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TWO SHADES CAFE, INC.

1152 W TAYLOR ST, CHICAGO, IL 60607 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

TWO SHADES CAFE, INC. has been inspected 9 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since August 18, 2021. The most recent inspection, on March 31, 2026, recorded 5 infractions.

2 of 9 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there was 1 inspection with 5 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Cleaning and sanitizing, Handwashing and staff hygiene and Pests.

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.

  • 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 6 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on February 18, 2025. For example: WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

  • 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 4 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on February 18, 2025. 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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on March 31, 2026. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

  • 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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on February 23, 2024. For example: PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION

  • 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 May 11, 2022. For example: PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

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.

9 inspections

  1. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • FLY STRIP ATTACHED TO WALL NEAR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTD TO REMOVE, FLY STRIPS NOT PERMITTED IN PREP AREAS.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • PLASTIC LINING ON EXTERIOR SURFACE OF SMALL ICE MACHINE IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTD TO REMOVE PLASTIC LINING SO AS SUFACE TO BE SMOOTH, EVEN AND EASILY CLEANABLE
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • LEAK AT PIPE UNDER 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTD TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • BRICK WALLS IN TOILET ROOMS CRUMBLING CAUSING BRICK DEBRIS ON HANDWASH SINKS AND SURROUNDING SURFACE. INSTD TO SEAL BRICK/FINISH WALL SO AS TO BE SMOOTH, EVEN, NON POROUS AND EASILY CLEANABLE
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • WALLS SURROUNDING UTILITY SINK IN FRONT PREP AREA NOT CLEAN, EXCESSIVE DEBRIS. INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN SAME
  2. Canvass Re-Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • 2-102.13-OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS' CERTIFICATES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH THE IDPH FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENT.
  3. Canvass

    10 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 ARE BEING PREPARED, HANDLED AND SERVED, SUCH AS (SANDWICHES, FRIED EGGS ETC) MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING SINKS NOT MAINTAINED WITH HOT WATER: IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF HOT WATER OBSERVED AT EMPLOYEE WASHROOM HANDSINK (50.1F). INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE HOT WATER AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS MUST BE AT LEAST 100FF. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • "OBSERVED NO CURRENT PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK ON THE PREMISES. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT A LICENSED PEST CONTROL COMPANY AND OPERATOR MUST PROVIDE AT LEAST 2 PEST INSPECTIONS A YEAR AND THE REPORTS MUST BE MAINTAINED IN THE LOG BOOK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A CURRENT PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK AND PEST INSPECTION REPORTS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(C). CITATION ISSUED."
    • 41. WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
      • OBSERVED WET WIPING CLOTHS ON SEVERAL PREP SURFACE AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION OF EQUIPMENT & FOOD. MUST MAINTAIN
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • OBSERVED FACILITY WITHOUT A CHEMICAL TEST KIT FOR SANITIZER OR FOR WARE WASHING AREA. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE A TEST KIT THAT ACCURATELY MEASURES THE CONCENTRATION IN MG/L OF SANITIZING SOLUTION MUST BE PROVIDED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED CLUTTER STORED ON FLOOR IN FRONT STORAGE CLOSET AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNUSED ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS' CERTIFICATES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH THE IDPH FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENT.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.
    • 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT #2589942 ON 2/23/24 WERE NOT CORRECTED: #40 OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE NOT WEARING A HAIR RESTRAINT WHILE PREPARING FOOD. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD-HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS WHILE PREPARING FOOD. #51-OBSERVED BROKEN BACKFLOW PREVENTER DEVICE ON THE FRONT PREP MOP SINK. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL TO ENSURE THE DEVICE CAN BE LOCATED, SERVICED, AND MAINTAINED. #53-OBSERVED MISSING COVERED RECEPTACLE IN EMPLOYEE/CUSTOMER RESTROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
  4. Canvass

    9 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 ARE BEING PREPARED, HANDLED AND SERVED, SUCH AS (SANDWICHES, FRIED EGGS ETC) MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS IN THE FRONT COUNTER PREP AREA HANDSINK AND REAR DISHWASHING PREP AREA HANDSINK. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT PAPER TOWELS MUST BE AVAILABLE AT HAND SINKS AT ALL TIMES. THE FOOD HANDLER OBTAINED PAPER TOWELS FOR THE HAND SINK DURING THE INSPECTION PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
    • 23. PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
      • OBSERVED READY-TO-EAT, TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY (TCS) FOODS (FRIED EGGS AND SANDWICHES ) NOT DATE MARKED TO INDICATE THE PRODUCT'S NAME AND DATE IN WHICH THE FOOD MUST BE SOLD, DISCARDED OR CONSUMED WITHIN 7 DAYS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER LABELS FOR DATE MARKING AND DISCARD DATE FOR REFRIGERATED, READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOODS HELD OVER 24HRS PLACED IN ALL COLD-HOLDING UNITS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 40. PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
      • OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES NOT WEARING A HAIR RESTRAINT WHILE PREPARING FOOD. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINTS WHILE PREPARING FOOD.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED BROKEN BACKFLOW PREVENTER DEVICE ON THE FRONT PREP MOP SINK. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL TO ENSURE THE DEVICE CAN BE LOCATED, SERVICED, AND MAINTAINED.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • OBSERVED MISSING COVERED RECEPTACLE IN EMPLOYEE/CUSTOMER RESTROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 54. GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED OUTSIDE DUMPSTER WITH LIDS NOT CLOSED DUE TO TRASH OVERFLOWING. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN TO ENSURE TIGHT FITTING LIDS. THE MANAGER CLEANED OVERFLOWING TRASH FROM THE GROUND DURING THE INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-020(B). CITATION ISSUED.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP, FOOD DEBRIS, AND DIRT ON THE FLOOR UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS, AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP, DISHWASHING, AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS, AND ALL CORNERS IN ALL AREAS.
  5. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS WERE PREPARED AND SERVED (EGGS). INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A PERSON ON SITE WITH AN ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED. THE FOOD MANAGER ARRIVED AT THE END OF THE INSPECTION.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • FOUND HEAVY DEBRIS BUILD UP INSIDE THE MICROWAVE. FOUND HEAVY ICE BUILD UP INSIDE THE 2-DOOR TRUE FREEZER IN THE FRONT PREP AREA. MUST DETAIL CLEAN MICROWAVE, DEFROST AND REMOVE ICE FROM FREEZER, AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED HEAVY DIRT BUILD UP ON THE FLOOR MAT USED IN THE FRONT PREP AREA. MUST DETAIL CLEAN FLOOR MAT AND MAINTAIN.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED A FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGERS MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATES ON SITE.
  6. Canvass

    8 infractions

    • 1. PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
      • NO PERSON IN CHARGE ON SITE DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS WERE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED (EGGS). INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A PERSON ON SITE WITH AN ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 16. FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
      • MUST CLEAN PINK SLIME BUILD UP INSIDE OF ICE MACHINE.
    • 22. PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
      • OBSERVED MILK AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE AT 50.3F. ALSO OBSERVED OPENED CONTAINER OF ALMOND MILK FOUND AT 48.4F, OPENED CONTAINER OF SOY MILK FOUND AT 49.7F, OPENED CONTAINER OF COCONUT MILK FOUND AT 50.1F, HALF AND HALF FOUND AT 50.3F. PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE MUST BE AT 41.0F OR BELOW INSIDE OF A COLD HOLDING UNIT. FOOD HAS BEEN DISCARDED AND DENATURED. FOOD WEIGHING APPROXIMATELY 50 LBS AT A COST OF $150.00. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 33. PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
      • OBSERVED IMPROPER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE AT 47.3F INSIDE OF PREP COOLER. PROPER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE MUST BE AT 41.0F OR BELOW INSIDE OF A COLD HOLDING UNIT. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • OBSERVED PACKAGED DESSERTS FOR CUSTOMER SELF SERVICE WITHOUT A LABEL IN FRONT COOLER. Identity (name of food), Net Quantity of Contents, Ingredient List, Major Food Allergens, Business Name and Address, Nutrition Facts (if applicable).
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES FOR CURRENT EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE.
    • 61. SUMMARY REPORT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC
      • SUMMARY REPORT NOT POSTED FROM PREVIOUS INSPECTION ON 10/4/2021, REPORT #2534269. INSTRUCTED TO POST RECENT SUMMARY REPORT VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-42-010(b). CITATION ISSUED.
  7. License Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  8. License

    7 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED HOT WATER ABOVE 120F AT MEN'S WASHBOWL SINK. MUST PROVIDE HOT WATER BETWEEN 100-120F AT THE HANDWASHING SINKS. WATER WAS CORRECTED DURING INSPECTION AND REFLECTS 101F. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C).
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • NOTED SNEEZE GUARD TOO LOW AT FRONT COUNTER WHERE ESPRESSO MACHINE IS STORED. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A SNEEZE GUARD TO ACT AS A BARRIER FROM CUSTOMERS TO ALLOW FOR PROTECTION OF FOOD PRODUCTS. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED LOW SPLASHGUARD BETWEEN FRONT EXPOSED HANDSINK AND CUSTOMER COUNTER SEATING. MUST INSTALL A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SPLASHGUARD TO AID IN PREVENTING CONTAMINATION.
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • OBSERVED FACILITY WITHOUT A CHEMICAL TEST KIT FOR SANITIZER OR FOR WAREWASHING AREA. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE A TEST KIT THAT ACCURATELY MEASURES THE CONCENTRATION IN MG/L OF SANITIZING SOLUTION MUST BE PROVIDED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF ICE BUILDUP IN 2-DOOR REACH IN FREEZER IN FRONT COFFEE PREP AREA. MUST REMOVE EXCESS ICE, DETAIL CLEAN, AND MAINTAIN.
    • 52. SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED
      • OBSERVED 3-COMPARTMENT WAREWASHING SINK WITHOUT APPROVED GREASE TRAP LOCATED IN REAR PREP AREA. ALL SINKS IN WHICH FOOD, UTENSILS, AND EQUIPMENT ARE WASHED SHALL BE CONNECTED TO ALSO HAVE A CATCH-BASIN OR BE EQUIPPED WITH AN APPROVED GREASE INTERCEPTOR. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO OBTAIN, INSTALL AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED EXPOSED BRICK WALLS IN THE FRONT COFFEE PREP AREA/LOBBY FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO COVER AS WALLS SHOULD BE SEALED, SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
  9. License

    0 infractions

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