MAR 16
2026
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO
✕
CAFE NORDSTROM.
YOUR CALL. 56/100
55 E GRAND AVE · STREETERVILLE, CHICAGO
Last inspected March 16, 2026 · passed
12 of 19 inspections passed, 3 failed, 4 passed with conditions. 9 critical violations across the record.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTIONS
19
12 passed · 4 w/ conditions · 3 failed
VIOLATIONS
57
includes 9 critical
RECORDS COVER
15 YEARS
since Oct 2010
INSPECTION HISTORY
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED SOME FOOD BUILD UP INSIDE SOME FLOOR DRAINS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST CLEAN INTERIOR OF FLOOR DRAINS AND MAINTAIN.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
OBSERVED GREASE BUILD UP DRIPPING FROM VENTILATION HOOD. MUST CLEAN VENTILATION HOOD AND MAINTAIN.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
SOME FOOD ALLERGEN CERTIFICATES HAVE EXPIRED. INSTRUCTED ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST HAVE VALID FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES.
APR 282025PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
APR 28
2025
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS IN THE REAR PREP AREA WITH OPEN SEAMS AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REFINISH OR REPLACE DAMAGED OR STAINED CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED ALUMINUM FOIL USED AS LINER ON FOOD PREP EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
NOTED COMMERCIAL HIGH TEMP DISH MACHINE LOCATED IN DISH AREA MISSING THE MACHINE'S DATA PLATE AND OTHER MANUFACTURER'S INSTRUCTIONS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE MANUFACTURER INSTRUCTIONS.
APR 172025FAILED7 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
APR 17
2025
FAILED
7 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING SINKS NOT MAINTAINED WITH HOT WATER AT86.4F: IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF HOT WATER AT HAND SINK IN REAR PREP INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE HOT WATER AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS MUST BE AT LEAST 100F. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
NOTED NORDSTROM ESPRESSO BAR INSPECTION #2615957 1ST FLOOR LOW TEMPERATURE DISH WASHING MACHINE IN USE NOT PROPERLY SANITIZING. SANITIZING STRENGTH OF SANITIZER (CHLORINE) AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION WAS 0 PPM. EQUIPMENT MUST PROPERLY SANITIZE AT A MINIMUM OF 50 PPM.ECOLAB TECH ON SITE DISH MACHINE NOW READING 50 PPM. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS IN THE REAR PREP AREA WITH OPEN SEAMS AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REFINISH OR REPLACE DAMAGED OR STAINED CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED ALUMINUM FOIL USED AS LINER ON FOOD PREP EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
NOTED COMMERCIAL HIGH TEMP DISH MACHINE LOCATED IN DISH AREA MISSING THE MACHINE'S DATA PLATE AND OTHER MANUFACTURER'S INSTRUCTIONS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE MANUFACTURER INSTRUCTIONS.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED BROKEN FLOOR BASE TILES AND HOLE IN WALL UNDER DISH MACHINE IN DISH AREA, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR TO CREATE A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE. MUST MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
NOTED CONTINUED NON-COMPLIANCE FROM REPORT #2252726 CONDUCTED ON 3/19/24. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED: (#55) 6-201.11: Kitchen floor tiles in poor repair, missing grout between tiles in several spots trapping dirt and wastewater, instructed to re-grout tiles and maintain. MUST CORRECT CORE VIOLATIONS BY THE DATE ON THE REPORT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
MAR 192024PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
MAR 19
2024
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
Insulation covering for walk-in cooler cooling lines are in poor repair, dust and loose tape, instructed to remove and maintain.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Kitchen floor tiles in poor repair, missing grout between tiles in several spots trapping dirt and waste water, instructed to re-grout tiles and maintain.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
Inadequate lighting in walk-in cooler, instructed to provide additional lights
MAY 112023PASS W/ CONDITIONS4 violationsDETAILS
MAY 11
2023
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
4 violationsDETAILS
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
OBSERVED TCS FOODS @ IMPROPER TEMPERATURES DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. NOTED 3 LBS COOKED CHICKEN @56.2F, 1 LB COOKED PASTA @58.2F AND 4 LBS OF MILK @47.6F ALL STORED INSIDE OF WALK IN COOLER. NOTED GALLON OF MILK @48.2F STORED INSIDE 2 DOOR COOLER IN FRONT PREP AREA, AND 2 LBS COOKED PASTA STORED INSIDE COLD HOLD UNIT @56.4F. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO HOLD ALL COLD TCS FOODS @ 41F OR BELOW AT ALL TIMES. PIC DISCARDED AND DENATURED SAID ITEMS VOLUNTARILY. PRIORITY VIOLATION. #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
OBSERVED ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT THROUGHOUT PREP AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED AREAS THROUGHOUT PREP USED FOR STORING UNUSED ITEMS. INSTRUCTED TO ORGANIZE, MISCELLANEUS AND CLEAN INSIDE UNUSED EQUIPMENT. MUST MAINTAIN PREMISE.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED EXCESSIVE DRIED FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOORS THROUGHOUT REAR PREP/DISHWASHING AREA UNDER EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
show all 19 inspections →
APR 122022FAILED4 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
APR 12
2022
FAILED
4 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
No hot running water at front kitchen hand wash sink. water temp 67f, instructed to provide 100-120f temp at all hand wash sinks. priority violation 7-38-030. by the end of inspection a technician arrived and repaired faucet water temperature.
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
High temp dish washing machine not sanitizing at final rinse. final rinse temps 154f while machine was being used, utensils being washed instructed to provide 180f at final rinse gauge. priority violation 7-38-025. by the end of inspection the booster heater was turned on and final rinse reached 187f.
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
Thermometer hidden at rear of coolers at cook line, instructed to keep in warmest part, easy to view.
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
Inadequate insects control, found around 50 fruit flies at dish washing area, instructed to eliminate insects activity, pest control service recommended. priority foundation violation 7-38-020.
FEB 12021PASS W/ CONDITIONS2 violationsDETAILS
FEB 1
2021
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
2 violationsDETAILS
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
OBSERVED NO IRREVERSIBLE REGISTERING TEMPERATURE INDICATORS ON THE PREMISES TO MEASURE THE UTENSIL SURFACE TEMPERATURE INSIDE OF THE HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED METERE FAUCET NOT AT PROPER TEMPERATURE FOR HANDWASHING IN LADIES RESTROOM ON THE 4TH FLOOR. WATER TEMPERATURE @ 82.5F AT WASHBOW SINK # 2. MUST PROVIDE MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 100F AT ALL WASHBOWL SINKS IN ALL RESTROOMS.
SEP 132019PASSED2 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
SEP 13
2019
PASSED
2 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICY ON SITE, INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN. NO CITATION ISSUED
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE FOR FOOD SERVICE MANAGER, INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN
MAY 102018PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
MAY 10
2018
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
2-DOOR REACH IN COOLER ALONG COOKLINE DOOR RUBBER GASKET RIPPED. MUST REPAIR/REPLACE DOOR GASKET.
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE WATER LINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE/MAKE VISIBLE BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE FOR ICE MACHINE.
FEB 72017PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
FEB 7
2017
PASSED
4 violationsDETAILS
FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
BULK-FOOD CONTAINERS NOT LABELED, INSTRUCTED TO LABEL AND MAINTAIN.
CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES
DISPOSABLE PAPER CUPS USED AS A FOOD SCOOP, INSTRUCTED TO USE PROPER UTENSILS.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
HEAVY DUST BUILD-UP NOTED ON PIPE INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER, ON WALL ATTACHED FAN IN SANDWICH PREP AREAS, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
APPROPRIATE METHOD OF HANDLING OF FOOD (ICE) HAIR RESTRAINTS AND CLEAN APPAREL WORN
FOOD HANDLERS WITH LONG BEARD NOT WEARING A BEARD RESTRAINTS, INSTRUCTED TO WEAR.
FEB 232016PASSED5 violationsDETAILS
FEB 23
2016
PASSED
5 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
REMOVE BLACK CAULK FROM UNDER THE CONDERSER IN THE WALK-IN COOLER HANGING OVER READY TO EAT CILANTRO. INSTRUCTED TO CUT TAPE TO PROVIDE A SMOOTH EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
REMOVE THE DUCT TAPE ON THE PIZZA PREP LINE THAT IS CURRENTLY PEELING AWAY FROM THE COUNTERTOP.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
INSTRUCTED TO WIPE DOWN AND CLEAN THE SQUARE PREP TABLE DIRECTLY NEXT TO THE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND MAINTAIN.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
DETAIL CLEAN THE FLOORS OF THE WALK-IN FREEZER TO REMOVE FOOD DEBRIS BUILDUP AND MAINTAIN.
FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED
INSTRUCTED TO STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZER SOLUTION IN BETWEEN USE AND MAINTAIN.
AUG 202015PASS W/ CONDITIONS2 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
AUG 20
2015
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
2 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE
POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD ITEMS IN COLD HOLDING UNITS AT IMPROPER INTERNAL TEMPERATURES: SLICED TURKEY 46.9F, LEAFY GREEN SPINACH 50.0F, MAYO 47F, CHICKEN 46.4F. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY DENATURED AND DISCARDED. INSTRUCTED TO KEEP COLD FOOD ITEMS AT 40F OR LOWER. APPROX. WT. 16LBS, VALUE $50.00. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A).
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
CLEAN FLOOR IN KITCHEN AND PREP AREAS OF FOOD SPILLS.
APR 242014PASS W/ CONDITIONS2 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
APR 24
2014
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
2 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE
OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD (CHICKEN AND COOKED POTATOES) FOUND AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES (51.0F-55.0F). MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED 7LBS OF FOOD VALUED AT $9. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN COLD FOOD AT 40.0F OR LESS. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A)
LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
OBSERVED BLOWN LIGHT BULBS IN THE DRY STORAGE ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ADEQUATE LIGHTING.
SEP 242013PASSED1 violationDETAILS
SEP 24
2013
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
MUST REGROUT THE FLOOR TILES IN FRONT OF THE COOK'S LINE. MAINTAIN THE FLOOR DRY IN THE DISHWASH AREA.
SEP 172013FAILED5 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
SEP 17
2013
FAILED
5 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE
FACILITIES DO NOT MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE. OBSERVED THE LINE PREP COOLER WITH AN AIR TEMPERATURE OF 52.7F. THE COOLER WAS USED TO STORE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS SUCH AS MEATS AND CHEESES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN THE COOLER BELOW 40F. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A.
POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE
OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS STORED AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES INSIDE OF THE LINE PREP COOLER. OBSERVED SHRIMP AT 49.6F, GARLIC DRESSING AT 53.7F, EGGS AT 50.1F, BEEF AT 49.6F, SALMON AT 49.1F, ROASTED CORN AT 49.8F. MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED 20# OF FOOD WORTH $311. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A.
FOOD PROTECTED DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY, SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION
FOOD (ICE) NOT PROTECTED FROM CONTAMINATION DURING STORAGE INSIDE OF THE ICE MACHINE. OBSERVED DISCOLORATION AND A SLIMY SUBSTANCE ON THE INTERIOR CONTACT SURFACES OF THE ICE MACHINE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE INTERIOR SURFACES OF THE ICE MACHINE. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-005A.
NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
OBSERVED LIVE FRUIT FLIES ON THE WALLS AND CEILING OF THE FOOD PREPARATION AREAS. APPROXIMATELY 15 LIVE FRUIT FLIES WERE OBSERVED IN THESE AREAS. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO MINIMIZE OR ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
MUST REGROUT THE FLOOR TILES IN FRONT OF THE COOK'S LINE. MAINTAIN THE FLOOR DRY IN THE DISHWASH AREA.
NOV 22012PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
NOV 2
2012
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
MEAT SLICER BLADE HOUSING NOT CLEAN, ENCRUSTED FOOD DEBRIS STUCK PN SURFACES. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
FAN COVER IN WALK-IN COOLER WITH HEAVY DUST BUILD-UP, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
FLY TRAP INSTALLED ABOVE PREP TABLE, INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.
OCT 212011PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
OCT 21
2011
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
THE PAPER TOWEL HOLDERS AT FRONT PREP STATIONS MUST BE LOCATED RIGHT BESIDE THE HANDSINKS (PRESENTLY LOCATED UNDER THE SINK'S CABINET WITH DOORS TO OPEN). All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
FOLLOWING NEED CLEANING: CABINETS UNDER ALL SINKS MUST BE FREE OF CLUTTER/UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, INTERIOR OF VENTS AT BOTH ENDS OF DISHMACHINE, PANEL BEHIND THE SODA DISPENSER ICE CHUTE NEED CLEANING ALSO. All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily.
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
FLOOR DRAIN BY THE SODA FOUNTAIN STATION MUST BE FREE OF ORGANIC MATTER. FLOORS AT DISHROOM AREA MUST BE KEPT DRY AT ALL TIMES. The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair.
OCT 222010PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
OCT 22
2010
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
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. CUTTING BOARDS IN NEED OF REPLACING WHERE WORN. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
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. All utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each usage. SODA DISPENSORS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD-UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
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 →