HAPPY CAFE OF CHICAGO, INC.
2351 S WENTWORTH AVE · CHINATOWN, CHICAGO
5 of 11 inspections passed, 2 failed, 4 passed with conditions. 11 critical violations across the record.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTION HISTORY
MAY 62025PASSED5 violationsDETAILS
OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS PREPPING FOOD WITHOUT HAIR RESTRAINTS. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT.
OBSERVED WET WIPING CLOTHS ON SEVERAL PREP SURFACE AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION OF EQUIPMENT & FOOD. MUST MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED MULTIPLE FOOD ITEMSSTORED IN PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS IN THE COOLERS FREEZER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE PROPER FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS AND CONTAINERS ONLY.
OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP ON COOKING EQUIPMENT, WALLS, SURROUNDING FLOORS AND SHELVING UNITS IN THE KITCHEN/PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO DEGREASE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP, FOOD DEBRIS, AND DIRT ON FLOOR UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP, DISH WASHING AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN ALL AREAS. OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON FAN IN WALK-IN COOLER, LIGHT SHIELDS IN COOKING AREA AND CEILING AND WALL VENTS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL FANS, LIGHT SHIELDS AND CEILING/WALL VENTS.
JAN 172024PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
3-302.12: OBSERVED THREE CONTAINERS OF FOOD ITEMS NOT LABELED UNDER THE FOOD PREP TABLES IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LABELS ON ALL FOOD ITEMS NOT IN THEIR ORIGINAL PACKAGE AND MAINTAIN.
3-305.12: OBSERVED POTATOES AND ONIONS STORED ON THE FLOOR UNDER THE PIPES OF THE HANDWASHING SINK IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO RELOCATE FOOD ITEMS AND REFRAIN FROM STORING FOOD ITEMS UNDER PIPES OF EQUIPMENT.
4-904.11: OBSERVED CLEAN PLATES STORED UNDER ON THE EXPEDITOR TABLE IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA NOT WITH FOOD RESIDUE AND NOT INVERTED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT SAID PLATES IN ORDER TO PREVENT CONTAMINATING THE PLATES.
4-601.11(B): OBSERVED THE FLOORS THROUGHOUT THE WALK-IN COOLER WITH FOOD DEBRIS AND DRIED UP LIQUID SPILLAGE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN SAID FLOORS.
JAN 102024FAILED7 violationsDETAILS
OBSERVED COOKED PORK STORED AT IMPROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES INSIDE OF THE A 27 GALLON TOTE STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. THE TEMPERATURE OF THE PORK WAS 87.8F. MANAGER DENATURED AND DISCARDED APPROXIMATELY 200LBS AT $450 WORTH PRODUCT. MUST COMPLY WITH THE HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT OF 135F OR ABOVE AND INSIDE ADEQUATE HOT HOLDING UNITS AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY 7-38-005, CITATION ISSUED
OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS. OBSERVED RAW PORK IN A 27 GALLON TOTE ON THE FLOOR IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA AT 67.5F. ALSO OBSERVED PORK (49.7-50.7F), 10 EGGS (51.2F), CHICKEN GARLIC (48.9F) STORED INSIDE A PREP COOLER ACROSS FROM THE VENTILATION HOOD AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES. MANAGER DISCARDED APPROX. 10 LBS AT $40 PRODUCT. MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING FOODS AT 41.0F OR BELOW AT ALL TIMES. APPROX. 10 LBS AT $40 PRIORITY 7-38-005, CITATION CONSOLIDATED WITH VIOLATION #21
OBSERVED THREE CONTAINERS OF FOOD ITEMS NOT LABELED UNDER THE FOOD PREP TABLES IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LABELS ON ALL FOOD ITEMS NOT IN THEIR ORIGINAL PACKAGE AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED POTATOES AND ONIONS STORED ON THE FLOOR UNDER THE PIPES OF THE HANDWASHING SINK IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO RELOCATE FOOD ITEMS AND REFRAIN FROM STORING FOOD ITEMS UNDER PIPES OF EQUIPMENT.
OBSERVED CLEAN PLATES STORED UNDER ON THE EXPEDITOR TABLE IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA NOT WITH FOOD RESIDUE AND NOT INVERTED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT SAID PLATES IN ORDER TO PREVENT CONTAMINATING THE PLATES.
OBSERVED THE FLOORS THROUGHOUT THE WALK-IN COOLER WITH FOOD DEBRIS AND DRIED UP LIQUID SPILLAGE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN SAID FLOORS.
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM 04/03/2023, REPORT #2573571 #49: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN A SMALL UPPER AREA OF THE ICE MACHINE BEHIND FRONT SERVING COUNTER AND MAINTAIN. #49: OBSERVED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON COOKING EQUIPMENT EXTERIOR SURFACES (WOK AREA, FRYER, STEAMER) INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. #55: THE FLOORS AND WALL AROUND AND UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT NEED CLEANING; CLEAN FLOOR AND WALL.ALSO CLEAN THE VENTILATION FAN ON THE CEILING OF THE WASHROOM TO REMOVE DUST OBSERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION:7-42-090, CITATION ISSUED
APR 32023PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN A SMALL UPPER AREA OF THE ICE MACHINE BEHIND FRONT SERVING COUNTER AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON COOKING EQUIPMENT EXTERIOR SURFACES (WOK AREA, FRYER, STEAMER) INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
THE FLOORS AND WALL AROUND AND UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT NEED CLEANING; CLEAN FLOOR AND WALL. ALSO CLEAN THE VENTILATION FAN ON THE CEILING OF THE WASHROOM TO REMOVE DUST OBSERVED.
JUN 32022PASSED12 violationsDETAILS
ALL BULK FOOD ITEMS IN NEED OF PROPER LABELING WITH NAME OF PRODUCT. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
SPONGES MUST BE CHANGED OFTEN. SPONGES TEND TO HOLD BACTERIA. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
ICE SCOOP MUST BE STORED IN A CLEAN SANITIZED LOCATION, SCOOP MUST NOT BE STORED IN RICE. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
CUTTING BOARDS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
CAN OPENER IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD BUILD UP INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CLEAN.
ALL DOOR HANDLES TO REACH IN COOLERS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CLEAN.
ALL STORAGE SHELVES IN WALK IN AND REACH IN COOLER IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
GARBAGE RECEPTICLE IN WASHROOM IN NEED OF COVER. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN COVERED.
WALLS THROUGHOUT PREP AREA IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPLATTER AND BUILD UP. FLOORS THROUGHOUT PREP AREA IN NEED OF DETAIL CLESANING UNDER AND AROUND ALL EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
AIR VENTS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL DUST BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
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SEP 242020PASS W/ CONDITIONS7 violationsDETAILS
ALL TCS FOODS AND READY TO EAT FOOD THAT IS REMOVED FROM ITS ORIGINAL PACKAGING AND/OR COOKED/PREPARED AND HELD FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS MUST BE PROPERLY LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL THOSE FOOD ITEMS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
FOUND NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER FOR INTERNAL TEMPERATURE TAKING OF TCS FOODS ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
NO EMPLOYEE WEARING A HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS.
WIPING CLOTHS NOT PROPERLY STORED WHEN NOT IN USE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION (MUST BE AT THE REQUIRED PPM) WHEN NOT IN USE.
OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING: EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT (BURNERS, FRYERS, STEAMER), PREP AND STORAGE TABLES, BOTTOM OF FRYER TO REMOVE GREASE AND INTERIORS OF REFRIGERATION UNITS AND FREEZERS. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
THE FRONT HAND WASHING SINK CONSTANTLY RUNS A LIGHT STREAM OF WATER AND THE COLD WATER KNOB IS STRIPPED. INSTRUCTED TO FIX AND MAINTAIN.
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE INTERIOR OF THE FLOOR DRAINS AND FLOORS IN THE CORNERS AND UNDER/AROUND ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT TO REMOVE DIRT, GREASE, FOOD AND DEBRIS. -WALLS AND CEILING WITH FOOD AND DIRT IN THE FOOD PREP AREAS AROUND THE SINKS, COOKING/COOLING EQUIPMENTS. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN WALLS AND CEILINGS.
AUG 262020PASS W/ CONDITIONS11 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVE MALE EMPLOYEE PUT ON FACE MASK, NOT WASH HIS HANDS AND CONTINUED TO HANDLE FOOD. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY WASH HANDS WHEN TOUCHING FACE, MULTI-TASKING, ETC. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-010 CITATION ISSUED
FOUND THE FRONT HAND WASHING SINK NOT ACCESSIBLE. THERE WAS UTENSILS STORED INSIDE OF IT. INSTRUCTED TO KEEP ALL HAND WASHING SINKS ACCESSIBLE FOR PROPER HAND WASHING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(c) CITATION ISSUED
ALL TCS FOODS AND READY TO EAT FOOD THAT IS REMOVED FROM ITS ORIGINAL PACKAGING AND/OR COOKED/PREPARED AND HELD FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS MUST BE PROPERLY LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL THOSE FOOD ITEMS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
FOUND NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER FOR INTERNAL TEMPERATURE TAKING OF TCS FOODS ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
NO EMPLOYEE WEARING A HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS.
WIPING CLOTHS NOT PROPERLY STORED WHEN NOT IN USE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION (MUST BE AT THE REQUIRED PPM) WHEN NOT IN USE.
OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING: EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT (BURNERS, FRYERS, STEAMER), PREP AND STORAGE TABLES, BOTTOM OF FRYER TO REMOVE GREASE AND INTERIORS OF REFRIGERATION UNITS AND FREEZERS. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
THE FRONT HAND WASHING SINK CONSTANTLY RUNS A LIGHT STREAM OF WATER AND THE COLD WATER KNOB IS STRIPPED. INSTRUCTED TO FIX AND MAINTAIN.
FOUND WASTE WATER COMING UP FROM THE FLOOR DRAINS IN THE FOOD PREP AND TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE PLUMBING PROPERLY FIXED SO THERE IS NO BACKUP. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE INTERIOR OF THE FLOOR DRAINS AND FLOORS IN THE CORNERS AND UNDER/AROUND ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT TO REMOVE DIRT, GREASE, FOOD AND DEBRIS. -WALLS AND CEILING WITH FOOD AND DIRT IN THE FOOD PREP AREAS AROUND THE SINKS, COOKING/COOLING EQUIPMENTS. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN WALLS AND CEILINGS.
OBSERVED 2 MALE EMPLOYEES NOT WEARING A FACE COVERING INSIDE OF THE STORE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND ENFORCE ALL EMPLOYEES TO COMPLY WITH WEARING FACE COVERINGS. CITATION ISSUED 7-28-060
JUN 122019PASS W/ CONDITIONS5 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES AS REQUIRED; MUST PROVIDE. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION OF EMPLOYEES RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT ANY ILLNESS TRANSMISSIBLE THROUGH FOOD. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 ISSUED.
OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING: EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT (BURNERS, FRYERS, STEAMER), PREP AND STORAGE TABLES, BOTTOM OF FRYER TO REMOVE GREASE AND INTERIORS OF REFRIGERATION UNITS AND FREEZERS. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
THE FLOORS NEED DETAIL CLEANING UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT TO REMOVE GREASE AND OTHER BUILD UP, BEHIND AND AROUND REFRIGERATION AND FREEZER UNITS TO REMOVE DIRT AND DEBRIS. THE WALLS AROUND AND BEHIND VARIOUS KITCHEN EQUIPMENT NEEDS CLEANING. ALSO CLEAN LIGHT SHIELDS IN KITCHEN AREA WHERE NEEDED.
THE VENTILATION SYSTEM ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT NEEDS CLEANING TO REMOVE GREASE; CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
SEP 192018PASS W/ CONDITIONS3 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
NOTED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION NO CITATION ISSUED.
NO PROCEDURE ON SITE FOR THE CLEAN UP OF VOMIT AND DIARRHEA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO MAINTAIN AND PROVIDE PROPER EQUIPMENT AT ALL TIMES. PRORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION NO CITATION ISSUED
ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST HAVE ALLERGAN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
SEP 102018FAILED9 violations5 CRITICALDETAILS
NOTED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION NO CITATION ISSUED.
NO PROCEDURE ON SITE FOR THE CLEAN UP OF VOMIT AND DIARRHEA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO MAINTAIN AND PROVIDE PROPER EQUIPMENT AT ALL TIMES. PRORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION NO CITATION ISSUED.
FOUND BOTH HANDSINK IN BOTH PREP AREA TURNED OFF AT THE BOTTOM, DUE TO HANDLES BEING IN POOR REPAIR. INSTRUCTED MANGER TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C)
OBSERVED 30-35 MOUSE DROPPINGS IN STORAGE CLOSET WHERE FURNACE IS STORED INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A)
NO PEST CONTROL LOGBOOK ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE LOGBOOK AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(C)
MUST DISCONTINUE THE USE OF GROCERY BAGS FOR FOOD STORAGE. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
P-TRAP UNDER HANDSINK IN MAIN PREP AREA HAS LEAK INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
FOUND THE FOLLOWING IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS AND BUILD UP. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND REMOVE LARGE AMOUNTS OF GREASE BUILD UP ON FLOOR AND EQUIPMENT. MUST DETAIL CLEAN ALL FLOORS THROUGHOUT PREP AREA TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS. MUST CLEAN FLOORS IN DINING AREA AND WASHROOM MUST CLEAN CEILING TO REMOVE ALL DUST BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN WATER TANK TO REMMOVE ALL GREASE WASTE.
ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST HAVE ALLERGAN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
JAN 162018PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
ALL FOOD MUST BE STORED IN FOOD GRADE BAGS. NO GROCERY BAGS MAY BE USED. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
COOKING EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN 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 →