COLUMBUS BUILDING CAFE.

Chicago Health Dept

280 S COLUMBUS DR · LOOP, CHICAGO

Last inspected 2023.

17 inspections on record since 2012 · Last inspected Nov 2023.

Last inspected Nov 2023. Records may not reflect current conditions.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS

VIOLATIONS

total on record

LAST INSPECTED

NOV 2023

INSPECTION HISTORY

NOV 20

2023

PASS 3 violations 1 CRITICAL

Critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

6-301.14 OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGN IN THE EMPLOYEE'S TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

Minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

4-601.11(C) OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF THE FRYERS WITH ACCUMULATED FOOD AND GREASE DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

5-205.15 OBSERVED A MINOR WATER LEAK AT THE BOTTOM OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.

NOV 3

2023

PASS 3 violations 1 CRITICAL

Critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

6-301.14 OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGN IN THE EMPLOYEE'S TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

Minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

4-601.11(C) OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF THE FRYERS WITH ACCUMULATED FOOD AND GREASE DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

5-205.15 OBSERVED A MINOR WATER LEAK AT THE BOTTOM OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.

OCT 25

2023

FAIL 6 violations 1 CRITICAL

Critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

6-301.14 OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGN IN THE EMPLOYEE'S TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

Serious Food Temperature

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

3-501.16(A:2,&B) OBSERVED TCS FOODS AT INADEQUATE COLD HOLDING TEMEPRATURES LOCATED IN A 3 DOOR PREP COOLER IN THE FOOD PREP AREA; OBSERVED ABOUT 30 LBS OF CHEESE AT 49F, OBSERVED ABOUT 5 LBS OF COOKED CHICKEN AT 50F, AND OBSERVED ABOUT 1 LB OF COOKED HAMBURGERS AT 50F. INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD AND DENATURE SAID TCS FOODS AND ALWAYS MAINTAIN ALL TCS FOOD AT 41F OR BELOW AT ALL TIMES. MANAGER DISCARDED SAID TCS FOODS DURING THE INSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.

Minor Food Temperature

PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL

4-301.11 OBSERVED A 3 DOOR PREP COOLER, WITH TCS FOODS INSIDE, AT AN INADEQUATE COLD AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF 50F DURING THE INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR SO THAT SAID PREP COOLER MAINTAINS 41F OR BELOW AT ALL TIMES. SAID UNIT TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION AND MAY NOT BE USED. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.

Minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

4-601.11(C) OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF THE FRYERS WITH ACCUMULATED FOOD AND GREASE DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

5-205.15 OBSERVED A MINOR WATER LEAK AT THE BOTTOM OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.

Minor Other

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

5-501.15 OBSERVED RECYCLABLES OUTSIDE DUMPSTER'S LIDS NOT TIGHT FITTING AND GARBAGE OVERFLOWING. INSTRUCTED TO ALWAYS MAKE ALL OUTSIDE DUMPSTER LIDS TIGHT FITTING AND NEVER ALLOW OUTSIDE DUMPSTERS TO OVERFLOW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020(B).

OCT 21

2022

PASS 4 violations

Minor Chemical Safety

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

OBSERVED SEASONING OUT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS AND IN STAINLESS STEEL CONTAINER WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE PRODUCT NAME. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL FOODS AND SPICES WITH COMMON NAME THAT ARE OUT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS.

Minor Pest Activity

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

NOTED SOME USE OF MILK CRATES FOR ELEVATION AT THE KITCHEN AREA, DISHWASHING AREA, AND DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE MILK CRATES FOR ELEVATION TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST. MUST PROVIDE APPROPRIATE SHELVING FOR STORAGE. ALL FOOD ITEMS MUST ALSO BE STORED 6" AWAY FROM THE WALL

Minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED CUTTING BOARD ON MAIN COOK LINE COVERED WITH DEEP GROOVES AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH, CLEANABLE SURFACES.

Minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

OBSERVED ACCUMULATED DUST ON THE VENT BY THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

DEC 16

2019

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 2 violations

Serious Other

CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

OBSERVED ITEMS ON THE MENU SUCH AS EGGS ANY STYLE THAT CAN BE SERVED RAW OR POTENTIALLY UNDER COOKED WITH NO REMINDER AND DISCLOSURE STATEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN REMINDER AND DISCLOSURE STATEMENTS ON ALL MENUS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.

Minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS WITH DEEP GROOVES AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH CLEANABLE CUTTING SURFACES.

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SEP 12

2018

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 7 violations 2 CRITICAL

Critical Documentation & Training

MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

2-102.14(A) OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY THAT INCLUDES A SIGNED ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FROM EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.

Critical Other

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

2-501.11 OBSERVED NO WRITTEN PROCEDURE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS THAT CAN POTENTIALLY OCCUR INSIDE OF THE FOOD ESTABLISHMENT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIOIRITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.

Minor Chemical Safety

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

3-601.11 OBSERVED PREPACKAGED BREAKFAST SANDWICHES AND PASTRIES WITHOUT LABELS THAT INCLUDE INGREDIENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LABELS FOR ALL PREPACKAGED ITEMS OFFERED FOR SALE AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

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

4-202.16 OBSERVED A HOLE IN THE CEILING LOCATED ABOVE THE 2 DOOR REFRIGERATOR IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO MAKE SURFACE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

6-501.12(A) OBSERVED SOME MINOR DIRT DEBRIS UNDER AND AROUND ALL SHELVES AND EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Documentation & Training

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

2-102.13 OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATES NOT AVAILABLE FOR REVEIW. INSTRUCTED TO MAKE FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTOR'S REVEIW AT ALL TIMES.

Minor Other

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

PA 100-0367 OBSERVED CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITAION MANAGER WITHOUT THE REQUIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT AND MAINTAIN.

OCT 30

2017

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 2 violations

Serious Other

* INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO ALL CUSTOMERS

OBSERVED PREVIOUS INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY FROM REPORT #2102386 NOT POSTED FOR PUBLIC VIEW. INSTRUCTED TO POST PREVIOUS SUMMARY REPORT. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-010(B).

Minor Documentation & Training

FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET

OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER'S CERTIFICATES NOT ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO KEEP FOOD HANDLER'S CERTIFICATES ON SITE.

OCT 23

2017

FAIL 7 violations 2 CRITICAL

Critical Food Temperature

POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE

OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS (BEEF, CHICKEN) AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES SITTING OUT IN THE FOOD PREP AREA AT ROOM TEMPERATURE; 10 LBS OF BEEF AT 110F AND 5 LBS OF CHICKEN AT 82.6F. INSTRUCTED FOOD HANDLER TO DISCARD AND DENATURE SAID ITEMS AND TO KEEP ALL POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT 140F OR ABOVE FOR HOT HOLDING AND 40F OR BELOW FOR COLD HOLDING AT ALL TIMES. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A).

Critical Pest Activity

OUTSIDE GARBAGE WASTE GREASE AND STORAGE AREA; CLEAN, RODENT PROOF, ALL CONTAINERS COVERED

OBSERVED OUTSIDE DUMPSTER AREA GROUND NOT MAINTAINED. AT THE TIME OF THE INSPECTION GARBAGE WAS ON THE FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS AROUND OUTSIDE DUMPSTER AND MAINTAIN. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.

Serious Sanitation

DISH MACHINES: PROVIDED WITH ACCURATE THERMOMETERS, CHEMICAL TEST KITS AND SUITABLE GAUGE COCK

OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL TEST STRIPS ON SITE TO PROPERLY TEST THE SANITIZING CONCENTRATION OF THE SANITIZING COMPARTMENT OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-030.

Serious Other

DISH WASHING FACILITIES: PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED, MAINTAINED, INSTALLED, LOCATED AND OPERATED

OBSERVED 3 COMPARTMENT SINK NOT MAINTAINED. OBSERVED HOT WATER HANDLE ON THE LEFT FAUCET OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY, HOT WATER HAS TO BE TURNED ON AND OFF FROM THE BOTTOM OR ELSE THE HOT WATER ON SAID FAUCET WILL CONTINOUSLY RUN. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-030.

Serious Food Temperature

ADEQUATE NUMBER, CONVENIENT, ACCESSIBLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED AND INSTALLED

OBSERVED 2ND FLOOR WOMEN'S WASHROOM WASHBOWLS AT 66F-68F FOR HOT WATER. INSTRUCTED TO INCREASE HOT WATER TEMPERATURE TO AT LEAST 85F. FOOD HANDLER'S MUST USE THE BASEMENT WASHROOM UNTIL SAID WASHBOWLS ARE REPAIRED AND MAINTAINING 85F. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-030.

Minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED FLOORS UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK, SHELVES, COOKING EQUIPMENT AND REFRIGERATION UNITS WITH FOOD AND DIRT DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Documentation & Training

FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET

OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER'S CERTIFICATES NOT ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO KEEP FOOD HANDLER'S CERTIFICATES ON SITE.

JUN 1

2017

PASS · 0 violations

MAY 11

2017

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 3 violations 1 CRITICAL

Critical Pest Activity

NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS

OBSERVED THE EXTERIOR REAR DOOR NOT RODENT PROOFED WITH A 1 INCH GAP ACROSS THE BOTTOM OF THE DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE RODENT PROOFED EXTERIOR DOORS. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020

Minor Chemical Safety

FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED

OBSERVED UNLABELED FOOD ITEMS IN THE GRAB AND GO FRONT COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL GRAB AND GO FOOD ITEMS.

Minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED THE FLOOR UNDER THE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND 3 COMPARTMENT SINK WITH ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS AND GREASE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FLOORS.

JUL 22

2016

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 4 violations 2 CRITICAL

Critical Food Temperature

FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE

FACILITY NOT MAINTAINING PROPER COOLING TEMPERATURE. FOUND SELF SERVICE FOOD DISPLAY COOLER AT 55.6F, COOLER IS USED TO STORE PACKAGED DELI SANDWICHES AND CARTONS OF MILK. INSTRUCTED TO KEEP COOLER TEMP AT 40F OR LOWER. COOLER IS TAGGED NOT ALLOWED TO USE. MUST CONTACT THE OFFICE OF CDPH FOR TAG RMOVAL WHEN REPAIRED. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005(A).

Critical Food Temperature

POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE

POTENTAILLAY HAZARDOUS FOOD STORED AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE IN SAID COOLER. FOUND 54 SMALL (8OZ) CARTONS OF MILK AT 52.2F, 15 DELI SANDWICHES (10 LBS) AT 51.6F, 3 LBS OF YOGURT AND PUDDING AT 52.5F, INSTRUCTED MGR TO KEEP SUCH FOOD ITEMS AT 40F OR LOWER. FOOD ITEMS DISCARDED VALUED AT $100. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005(A)

Minor Sanitation

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

MEAT SLICER NOT CLEAN BEHIND BLADE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITAIZE PROPERLY.

Minor Other

REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

BROKEN AND INACCURATE THERMOMETER IN COOLERS. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL GOOD WORKING ONES.

AUG 31

2015

PASS 2 violations

Minor Plumbing & Waste

VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

OBSERVED THE 3 COMPARTMENT MIDDLE BASIN'S DRAIN PLUG NOT WORKING PROPERLY. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN ALL DRAIN PLUGS.

Minor Sanitation

FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED

OBSERVED WET SOILED WIPING CLOTHS ON COUNTER TOPS. INSTRUCTED TO STORE WET SOILED WIPING CLOTHS IN SANITIZER.

SEP 4

2014

PASS 2 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

DISPOSABLE PLASTIC FORKS AND KNIVES IMPROPERLY STORED EXPOSED TO CUSTOMERS CONTAMINATION, INSTRUCTED TO STORE WITH THE MOUTH PIECE DOWN.

Minor Other

REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

MISSING REFRIGERATION THERMOMETER IN PREP COOLER, INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL.

OCT 4

2013

PASS 1 violation 1 CRITICAL

Critical Pest Activity

NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS

CORRECTED.

SEP 27

2013

FAIL 7 violations 1 CRITICAL

Critical Pest Activity

NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS

FOUND 40 SMALL LIVE FLIES IN THE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE ALL FLIES, CLEAN AFFECTED AREAS AND RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL FOR ASSISTANCE. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020

Serious Other

* INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO ALL CUSTOMERS

FOUND PREVIOUS COMPLIANCE INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY DATED AUGUST 24, 2012 NOT DISPLAYED VISIBLE TO VIEWING CUSTOMERS. SUMMARY WAS BEHIND SERVING COUNTER WITH A WOODEN BOX PLACED IN FRONT OF IT. INSTRUCTED TO ALWAYS HAVE VISIBLE TO VIEWING CUSTOMERS. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-010(B)

Minor Sanitation

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

MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE CABINET UNDER THE BEVERAGE STATION IN THE DINING AREA.

Minor Sanitation

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

MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR OF ALL FLOOR DRAINS AND FLOORS UNDER/AROUND ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT.

Minor Pest Activity

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

MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE WALLS AND CEILING IN THE PREP AREA. REMOVE DIRT/DUST AND SMALL FLIES.

Minor Sanitation

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

MUST HANG ALL MOPS UP TO DRY WHEN NOT IN USE.

Minor Sanitation

FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED

MUST PROPERLY STORE ALL WASH CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.

AUG 24

2012

PASS · 0 violations

JUL 18

2012

FAIL 0 violations

Public inspection records from Chicago Department of Public Health. Records current as of 2026-07-05. EatOrBeat reports records and does not rate restaurants. Source dataset →

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