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THE CAFERTERIA

840 N ORLEANS ST, CHICAGO, IL 60610 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

THE CAFERTERIA has been inspected 12 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since May 13, 2019. The most recent inspection, on November 10, 2025, found no infractions.

5 of 12 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there was 1 inspection with 0 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Food source, labelling and allergens, Pests 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.

  • 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 4 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on August 15, 2023. For example: FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

  • 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 3 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on August 22, 2023. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

  • 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 3 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on August 15, 2023. 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 2 times on June 17, 2024. For example: PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

  • 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 June 30, 2020. For example: PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

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.

12 inspections

  1. Canvass

    0 infractions

  2. Canvass

    0 infractions

  3. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 22. PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
      • OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING TCS FOOD ITEMS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES FOR COLD-HOLDING: YOFURT AT 50.5F, TOMATO SALAD AT 51.4F, COOKED BEANS AT 52.6F, KIMCHI AT 64.1F, CUT LEAFY GREENS AT 62.1F. INSTRUCTED TO DENATURE AND DISCARD ALL OUT OF TEMPERATURE FOOD ITEMS. PERSON-IN-CHARGE DENATURED AND DISCARDED ALL OUT OF TEMPERATURE TCS FOOD ITEMS AT TIME OF INSPECTION. APPROXIMATELY 25 LBS. VALUED APPROXIMATELY $50.00 DISCARDED AT TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
    • 33. PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
      • OBSERVED LARGE AND SMALL 3-DOOR REACH-IN COOLERS IN REAR AREA TO BE AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE FOR COLD-HOLDING TCS FOOD ITEMS; LARGE 3-DOOR COOLER AT 54.2F AND SMALL 3-DOOR COOLER AT 52.3F. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL TCS FOOD ITEMS FROM COOLERS AND CEASE USE OF MENTIONED COOLERS TO STORE TCS FOOD ITEMS UNTIL REPAIRED OR REPLACED AND RE-INSPECTED BY CDPH. TAGGED BOTH COOLERS ON-SITE WITH INSTRUCTIONS TO CONTACT CDPH ONCE REPAIRED OR REPLACED. PERSON-IN-CHARGE REMOVED ALL TCS FOOD ITEMS FROM COOLERS. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED DRAIN PLUMBING AT REAR-AREA HANDWASHING SINK (AT COOK LINE) TO BE SLOW-DRAINING, BUT FUNCTIONAL. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE REAR-AREA HANDWASHING SINK DRAIN PLUMBING AND MAINTAIN ALL PLUMBING FIXTURES IN GOOD REPAIR.
  4. Canvass Re-Inspection

    3 infractions

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • 6-202.13: INSECT CONTROL DEVICE IS OVER SINGLE USE ARTICLES AND ON PREP-CART. DEVICES SHALL BE INSTALLED SO THAT: 1)THEY ARE NOT OVER FOOD PREPARATION AREAS, 2) DEAD INSECTS OR INSECT PARTS DO NOT FALL ONTO EXPOSED FOOD, EQUIPMENT, UTENSILS, OR SINGLE SERVICE ITEMS. MANAGER RELOACTED DEVICE.
    • 44. UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
      • 4-901.11: CLEAN DISHWARE STORED ON SHELVES HAVE NOT BEEN AIR DRIED PROPERLY AFTER SANITIZING. AFTER CLEANING AND SANITZING ALL EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS SHALL BE AIR DRIED BEFORE USE. CLOTH DRYING OF EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS IS NOT APPROVED.
    • 45. SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED
      • 4-903.11(A;C): BOXES OF SINGLE USE ARTICLES STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE WALK-IN CLOSET STORAGE AREA. FACILITY MUST ELEVATE ALL ITEMS AT LEAST 6 INCHES ABOVE THE FLOOR.
  5. Canvass

    7 infractions

    • 16. FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
      • OBSERVED CHLORINE SANITIZER CONCENTRATION AT 0PPM AT DISH MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN IT AT 50-200PPM. UNIT WAS TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION. FACILITY CANNOT USE THE DISH MACHINE UNIT IT MAINTAINS A CONCENTRATION BETWEEN 50-200PPM. ONCE REPAIRED, FACILITY MUST CONTACT [email protected] FOR AN INSPECTOR TO REMOVE STICKER IF REPAIRED PROPERLY. PRIORITY 7-38-025 CITATION ISSUED.
    • 29. COMPLIANCE WITH VARIANCE/SPECIALIZED PROCESS/HACCP
      • DID NOT OBSERVE ANY PROPER WARNING SIGNAGE FOR VARIOUS FRESHLY MADE PACKED JUICES ON SITE STORED IN THE STAND UP DISPLAY COOLER. THE SIGN MUST STATE, "WARNING: THESE PRODUCTS HAVE NOT BEEN PASTEURIZED AND, THEREFORE, MAY CONTAIN HARMFUL BACTERIA THAT CAN CAUSE SERIOUS ILLNESS IN CHILDREN, THE ELDERLY, AND PERSONS WITH WEAKENED IMMUNE SYSTEMS." ITEMS WERE REMOVED FROM STAND UP COOLER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • OBSERVED VARIOUS PREPACKAGED FOODS (CHIA PUDDING, OVERNIGHT OATS, BABA GANOUSH, SALADS, CHEESECAKE SLICES) IN THE STAND UP DISPLAY COOLER IS NOT PROPERLY LABELED. LABEL WITH: 1) COMMON NAME OF FOOD, 2) INGREDIENTS, 3) NET QUANTITIES, 4) NAME AND ADDRESS OF PACKAGER, 5) FOOD ALLERGENS, 6) SALMONID FISH ADDITIVES USED. ITEMS WERE REMOVED FROM THE STAND UP COOLER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • INSECT CONTROL DEVICE IS OVER SINGLE USE ARTICLES AND ON PREP-CART. DEVICES SHALL BE INSTALLED SO THAT: 1)THEY ARE NOT OVER FOOD PREPARATION AREAS, 2) DEAD INSECTS OR INSECT PARTS DO NOT FALL ONTO EXPOSED FOOD, EQUIPMENT, UTENSILS, OR SINGLE SERVICE ITEMS. MANAGER RELOACTED DEVICE.
    • 44. UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
      • CLEAN DISHWARE STORED ON SHELVES HAVE NOT BEEN AIR DRIED PROPERLY AFTER SANITIZING. AFTER CLEANING AND SANITZING ALL EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS SHALL BE AIR DRIED BEFORE USE. CLOTH DRYING OF EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS IS NOT APPROVED.
    • 45. SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED
      • BOXES OF SINGLE USE ARTICLES STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE WALK-IN CLOSET STORAGE AREA. FACILITY MUST ELEVATE ALL ITEMS AT LEAST 6 INCHES ABOVE THE FLOOR.
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • TEST KITS/ TEST STRIPS OR OTHER DEVICES IS NOT AVAILABLE TO THE EMPLOYEES TO MEASURE SANITIZING SOLUTION CONCENTRATION.FACILITY MUST PROVIDE A TEST KIT OR OTHER MEASURING DEVICES FOR THE EMPLOYEES CAN MEASURE THE SANITIZER CONCENTRATION AND AVOID A CONCENTRATION THAT IS TOO HIGH, WHICH CAN BE TOXIC. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
  6. Canvass

    0 infractions

  7. Canvass Re-Inspection

    6 infractions

    • 29. COMPLIANCE WITH VARIANCE/SPECIALIZED PROCESS/HACCP
      • OBSERVED KIMCHI STORED IN PREP COOLER IN THE REAR. KIMCHI WAS PREPARED ONSITE WITHOUT A VARIANCE APPROVED BY THE CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH. INSTRUCTED TO DISCONTINUE MAKING PRODUCT UNTIL VARIANCE IS OBTAINED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 32. VARIANCE OBTAINED FOR SPECIALIZED PROCESSING METHODS
      • SEE VIOLATION #29
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS (RICE, SUGAR, ETC.) WITH COMMON FOOD NAMES WHEN FOOD HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING, INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • MUST REPAIR LEAKY DRAIN PIPE UNDER THE 3-COMP SINK. REPAIR BROKEN HOT WATER KNOB ON HANDWASHING SINK IN DISHWASHING AREA, KNOB IS STRIPPED. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • MUST INSTALL SELF-CLOSING DEVICES ON BOTH DOORS OF THE TOILET ROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST DETAIL CLEAN LOOSE FOOD DEBRIS FROM FLOOR IN REAR DRY STORAGE ROOM, INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
  8. Canvass

    8 infractions

    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • THE PERSON IN CHARGE DID NOT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION LICENSE, WHILE PREPARING TCS FOODS; HUMMUS, STEAK, AND CHICKEN. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A CERTIFIED MANAGER ONSITE AT ALL TIMES WHEN TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED OR SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.
    • 29. COMPLIANCE WITH VARIANCE/SPECIALIZED PROCESS/HACCP
      • OBSERVED KIMCHI STORED IN PREP COOLER IN THE REAR. KIMCHI WAS PREPARED ONSITE WITHOUT A VARIANCE APPROVED BY THE CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH. INSTRUCTED TO DISCONTINUE MAKING PRODUCT UNTIL VARIANCE IS OBTAINED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 32. VARIANCE OBTAINED FOR SPECIALIZED PROCESSING METHODS
      • SEE VIOLATION #29
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS (RICE, SUGAR, ETC.) WITH COMMON FOOD NAMES WHEN FOOD HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING, INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • NO PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK ONSITE DURING THE INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO CONTRACT WITH A PEST CONTROL PROVIDER, AND KEEP INSPECTION REPORTS ONSITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(C) NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • MUST REPAIR LEAKY DRAIN PIPE UNDER THE 3-COMP SINK. REPAIR BROKEN HOT WATER KNOB ON HANDWASHING SINK IN DISHWASHING AREA, KNOB IS STRIPPED. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • MUST INSTALL SELF-CLOSING DEVICES ON BOTH DOORS OF THE TOILET ROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST DETAIL CLEAN LOOSE FOOD DEBRIS FROM FLOOR IN REAR DRY STORAGE ROOM, INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
  9. Canvass Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  10. Canvass

    9 infractions

    • 1. PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
      • OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DESIGNATE PERSON IN CHARGE DURING ALL HOURS OF OPERATIONS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE NOR CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFICATE POSTED. WHEN TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED SUCH AS RICE HUMMUS, CHICKEN ETC. INSTRUCTED THAT CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER HAS TO BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION NO CITATION ISSUED 7-38-010.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • NO PROCEDURE IN PLACE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROCEDURE AND NECESSARY SUPPLIES EFFECTIVE AGAINST NOROVIRUS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 16. FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
      • OBSERVED LOW TEMPERATURE DISH WASHING MACHINE NOT DISPENSING SANITIZER 0PPM CHLORINE NOTED. MACHINE TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION AND MUST NOT USE UNTIL REPAIR AND PROPERLY DISPENSES SANITIZER. MACHINE NOT IN USE DURING INSPECTION INSTRUCTED TO USE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK TO WASH RINSE AND SANITIZE UTENSILS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-025 NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN THE ORIGINAL CONTAINER.
    • 54. GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
      • OUTSIDE GARBAGE AREA NOT MAINTAINED. OBSERVED TWO GARBAGE DUMPSTERS OVERFLOWING PREVENTING LID FROM CLOSING PROPERLY. THIS IS HARBORAGE AND A FOOD SOURCE FOR RODENTS AND OTHER PEST. MUST MAINTAIN GARBAGE AREA ADEQUATE MAINTAINED AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(B). NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED DUST BUILD UP ON CEILING VENTILATION VENTS IN REAR FOOD PREPARATION AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST COMPLETE FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MUST HAVE CERTIFICATES ON SITE.
  11. License

    1 infraction

    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS.
  12. License

    0 infractions

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