Willow Cafe and Bistro

4729 N LINCOLN AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60625 · Restaurant

8 inspections

1. Complaint Re-InspectionJun 26, 2026

   7 infractions

   • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
     • 4-602.13 CLEAN THE FOOD DEBRIS INSIDE OF THE OVEN AND BENEATH THE STOVETOP, CLEAN THE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON THE PREP TABLES.
   • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
     • 5-501.17 OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN THE EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
   • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
     • 6-202.14 OBSERVED NO SELF-CLOSING DOOR DEVICE ON THE EMPLOYEE WASHROOM DOOR. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL.
   • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
     • 6-501.12 CLEAN THE FOOD DEBRIS ON THE FLOOR AND WALLS OF THE FOOD PREP AREAS.
   • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
     • 6-501.11 SEAL ALL OPENINGS IN THE WALLS OF THE DISHWASHING AREA, FOOD PREP AREA AND EMPLOYEE WASHROOM TO ELIMINATE PEST HARBORAGE CONDITIONS.
   • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
     • 6-202.11 REPLACE THE MISSING LIGHT SHIELD ABOVE THE BAKERY FOOD PREP AREA.
   • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
     • 2-102.13 OBSERVED SEVERAL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST SHOW VALID PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
2. ComplaintJun 16, 2026

   9 infractions

   • 23. PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
     • OBSERVED READY-TO-EAT TCS FOODS (GARLIC AIOLI, TOMATO SOUP, SAUTEED MUSHROOMS, ETC.) STORED IN THE WALK-IN COOLER PAST THE 7 DAY MAXIMUM USE BY DATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE OR DISCARD ALL EXPIRED TCS FOODS WITHIN 7 DAYS WITH THE PREP DATE COUNTING AS DAY #1. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
   • 25. CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
     • OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER STATEMENT FOR RAW OR UNDERCOOKED ANIMAL FOODS ON THE LUNCH AND BRUNCH MENUS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DISCLOSE OR DESCRIBE ALL FOODS WHICH CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED AND LINK THOSE ITEMS TO A REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
   • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
     • OBSERVED 5 LIVE COCKROACHES ON THE WALL AND FLOOR UNDER AND BEHIND THE DISHWASHING MACHINE. ALSO OBSERVED 5 LIVE SMALL FLYING INSECTS ON THE WALLS OF THE FRONT COFFEE PREP AREA. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE ALL PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
   • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
     • CLEAN THE TOP AND EXTERIOR OF THE DISHWASHING MACHINE.
   • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
     • OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN THE EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
   • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
     • OBSERVED NO SELF-CLOSING DOOR DEVICE ON THE EMPLOYEE WASHROOM DOOR. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL.
   • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
     • CLEAN THE FOOD DEBRIS ON THE FLOOR AND WALLS OF THE FOOD PREP AREAS.
   • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
     • SEAL ALL OPENINGS IN THE WALLS OF THE DISHWASHING AREA, FOOD PREP AREA AND EMPLOYEE WASHROOM TO ELIMINATE PEST HARBORAGE CONDITIONS.
   • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
     • OBSERVED SEVERAL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST SHOW VALID PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
3. CanvassMar 23, 2026

   5 infractions

   • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
     • MUST REPAIR TORN GASKETS ON THE INSIDE OF MAIN THREE DOOR PREP COOLER IN THE COOKS STATION.
   • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
     • OBSERVED DUST ACCUMULATION ON THE FAN GUARDS IN THE WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
   • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
     • OBSERVED HANDWASHING SINK IN THE COFFEE STATION CONTINUOSLY RUNNING LOW WATER PRESSURE WHEN TURNED OFF. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
   • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
     • MUST REMOVE AND DETAIL CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS FROM THE FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS AND BASEBOARDS IN THE MAIN KITCHEN PREP AREA AND MAINTAIN.
   • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
     • OBSERVED BROKEN AND MISSING FLOOR TILES UNDERNEATH HANDWASHING SINK IN THE BAKERY. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
4. CanvassMay 14, 2025

   8 infractions

   • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
     • OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING HANDWASHING SINKS TO BE INACCESSIBLE AT TIME OF INSPECTION: REAR AREA (NEAR EXTERIOR DOOR) HANDWASHING SINK OBSTRUCTED BY EQUIPMENT, FRONT BAKERY AREA HANDWASHING SINK OBSTRUCTED BY WOODEN SHELF. OBSERVED FOOD EMPLOYEE UTILIZING FRONT COFFEE AREA HANDWASHING SINK TO RINSE IN-USE UTENSILS. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL OBSTRUCTIONS FROM HANDWASHING SINKS AND MAINTAIN ALL HANDWASHING SINKS ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIMES FOR HANDWASHING ONLY. PERSON-IN-CHARGE REMOVED ALL HANDWASHING SINK OBSTRUCTIONS AND DISCUSSED HANDWASHING SINK PROCEDURES WITH STAFF ON-SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.
   • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
     • OBSERVED HAND SOAP NOT PROVIDED AT THE FOLLOWING HANDWASHING SINKS: REAR AREA (NEAR EXTERIOR DOOR), FRONT BAKERY AREA, REAR BAKERY AREA (NEAR RESTROOM). INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HAND SOAP AT ALL HANDWASHING SINKS AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. PERSON-IN-CHARGE PROVIDED HAND SOAP TO ALL HANDWASHING SINKS ON-SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-030(C) CITATION COMBINED WITH ABOVE VIOLATION.
   • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
     • OBSERVED DISPOSABLE PAPER TOWELS NOT PROVIDED AT THE FRONT BAKERY AREA HANDWASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE DISPOSABLE PAPER TOWELS AT ALL HANDWASHING SINKS AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. PERSON-IN-CHARGE PROVIDED DISPOSABLE PAPER TOWELS AT TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-030(C) CITATION COMBINED WITH ABOVE VIOLATION.
   • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
     • OBSERVED FRONT COFFEE AREA HANDWASHING SINK MISSING SIGNAGE NOTIFYING FOOD EMPLOYEES TO WASH HANDS. INSTRUCTED TO PROIVDE ADEQUATE SIGNAGE AT ALL HANDWASHING SINKS AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
   • 22. PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
     • OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING TCS FOOD ITEMS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES FOR COLD-HOLDING IN THE BAKERY AREA 3-DOOR REACH-IN COOLER: COOKED POTATOES AT 50.1F, PORK SAUSAGE AT 46.6F. INSTRUCTED TO DENATURE AND DISCARD ALL TCS FOOD ITEMS AT IMPROPER COLD-HOLDING TEMPERATURES. APPROXIMATELY 50 LBS. OF FOOD VALUED AT APPROXIMATELY $110.00 DISCARDED ON-SITE. PERSON-IN-CHARGE DENATURED AND DISCARDED OUT-OF-TEMPERATURE FOOD ITEMS ON-SITE. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
   • 43. IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
     • OBSERVED IN-USE UTENSILS STORED IN STILL, ROOM-TEMPERATURE WATER IN BETWEEN USES AT THE MAIN COOK LINE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE IN-USE UTENSILS ON A CLEAN, SANITIZED SURFACE, UNDER RUNNING WATER, OR IN WATER AT OR ABOVE 135.0F IN BETWEEN USES AND MAINTAIN.
   • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
     • OBSERVED FAUCET AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK TO BE IN POOR REPAIR, LEAKING WHEN TURNED OFF BUT FUNCTIONAL. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK FAUCET TO ELIMINATE LEAK AND MAINTAIN ALL PLUMBING FIXTURES IN GOOD REPAIR.
   • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
     • OBSERVED TWO PERSONS-IN-CHARGE WITH CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER TRAINING AND CERTIFICATE MISSING ADDITIONAL ALLERGEN AWARENESS TRAINING AND CERTIFICATES ON-SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS WITH ALLERGEN AWARENESS TRAINING AND MAINTAIN CERTIFICATE(S) ON-SITE AT ALL TIMES FOR INSPECTOR REVIEW.
5. LicenseApr 16, 2024

   0 infractions

6. LicenseApr 16, 2024

   5 infractions

   • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
     • Observed hand sink near rear exit door to not be properly protected from contamination between prep sink and service/utility sink. Instructed manager to provide splash guard on each side to protect against potential contamination.
   • 41. WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
     • INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL WASHCLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION ESPECIALLY WHEN NOT IN USE.
   • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
     • Observed no backflow prevention device present at following locations: service/utility sink near rear exit door; coffee expresso unit at front counter; water dispenser at front counter. Instructed manager to provide backflow prevention device at each location.
   • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
     • INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE MISSING FLOOR TILES DIRECTLY UNDERNEATH THE NEWLY INSTALLED HANDWASHING SINKS AND MAINTAIN.
   • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
     • Observed light above rear hand sink near rear exit door and light above ovens in rear bakery area to not have protective shields or covers. Provide protective light shield or shatter resistant light bulbs.
7. LicenseApr 9, 2024

   0 infractions

8. LicenseApr 9, 2024

   0 infractions