SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO

COMFORT AFRICAN CUISINE.

BEAT. 43/100

2835 N BROADWAY · LAKEVIEW, CHICAGO

Last inspected June 26, 2025 · passed with conditions

Failed an inspection 2 years ago. 7 critical violations on the cumulative record. Recent enough to matter.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS
5
1 passed · 3 w/ conditions · 1 failed
VIOLATIONS
36
includes 7 critical
RECORDS COVER
2 YEARS
since Jun 2023

INSPECTION HISTORY

JUN 26
2025
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
8 violations2 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALDocumentation & Training
PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES

NO PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.

CRITICALDocumentation & Training
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

FOUND NO INDIVIDUAL WITH A CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE ON PREMISES WHILE HANDLING TCS FOODS. (HANDLES CHICKEN, FISH, ETC.) PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION, 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED. MUST PROVIDE CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE DURING HOURS OF OPERATION. MANAGER CALLED ON PHONE AND STATED THEY WERE AWAY AT EITHER THE ALDERMAN, SOME OFFICE, OR BUYING GROCERIES. MANAGER DID NOT SHOW UP AT ALL.

MINORFood Storage & Handling
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

OBSERVED VARIOUS FOOD ITEMS, DRINKS, AND BOXED GOOD STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE STAIRWELL LEADING TO THE 2ND FLOOR, VARIOUS BAGS OF FLOURS AND GRAINS ON THE FLOOR IN THE DRY STORAGE CLOSET BY THE WOMEN'S BATHROOM, AND STORAGE BINS AND BOXES OF FOOD STORED ON FLOOR IN THE BELOW STAIRS DRY STORAGE AREA LOCATED IN THE MAIN DINING ROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL ITEMS AT LEAST 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR.

MINORSanitation
UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED

OBSERVED VARIOUS FOOD SERVICE EQUIPMENT STORED ON THE FLOOR AT THE TOP OF THE STAIRS LEADING TO THE SECOND FLOOR AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL EQUIPMENT AT LEAST 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR.

MINORFacility Condition
SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED

OBSERVED VARIOUS BOXED SINGLE SERVICE ITEMS STORED ON THE FLOOR AND ON THE STAIRS LEADING TO THE 2ND FLOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL ITEMS AT LEAST 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR.

MINORSanitation
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

OBSERVED THE FREEZER COMPARTMENT OF THE MINI FRIDGE AT FRONT BAR TO BE HEAVILY SOLED AND HAVE BUILT UP ICE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FREE OF EXCESSIVE BUILD UP.

MINORFood Storage & Handling
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED THE LIGHT IN THE SIDE DRY STORAGE AREA NEXT TO THE WOMEN'S BATHROOM TO NOT HAVE A COVER/PROTECTIVE SHIELDING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE LIGHTS IN STORAGE AREAS HAVE A PROTECTIVE SHEILD.

MINORFacility Condition
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED TWO (2) OF FIVE (5) LIGHTS IN THE OVERHEAD EXHAUST SYSTEM TO BE NOT FUNCTIONAL AT TIME OF INSPECTION ON THE RIGHT SIDE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR/PROVIDE BULBS TO HAVE ADEQUATE LIGHTING IN PREP AREA.

JUL 10
2024
PASSED
7 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED

OBSERVED SCOOPS USED THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY TO HAVE HANDLES STORED IN CONTACT WITH FOOD ITEMS IN DRY STORAGE BINS SUCH AS RICE AND FLOUR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE ALL SCOOPS SO THAT HANDLE IS NOT IN CONTACT WITH CONTENTS.

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

OBSERVED LARGE TAN CUTTING BOARD DEEPLY GOUGED AND BROKEN IN HALF AT THE REAR OF PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE CUTTING BOARD.

SERIOUSEmployee Hygiene
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

BAR HANDWASH SINK DRAIN PIPE LEAKING. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SINK.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

FLOOR CLUTTERED THROUGHOUT BAR. MUST ELEVATE ALL ITEMS OFF BAR FLOOR OR REMOVE ITEMS.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED RICE AND FLOUR SPILLED ON THE FLOOR IN THE SIDE DRY GOODS STORAGE CLOSET LOCATED NEXT TO THE WOMEN'S BATHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AREA FREE OF ANY GRAIN AND FLOUR SPILLAGE.

MINORSanitation
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED GREASE BUILD UP ON VENTILATION HOOD AND HOOD FILTERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST CLEAN VENTILATION HOOD/FILTERS AND MAINTAIN.

MINORDocumentation & Training
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAININAG CERTIFICATES ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST HAVE FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON PREMISES.

MAY 15
2024
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
6 violations1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALDocumentation & Training
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON PREMISES WHILE TCS FOODS- GOAT MEAT, CHICKEN, ETC.- ARE PREPARED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE ON PREMISES WHILE TCS FOODS ARE PREPARED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012.

SERIOUSEmployee Hygiene
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

BAR HANDWASH SINK DRAIN PIPE LEAKING. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SINK.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

FLOOR CLUTTERED THROUGHOUT BAR. MUST ELEVATE ALL ITEMS OFF BAR FLOOR OR REMOVE ITEMS.

MINORSanitation
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED GREASE BUILD UP ON VENTILATION HOOD AND HOOD FILTERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST CLEAN VENTILATION HOOD/FILTERS AND MAINTAIN.

MINORDocumentation & Training
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

NO FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATES ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST HAVE FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING CERTIFICATES.

MINORDocumentation & Training
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAININAG CERTIFICATES ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST HAVE FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON PREMISES.

JUN 14
2023
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
3 violations2 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALDocumentation & Training
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

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 7-38-010.

CRITICALOther
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

NO PROCEDURE/PLAN AND KIT 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.

MINORPlumbing & Waste
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

NO BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE PROVIDED AT ICE MACHINE WATER LINE,AT LOCATED AT SECOND FLOOR. ALSO PROVIDE A BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE AT MOP SINK. MUST INSTALL SO BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE MAY BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAIN.

JUN 1
2023
FAILED
12 violations2 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALDocumentation & Training
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

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 7-38-010.

CRITICALOther
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

NO PROCEDURE/PLAN AND KIT 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.

MINORFood Temperature
PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL

BOTH TWO DOOR REACH-IN COOLERS MAINTAINS AIR TEMP OF 50F AND ABOVE. MUST MAINTAIN TEMP OF 41F AND BELOW. PRIORITY VIOLATION:7-38-005

MINOROther
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

THERMOMETER IS NEEDED INSIDE THE COOLERS

MINORFood Temperature
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

NO STEM THERMOMETER PROVIDED ON SITE TO BE ABLE TO CHECK FOOD TEMPERATURE, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION:7-38-005

MINOROther
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

LOW TEMP DISHMACHINE NOT IN WORKING CONDITION UNABLE TO FILL UNIT.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR ISSUE. FRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION:7-38-025

MINORSanitation
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

OBSERVED BAR THREE COMPARTMENT SINK INSTALLED AT REAR DISHROOM/PREP AREA.NOT LARGE ENOUGH FOR OVER-SIZED UTENSILS(POTS). MUST INSTALL A LARGER 3 COMPARTMENT TO BE ABLE TO SUBMERGE THE LARGEST UTENSIL/POTS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION:7-38-025.

SERIOUSSanitation
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

A DRAIN BOARD IS REQUIRED AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK FOR HOLDING CLEANED UTENSIL AFTER SANITIZING AT BAR AREA.

SERIOUSEmployee Hygiene
HOT & COLD WATER AVAILABLE; ADEQUATE PRESSURE

HOT WATER ON SITE HOWEVER NOT ABLE TO MAINTAIN MINIMUM OF 100F AT WASHROOMS(68F TO 93.9F); HANDWASHING SINK 87F TO 93.4F. THREE COMPARTMENT SINK 94.7F,MUST MAINTAIN TEMP OF 110F. REPAIR ISSUE AND PROVIDE HOT WATER ACCORDINGLY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION:7-38-005

MINORPlumbing & Waste
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

NO BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE PROVIDED AT ICE MACHINE WATER LINE,AT LOCATED AT SECOND FLOOR. ALSO PROVIDE A BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE AT MOP SINK. MUST INSTALL SO BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE MAY BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAIN.

MINORPlumbing & Waste
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

OBSERVED SINK STOPPERS ARE NEEDED AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. -

MINORSanitation
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

WASHROOM DOOR AT SECOND FLOOR NOT SELF CLOSING.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SELF CLOSING DEVICE AT SAID DOOR.

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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