NOV 26
2025
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
11 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO
✕
CAFE UTJEHA, INC..
BEAT. 38/100
5350 N LINCOLN AVE · LINCOLN SQUARE, CHICAGO
Last inspected November 26, 2025 · passed with conditions
Failed an inspection 9 years ago. 10 critical violations on the cumulative record. Recent enough to matter.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTIONS
12
6 passed · 5 w/ conditions · 1 failed
VIOLATIONS
54
includes 10 critical
RECORDS COVER
14 YEARS
since Feb 2011
INSPECTION HISTORY
PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
THE PERSON IN CHARGE DOES NOT HAVE A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED ON THE PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.
PROPER EATING, TASTING, DRINKING, OR TOBACCO USE
NOTED EMPLOYEE EATING AND DRINKING IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. MUST NOT EAT IN THE FOOD PREP AREA AND ALL BEVERAGES MUST BE IN A COVERED CONTAINER.
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
SOME AREAS IN THE THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE IN NEED OF CLEANING.
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
MUST NOT STORE ANY UTENSILS, WATER PITCHERS, EQUIPMENT NEXT TO OR SURROUNDING THE PREP HAND WASHING SINK.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
MUST PROVIDE A LID FOR THE ICE BIN IN THE FOOD PREP AREA.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
TOP WOODEN PORTION OF THE WOOD COUNTER/PREP SURFACE IN PREP AREA IN POOR REPAIR WITH CHIPPING DAMAGED WOOD. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE TO BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
NOTED PEELING PLASTIC ON THE TOP PORTION OF THE ICE MACHINE. MUST REMOVE TO BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE LOCATED ON THE UTILITY SERVICE SINK WITH A HOSE ATTACHED. MUST PROVIDE A VISIBLE BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES FOR ALL EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE.
COMPLIANCE WITH CLEAN INDOOR AIR ORDINANCE
NOTED FIVE, DIRTY WITH ASH, ASHTRAYS IN THE REAR ENCLOSED DINING ROOM OF THE ESTABLISHMENT. INSTRUCTED OWNER THERE IS NO SMOKING ALLOWED INSIDE RETAIL FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS. CITATION ISSUED 7-32-020 (C)
JUN 112020PASS W/ CONDITIONS6 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
JUN 11
2020
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
6 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE DURING THE INSPECTION WHILE THE TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS (MILK) HAS BEEN PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012.CITATION ISSUED
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
MANAGER PROVIDED NO PROOF OF EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY THAT INCLUDES A SIGNED ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FROM EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7.38.010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
OBSERVED NO PROBE THERMOMETER FOR TAKING FOOD TEMPERATURES.MUST PROVIDE.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED) 7-38-005
UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
MUST REMOVE SINGLE SERVICE FOOD UTENSILS AND CUPS STORED IN KITCHEN CABINETS UNDER HAND WASHING SINK
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES NOT LOCATED CAPPUCCINO/ESPRESSO MACHINE. MUST INSTALL BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES OR AIR GAP BETWEEN THE WATER SUPPLY INLET AND THE UNIT SO IT MAY BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED CARPET IN LADY'S BATHROOM.MUST REMOVE TO MAINTAIN EASY CLEANABLE SURFACES
JUN 172019PASS W/ CONDITIONS5 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
JUN 17
2019
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
5 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
OBSERVED NO CLEAN-UP OF VOMITING AND DIARRHEA PROCEDURE ON SITE DURING INSPECTION BUT NO COMPLETE CLEAN-UP KIT ON PREMISES DURING INSPECTION.MISSING MOP HEAD AND MASK. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE SAID PROCEDURE ALONG WITH REQUIRED EQUIPMENT FOR CLEAN-UP. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-005
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES NOT LOCATED AT ICE MACHINE AND CAPPUCCINO/ESPRESSO MACHINE. MUST INSTALL BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES OR AIR GAP BETWEEN THE WATER SUPPLY INLET AND THE UNIT SO IT MAY BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
MUST INSTALL PROPER DRAIN TO SEWAGE ON DRAIN ORIGINATED FROM COFFEE MACHINE
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
MUST PROVIDE TOILET ROOM RECEPTACLE WITH COVER FOR SANITARY NAPKINS IN LADY'S BATHROOM
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
MUST REPAIR WALLS BY REACH IN COOLER IN UTILITY ROOM
AUG 212018PASS W/ CONDITIONS5 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
AUG 21
2018
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
5 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
2-102.14(A)-NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POILICY. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-012(A) NO CITATION ISSUED.
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
2-501.11- NO PROCEDURE FOR CLEANING AFTER AN EMPLOYEE OR A PATRON EXPERIENCES VOMITING AND/OR DIARRHEA. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
3-501.17(C)A REFRIGERATED READY TO EAT TIME TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD MUST BE PROPERLY LABELED AND DATED AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
3-304.14(D)-WIPING CLOTH FOR WIPING THE PREP TABLES, SERVING COUNTER,DINING TABLES MUST BE STORED ON A BUCKET WITH SANITIZING SOLUTION.
IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
3-304.12(E)- ICE SCOOP MUST BE STORED ON A SEPARATE CONTAINER HANDLED UP TO PREVENT POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.
show all 12 inspections →
JUN 202017PASSED1 violationDETAILS
JUN 20
2017
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
NO GREASE TRAP BOX AT THE DISHWASHING 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN. NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE AT THE COFFEE EXPRESSO MACHINE AT PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A VISIBLE BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE AND MAINTAIN.
JUN 132017FAILED3 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
JUN 13
2017
FAILED
3 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
OUTSIDE GARBAGE WASTE GREASE AND STORAGE AREA; CLEAN, RODENT PROOF, ALL CONTAINERS COVERED
OUTSIDE GARBAGE DUMPSTER NOT MAINTAINED HAS A BROKEN LID WITH APPROXIMATELY A 3"INCH HOLE AT CORNER OF LID OF SAID GARBAGE DUMPSTER.INSTRUCTED TO NOTIFY DISPOSAL COMPANY TO REPAIR/REPLACE LID OF SAID GARBAGE DUMPSTER AND MAINTAIN CONTAINER COVERED,RODENT PROOFED AT ALL TIMES.SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
NO GREASE TRAP BOX AT THE DISHWASHING 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN. NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE AT THE COFFEE EXPRESSO MACHINE AT PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A VISIBLE BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE AND MAINTAIN.
REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
NO THERMOMETER INSIDE THE REFRIGERATOR AT PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN A VISIBLE THERMOMETER.
MAY 212015PASSED1 violationDETAILS
MAY 21
2015
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
NO THREE SINK STOPPERS FOR THREE COMPARTMENT SINK, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE,
SEP 92014PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
SEP 9
2014
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
FRONT STORAGE CABINETS AND UNDER COUNTER TOP EUQUIPMENT NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN NAD SANITIZE ALL FOOD CONTACT SURFACES.
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
FLOOR ALONG WALL BASE AND BEHIND EQUIPMENT NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN DAILY.
FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED
ICE SCOOP NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO STORE IN SANITIZE HOLDER OR CONTAINER.
AUG 262013PASSED7 violationsDETAILS
AUG 26
2013
PASSED
7 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
FOOD DEBRIS AND DUST ON INTERIOR/EXTERIOR OF EQUIPMENT; INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN/SANITIZE; COOLERS, FREEZER, CABINETS, MOP SINK AND ICE MACHINE.
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
DEBRIS/FOOD DEBRIS BUILD-UP ON FLOORS; INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS AT PREP AREA AND MOP/STORAGE CLOSET, UNDER, BEHIND EQUIPMENT AT CORNERS AND ALONG WALLS.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
OBSERVED LARGE OPENINGS ALONG NORTH WALLS BEHIND PREP AREA; INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR WALL/SEAL OPENINGS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
NO BACK FLOW PREVENTER ON MOP SINK, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE BACK FLOW PREVENTER OR CUT THREADS ON FAUCET.
REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
NO THERMOMETER FOR ONE DOOR PREP REACH IN COOLER, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A THERMOMETER.
PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
OBSERVED CLUTTER INSIDE MOP/STORAGE CLOSET; INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CLUTTER, CLEAN AND ORGANIZE TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE. ARTICLES MUST BE STORED OFF FLOOR, AWAY FROM WALLS.
FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED
ICE SCOOP IMPROPERLY STORED; INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORED IN AN APPROVED SANITIZER.
NOV 202012PASS W/ CONDITIONS7 violationsDETAILS
NOV 20
2012
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
7 violationsDETAILS
* CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED
NO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE WHILE SERVING SMOOTHIES, TERAMISU, CHEESE CAKE,MILK,ICE CREAM,ETC. ONE CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFICATE POSTED ON THE WALL,BUT THE SAID PERSON IS NOT ON SITE. CITATION ISSUED SERIOUS 7-38-012.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
MUST DEFROST THE REACH IN COOLER AND REACH IN FREEZER WITH HEAVY ICE ACCUMULATED AND MAINTAIN.
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
MUST CLEAN IN DETAIL THE FLOOR AROUND AND BEHIND THE WATER HEATER AND MAINTAIN.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
MUST SEAL ALL THE GAPS/CREVICES AROUND THE CONDUIT AND PIPES INSIDE THE STORAGE ROOM.
REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
MUST REPLACE BROKEN THERMOMETER INSIDE THE REACH IN COOLER BESIDE THE FRONT COUNTER. MUST PROVIDE VISIBLE THERMOMETER IN REACH IN COOLER BEHIND FRONT COUNTER, AND REACH IN FREEZER IN THE STORAGE ROOM.
FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED
ALL WASH CLOTHS USED FOR WIPING THE FRONT COUNTER, COOLERS, DINING TABLES, MUST BE STORED IN A BUCKET WITH SANITIZING SOLUTION.
NO SMOKING REGULATIONS
FOUND DISPOSABLE GLASS BEING USE AS AN ASTRAYS WITH CIGARETTE BUTTS INSIDE, IN ALL DINING TABLES IN THE PATIO. INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT ALL ASTRAYS SHALL BE REMOVED FROM ANY AREA WHERE SMOKING IS PROHIBITED. CITATION ISSUED 7-32-020(C). CLEAN INDOOR AIR ORDINANCE.
FEB 162011PASSED5 violationsDETAILS
FEB 16
2011
PASSED
5 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
All utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each usage. MUST CLEAN CABINETS THRU-OUT PREP AREA.
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. MUST CLEAN FLOORS THRU-OUT PREMISES, AT CORNERS AND ALONG WALLS.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. MUST REPAIR EAST WALL INSIDE MENS WASHROOM.
PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
MUST CLEAN AND ORGANIZE MOP CLOSET TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED
Between uses and during storage ice dispensing utensils and ice receptacles shall be stored in a way that protects them from contamination.
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 →