SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO

CHARMER'S CAFE.

EAT. 80/100

1500 W JARVIS AVE · ROGERS PARK, CHICAGO

Last inspected April 7, 2025 · passed

10 of 15 inspections passed, with 7 critical violations on file.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS
15
10 passed · 2 w/ conditions · 3 failed
VIOLATIONS
51
includes 7 critical
RECORDS COVER
9 YEARS
since Mar 2016

INSPECTION HISTORY

APR 7
2025
PASSED
2 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

CUTTING BOARD AT PREP COOLER WITH DARK STAINS AND DEEP CUTS,MUST REFINISH OR REPLACE .

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

DEBRIS UNDER SHELF AT REAR STORAGE AREA IN FRONT OF ICE MACHINE.

JUN 3
2024
PASSED
4 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

MUST NOT USE MILK CRATES AS A MEANS OF ELEVATION FOR STORED ITEMS.

MINORSanitation
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

ICE BUILD-UP INSIDE THE REACH-IN FREEZER AT REAR PREP AREA,REMOVE ICE CLEAN AND MAINTAIN

MINORSanitation
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

DUST BUILD-UP ON TWO CEILING FANS AT REAR PREP AREA.CLEAN AND MAINTAIN

MINORDocumentation & Training
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES PROVIDED ON SITE ARE EXPIRED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS. CERTIFICATE IS VALID FOR THREE YEARS.

OCT 16
2023
PASSED
1 violation
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

OBSERVED TORN GASKET ON REFRIGERATION/ COLD HOLD UNIT. REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.

NOV 21
2022
PASSED
6 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

IN-USE WIPING CLOTHS ARE NOT STORED PROPERLY. FOUND ON PREP SURFACES. CLOTHS USED TO WIPE SURFACES, AND EQUIPMENT SHALL BE HELD IN A PROPER SANITIZER SOLUTION. CLOTHS IN-USE FOR WIPING SURFACES IN CONTACT WITH RAW ANIMAL FOODS SHALL BE KEPT SEPARATE FROM CLOTHS USED FOR OTHER PURPOSES. IN-USE CLOTHES MUST BE LAUNDERED DAILY.

MINORSanitation
IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED

UTENSILS STORED IN STAGNANT WATER IN THE COFFEE AREA. UTENSILS MUST BE STORED WITH UTENSILS HANDLES FACING UP AND OUT OF THE FOOD ITEM; ON A CLEAN AND SANITIZED SURFACE; IN RUNNING WATER; IN A CONTAINER OF HOT WATER MAINTAINED AT OR ABOVE 135F. THE MANAGER PLACED UTENSILS IN RUNNING WATER DIPPING WELL.

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

THE CRATE IS USED AS A CLEAN LINEN CONTAINER IN THE COFFEE STATION. THE FACILITY MUST ELIMINATE CRATE USAGE IN THE FACILITY AND REPLACE IT WITH A CONTAINER THAT IS SMOOTH, DURABLE, NON-ABSORBENT, AND EASILY CLEANABLE.

MINORPlumbing & Waste
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE NOT FOUND ON ESSPRESSO MACHINE, COFFEE/TEA MACHINE, AND MOP SINK. FACILITY MUST PROVIDE.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

UNNECESSARY ITEMS / NONFUNCTIONAL EQUIPMENT ITEMS INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO #8 SMALL REACH-IN CHEST FREEZER LOCATED IN THE BACK PREP AREA. THE PREMISES SHALL BE FREE OF ITEMS UNNECESSARY TO THE OPERATION OR MAINTENANCE OF THE ESTABLISHMENT. THIS INCLUDES EQUIPMENT THAT IS NONFUNCTIONAL OR NO LONGER USED.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

LIGHT DOME SHEILDS FOUND SOILED WITH DEBRIS FOUND OVER COFFEE/TEA STATION. FACILITY MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

MAR 29
2021
PASSED
0 violations
show all 15 inspections →
MAR 22
2021
FAILED
1 violation
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

FOUND OUTSIDE DUMPSTER AREAS NOT MAINTAINED. DUMPSTER LIDS WIDE OPEN DUE TO THEM BEING OVERFILLED. ALSO, GARBAGE ON FLOORS SURROUNDING DUMPSTERS.PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED.7-38-020B. MUST KEEP DUMPSTER LIDS CLOSED. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN OUTSIDE DUMPSTER AREAS.

FEB 14
2020
PASSED
0 violations
FEB 5
2020
FAILED
5 violations2 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALEmployee Hygiene
HANDS CLEAN & PROPERLY WASHED

NOTED EMPLOYEE WHILE WEARING GLOVES AND PREPARING A SMOOTHIE MIX -TOUCHED HER FACE TO ADJUST HER GLASSES, -WENT TO THE GARBAGE CAN BY THE DISH WASHING AREA AND DROPPED TRASH -DROPPED DISHES INSIDE THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK -OPENED THE CHEST FREEZER TO TAKE OUT MORE CONDIMENTS AND BACK TO CONTINUE WITH THE SMOOTHIE MIX -FINALLY PICK UP A CLOTH AND DIPPED INSIDE THE SANITIZING BUCKET WITH SANITIZER. ALL WITHOUT CHANGING GLOVES OR WASHING HANDS. DISCUSSED WITH MANAGEMENT THAT EMPLOYEES ARE REQUIRED TO WASH THEIR HANDS AND CHANGE GLOVES WHEN THERE IS A CHANGE IN TASK AND MOVING FROMM ONE PREP AREA TO ANOTHER. PRIORITY VIOLATION CITATION ISSUED 7-38-010.

CRITICALPest Activity
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

NOTED OVER 50 MICE DROPPINGS ALONG WALL BASE AND UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT AT THE REAR AND FRONT FOOD PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS, ELIMINATE PEST ACTIVITY (MICE). INSTRUCTED TO CONSULT WITH PEST CONTROL COMPANY AND HAVE PREMISES TREATED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-020(A)

MINORSanitation
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

NOTED WASH ROOMS ON PREMISE WITH GARBAGE RECEPTACLES AND NO LIDS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TRASH CANS WITH LIDS AT ALL WOMEN WASH ROOMS AND UNISEX WASH ROOMS. (CUSTOMER BATHROOM)

MINORPest Activity
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

NOTED MULTIPLE HOLES AND OPENING WALL BEHIND EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN, SEAL ALL HOLES AND OPENINGS TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG WALL BASE AND UNDERNEATH SHELVING THROUGH OUT ESPECIALLY WHERE DROPPINGS WERE FOUND.

FEB 26
2019
PASSED
7 violations
DETAILS
SERIOUSSanitation
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

NOTED SLIGHT DISCOLORATION AT UPPER SIDE COMPARTMENT OF THE ICE MACHINE,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN,SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN

MINORChemical Safety
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

FOOD/NON FOOD REMOVED FROM ORIGINAL CONTAINER MUST BE LABELED WITH COMMON NAME

MINOREmployee Hygiene
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

A SPLASH GUARD MUST BE PROVIDED AT HANDWASHING SINK AT FRONT PREP/SERVING COUNTER

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

ICE SCOOP HOLDERS FOR ICE SCOOP NOT LARGE ENOUGH TO STORE ICE SCOOP,INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE. -

MINORSanitation
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

OBSERVED A DIRTY, GRIMED CLOTH WRAPPED ON DISCARDING PIPES UNDER THE ESPRESSO MACHINE INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE SAID CLOTH AND REPAIR PIPES.SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH,CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE

MINORPlumbing & Waste
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

WAREWASHING SINK (THREE COMPARTMENT SINK) SLOWLY DRAINING.REPAIR CAUSE

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

DEBRIS ON FLOOR UNDER THE SHELVES(SPECIALLY AT REAR AREA)BY THE EXIT DOOR, ALSO BEHIND AND UNDER EQUIPMENT,CLEAN AND MAINTAIN REMOVE METAL SPONGE FROM HOLE AND PROPERLY SEAL(BEHIND WHITE CHEST FREEZER BY THE ICE MACHINE).UNSEALED PLASTIC BASEBOARD WALL UNDER THE WAREWASHING UNIT(THREE COMPARTMENT SINK),SEAL AND MAINTAIN. MISSING WALL TILES BEHIND THE ICE MACHINE,INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL.SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH,CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT MATERIAL. WALL BEHIND THE MENTIONED UNIT NOT CLEANABLE

SEP 13
2018
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
5 violations2 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALDocumentation & Training
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

2-102.14(A)FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO ESTABLISH AN APPROPRIATE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING SYSTEM AND MAINTAIN WITH VERIFIABLE DOCUMENTS ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. NO CITATION ISSUED.

CRITICALOther
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

2-501.11 FOUND NO PROCEDURE/PLAN FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO DEVELOP AND MAINTAIN A PROCEDURE/PLAN AND TO MAINTAIN ANY APPROPRIATE SUPPLIES ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED

SERIOUSFood Temperature
PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION

3-501.17 (A) OBSERVED NO DATE MARKING SYSTEM IN PLACE. READY TO EAT AND OR TIME TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED FOODS PREPARED AND HELD IN A RETAIL FOOD ESTABLISHMENT FOR OVER 24 HOURS MUST HAVE A CLEARLY MARKED LABELING SYSTEM IN PLACE TO INDICATE THE DATE OR DAY BY WHICH THE FOOD SHALL BE CONSUMED ON PREMISES, SOLD, OR DISCARDED WHEN HELD AT A TEMPERATURE OF 41F OR LESS FOR A MAXIMUM OF 7 DAYS WITH THE DATE OF PREPARTION COUNTING AS DAY 1. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005

MINORFacility Condition
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

4-301.14 OBSERVED NO HOOD VENTILATION SYSTEM FOR LARGE ELECTRIC GRIDDLE. MUST PROVIDE HOOD AND EXHAUST VENTILATION SYSTEM.

MINORDocumentation & Training
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

PA 100 0367 OBSERVED NO APPROVED ALLERGEN TRAINING IN ACCORDANCE WITH PA 100-0367 ON SITE. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSONS WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING AND TO MAINTAIN

SEP 5
2018
FAILED
6 violations2 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALDocumentation & Training
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

2-102.14(A)FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO ESTABLISH AN APPROPRIATE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING SYSTEM AND MAINTAIN WITH VERIFIABLE DOCUMENTS ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. NO CITATION ISSUED.

CRITICALOther
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

2-501.11 FOUND NO PROCEDURE/PLAN FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO DEVELOP AND MAINTAIN A PROCEDURE/PLAN AND TO MAINTAIN ANY APPROPRIATE SUPPLIES ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED

SERIOUSSanitation
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

4-601.11(A) OBSERVED INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE USED FOR CONSUMPTION UNCLEAN WITH BLACK MILDEW LIKE SUBSTANCE. INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE MUST BE CLEANED, SANITIZED AND MAINTAINED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005

SERIOUSFood Temperature
PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION

3-501.17 (A) OBSERVED NO DATE MARKING SYSTEM IN PLACE. READY TO EAT AND OR TIME TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED FOODS PREPARED AND HELD IN A RETAIL FOOD ESTABLISHMENT FOR OVER 24 HOURS MUST HAVE A CLEARLY MARKED LABELING SYSTEM IN PLACE TO INDICATE THE DATE OR DAY BY WHICH THE FOOD SHALL BE CONSUMED ON PREMISES, SOLD, OR DISCARDED WHEN HELD AT A TEMPERATURE OF 41F OR LESS FOR A MAXIMUM OF 7 DAYS WITH THE DATE OF PREPARTION COUNTING AS DAY 1. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005

MINORFacility Condition
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

4-301.14 OBSERVED NO HOOD VENTILATION SYSTEM FOR LARGE ELECTRIC GRIDDLE. MUST PROVIDE HOOD AND EXHAUST VENTILATION SYSTEM.

MINORDocumentation & Training
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

- PA 100 0367 OBSERVED NO APPROVED ALLERGEN TRAINING IN ACCORDANCE WITH PA 100-0367 ON SITE. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSONS WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING AND TO MAINTAIN

DEC 22
2017
PASSED
2 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

NOTED INTERIOR OF ICE CREAM FREEZER WITH ICE CRYSTAL BUILDUP.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO THAW,CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ICE CREAM FREEZER.

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

NOTED FLOOR TILES MISSING FROM FLOOR AT DISHWASHING AREA,INSTRUCRED TO REPLACE FLOOR TILES.

MAR 21
2017
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
3 violations
DETAILS
SERIOUSOther
* CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED

NOTED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED SANITATION MANAGER ON PREMISIS WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD SUCH AS SMOOTHIES,HOT AND COLD SANDWICHES AND MILKSHAKES ARE PREPARED AND SERVED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012

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

INTERIOR OF REACH-IN COOLER AND COLD HOLDING DEVICE NEEDS CLEANING.

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

NOTED SINK IN FRONT RESTROOM SLOW DRAINING, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR SINK

DEC 8
2016
PASSED
7 violations1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
MINORFood Storage & Handling
FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED

OBSERVED FOOD CONTAINERS NOT LABELED (SUGAR), ON THE REAR FOOD STORAGE RACKS. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM ORIGINAL PACKAGING AND MAINTAIN.

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

OBSERVED BROKEN DOOR GASKET ON THE SMALL PREP FREEZER IN THE REAR PREP. ALSO, DEFROST DEEP FREEZER BEHIND FRONT COUNTER. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR DOOR GASKET AND CLEAN AND DEFROST DEEP FREEZER AND MAINTAIN.

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

OBSERVED THE INTERIOR SURFACE OF THE CABINET UNDER THE DUMP SINK AT THE FRONT COUNTER, NOT CLEAN. CONTACT SURFACE UNDER THE ESPRESSO/COFFEE MACHINE BEHIND THE FRONT COUNTER AND CONTACT SURFACE AT CONDIMENT STATION ARE NOT CLEAN. ALSO, SIGNS OF ACCUMULATION OF DEBRIS ON THE INTERIOR PANEL OF THE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN CABINETS AND SURFACES AND ICE MACHINE AND MAINTAIN.

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

OBSERVED SEVERAL HOLES ALONG THE WALL BASE UNDER THE 3-COMP SINK IN THE REAR PREP AREA. WALL VENT ON WEST WALL HAS EXCESSIVE DUST ACCUMULATION. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL HOLES AND CLEAN WALL VENT AND MAINTAIN.

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

OBSERVED LIGHT MISSING IN REAR PREP AREA (ABOVE 3-COMP SINK). INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL WORKING LIGHT AND MAINTAIN.

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

OBSERVED CLUTTER OUTSIDE THE REAR EXIT DOOR WHERE WOODEN STORAGE SHELVES ARE LOCATED. INSTRUCTED TO ELEVATE ITEMS 6" OFF GROUND TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORING AND MAINTAIN.

MINOROther
FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET

FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS NOT MET. INFORMATION PROVIDED.

MAR 28
2016
PASSED
2 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

OBSERVED LIGHT SHEILD IN REAR TOILET ROOM WITH DUST ACCUMULATION. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

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

OBSERVED MISSING LIGHTS THROUGHOUT, INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL WORKING LIGHTS AND MAINTAIN.

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 →

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