CAFE 53.
1369 E 53RD ST · HYDE PARK, CHICAGO
Failed 4 of 14 inspections. 17 critical violations on the cumulative record. Pattern of issues, not a one-off.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTION HISTORY
APR 32026PASS W/ CONDITIONS4 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED HANDSINK IN PREP AREA NOT STOCKED WITH HAND SOAP. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT HAND SOAP MUST BE AVAILABLE AT HANDSINKS AT ALL TIMES. FOOD HANDLER OBTAINED HAND SOAP FOR HAND SINK DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS AT THE HAND-SINK IN THE PREP AREA. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT PAPER TOWELS MUST BE AVAILABLE AT HAND SINKS AT ALL TIMES. FOOD HANDLER OBTAINED PAPER TOWELS FOR HAND SINK DURING TIME OF INSPECTION PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-030(C). SEE ABOVE.
OBSERVED HAND SINK IN REAR PREP AREA NOT ACCESSIBLE. BASIN WAS FILLED WITH UTENSILS AND A PLASTIC FOOD CONTAINER. INSTRUCTED THAT SINK MUST BE ACCESSIBLE AND MAINTAINED AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-030(C). SEE ABOVE.
OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP, FOOD DEBRIS, AND DIRT ON FLOOR UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP, DISH WASHING AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN ALL AREAS. OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP CEILING AND WALL VENTS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL FANS AND CEILING/WALL VENTS.
APR 292025PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT POP AND/OR MILK CRATES ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE FOR PROPER ELEVATION. MUST BE ABLE TO EASILY CLEAN AND MONITOR UNDERNEATH.
MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR OF COOLERS, FREEZERS AND COUNTER TOPS.
MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE FLOORS THROUGH OUT ALONG THE WALL BASE AND IN CORNERS TO REMOVE SPILLS AND/OR DEBRIS. ALSO CLEAN LEDGES IN THE PREP AREA TO REMOVE DBERIS.
DEC 102024PASSED4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED THE REAR EXTERIOR DOOR NOT TIGHT FITTING AT THE BOTTOM (1/4" GAP). MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN TO PREVENT POSSIBLE ENTRY POINT FOR PESTS.
OBSERVED CUTTING BOARD IN THE REAR WITH DEEP DARK SEEMS. MUST REPAIR AND/OR REPLACE.
MUST CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE REACH IN COOLER SHELVING AND FAN COVER.
OBSERVED THE CEILING AND WALLS IN THE PREP AREA DUSTY. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
MAR 272024PASSED7 violationsDETAILS
OBSERVED GROCERY BAGS BEING USED FOR FOOD STORAGE FOR SOME FOOD ITEMS; INSTRUCTED TO USE FOOD GRADE BAGS FOR FOOD STORAGE.
OBSERVED THE RUBBER GASKETS AT ONE REFRIGERATION UNIT AND ONE FREEZER IN POOR REPAIR; INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE TO AVOID AIR ESCAPING FROM UNITS.
FOUND A LEAK FROM THE EXPOSED HANDSINK IN TH MENS WASHROOM; INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR LEAK AT SINK.
INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FOLLOWING: THE FLOORS AND WALLS AROUND UNDER AND BEHIND KITCHEN EQUIPMENT, CLEAN FLOOR IN REAR STORAGE ROOM, CLEAN INTERIORS OF REFRIGERATION UNITS WHERE NEEDED, PREP TABLES AND OTHER EQUIPMENT IN KITCHEN AREA.
INSTRUCTED TO ORGANIZE AND MAINTAIN REAR STORAGE CLOSET; REMOVE ANY UNNECESSARY ITEMS TO AVOID CLUTTER.
INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS THAT ARE NOT FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFCATE.
AUG 72020PASS W/ CONDITIONS8 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010.
NO PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEA EVENTS WITH CLEAN-UP KIT. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
MUST CONVENIENTLY LOCATE A HAND WASH SINK PROPERLY EQUIPPED AT FRONT PREP AREA FOR EMPLOYEE USE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C).
MUST REATTACH/SEAL SPLASH GUARD TO HAND SINK IN PREP AREA.
DETAIL CLEAN/SANITIZE INTERIOR BOTTOM OF ALL REFRIGERATION UNITS OF FOOD SPILLS AND ENCRUSTED DEBRIS.
MUST PROVIDE COVERED RECEPTACLES FOR WOMEN'S WASHROOM.
OBSERVED HIGH CEILINGS AT REAR WITH EXPOSED VENT OVER PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A PROTECTIVE BARRIER BETWEEN THE CEILING AND THE PREP AREA.
MUST PROVIDE PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
show all 14 inspections →
JUL 312020FAILED13 violations4 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE TCS FOODS(BREAKFAST SANDWICHES,COFFEE, ESPRESSO) ARE BEING PREPARED, HANDLED AND SERVED. CITY CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE WHILE TCS FOOD ITEMS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 ISSUED.
OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010.
NO PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEA EVENTS WITH CLEAN-UP KIT. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
MUST CONVENIENTLY LOCATE A HAND WASH SINK PROPERLY EQUIPPED AT FRONT PREP AREA FOR EMPLOYEE USE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C).
OBSERVED ASSORTED FOOD ITEMS INSIDE REFRIGERATION UNITS NOT PROPERLY LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ITEMS WITH PRODUCT NAME INCLUDING BULK CONTAINERS.
OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS WITH OPEN SEAMS AND DARK STAINS. MUST REFINISH OR REPLACE DAMAGED OR STAINED CUTTING BOARDS.
MUST DETAIL CLEAN/SANITIZE CAN OPENER ATTACHED TO PREP TABLE AT REAR.
MUST REATTACH/SEAL SPLASH GUARD TO HAND SINK IN PREP AREA.
NOTED NO SANITIZER TEST STRIP KIT ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A TEST KIT ON SITE AT ALL TIME TO PROPERLY MONITOR THE STRENGHT OF THE SANITIZIER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
DETAIL CLEAN/SANITIZE INTERIOR BOTTOM OF ALL REFRIGERATION UNITS OF FOOD SPILLS AND ENCRUSTED DEBRIS.
MUST PROVIDE COVERED RECEPTACLES FOR WOMEN'S WASHROOM.
OBSERVED HIGH CEILINGS AT REAR WITH EXPOSED VENT OVER PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A PROTECTIVE BARRIER BETWEEN THE CEILING AND THE PREP AREA.
MUST PROVIDE PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
NOV 42016PASS W/ CONDITIONS5 violationsDETAILS
OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS(COFFEE, ESPRESSO) ARE BEING PREPARED, HANDLED AND SERVED. CITY CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012 ISSUED.
DETAIL CLEAN/SANITIZE MEAT SLICER, ALL INTERIOR BOTTOMS OF REFRIGERATION UNITS AND COUNTER AREA AROUND COFFEE/ESPRESSO MACHINE OF SPILLS.
DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS IN KITCHEN AREA UNDER 3-COMP SINK, INBETWEEN 2-DR COOLER AND AROUND HEAVY EQUIPMENT AT CORNERS AND ALONG WALLBASE IN SAME AREA.
CLEAN WALL OF FOOD SPLASHES NEXT TO 2-DR REFRIGERATOR IN KITCHEN ABOVE GARBAGE CONTAINER AND EXTERIOR SIDE OF 2-DR REFRIGERATOR IN SAME AREA.
REMOVE CLUTTER IN REAR STORAGE ROOM, ORGANIZE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
OCT 292015PASS W/ CONDITIONS12 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
PREVIOUS SERIOUS VIOLATION FROM REPORT #1386509 10/22/15 #18 STILL FINDING FRONT DOOR FRAME NOT TIGHT FITTING.MANAGER IS ON SITE REPAIRING DOOR AT THIS TIME.(CRITICAL 7-42-090)
VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED SEE VIOLATION #14.
OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY AND NO CERTIFICATE POSTED TO VIEW WHILE CHICKEN,TURKEY,HUMMUS IS BEING PREPARED,HANDLED AND SERVED.MUST PROVIDE AND POST CERTIFICATE.(SERIOUS 7-38-012)
Inspector Comments: MUST REMOVE RUST FROM SHELVING UNITS IN 2- DOOR REACH IN COOLER & TABLE TOP COOLER .MUST PROVIDE SPLASH GUARD AT HAND SINK NEXT TO PREP COOLER.
Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN DUST FROM OVER HEAD HANGING UNIT IN FRONT PREP AREA & REAR PREP AREA SHELVING UNITS.MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRI FROM ALL COOLERS,INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF STORAGE CABINETS,DISH RACKS,DIPPING WELL,COUNTER TOPS.
Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRI FROM FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES THROUGHOUT PREP AREAS,FOOD STORAGE AREA,MOP SINK CLOSET.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN PREP AREA.
Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN DUST BUILD UP FROM WALLS IN PREP AREA,DINING AREA,DOORS AT MOP SINK CLOSET,VENTILATION VENTS IN TOILETROOMS.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE HOLES IN WOMEN'S TOILETROOM DOOR.MUST SCRAPE AND PAINT PEELING PAINT ON WALLS THROUGHT PREP AREAS AND DINING AREA.
Inspector Comments: MUST PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELDS AND END CAPS ON LIGHTS IN BOTH PREP AREAS.
Inspector Comments: MUST PROVIDE PROBE AND REFRIGERATOR THERMOMETERS.
Inspector Comments: MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE AND ORGANIZE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS IN FOOD STORAGE AREA,CASH REGISTER AREA.
Inspector Comments: MUST PROVIDE HOOKS TO HANG WET MOPS.MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION.
Inspector Comments: IDPH FOOD HANDLERS REQUIREMENTS NOT MET.MUST ENROLL AND MAINTAIN.
OCT 222015FAILED14 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED REAR PREP COOLER AT 51.9F AND FRONT TABLE TOP MILK COOLER AT 49.0F. WITH POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS STORED INSIDE.A HELD FOR INSPECTION TAG PLACED ON UNIT.ONCE REPAIRED FAX LETTER TO (312)746-4240 WHEN READY.MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING UNIT AT 40.0F OR BELOW.(CRITICAL 7-38-005A)
OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURES OF 1LB.CUT ROMAINE LETTUCE AT 48.7F AND 1/2LB.SLICED TOMATOES AT 46.9F IN REAR PREP COOLER AND 5 GALLONS MILK 44.4F,45.1F,45.8F,45.9F,52.3F,7QUARTS OF HALF & HALF 45.7F,46.9F,47.2F,5- HALF GALLONS SOY MILK 50.3F-50.5F IN TABLE TOP MILK COOLER.PRODUCT WAS DUMPED AND DENATURED BY MANAGER.MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING AT 40.0F OR BELOW.APPX.11.7,1.5 LBS GALLONS $52.50.(CRITICAL 7-38-005A)
OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX.20 OR MORE LIVE SMALL FLIES FLYING AROUND,ON WALLS & CEILINGS AND A PILE OF SOILED TOWELS ON FLOOR UNDER 3- COMPARTMENT SINK & CONDIMENT COUNTER AND THROUGHOUT AND ALSO APPX. 100 OR MORE RODENT DROPPINGS ON FLOOR UNDER 3- COMPARTMENT SINK,ON BRICK UNDER CONDIMENT COUNTER,MOTOR OF REFRIGERATOR UNITS,COUNTER TOPS AND LEDGES,MOPSINK CLOSET,DINING AREA,DRY FOOD STORAGE AREA.FRONT DOOR FRAME,HOLE IN LOWER WALL AT FRONT WINDOW(EAST),REAR SCREEN DOOR AND WALL EXHAUST UNIT MISSING SCREEN.MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS,CLEAN & SANITIZE AREAS.RODENT PROOF DOORS.RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 10/22/15.(SERIOUS 7-38-020)
OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY AND NO CURRENT FOOD MANAGERS CERTIFICATE POSTED TO VIEW WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED,HANDLED AND SERVED SUCH AS ROAST BEEF,CHICKEN,SLICED TOMATOES,LEAFY GREEN VEGETABLES,ETC.MUST PROVIDE & POST CERTIFICATE AND BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.(SERIOUS 7-38-012)
MUST REMOVE RUST FROM SHELVING UNITS IN 2- DOOR REACH IN COOLER & TABLE TOP COOLER .MUST PROVIDE LOCK ON FOOD STORAGE DOOR ACROSS FROM PUBLIC TOILET ROOM,SPLASH GUARD AT HAND SINK NEXT TO PREP COOLER.MUST REPLACE WORN CUTTING BOARD.
MUST CLEAN DUST FROM OVER HEAD HANGING UNIT IN FRONT PREP AREA & REAR PREP AREA SHELVING UNITS.MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRI FROM ALL COOLERS,INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF STORAGE CABINETS,DISH RACKS,DIPPING WELL,COUNTER TOPS.
MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRI FROM FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES THROUGHOUT PREP AREAS,FOOD STORAGE AREA,MOP SINK CLOSET.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN PREP AREA.
MUST CLEAN DUST BUILD UP FROM WALLS IN PREP AREA,DINING AREA,DOORS AT MOP SINK CLOSET,VENTILATION VENTS IN TOILETROOMS.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE HOLES IN WOMEN'S TOILETROOM DOOR.MUST SCRAPE AND PAINT PEELING PAINT ON WALLS THROUGHT PREP AREAS AND DINING AREA.
MUST PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELDS AND END CAPS ON LIGHTS IN BOTH PREP AREAS.
MUST PROVIDE PROBE AND REFRIGERATOR THERMOMETERS.
MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE AND ORGANIZE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS IN FOOD STORAGE AREA,CASH REGISTER AREA.
MUST PROVIDE HAIR RESTRAINTS FOR FOOD HANDLERS.
MUST PROVIDE HOOKS TO HANG WET MOPS.MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION.
IDPH FOOD HANDLERS REQUIREMENTS NOT MET.MUST ENROLL AND MAINTAIN.
NOV 72013PASSED6 violationsDETAILS
MUST PROPERLY SEAL AROUND THE WASH BOWL IN THE WOMENS WASHROOM.
MUST DETAIL CLEAN ALL EQUIPMENT AND FOOD CONTACT SURFACES.
MUST DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS UNDER ALL SINKS AND EQUIPMENT. MUST REMOVE COFFEE BEANS AND OTHER DEBRIS.
MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE WALLS IN THE PREP AREA.
MUST REPAIR LEAKY FAUCET AT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK.
MUST STORE ALL ITEMS IN REAR STORAGE CLOSET 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR.
MAR 292012PASS W/ CONDITIONS6 violationsDETAILS
A certified food service manager must be present in all establishments at which potentially hazardous food is prepared or served. NO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON DUTY NOR ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE POSTED WHEN DELI SANDWICHES ARE PREPARED AND SERVED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.
All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. REMOVE CRATES OFF FLOOR AND PROVIDE SHELVING FOR STORAGE.
All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. CLEAN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF ALL COOLERS, FREEZERS, CABINETS, PREP TABLES, EQUIPMENT, SINKS, ETC
The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. ELEVATE ALL STOCK OFF FLOOR IN STORAGE AREAS. FLOORS NEED CLEANING UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS.
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. REMOVE ALL UNUSED EQUIPMENT IN OUTSIDE AND REAR STORAGE AREAS.
All employees shall be required to use effective hair restraints to confine hair. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS.
MAR 242011FAILED4 violationsDETAILS
The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. PROVIDE FLOOR TILES FOR MISSING SECTION BY SMALL COOLER AT FRONT PREP AREA. CLEAN FLOORS THROUGHOUT PREMISES TO REMOVE CONSTRUCTION DEBRIS.
The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. SEAL ALL RAW WOOD SURFACES UNDER COUNTER AT FRONT PREP AREA AND NEXT TO PREP COOLER. SEAL ALL OPENINGS AROUND LARGE PIPING/VENTS AND UPPER AT DISH WASHING AREA AND HALLWAY BY TOILET ROOMS. SEAL OPENINGS AROUND ELECTRICAL OUTLETS AT FRONT PREP AREA. CLEAN UPPER AND LOWER WALLS AR THREE COMPARTMENT SINK.
MUST PROVIDE THE PROPER LIGHT SHEILDS AND END CAPS ON LIGHTS OVER ALL FOOD PREP AREAS OR PROVIDE PROOF OF SHATTER PROOF BULBS.
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. MUST REMOVE ALL CLUTTER AND CONSTRUCTION DEBRIS FROM INTERIOR OF STORE AND FROM REAR OUTSIDE AREAS.
MAR 112011FAILED5 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
GELATO FREEZER NOT ON AND OPERATING. MUST REPAIR AND HAVE ON AND OPERATING TO VERIFY THAT IT HOLDS THE PROPER TEMPERATURE.
MUST REMOVE PEELING PAINT FROM CEILING ABOVE REAR DISH WASHING AREA. MUST SEAL ALL LARGE GAPS ALONG WALL BASES IN REAR CLOSET AND INSTALL COVING. MUST SEAL OPENINGS AND RAW WOOD AROUND HOT WATER HEATER COVER IN MENS WASHROOM.
MUST PROVIDE THE PROPER LIGHT SHEILDS AND END CAPS ON LIGHTS OVER ALL FOOD PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS OR PROVIDE PROOF OF SHATTER PROOF BULBS.
MUST INSTALL A DIPPER WELL NEAR GELATO FREEZER. MUST REPAIR LEAKY FAUCET AT HAND SINK. MUST INSTALL A BACK FLOW DEVICE AT THE ESPRESSO MACHINE.
MUST REMOVE ALL CLUTTER AND CONSTRUCTION DEBRIS FROM INTERIOR OF STORE AND FROM REAR OUTSIDE AREAS.
Data sourced from Chicago Dept. of Public Health. We'd love to link you straight to this restaurant's record — turns out Chicago considers that a luxury. The full dataset is what's on offer →