INSPECTION REPORT DATED FOR 04/15/20 . INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT THE VIOLATION SHALL NOW CLASSIFIED AS A PRIORITY FOUNDATION ITEM DUE TO NON PREVIOUS NONCOMPLIANCE. 7-42-090 NO CITATION ISSUED.
  7. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR ALL EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • NO WRITTEN CLEANING PROCEDURE OR REQUIRED EQUIPMENT FOR A VOMIT/DIARRHEA EVENT. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 52. SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED
      • OBSERVED A BUCKET OF STANDING WASTE WATER FROM AN UNKNOWN SOURCE IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE FROM PREMISES.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED BRICK WALLS IN VARIOUS FOOD STORAGE AREAS NOT SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE. MUST SEAL ALL HOLES, CRACKS, CREVICES AND OPENINGS OF SAID WALLS TO MAKE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.----OBSERVED POOLING LIQUID ON THE BASEMENT STORAGE FLOOR. MUST REMOVE AND MAINTAIN A DRY BASEMENT STORAGE FLOOR.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING OR CERTIFICATE FOR THE CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER. MUST PROVIDE.
  8. License Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  9. License

    1 infraction

    • 9. WATER SOURCE: SAFE, HOT & COLD UNDER CITY PRESSURE
      • NO RUNNING HOT WATER ON PREMISES, FOUND WATER TEMPERATURE AT 70.4 F AT ALL SINKS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE RUNNING HOT WATER AT ALL SINKS THROUGHOUT, HOT WATER TEMPERATURE MUST BE A MINIMAL OF 110.0 F AT 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030. NO CITATION ISSUED.
  10. License

    0 infractions

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