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GARIFUNA FLAVA CARIBBEAN RESTAURANT

2516-2518 W 63RD ST, CHICAGO, IL 60629 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

GARIFUNA FLAVA CARIBBEAN RESTAURANT has been inspected 21 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since July 20, 2010. The most recent inspection, on August 20, 2026, recorded 2 infractions.

5 of 21 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there were 2 inspections with 2 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Handwashing and staff hygiene, Pests 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.

  • 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 across 2 separate inspections, most recently on October 2, 2024. For example: ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

  • 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 once on May 3, 2023. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

  • 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 May 3, 2023. For example: CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

  • 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 once on February 28, 2019. For example: NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

  • Equipment and utensilsLower risk

    Equipment has to be built from cleanable materials, kept in good repair and stored properly. These findings are mostly about upkeep, like a cracked shelf, a worn gasket or utensils stored the wrong way. They are generally lower risk but show how well the kitchen is maintained.

    Recorded 21 times across 13 separate inspections, most recently on August 20, 2026. For example: FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

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.

21 inspections

  1. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED DAMAGED GASKETS ON DOORS OF STAINLESS STEEL THREE DOOR COOLERS. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO OBTAIN ALLERGEN TRAINING/CERTIFICATES AND MAINTAIN ON SITE FOR REVIEW.
  2. Non-Inspection

    0 infractions

  3. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED IMPROPER STORAGE OF MOP IN THE KITCHEN AREA. INSTRUCTED TO STORE PROPERLY.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED COOKING EQUIPMENT NOT IN USE NEAR THE ENTRANCE, REAR STORAGE AREAS AND BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE FROM THE PREMISES.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED DIRTY VENTS IN THE WASHROOM AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
  4. Non-Inspection

    0 infractions

  5. Canvass Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  6. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • NO HANDWASH SINK IN NEWLY ADDED ON EAST SIDE OF PREMISES WHERE PREP TABLE, STEAM TABLE, FOOD PROCESSOR, CABBAGE SLICER LOCATED AND FOOD HANDLERS ACTIVELY HANDLING FOOD. INSTD TO PROVIDE HANDWASH SINK WITH HOT/COLD RUNNING WATER UNDER CITY PLUMBING IN SAME AREA. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030(C) PRIORITY FOUNDATION
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • PLASTIC AND ALUMINUM FOIL BEING USED AS A LINER FOR STORARGE SHELVES THAT HAVE RUST. INSTD TO REMOVE PLASTIC, FOIL, AND RUST SO AS SURFACES TO BE SMOOTH EVEN AND EASILY CLEANABLE
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • TOILET ROOM DOORS ON EASTSIDE OF PREMISES IN PREP AREA NOT SELF CLOSING. INSTD TO HAVE SELF CLOSING AND MAINTAIN
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • FLOOR THROUGH OUT PREMISES UNDER/BEHIND ALL EQUIPMENT, SHELVING AND ALONG WALLBASE THROUGH OUT 1ST FLOOR AND BASEMENT NOT CLEAN, DIRT, DEBRIS. INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN SAME
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • EXCESSIVE CLUTTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT NOTED AT WEST END FRONT OF PREMISES AND IN BASEMENT. INSTD TO REMOVE ITEMS THAT ARE UNNECESSARY TO THE OPERATION OR MAINTENANCE OF ESTABLISHMENT SUCH AS EQUIOMENT THAT IS NON FUNCTIONAL OR NO LONGER USED.
  7. Complaint Re-Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • 2-102.13- MISSING ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGERS. INSTD TO OBTAIN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN VERIFICATION ON SITE.
  8. Complaint

    6 infractions

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF RODENT ACTIVITY ON THE PREMISES. OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 50 MOUSE DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR OF THE REAR STORAGE AREA AND BASEMENT PREP AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS FROM ALL AFFECTED AREAS. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED EMPLOYEES COOKING CHICKEN OUTSIDE WITH 2 LARGE OVERSIZED BBQ GRILLS IN REAR. EXTENSIVE SMOKE/FUMES NOTED IN SAME AREA FROM GRILLS. COOKING/PREPARING/HANDLING OF ANY FOOD OUTSIDE IS PROHIBITED. INSTD TO REMOVE GRILLS FROM PREMISES AND MAINTAIN. DISCUSSED WITH OWNER COOKING/PREPARING/HANDLING OF ANY FOOD MUST BE FROM INSIDE PREMISES ONLY. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005 PRIORITY FOUNDATION
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • CARDBOARD AND PLASTIC LINING NOTED THROUGH OUT PREP AREAS ON STORAGE SHELVES, BOTTOM OF PREP TABLES, AND ROLLING CARTS. INSTD TO REMOVE ALL PLASTIC LINING AND CARDBOARD SO AS SURFACES TO BE SMOOTH, EVEN, AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • LEAK AT PIPE UNDER 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTD TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • CARDBOARD LINING NOTED ON ENTIRE SURFACE OF FLOOR IN PREP AREA. INSTD TO REMOVE CARDBOARD LINING AND MAINTAIN FLOOR AN EVEN, SMOOTH, EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • MISSING ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGERS. INSTD TO OBTAIN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN VERIFICATION ON SITE.
  9. Non-Inspection

    0 infractions

  10. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • FOUND NO PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO IMPLEMENT A PROCEDURE AND PROVIDE ALL SUPPLIES NECESSARY FOR HANDLING THESE EVENTS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • THE INTERIOR OF THE OVEN AND THE INTERIOR/EXTERIOR OF THE DEEP FRYERS HAVE DIRT AND DEBRIS IN AND ON THE SURFACE. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • A LOT OF CLUTTER IN THE SIDE DINING AREA AND BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE CLUTTER AND ORGANIZE AREAS. MAINTAIN CLUTTER FREE AREAS.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • FLOORS IN ALL CORNERS, UDER/AROUND ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT WITH FOOD, DIRT AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE THE CARDBOARD FROM THE PREP FLOORS AND DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS THROUGH OUT. -INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE WALLS AROUND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND SINKS TO REMOVE FOOD, DIRT AND GREASE BUILD UP. MAINTAIN ALL.
  11. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED THE TWO TABLE STORAGE SHELVES IN PREP AREA RUSTY, INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE THE RUST.
  12. Canvass

    0 infractions

  13. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED THE REAR 2 DOOR FREEZER WITH EXCESSIVE ICE BUILD UP, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR/MAINTAIN.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • OBSERVED THE COOKING EQUIPMENT EXTERIOR NOT CLEAN, ALSO FRYER, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • OBSERVED THE FLOOR IN REAR STORAGE AREA, AND UNDER THE COOKING AREA NOTCLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • OBSERVED WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES IN REAR STORAGE, AND FRONT MENS ROOM, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED THE FACUET IN THE REAR DISH AREA LEAKING, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
  14. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 21. * CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED
      • NO CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED OR PERSON WHO HOLDS CERTIFICATE ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGAER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • REACH IN COOLER IN NEED OF REPAIR. TOP NOT SECURE, MUST SECURE AND MAINTAIN. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • WALLS IN PREP AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPLATTER. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • FAUCET AT BASEMENT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN NEED OF REPAIR. LEAKS. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN
  15. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • OBSERVED THE FRONT COOLER BEHIND THE BAR NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • OBSERVED THE CEILING LIGHT SHIELDS IN WAIT STATION, AND REAR PREP KITCHEN NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
  16. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • FOUND RUSTY GREASE TRAP UNDER THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE THE RUST AND PAINT IT.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • FLOORS UNDER AND AROUND EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • MUST ORGANIZE ALL ARTICLES IN REAR BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. MUST ORGANIZE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
  17. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • LIGHTSHIELDS, VENTS, AND SURROUNDING CEILING TILES IN PREP AREA NOT CLEAN. CLEAN SAME.
  18. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 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. FLOORS UNDER AND AROUND EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
    • 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. ICE SCOOP MUST BE STORED IN A CLEAN SANITIZED CONTAINER AT ALL TIMES. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
  19. Complaint

    2 infractions

    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • The flow of air discharged from kitchen fans shall always be through a duct to a point above the roofline. Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health. FAUCET LEAK AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN NEED OF REPAIR. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • All parts of the food establishment and all parts of the property used in connection with the operation of the establishment shall be kept neat and clean and should not produce any offensive odors. Cleaning equipment shall be properly stored away from food, utensils, equipment, and clean linens. MUST ORGANIZE ALL ARTICLES IN REAR BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. MUST ORGANIZE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
  20. Complaint

    1 infraction

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. All utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each usage. INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE BUILD-UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
  21. Canvass

    2 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. THE FOLLOWING NOT CLEAN THE FRYER AND CABINET UNDERNEATH,HOOD,FILTERS,PIPES UNDER THE HOOD,REACH IN COOLER AND REACH IN FREEFER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL.
    • 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. THE FLOOR UNDER THE HEAVY EQUIPMENT IN THE PREP AREA,STORAGE CLOSET,STORE ROOM AND BASEMENT NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN SAME.

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