ICAFE ON IRVING PARK, INC..
1812-1814 W IRVING PARK RD · LAKEVIEW, CHICAGO
Failed 4 of 9 inspections. 15 critical violations on the cumulative record. Pattern of issues, not a one-off.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTION HISTORY
JUN 132025PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
OBSERVED INTERNAL AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETER NOT PROVIDED AT THE FRONT UPRIGHT BEVERAGE COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AT LEAST ONE INTERNAL AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETER IN IN A CONSPICUOUS AND EASILY-VIEWABLE LOCATION IN ALL EQUIPMENT USED TO COLD-HOLD TCS FOOD ITEMS AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
OBSERVED DRY RED PEPPER FLAKES PROVIDED IN OPEN, UNPROTECTED PLASTIC CONTAINERS AT EACH INDIVIDUAL TABLE IN THE DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN DRY RED PEPPER FLAKE CONTAINERS AND OTHER CONDIMENTS ADEQUATELY COVERED AND PROTECTED WHEN PROVIDED AT INDIVIDUAL TABLES AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED STAINLESS STEEL WALL SURFACE (ON RIGHT-HAND SIDE OF GRILL) IN THE REAR KITCHEN AREA IN POOR REPAIR, PULLING AWAY FROM THE WALL. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE STAINLESS STEEL WALL SURFACE IN THE REAR KITCHEN AREA AND MAINTAIN ALL PHYSICAL FACILITIES IN GOOD REPAIR.
OBSERVED FOOD EMPLOYEE WITH EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING TO ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES WITHOUT CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN CERTIFICATE(S) ON-SITE FOR INSPECTOR REVIEW AT ALL TIMES.
MAY 292025FAILED7 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED PERSON-IN-CHARGE MISSING CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER TRAINING AND CERTIFICATE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE EVERY PERSON-IN-CHARGE WITH CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE ON-SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.
OBSERVED NO FOOD EMPLOYEE WITH CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER TRAINING OR ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE PRESENT ON-SITE WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED (COOKED MEAT, MEAT PASTRIES, SOUPS) AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN AT LEAST ONE FOOD EMPLOYEE WITH CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER TRAINING AND ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES OF FOOD OPERATIONS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED INTERNAL AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETER NOT PROVIDED AT THE FRONT UPRIGHT BEVERAGE COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AT LEAST ONE INTERNAL AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETER IN IN A CONSPICUOUS AND EASILY-VIEWABLE LOCATION IN ALL EQUIPMENT USED TO COLD-HOLD TCS FOOD ITEMS AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
OBSERVED DRY RED PEPPER FLAKES PROVIDED IN OPEN, UNPROTECTED PLASTIC CONTAINERS AT EACH INDIVIDUAL TABLE IN THE DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN DRY RED PEPPER FLAKE CONTAINERS AND OTHER CONDIMENTS ADEQUATELY COVERED AND PROTECTED WHEN PROVIDED AT INDIVIDUAL TABLES AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED NO IRREVERSIBLE REGISTERING TEMPERATURE INDICATORS PROVIDED FOR MEASURING UTENSIL SURFACE TEMPERATURE AT THE HIGH-TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE IRREVERSIBLE REGISTERING TEMPERATURE INDICATORS FOR VERIFYING HIGH-TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE AND MAINTAIN ON-SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED STAINLESS STEEL WALL SURFACE (ON RIGHT-HAND SIDE OF GRILL) IN THE REAR KITCHEN AREA IN POOR REPAIR, PULLING AWAY FROM THE WALL. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE STAINLESS STEEL WALL SURFACE IN THE REAR KITCHEN AREA AND MAINTAIN ALL PHYSICAL FACILITIES IN GOOD REPAIR.
OBSERVED FOOD EMPLOYEE WITH EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING TO ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES WITHOUT CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN CERTIFICATE(S) ON-SITE FOR INSPECTOR REVIEW AT ALL TIMES.
MAR 62024PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
NOTED PREPARED, PRE-PACKAGED READY TO EAT FOODS FOR SALE TO GO IN THE FRONT CUSTOMER DISPLAY TOGO COOLER NOT PROPERLY LABELED. MUST PROVIDE THE PRODUCT NAME, LIST OF INGREDIENTS, BUSINESS NAME AND ADDRESS.
LEAKING FAUCET ON THE WEST KITCHEN THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REPAIR.
FEB 272024FAILED17 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
NO HAND WASHING SINK AVAILABLE IN THE CREATED FRONT FOOD PREP AREA WHERE FOODS ARE BEING DISPENSED AND SERVED FROM A DISPLAY CASE, BREADS SLICED, CAPPUCCINO MACHINE AND COFFEE STATION. A WALL HAS BEEN INSTALLED BETWEEN THE ONCE ONE FULL FOOD PREP KITCHEN WITH A HAND WASHING SINK IN THE REAR OF THE KITCHEN AND THE NEWLY INSTALLED WALL SEPARATES THE TWO PREP AREAS WITHOUT ACCESS TO THE REAR HAND WASHING SINK FROM THE FRONT FOOD PREP. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A HAND WASHING SINK IN THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER THAT PROPERLY DRAINS TO A FLOOR DRAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C).CITATION ISSUED.
NOTED THE WEST KITCHEN HAND WASHING SINK BEING USED AS A FOOD PREP SINK WITH A FOOD/TEA/COFFEE STRAINER INSIDE THE SINK NOT ALLOWING ACCESSIBILITY FOR HAND WASHING. REVIEWED THAT HAND WASHING SINKS ARE FOR HAND WASHING PURPOSES ONLY. MANAGER REMOVED THE STRAINER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-030(C). SEE THE ABOVE VIOLATION #10 FOR CITATION.
NOTED NO PAPER TOWELS AVAILABLE AT THE WEST KITCHEN HAND WASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED MUST PROVIDE AT ALL TIMES. MANAGEMENT PROVIDED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) SEE THE ABOVE VIOLATION #10 FOR CITATION.
NOTED APPROXIMATELY 20 LBS ASSORTED COOKED, STUFFED PASTRIES FILLED WITH BEEF, CHICKEN AND POTATO IN THE FRONT DISPLAY GRAB AND GO DISPLAY COOLER HELD AT IMPROPER FOOD TEMPERATURE RANGING BETWEEN 45.5F TO 52.1F. ALL FOODS DISCARDED. REVIEWED PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
ALL BULK FOOD CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH THE PRODUCT COMMON NAME.
NOTED PREPARED, PRE-PACKAGED READY TO EAT FOODS FOR SALE TO GO IN THE FRONT CUSTOMER DISPLAY TOGO COOLER NOT PROPERLY LABELED. MUST PROVIDE THE PRODUCT NAME, LIST OF INGREDIENTS, BUSINESS NAME AND ADDRESS.
NOTED WIPING CLOTHS IMPROPERLY STORED THROUGHOUT ALL FOOD PREP AREAS ON PREP SURFACES. MUST STORE IN A CLEAN CONTAINER WITH A SANITIZING SOLUTION.
ALL STORED ITEMS THROUGHOUT THE FRONT PREP AREA COUNTER AND THE OUTDOOR DRY FOOD STORAGE GARAGE MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOORS.
MUST NOT USE PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS AS FOOD CONTAINERS IN ALL FREEZERS AND COOLERS. MUST USE FOOD GRADE DISPOSABLE PLASTIC BAGS OR WASHABLE CONTAINERS.-----NOTED PLASTIC UTENSILS AND FOOD CONTAINERS BEING USED IN FOOD PREP THAT APPEAR MELTED/BURNT. MUST REPLACE.
NOTED EXCESSIVE GREASE ON THE EXTERIOR AND DIRT IN THE INTERIOR OF THE UNUSED ICE MACHINE. MUST CLEAN.
LEAKING FAUCET ON THE WEST KITCHEN THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REPAIR.
INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A ONE COMPARTMENT PREP SINK IN THE NEWLY INSTALLED FRONT FOOD PREP AREA CAPPUCCINO/COFFEE STATION AREA.
MUST REMOVE CARPETING FROM THE FLOORS OF THE GARAGE DRY FOOD STORAGE ROOM.
NOTED EXTREMELY DIRTY FLOORS UNDER BOTH THREE COMPARTMENT SINKS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
NOTED SOILED MOP HEADS IMPROPERLY STORED ON THE REAR PATIO AND INSIDE DIRTY MOP BUCKETS AT THE UTILITY SERVICE SINK. MUST PROPERLY STORE INVERTED AT THE SERVICE SINK.
NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES FOR ALL REQUIRED EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE.
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM 9-22-23 NOT CORRECTED.#43-NOTED SERVING PLATES AND SILVERWARE ON SHELVES AND TABLE AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT AND COVER ALL SERVING PLATES AND SILVERWARE TO PREVENT DUST ACCUMULATION AND CONTAMINATION. #47- CUTTING BOARDS WITH OPEN SEAMS AND DARK STAINS. MUST REFINISH OR REPLACE DAMAGED OR STAINED CUTTING BOARDS. #55- NOTED HEAVY CLUTTER THROUGHOUT THE REAR (EXTERIOR). FLOORS INSIDE, UNUSED EQUIPMENT (SUCH AS ICE MACHINE) AND IN STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN, ORGANIZE, AND REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY OR UNUSED ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST.#58- NOTED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ON DUTY WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.
SEP 222023PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
NOTED SERVING PLATES AND SILVERWARE ON SHELVES AND TABLE AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA AND FRONT DINING AREA NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT AND COVER ALL SERVING PLATES AND SILVERWARE AT THE DINING TABLES TO PREVENT DUST ACCUMULATION AND CONTAMINATION.
4-501.12 CUTTING BOARDS WITH OPEN SEAMS AND DARK STAINS. MUST REFINISH OR REPLACE DAMAGED OR STAINED CUTTING BOARDS.
6-501.114 NOTED HEAVY CLUTTER THROUGHOUT THE REAR (EXTERIOR) FLOORS INSIDE UNUSED EQUIPMENT AND IN STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN, ORGANIZE, AND REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY OR UNUSED ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST.
2-102.13 NOTED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ON DUTY WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.
show all 9 inspections →
SEP 152023FAILED14 violations6 CRITICALDETAILS
NOTED EMPLOYEES DRINKING AND EATING AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PROVIDE A DESIGNATED AREA FOR EMPLOYEES TO DRINK AND EAT AND NOT AT THE PREP AREAS.
NOTED EMPLOYEE WHILE WEARING GLOVES PERFORMED THE FOLLOWING TASK:- --WIPED HER NOSE AND FACE WITH A PIECE OF CLOTH --CLEANED THE TABLE WITH WIPE CLOTHS --DUMPED TRASH INSIDE THE GARBAGE CAN AND WENT BACK TO THE PREP TABLE TO CONTINUE PREPARING FOOD WITHOUT CHANGING GLOVES OR WASHING HANDS. DISCUSSED WITH MANAGEMENT THE POLICY OF WEARING GLOVES THAT INCLUDES HAND WASHING WHEN CHANGING TASKS AND WHEN MOVING FROM ONE AREA TO ANOTHER. PRIORITY VIOLATION# 7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.
NOTED NO SOAP AT HAND WASH SINKS OF THE PREP AREA WITH OVEN. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS AT ALL HAND WASHING SINK. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#7-38-030(C)
NOTED NO PAPER TOWELS AT HAND WASH SINK BY THE OVEN. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS.PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.
NOTED HAND WASH SINK AT THE OVEN CORNER ACCESSIBLE WITH LARGE FOOD CONTAINERS IN FRONT OF SINK AND WATER JAR INSIDE THE HAND WASH SINK. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL HAND SINKS ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
NOTED CLOGGED HAND WASH SINK (WATER NOT DRAINING AT ALL) AT THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA.DISCUSSED WITH MANAGER THAT ALL HAND WASH SINKS MUST BE MAINTAINED AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.CONSOLIDATED WITH ALL ABOVE CITATION.
NOTED ESTABLISHMENT SERVING UNDERCOOKED FOOD ITEMS (STEAK) WITH NO CONSUMER ADVISORY, DISCLOSURE OR REMINDERS TO THE CUSTOMERS. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A CONSUMER ADVISORY ON THE MENU WITH A DISCLOSURE NOTICE AND REMINDER STATEMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED TODAY.
PREPACKAGED FOODS ON DISPLAY NOT PROPERLY LABELED. MUST LABEL PACKAGES WITH FOOD NAME, INGREDIENTS, NET CONTENTS, SOURCE AND LIST OF ALLERGENS.
NOTED SERVING PLATES AND SILVERWARE ON SHELVES AND TABLE AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA AND FRONT DINING AREA NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT AND COVER ALL SERVING PLATES AND SILVERWARE AT THE DINING TABLES TO PREVENT DUST ACCUMULATION AND CONTAMINATION.
NOTED BROKEN DOOR OF SERVICE PREP COOLER AT THE PREP AREA WITH THE OVEN. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. NOTED TORN RUBBER GASKET INSIDE THE 2-DOOR REFRIGERATION UNIT AT THE KITCHEN PREP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL REPAIR AND MAINTAIN AND REPLACE.
CUTTING BOARDS WITH OPEN SEAMS AND DARK STAINS. MUST REFINISH OR REPLACE DAMAGED OR STAINED CUTTING BOARDS.
NOTED HEAVY CLUTTER THROUGHOUT REAR (EXTERIOR) FLOORS INSIDE UNUSED EQUIPMENT AND IN STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN, ORGANIZE, AND REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY OR UNUSED ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST.
INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG WALL BASE AND UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT ESPECIALLY AT THE PREP AREAS.
NOTED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ON DUTY WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.
SEP 302022PASSED5 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
6-202.15 OBSERVED THE OUTDOOR DRY STORAGE AREA DOOR IS NOT RODENT PROTECTED AT THE BOTTOM. INSTRUCTED TO RODENT PROOF SAID DOOR AND MAINTAIN.
3-307.11 OBSERVED THE ICE SCOOP IN THE DISHWASHING AREA STORED ON TOP OF THE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE ICE SCOOP AND MAINTAIN PROPERLY.
4-904.11 OBSERVED CLEAN TABLEWARE (PLATES) IN THE DISHWASHING AREA NOT INVERTED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT ALL TABLEWARE AND MAINTAIN.
5-501.17 OBSERVED IN THE EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM A RECEPTACLE WITH NO LID. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A RECEPTACLE WITH A LID IN THE EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM AND MAINTAIN.
6-201.11 OBSERVED GREASE AND DEBRIS ON THE FLOORS UNDER THE THREE-COMPARTMENT SINK, THE COOKING EQUIPMENT, AND THE REFRIGERATION UNITS THROUGHOUT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL SAID FLOORS AND MAINTAIN THEM.
SEP 232022FAILED6 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED THE OUTDOOR DRY STORAGE AREA DOOR IS NOT RODENT PROTECTED AT THE BOTTOM. INSTRUCTED TO RODENT PROOF SAID DOOR AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED THE ICE SCOOP IN THE DISHWASHING AREA STORED ON TOP OF THE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE ICE SCOOP AND MAINTAIN PROPERLY.
OBSERVED CLEAN TABLEWARE (PLATES) IN THE DISHWASHING AREA NOT INVERTED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT ALL TABLEWARE AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED IN THE EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM A RECEPTACLE WITH NO LID. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A RECEPTACLE WITH A LID IN THE EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED GREASE AND DEBRIS ON THE FLOORS UNDER THE THREE-COMPARTMENT SINK, THE COOKING EQUIPMENT, AND THE REFRIGERATION UNITS THROUGHOUT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL SAID FLOORS AND MAINTAIN THEM.
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM 10/27/2021, REPORT #2537360 #58) NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING OR CERTIFICATE FOR THE ABOVE PENDING CITY OF CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION:7-42-090, CITATION ISSUED
OCT 272021PASSED8 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
ALL BULK SPICE CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH THE PRODUCT COMMON NAME.
NOTED A LARGE MAIL SLOT OPENING IN THE BOTTOM OF THE FRONT METAL DOOR WITH NO CLOSING, TIGHT-FITTING SEAL. MUST PROVIDE A TIGHT-FITTING CLOSER OR PERMANENT SEAL.
MUST PROVIDE A LOCK OR SECURED COVERING FOR THE DINING ROOM BOX FREEZER.----MUST NOT USE USED CARDBOARD RAW CHICKEN BOXES AS CONTAINERS FOR DRY BULK DRY FOODS. ALL DRY FOOD CONTAINERS MUST BE WASHABLE METAL OR PLASTIC.
ALL STORED ITEMS IN THE FRONT PREP STORAGE CLOSET MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOORS.
NOTED A PLASTIC FOOD COVER FOR THE MICROWAVE OVEN IN EXTREMELY POOR CONDITION WITH A MELTED HANDLE AND BADLY STAINED WITH FOOD DEBRIS AND GREASE. MUST REPLACE.
LEAK AT THE HOT HANDLE OF THE FRONT PREP THREE-COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REPAIR.----MUST NOT USE TAPE AS A MEANS OF REPAIR UNDER THE COOKS LINE HAND WASHING SINK.
ALL ITEMS STORED ON THE REAR PATIO MUST BE REMOVED TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORING.
NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING OR CERTIFICATE FOR THE ABOVE PENDING CITY OF CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER. MUST PROVIDE.
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 →