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COZY CORNER DINER AND PANCAKE HOUSE

2286-2294 N MILWAUKEE AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60647 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

COZY CORNER DINER AND PANCAKE HOUSE has been inspected 15 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since May 17, 2016. The most recent inspection, on November 14, 2025, recorded 4 infractions.

None of the 15 inspections on record were free of infractions. In the past 12 months there was 1 inspection with 4 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Cleaning and sanitizing, Food source, labelling and allergens and Protecting food from contamination.

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.

  • 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 7 times across 5 separate inspections, most recently on November 14, 2025. For example: FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

  • 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 3 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on April 9, 2024. For example: FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

  • 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 3 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on April 9, 2024. For example: CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

  • 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 2 separate inspections, most recently on July 6, 2022. For example: NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH RTE FOOD OR A PRE-APPROVED ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURE PROPERLY ALLOWED

  • 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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on July 6, 2022. For example: THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

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.

15 inspections

  1. Complaint

    4 infractions

    • 16. FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
      • OBSERVED A WHITE PANEL INSIDE THE ICE MACHINE THAT WAS FILLED WITH A BLACK MOLD-LIKE SUBSTANCE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO WASH, CLEAN, SANITIZE, AND MAINTAIN. ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. PIC INSTRUCTED STAFF TO BURN ICE AND CLEAN DURING INSPECTION. 7-38-005.CITATION ISSUED.
    • 16. FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
      • ALSO OBSERVED 3 COMP SINK IN FRONT PREP WITHOUT SETTING IT UP TO WASH, RINSE, AND SANITIZE AS REQUIRED BY THE CODE. 3 COMP SINK SET UP WITH WASH, SANITIZE, RINSE. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT ALWAYS TO SET UP THE SINK WHEN WASHING SMALL WARE, AND OR CUPS. PERSON IN CHARGE IMMEDIATELY HAD EMPLOYEE SET UP THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK TO WASH, RINSE, AND SANITIZE USING THE CHLORINE. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED AT 3 COMP SINK IN REAR FAUCET LEAKING FROM SPOUT, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED MISSING AND DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN THE FRONT DINING AREA NEXT TO CUT MELON COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR TO CREATE A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE. MUST MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
  2. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 44. UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
      • FOUND FOOD CONTAINERS NOT STORED PROPERLY.MUST STORE INVERTED.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • FOUND SMALL LEAK AT HAND SINK AT REAR PREPARATION AREAS.MUST REPAIR.
  3. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • FOUND BULK FOOD NOT LABELED.(FLOUR,SUGAR,ETC.)MUST PROVIDE.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • FOUND NO SPLASH GUARD FOR HAND SINK AT REAR PREPARATION AREAS.MUST PROVIDE.
  4. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 16. FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
      • OBSERVED SLIGHT BUILD UP INSIDE ICE MACHINE. MUST CLEAN INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • 1-DOOR STAND UP PREP COOLER DOOR RUBBER GASKET RIPPED. MUST REPAIR/REPLACE DAMAGED DOOR RUBBER GASKET.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • FLOOR TILES WITH LOW GROUT AROUND DISHMACHINE. MUST REGROUT FLOOR TILES AROUND DISMACHINE.
  5. Complaint

    2 infractions

    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • CLEAN THE FOOD SPLATTER ON THE CEILING TILES ABOVE THE COOK'S LINE.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.
  6. Canvass Re-Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-501.11 REPAIR THE BUCKLED FLOOR SECTION IN THE WALK-IN FREEZER.
  7. Canvass

    10 infractions

    • 9. NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH RTE FOOD OR A PRE-APPROVED ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURE PROPERLY ALLOWED
      • OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE HANDLE READY-TO-EAT FOODS (BREAKFAST SANDWICH) WITH BARE HANDS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT BARE HAND CONTACT IS NOT ALLOWED WITH READY-TO-EAT FOODS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • NO HAND SOAP WAS PROVIDED AT THE FRONT COOK LINE EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK. MANAGEMENT PROVIDED HAND SOAP AT THE SINK AT MY REQUEST. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS MUST BE PROVIDED WITH HAND SOAP AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
    • 25. CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
      • OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE ON THE MENU FOR RAW OR UNDERCOOKED FOODS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DISCLOSE OR DESCRIBE WHICH FOODS CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED AND LINK THOSE ITEMS TO THE REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO ADD THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT BEFORE THE REMINDER STATEMENT: "THESE FOODS ITEMS CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED OR MAY CONTAIN RAW OR UNDERCOOKED INGREDIENTS." PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • NO THERMOMETER WAS PROVIDED INSIDE OF THE 1 DOOR PREP COOLER IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED A TORN DOOR GASKET ON THE 1 DOOR PREP COOLER IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • CLEAN THE DUST ON THE WIRE RACKS ABOVE THE DISH MACHINE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • CLEAN THE FLOOR OF THE WALK-IN FREEZER.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • REPAIR THE BUCKLED FLOOR SECTION IN THE WALK-IN FREEZER.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED EMPLOYEE CELL PHONES STORED ON THE FRONT COOK LINE AND REAR FOOD PREP AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO STORE PERSONAL BELONGINGS IN LOCKERS.
    • 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION FROM REPORT #2522410 ON 7/7/21 NOT CORRECTED: 58 - OBSERVED ONE CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST HAVE FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE ON PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
  8. Canvass

    6 infractions

    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • OBSERVED SOME BULK CONTAINERS NOT LABELED AT STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER ALL BULK CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED SOME REACH IN COOLERS DOOR RUBBER GASKETS RIPPED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST REPLACE/REPAIR DAMAGED DOOR RUBBER GASKETS.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED FOOD/DIRT BUILD UP ON PREP AREAS HANDWASH BOWLS HOT AND COLD WATER HANDLES. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • DISHWASH AREA 3-COMPARTMENT SINK MIDDLE COMPARTMENT STOPPER NOT WORKING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MIDDLE COMPARTMENT STOPPER MUST WORK AT SAID 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • VENTILATION HOOD LIGHT NOT WORKING PROPERLY (ABOVE SOUP OVEN). INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE WORKING LIGHT BULB AT SAID LOCATION.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED ONE CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST HAVE FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE ON PREMISES.
  9. Complaint

    2 infractions

    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED FROZEN MEAT STORED IN A PLASTIC GROCERY BAG INSIDE OF THE WALK-IN FREEZER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE ONLY FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS OR CONTAINERS.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED PEELING AND CHIPPED PAINT FROM THE WIRE STORAGE RACKS IN THE DISH WASHING AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO SCRAPE AND REPAINT OR REPLACE THE STORAGE RACKS.
  10. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 41. WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
      • OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHES IMPROPERLY STORED ON THE FRONT PREP CUTTING BOARDS, INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE IN SANITIZER WHEN NOT IN USE.
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • OBSERVED NO HIGH TEMPERATURE TEST STRIPS ON PREMISES AT THIS TIME. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005, NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED A BLACK SUBSTANCE ON THE WALL BEHIND THE DISH MACHINE, INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE THE BLACK SUBSTANCE.
  11. Canvass Re-Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED BROKEN GASKET. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE GASKET. - VIOLATION REMAIN IN VIOLATION AND SHOULD BE CORRECTED 90 DAYS FROM ORIGINAL DATE OF CITATION.
  12. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 25. CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
      • OBSERVED NO COSUMER ADVISORY ON MENU. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO PROVIDE CONSUMER ADVISORY WITH DICLOSURE AND REMINDER FOR ALL MENUS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED,90 DAY GRACE PERIOD GIVEN.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED 15 LIVE SMALL FLIES AT NORTH COFFEE STATION, 5 LIVE SMALL FLIES AT DUMP STATION, AND 5 LIVE SMALL FLIES AROUND MOP SINK. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO REMOVE ALL INSECT ACTIVITY BY DATE OF REINSPECTION. ADVISED TO CALL PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE . PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED BROKEN GASKET. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE GASKET.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED NO BACK FLOW DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE BACK FLOW DEVICE, MUST BE VISIBLE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVE SOILED FLOOR DRAINS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN ALL FLOOR DRAINS
  13. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 30. FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
      • OBSERVED REAR FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS NOT PROPERLY LABEL. MUST LABEL AND MAINTAIN.
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • MUST PROVIDE A SNEEZEGUARD AT THE FRONT EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK IN FRONT COOKING AREA AND MUST MAINTAIN.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • OBSERVED A FEW WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES ABOVE FRONT COUNTER AREA. MUST REPAIR/REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 43. FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED
      • OBSERVED ICE SCOOPS STORED INSIDE ICE MACHINE. MUST PROPERLY STORE ICE SCOOPS IN A CLEAN CONTAINER TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
  14. Complaint

    6 infractions

    • 31. CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES
      • KNIVES FOUND IMPROPERLY STORED BETWEEN PREP COOLERS AND PREP TABLES. MUST PROPERLY STORE KNIVES IN A KNIFE HOLDER TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION. MUST PROPERLY STORE, INVERT ALL DISHES IN FOOD PREP AREAS TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • OBSERVEDUST BUILD-UP ON CEILING VENTILATION VENTS IN FRONT PREP AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED LEAKING FAUCET BASE AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATED IN REAR DISHWASHING AREA. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK NEEDED AT THE FRONT LINE COOKING AREA. MUST INSTALL A SINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER UNDER CITY PRESURE.
    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • VISIBLE AND WORKING THERMOMETER NEEDED INSIDE DRESSING REFRIGERATOR LOCATED AT THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA. MUST INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
    • 42. APPROPRIATE METHOD OF HANDLING OF FOOD (ICE) HAIR RESTRAINTS AND CLEAN APPAREL WORN
      • EMPLOYEES MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS AT ALL TIMES FOOD IS PREPARED AND SERVED.
    • 43. FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED
      • OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON TOP OF FRONT PREP TABLES. MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
  15. License

    2 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • NOTED TORN RUBBER GASKET AT DOOR OF REFRIGERATION UNIT AT THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN OR REPLACE.ALSO NOTED FOOD ITEMS INSIDE GROCERY BAGS STORED INSIDE THE REAR WALK IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO STORE FOOD ITEMS INSIDE APPROVED FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • NOTED LEAKING FAUCET AT THE REAR ONE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

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