Skip to content
Loading map…

SOFIA BAKERY

4146 S ARCHER AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60632 · Bakery

Inspection summary

SOFIA BAKERY has been inspected 10 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since May 25, 2022. The most recent inspection, on October 6, 2026, found no infractions.

3 of 10 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there were 2 inspections with 0 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Pests, Handwashing and staff hygiene and Cleaning and sanitizing.

The last 2 inspections in a row found no infractions. 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.

  • 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 March 21, 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 5 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on March 21, 2025. 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 June 13, 2022. For example: NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

  • 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 25, 2022. 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 14 times across 6 separate inspections, most recently on March 21, 2025. 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. Non-Inspection

    0 infractions

  2. Non-Inspection

    0 infractions

  3. Complaint

    4 infractions

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED GAP UNDER EXTERIOR DOOR LEADING TO BACK PORCH AREA. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR DOOR TO BE TIGHT FITTING.
    • 40. PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
      • OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER EMPLOYEES WITHOUT PROPER HAIR RESTRAINTS AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO DIRECT ALL FOOD HANDLERS TO WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS AT ALL TIMES.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED FRONT COUNTER/PREP AREA FLOOR TO BE DAMAGED AND UNEVEN. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED MULTIPLE ITEMS STORED ON THE FLOOR (BAGS, CONTAINERS, ETC.). INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO STORE ALL ITEMS AT LEAST SIX INCHES FROM FLOOR AT ALL TIMES AND MAINTAIN FLOORS CLEAR FOR THE PREVENTION OF PEST HARBORAGE.
  4. Non-Inspection

    0 infractions

  5. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 1. PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
      • OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH VALID CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE.
    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • OBSERVED NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE WHILE TCS FOODS (TORTAS AND BAKED GOODS) ARE PREPARED, HANDLED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED PIC THAT ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE MUST BE ON SITE AS WELL AS CERTIFIED MANAGER WHILE TCS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED.PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED UNEVEN AREAS AND MISSING BOARDS ON FLOORS IN THE REAR KITCHEN AREA. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN FLOOR IN ALL AREAS TO MAINTAIN SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
  6. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 1. PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
      • OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH VALID CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE.
    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE TCS FOODS (TORTAS AND BAKED GOODS) ARE BEING PREPARED, HANDLED AND SERVED MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 40. PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
      • OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS PREPPING FOOD WITHOUT HAIR RESTRAINTS. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSONS WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH COMPLETION OF TRAINING. MUST PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION.
  7. License Re-Inspection

    3 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • Inspector Comments: Inspector Comments: Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO SIGNED EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICIES. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010)
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • Inspector Comments: Inspector Comments: Violation Codes: 4-601.11(C) Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP ON INTERIOR PARTS OF PROOFING BOX.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • Inspector Comments: Inspector Comments: Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED FLOOR TILES ON REAR PORCH FOOD STORAGE AREA. MUST REMOVE EXCESSIVE CAULKING ON WALLS AND AROUND PIPES IN REAR PORCH.
  8. License Re-Inspection

    6 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • Inspector Comments: Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO SIGNED EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICIES. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010)
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • Inspector Comments: Inspector Comments: OBSERVED AN APPX. "1-2" GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT DOOR. MUST MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • Inspector Comments: OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX. 60OR MORE MICE DROPPINGS ON FLOOR,SHELVING UNITS, WOOD WALLBASE LEDGES, IN BETWEEN CLUTTER THROUGHOUT BASEMENT,ON PIPES LEADING UNDER STAIRCASE IN BASEMENT,ELECTRICAL BOXES.MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS. RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 6/8/22.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A)
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • Inspector Comments: Violation Codes: 4-601.11(C) Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP ON INTERIOR PARTS OF PROOFING BOX.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • Inspector Comments: Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED FLOOR TILES ON REAR PROCH FOOD STORAGE AREA. MUST REMOVE EXCESSIVE CAULKING ON WALLS AND AROUND PIPES IN REAR PORCH.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • Inspector Comments: Inspector Comments: MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE AND ORGANIZE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS IN REAR YARD,BASEMENT AND REAR PORCH.
  9. License Re-Inspection

    9 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO SIGNED EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICIES. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010)
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO POLICY PROCEDURE AND ITEMS FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEA.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • Inspector Comments: OBSERVED AN APPX. "1-2" GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT AND REAR DOORS ALONG SIDE. MUST MAKE DOORS TIGHT FITTING.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX. 100 OR MORE MICE DROPPINGS ON FLOOR,SHELVING UNITS, WOOD WALLBASE LEDGES, IN BETWEEN CLUTTER THROUGHOUT BASEMENT.MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS. RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 6/3/22.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A)
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • Inspector Comments: MUST APPLY A SEALANT OR PAINT RAW WOOD BAKERY DISPLAY UNITS ON SALES FLOOR.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • Violation Codes: 4-601.11(C) Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP ON INTERIOR PARTS OF PROOFING BOX AND FRYER CABINET.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED FLOOR TILES ON REAR PROCH FOOD STORAGE AREA,DAMAGED TILES SURROUND AT MOPSINK,GAP AT WALL BASE BEHIND HAND SINK IN TOILET ROOM.MUST REMOVE EXCESSIVE CAULKING ON WALLS AND AROUND PIPES IN REAR PORCH AND UNDERNEATH HAND SINKS IN PREP/DISH WASHING AREAS.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • Inspector Comments: MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE AND ORGANIZE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS IN REAR YARD,BASEMENT AND REAR PORCH
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO VENTILATION HOOD OVER OVEN IN REAR PREP AREA.OBSERVED VENTILATION HOOD NOT OPERABLE OVER FRYER.
  10. License

    12 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • OBSERVED NO SIGNED EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICIES. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010)
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • OBSERVED NO POLICY PROCEDURE AND ITEMS FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEA.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS AT HAND SINK IN PREP,DISH WASHING AND TOILET ROOMS. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED AN APPX. "1-2" GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT AND REAR DOORS. MUST MAKE DOORS TIGHT FITTING.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED NO BARRIER AT ENTRY INTO FRONT FOOD PREP AREA. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • MUST APPLY A SEALANT OR PAINT RAW WOOD BAKERY DISPLAY UNITS ON SALES FLOOR.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE MISSING DOOR HANDLE ON PROOFING BOX.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP ON INTERIOR PARTS OF PROOFING BOX AND FRYER CABINET.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LEAKY BACKFLOW DEVICE ON MOPSINK,NO COLD RUNNING WATER AT MOPSINK.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED FLOOR TILES ON REAR PROCH FOOD STORAGE AREA,DAMAGED TILES SURROUND AT MOPSINK,GAP AT WALL BASE BEHIND HAND SINK IN TOILET ROOM.MUST REMOVE EXCESSIVE CAULKING ON WALLS AND AROUND PIPES IN REAR PORCH AND UNDERNEATH HAND SINKS IN PREP/DISH WASHING AREAS.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE AND ORGANIZE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS IN REAR YARD AND REAR PORCH.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED NO VENTILATION HOOD OVER OVEN IN REAR PREP AREA.OBSERVED VENTILATION HOOD NOT OPERABLE OVER FRYER.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • MUST PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELDS AT LIGHTS IN FRONT PREP AREA.MUST REPLACE CRACKED LIGHT SHIELD IN REAR PREP/DISH WASHING AREA.

Nearby inspected facilities

Own this business? Add a badge to your website