SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO

CAFE LATIN BLISS.

EAT. 83/100

5515 N LINCOLN AVE · LINCOLN SQUARE, CHICAGO

Last inspected July 22, 2025 · passed

13 of 16 inspections passed, with 3 critical violations on file.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS
16
13 passed · 1 w/ conditions · 2 failed
VIOLATIONS
51
includes 3 critical
RECORDS COVER
14 YEARS
since Dec 2010

INSPECTION HISTORY

JUL 22
2025
PASSED
4 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

METAL PREP TABLES IN THE KITCHEN NOTED WITH PEELING PLASTIC AS A PROTECTANT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.----RAW WOODEN SHELVING AT THE MAIN BAR THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REPLACE WITH A NON-ABSORBENT MATERIAL.

MINORPlumbing & Waste
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

LEFT WASHBOWL IN THE WOMEN'S WASHROOM NOT FUNCTIONAL. UNABLE TO TURN OFF AND LEAKING HOT HANDLE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND USE THE RIGHT SIDE WASHBOWL UNTIL OPERATIONAL.

MINORPest Activity
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

ALL UNNECESSARY STORED ITEMS THROUGHOUT THE FAR SOUTH BASEMENT STORAGE ROOM MUST BE REMOVED FROM THE PREMISES AND ALL OTHER ITEMS MUST BE STORED ELEVATED AND ORGANIZED TO PREVENT PEST HARBORING.

MINOROther
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE ALLERGEN TRAINING.

NOV 6
2024
PASSED
0 violations
OCT 30
2024
FAILED
3 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

OBSERVED STAINED CUTTING BOARDS IN THE KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE OR REPLACE THE CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN.

MINORPlumbing & Waste
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE NOT LOCATED AT ICE MACHINE.MUST INSTALL SO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE MAY BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED.

MINORPest Activity
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

OBSERVED OUTSIDE GARBAGE DUMPSTERS OVERFLOWING WITH TRASH AND BOXES.INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE OUTSIDE GARBAGE AREAS AT ALL TIMES.LIDS/COVERS MUST BE KEPT TIGHT FITTING TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(b),CITATION ISSUED.

NOV 9
2023
PASSED
0 violations
MAY 26
2022
PASSED
0 violations
show all 16 inspections →
AUG 27
2021
PASSED
5 violations1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALEmployee Hygiene
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT ALL HANDSINKS (BARS).

MINORSanitation
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

OBSERVED RAW WOOD SHELVES IN THE BASEMENT LIQUOR STORAGE AREA.INSTRUCTED TO PAINT OR SEAL THE SHELVES.

MINORPlumbing & Waste
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE NOT LOCATED AT ICE MACHINE. MUST INSTALL SO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE MAY BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED FLOOR TILES IN NEED OF RE-GROUTING AT (FRONT BAR AREA).MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

MINORFacility Condition
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE BURNT-OUT LIGHT BULB IN KITCHEN 2 DOOR STAND-UP COOLER AND MAINTAIN ADEQUATE LIGHTING AT ALL TIMES.

DEC 12
2019
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
3 violations2 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALDocumentation & Training
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE. PRIOIRTYT FOUNDATION 7-38-010 NO CITATION ISSUED.

CRITICALSanitation
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

NO CLEAN UP PROCEDURE FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.

MINORSanitation
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

MUST PROVIDE LID/COVER FOR THE UNISEX WASHROOM AND WOMEN'S WASHROOM WASTE RECEPTACLES.

MAY 24
2018
PASSED
0 violations
MAY 18
2018
FAILED
3 violations
DETAILS
SERIOUSSanitation
FOOD PROTECTED DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY, SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION

INTERIOR PANEL UPPER COMPARTMENT OF THE ICE MAKER NOT CLEANED. SURFACES WITH WET BLACK MOLDY LIKE SUBSTRANCE. ICE ARE FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE SURFACES. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-005(A).

MINORSanitation
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

CLEAN THE EXTERIOR SIDE OF THE STOVE IN THE KITCHEN WITH DUST BUILD-UP AND MAINTAIN.

MINORSanitation
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

MUST CLEAN THE FLOOR ALONG THE WALL BASE ALL CORNER IN THE BASEMENT BY THE SEWER AND MAINTAIN.

JUN 23
2017
PASSED
4 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

MUST INSTALL A SPLASH GUARD BETWEEN THE EXPOSED HAND SINK AND THE ICE BIN BEHIND THE SMALL BAR. INSTALL/PROVIDE LID/COVER FOR THE ICE BIN BEHIND THE SMALL BAR AND MAINTAIN.

MINORPlumbing & Waste
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

SLOW DRAINING OF THE EXPOSED HAND SINK BEHIND THE MAIN BAR AND THE WASHBOWL SINK (ONE OUT OF TWO) IN THE WOMEN'S WASHROOM IN THE BASEMENT. MUST REPAIR TO HAVE A WELL DRAINING SINK.

MINORSanitation
FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED

ICE SCOOP MUST BE STORED ON A SEPARATE CONTAINER TO PREVENT POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION,NOT INSIDE THE ICE BIN.

MINORDocumentation & Training
FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET

NO FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATE FOR THE FOUR EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE.

AUG 12
2016
PASSED
2 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

Observed a small spill in the basement by the soda boxes. Instructed facility to clean and maintain. Observed the soda guns at the bar to have dirt accumulation. Instructed facility to clean, sanitize, and maintain.

MINORSanitation
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

Observed dirt and debris on the floors at the bar behind the coolers. Instructed facility to clean and maintain.

JUL 7
2015
PASSED
4 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

RUSTY WIRE SHELVING IN KITCHEN REACH-IN COOLER NEEDS REPLACE OR RESEALED,

MINORSanitation
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL FOOD CONTACT SURFACES.

MINORPlumbing & Waste
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

LOW HOT WATER PRESSURE AT HAND SINKS IN BATHROOMS, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND BETTER MAINTAIN,

MINORDocumentation & Training
FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET

NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING IN ILLINOIS CERTIFICATES AT THIS TIME OF INSPECTION, MUST PROVIDE,

SEP 5
2014
PASSED
5 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

SODA GUNS AND HOLDERS AND DEEP FRYER CABINETS NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL FOOD CONTACT SURFACES.

MINORPlumbing & Waste
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

FAUCET AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN KITCHEN LEAKING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR TO PREVENT LEAK. VENTILATION FAN NOT WORKING FIRST FLOOR WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR FAN. SODA GUN HOLDER DRAINLINE GOIN INTO EXPOSED HANDSINK IN BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE DRAINLINE FROM SINK.

MINOROther
REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

THERMOMETER MISSING FROM COOLER IN BAR HOLDING CONDIMENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER INSIDE ALL COOLERS.

MINORSanitation
PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED

SUPPLIES NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO ELEVATE SUPPLIES 6 INCHES OR HIGHER AND AWAY FROM WALL.

MINORSanitation
FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED

ICE SCOOP NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO STORE IN SANITIZE HOLDER OR CONTAINER.

SEP 4
2013
PASSED
5 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

OBSERVED BARE/RAW WOOD PREP TABLE; INSTRUCTED TO SEAL, TABLE MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.

MINORSanitation
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

GREASE AND DEBRIS ON EQUIPMENT; INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN/SANITIZE; COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE KITCHEN AND MOP SINK IN BASEMENT.

MINORSanitation
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

DEBRIS ON FLOORS AT BAR AREAS AND BASEMENT; INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS, UNDER, BEHIND EQUIPMENT AT CORNERS AND ALONG WALLS.

MINORSanitation
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

WALLS IN THE KITCHEN WITH DRIED FOOD AND GREASE; INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN/SANITIZE WALLS AND REPAINT IN LIGHT COLOR.

MINORPest Activity
PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED

OBSERVED CLUTTER INSIDE COAT CLOSET AND BASEMENT; INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEAN AND ORGANIZE TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE. ARTICLES MUST BE STORED OFF FLOORS, AWAY FROM WALLS.

NOV 19
2012
PASSED
5 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

Missing 2 drain stopper for the 3 compartment sink. Instructed to provide 2 more drain stopper. No lids fo the ice bins behind the bar. Must provide lids for the ice bins.

MINORSanitation
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

Must clean and organize inside the cabinet under the washbowl sink inside the mens and womens washroom in the basement.(clutter inside one of the cabinet in ladies washroom-luggage,ladies personal items,shoes etc and mens washroom cabinet with debris). Must clean and sanitize interior of the ice machine and maintain.

MINORSanitation
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

Must install baseboard/coving 4" throughout the prep area kitchen.(Missing coving/baseboard). Must replace cracked floor tiles throughout the prep/kitchen and maintain. Clean in detail the floor along the wall base all corner behind and under the cooking equipment with dust and grease accumulated.

MINORFacility Condition
LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED

Burned out light bulbs above the cooking area. Must replace and maintain.

MINOROther
REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

Missing visible thermometer in all chest freezer in the basement. Must provide.

DEC 29
2010
PASSED
8 violations
DETAILS
MINORFood Storage & Handling
FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED

All food not stored in the original container shall be stored in properly labeled containers.//NEED NAMES DATES ON ALL FOOD ITEMS IN STORAGE

MINORSanitation
CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES

Containers and utensils shall be inverted, covered, or otherwise protected from contamination until used. All single-service drinking straws and containers shall be discarded immediately after use.//MUST INVERT ALL POTS PANS IN STORAGE/PROPERLY STORE ALL SINGLE-SERVICE UTENSILS IN PREP AREA.

MINORSanitation
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair.//NEED PAPPER TOWLE HOLDER IN RESTROOM ON 1ST FLOOR.

MINORSanitation
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily.//SOME SHELVES IN COOLERS,DRY STORAGE,NOZZLES ON SODA DISPENSER BEHIND BAR NEED DETAIL CLEANING.

MINORSanitation
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair.//FLOORS UNDER AROUND STOCK NEED CLEANING 1ST FL.& BSMT/MUST STORE ALL STOCK 6" OFF FLOOR WHEN IN STORAGE IN BSMT.

MINORFacility Condition
LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED

Shielding to protect against broken glass falling into food shall be provided for all artificial lighting sources in preparation, service, and display facilities.//MUST HAVE LIGHT SHIELD ON LIGHTS OVER 4COMP.SINK & ICE MACHINE IN REAR

MINORPlumbing & Waste
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health.//INSTRUCTED MGMT TO INSTALL 3 COMP.SINK & EXPOSED HAND BOWL WITH SOAP & PAPPER TOWLE BEHIND SMALL BAR CLOSE TO KITCHEN AREA /MUST REPAIR AREA UNDER 3COMP SINK IN KITCHEN AREA 3RD COMP. ON SINK ON RIGHT SIDE.

MINORSanitation
PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED

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.//INSTRUCTED MGMT TO REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES OFF PREMISES(DEEP FRYER)IN KITCHEN AREA.

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 →

NEARBY IN LINCOLN SQUARE