NOV 5
2025
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO
✕
COZY CORNER RESTAURANT AND PANCAKE HOUSE.
YOUR CALL. 74/100
5454 N HARLEM AVE · NORWOOD PARK, CHICAGO
Last inspected November 5, 2025 · passed
5 of 11 inspections passed, 6 passed with conditions. 9 critical violations across the record.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTIONS
11
5 passed · 6 w/ conditions
VIOLATIONS
41
includes 9 critical
RECORDS COVER
7 YEARS
since Nov 2018
INSPECTION HISTORY
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
OBSERVED BUILD UP OF GREASE ON EXTERIOR OF USED COOKING OIL CONTAINER LOCATED IN REAR GARBAGE CORRAL. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
JAN 142025PASSED4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
JAN 14
2025
PASSED
4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
PROPER EATING, TASTING, DRINKING, OR TOBACCO USE
NOTED EMPLOYEES DRINKING AND PREPARING FOOD AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PROVIDE A DESIGNATED AREA FOR EMPLOYEES TO DRINK AND EAT AND NOT AT THE PREP AREAS.
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
NOTED ASSORTED FOOD ITEMS INSIDE WALK IN COOLER NOT PROPERLY LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL ALL FOOD ITEMS WITH PRODUCT NAME INCLUDING BULK FOOD CONTAINERS.
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
NOTED SOME EMPLOYEES AT THE PREP AREA WITH NO HAIR RESTRAIN. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HAIR RESTRAINS FOR EMPLOYEES AT ALL TIMES.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED TORN GASKET ON DOOR OF WALK-IN COOLER LOCATED ON FIRST FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
JAN 52024PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
JAN 5
2024
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
NOTED SERVING PLATES ON SHELVES AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT ALL SERVING PLATES TO PREVENT DUST ACCUMULATION.
SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED
NOTED SINGLE SERVICE TOGO CONTAINERS ON SHELVES AND COUNTER TOPS NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT OR PROVIDE A PROTECTIVE COVER TO PREVENT DUST ACCUMULATION.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
NOTED CARDBOARD BOXES AND FOIL PAPAER USED TO LINE SHELVES. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL CARDBOARD BOXES TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST.
JAN 52023PASS W/ CONDITIONS4 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
JAN 5
2023
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
4 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH RTE FOOD OR A PRE-APPROVED ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURE PROPERLY ALLOWED
OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE TOUCHING READY-TO-EAT FOOD WITH THEIR BARE HANDS DURING PREPARATION. OBSERVED THE EMPLOYEE PLACING READY-TO-EAT BACON STRIPS ON PLATE WITH THEIR BARE HANDS.INSTRUCTED THAT READY-TO-EAT FOODS CANNOT BE HANDLED WITH BARE HANDS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-010.CITATION ISSUED.
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
OBSERVED REAR EXIT DOOR WITH GAP OPENING AT BOTTOM RIGHT CORNER.INSTRUCTED TO MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY AND MAINTAIN.
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL WASHCLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION ESPECIALLY WHEN NOT IN USE AND MAINTAIN.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED STAINED CUTTING BOARDS IN THE REAR MAIN COOKING LINE AND AT FRONT PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE OR REPLACE THE CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN.
MAR 92022PASS W/ CONDITIONS3 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
MAR 9
2022
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
3 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
HANDS CLEAN & PROPERLY WASHED
OBSERVED DISHWASHER LOADING DIRTY DISHES AND UNLOADING CLEAN DISHES WITHOUT WASHING HIS HANDS. OBSERVED COOK WITH GLOVES ON TOUCHING RAW MEAT AND THEN TOUCHING A WIPING CLOTH WITHOUT WASHING HIS HANDS. MANAGER INSTRUCTED TO RETRAIN DISHWASHER AND ALL COOKS ON WHEN TO WASH HANDS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-010
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED NO SOAP AT 2 HANDWASHING STATIONS. ONE AT FRONT SERVICE AREA AND ANOTHER AT MAIN COOKING LINE. REPLACED DURING INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030 (C)
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED GARBAGE BAGS USED TO STORE ROLLS AND BREAD. ALL FOOD NEEDS TO BE STORED IN FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS.
show all 11 inspections →
JAN 112022PASS W/ CONDITIONS4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
JAN 11
2022
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGN POSTED NEAR HAND WASHING SINK INSIDE THE MEN'S EMPLOYEES WASHROOM LOCATED IN THE 2ND FLOOR. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
OBSERVED EMPLOYEES PREPARING AND SERVING FOOD WITHOUT WEARING A HAIR RESTRAINTS. MUST WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT AT ALL TIMES FOOD IS BEING PREPARED AND SERVED.
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON TOP OF PREP TABLES IN FRONT SERVING STATION AREA AND REAR FOOD PREPARATIO AREA. MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
MISCELLANEOUS / PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS
BUSINESS IS OPEN FOR IN DOOR DINING AT THIS TIME. OUT OF COMPLIANCE WITH PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER 2021-2. NO WRITTEN PROTOCOL FOR IMPLEMENTING AND ENFORCING THE ORDER. MUST HAVE A WRITTEN RECORD DESCRIBING PROTOCOL FOR CHECKING VACCINATION IN PUBLIC PLACES.
JUN 232021PASSED4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
JUN 23
2021
PASSED
4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
OBSERVED FLY PAPER HUNG ABOVE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN FRONT FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO MOVE SO THAT IT IS NOT DIRECTLY ABOVE A DISH OR PREP AREA.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED TORN GASKET ON DOOR OF WALK-IN COOLER LOCATED ON FIRST FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED CUTTING BOARD OPPOSITE PANCAKE GRILL COVERED IN DEEP GROOVES AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH, CLEANABLE CUTTING SURFACES.
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
OBSERVED NO COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE INSIDE ALL GENDER EMPLOYEE RESTROOM LOCATED UPSTAIRS NEAR OFFICE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
NOV 92020PASS W/ CONDITIONS5 violationsDETAILS
NOV 9
2020
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
5 violationsDETAILS
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
OBSERVED TCS FOODS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE IN THE FOOD PREP AREA AND IN THE PREP COOLER BELOW THE GRILL. OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING FOODS IN THE PREP COOLER AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES: TURKEY AT 48.3F, SAUSAGE PATTIES AT 44.1F, CORNED BEEF HASH AT 49.4, BLACK BEANS AND CORN AT 47.8F. OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING FOODS IN THE FOOD PREP AREA AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES: RED SALSA AT 49.5F AND EGGS AT 63.3F. MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED APPROXIMATELY 10# OF FOOD WORTH $180. PRIORITY 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
OBSERVED SEVERAL DRY FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS NOT LABELED WITH COMMON NAME OF FOOD. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL DRY STORAGE FOOD CONTAINERS.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
OBSERVED A LIGHT SHIELD MISSING FROM THE REAR STORAGE AREA WHERE THE POTATOES ARE STORED. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLER WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.
JUN 282019PASS W/ CONDITIONS2 violationsDETAILS
JUN 28
2019
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
2 violationsDETAILS
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
OBSERVED COLD FOOD AT INADEQUATE TEMPERATURES AT SERVICE COOLER AT HOT LINE AREA.THEY ARE COOKED CHICKEN,HAM AND CHEESES AT TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 47F TO 51F. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED-FOOD VOLUNTARILY DENATURED 14LBS-$34.00
PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
OBSERVED SERVICE COOLER AT HOT LINE AREA NOT HOLDING COLD FOODS AT 40F AND BELOW .SEE VIOLATION #22 ABOVE.SERVICE COOLER TAGGED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-OO5 CITATION ISSUED
NOV 262018PASS W/ CONDITIONS11 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
NOV 26
2018
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
11 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AND HAVE EACH EMPLOYEE SIGN AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION.7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT ALL HAND WASHING SINK LOCATIONS.
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
INSTRUCTED TO INCLUDE CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE IN FOOD MENU WITH REMINDER STATEMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED
TOXIC SUBSTANCES PROPERLY IDENTIFIED, STORED, & USED
CLEANING AGENTS MUST BE PROPERLY STORED AT LEAST SIX INCHES OFF THE FLOOR. PRIORITY 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE INTERNAL THERMOMETERS FOR WALK IN COOLER AND WALK IN FREEZER.
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
INSTRUCTED TO LABEL BULK FOOD CONTAINERS IN FRONT SHELF LOCATED AT FRONT FOOD PREP AREA.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR PLUMBING LEAK AT DRAIN PIPE AT FRONT NORTH HAND SINK AT FRONT PREP AREA. RPZ DRAIN PIPELINE LOCATED UNDERNEATH DISH MACHINE NOT PROPERLY . MUST CONNECT TO OPEN FLOOR DRAIN SUCH THAT IT DRAINS INTO FLOOR DRAIN.
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SELF CLOSING DEVICE FOR EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM DOOR LOCATED IN SECOND FLOOR OFFICE.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
INSTRUCTED TO SEAL THE GAPS BETWEEN THE WALLS AND THE CEILINGS ALL AROUND THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT AND SEAL THE OPENINGS AROUND THE PLUMBING UNDERNEATH DISH MACHINE AND NEAR HOT WATER TANK AREA.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SHIELDS FOR LIGHT FIXTURES IN THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS.. BASEMENT OUTSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER,REAR FIRST FLOOR LANDING, AND STAIRWAY LEADING TO BASEMENT WALK IN COOLER.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE BURNED OUT LIGHT BULBS OVER FRY AREA AND MAINTAIN ADEQUATE LIGHTING 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 →