SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO

INTELLIGENTSIA COFFEE & TEA INC..

BEAT. 27/100

53 W JACKSON BLVD · LOOP, CHICAGO

Last inspected November 12, 2025 · passed

Failed 8 of 18 inspections. 15 critical violations on the cumulative record. Pattern of issues, not a one-off.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS

8 passed · 2 w/ conditions · 8 failed

VIOLATIONS

includes 15 critical

RECORDS COVER

15 YEARS

since Sep 2010

INSPECTION HISTORY

NOV 12

2025

PASSED

2 violations

DETAILS

MINORSanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED DEBRIS ON FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS IN UTILITY AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

MINORPest Activity

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED SOILED MOP HEADS NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO HANG MOP HEADS TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING.

AUG 28

2023

PASSED

3 violations

DETAILS

MINORPlumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

5-204.12 UNABLE TO LOCATE THE BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON THE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO LOCATE OR PROVIDE.

MINORSanitation

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

5-501.17 OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE INSIDE OF THE BASEMENT EMPLOYEE'S TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

MINORSanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

6-501.13 OBSERVED MINOR DEBRIS AROUND THE REFRIGERATOR AND THE ICE MACHINE THAT IS LOCATED IN THE DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.

AUG 23

2023

FAILED

6 violations2 CRITICAL

DETAILS

CRITICALEmployee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

5-202.12(A) OBSERVED INADEQUATE HOT WATER LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT EMPLOYEE'S TOILET ROOM. HOT WATER AT THE TIME OF THE INSPECTION ONLY REACH 75.2F. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN 100F AT THE EMPLOYEE'S TOILET ROOM HAND WASHING SINK AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030(C).

SERIOUSFood Temperature

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

4-501.112(A:1&2) OBSERVED THE HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE AT AN INADEQUATE HOT WATER SANITATION TEMPERATURE OF 172F DURING THE INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND ALWAYS MAINTAIN 180F FOR HOT WATER SANITIZING AT THE HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE AT ALL TIMES. HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION AND MAY NOT BE USED. FACILITY MUST USE THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK TO WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE ALL UTENSILS AND EQUIPMENT. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-025.

CRITICALPest Activity

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

6-501.111 OBSERVED LIVE SMALL FLIES ACTIVITY ON SITE. OBSERVED ABOUT 10 LIVE SMALL FLIES ON THE CEILING OF THE 1ST FLOOR FRONT FOOD PREP AREA/CUSTOMER DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE SMALL FLIES ACTIVITY, CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS AND RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL FOR A SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020(A).

MINORPlumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

5-204.12 UNABLE TO LOCATE THE BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON THE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO LOCATE OR PROVIDE.

MINORSanitation

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

5-501.17 OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE INSIDE OF THE BASEMENT EMPLOYEE'S TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

MINORSanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

6-501.13 OBSERVED MINOR DEBRIS AROUND THE REFRIGERATOR AND THE ICE MACHINE THAT IS LOCATED IN THE DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.

JUN 27

2022

PASSED

0 violations

JUN 23

2022

FAILED

1 violation

DETAILS

MINOROther

PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION CORRECTED

FOUND CONTINUED NON-COMPLIANCE. THE FOLLOWING PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION WAS NOT CORRECTED BY CORRECT BY DATE FROM INSPECTION REPORT #2553483 ON 3/25/22: OBSERVED NO HAND SINK IN REAR WAREWASHING AREA OF FACILITY. FACILITY MUST OBTAIN AND INSTALL A HAND SINK UNDER CITY WATER PRESSURE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-030(C). INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY. PRIORITY VIOLATION.7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.

show all 18 inspections →

MAR 25

2022

FAILED

1 violation1 CRITICAL

DETAILS

CRITICALEmployee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED NO HAND SINK IN REAR WAREWASHING AREA OF FACILITY. FACILITY MUST OBTAIN AND INSTALL A HAND SINK UNDER CITY WATER PRESSURE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.

MAR 11

2022

FAILED

1 violation1 CRITICAL

DETAILS

CRITICALEmployee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

MAR 9

2022

FAILED

1 violation1 CRITICAL

DETAILS

CRITICALEmployee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

MAR 4

2022

FAILED

4 violations4 CRITICAL

DETAILS

CRITICALFood Temperature

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

FOUND NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER CERTIFICATE POSTED ON SITE WHILE TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS (CHICKEN) ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED TO THE PUBLIC. A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER CERTIFICATE MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WHILE TCS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED TO THE PUBLIC. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.

CRITICALFood Temperature

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

FOUND CUSTOMER AND EMPLOYEE HANDWASHING SINK LOCATED IN WOMEN'S AND MEN'S WASHROOM WITHOUT HOT WATER. FOUND WATER TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 50F - 60F. MUST PROVIDE A MINNIMUM HOT WATER TEMPERATURE OF 100F AT ALL TIMES. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED

CRITICALEmployee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

CRITICALPest Activity

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

OBSERVED NO PEST CONTROL LOGBOOK ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A PEST CONTROL LOGBOOK FROM A LICENSED PEST CONTROL OPERATOR. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-38-020(C). CITATION ISSUED.

DEC 13

2019

PASS W/ CONDITIONS

9 violations3 CRITICAL

DETAILS

CRITICALDocumentation & Training

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

OBSERVED EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICY ON SITE BUT NOT SIGNED BY EMPLOYEES.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-7-38.010-NO CITATION ISSUED)

CRITICALSanitation

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

OBSERVED NO CLEAN-UP OF VOMITING AND DIARRHEA PROCEDURE AND CLEAN-UP KIT ON PREMISES DURING INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE SAID PROCEDURE ALONG WITH REQUIRED EQUIPMENT FOR CLEAN-UP. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-005

CRITICALEmployee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED NO HAND SINK IN REAR WARE WASHING AREA OF FACILITY. FACILITY MUST OBTAIN AND INSTALL A HAND SINK UNDER CITY WATER PRESSURE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-030(C). NO CITATION ISSUES

SERIOUSFood Temperature

PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION

OBSERVED READY TO EAT, TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS (YOGURT)NOT PROPERLY DATED , STORED LONGER THAN 24 HOURS IN COOLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER DATE MARKING WITH DISPOSITION DATE FOR RTE FOODS PREPARED ON SITE AND HELD OVER 24 HOURS IN COLD HOLDING UNIT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-005

MINOREmployee Hygiene

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

NOTED EMPLOYEE WITH FACIAL HAIR AND NO BEARD GUARD. INSTRUCTED TO WEAR BEARD GUARD AT ALL TIMES WHEN PREPARING FOOD OR WORKING WITH EXPOSED FOOD.

MINOREmployee Hygiene

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

OBSERVED THAT FEMALE EMPLOYEE WORKS WITH EXPOSED FOOD WITHOUT PROPER HJAIR RESTRAIN. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN HAIR PROTECTION WHILE WORKING WITH EXPOSED FOOD

SERIOUSFood Temperature

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

FACILITY USES HIGH TEMPERATURE SANITIZING DISH MACHINE AND DOESN'T HAVE PROPER TEMPERATURE MEASURING IRREVERSIBLE REGISTERING TEMPERATURE INDICATOR OR THERMOMETER THAT SHALL BE PROVIDED AND READILY ACCESSIBLE FOR MEASURING THE UTENSIL SURFACE TEMPERATURE DURING HOT WATER SANITATION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED

MINORSanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

MUST CLEAN DUST COVERED PIPES AND ELECTRICAL LINES ABOVE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AND IN REAR DISHWASHING AREA

MINORFacility Condition

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

MUST REPLACE BURNED LIGHT BULB ON REAR ROOM REACH IN COOLER

NOV 13

2017

PASS W/ CONDITIONS

1 violation1 CRITICAL

DETAILS

CRITICALEmployee Hygiene

HAND WASHING FACILITIES: WITH SOAP AND SANITARY HAND DRYING DEVICES, CONVENIENT AND ACCESSIBLE TO FOOD PREP AREA

Observed loose tea in basin of hand sink in front prep area. Employees using hand sink to rinse utensils. Instructed hand sink may only be used to wash hands. Operator provided alternate option for dumping and rinsing utensils during inspection. Critical violation 7-38-030.

NOV 8

2016

PASSED

3 violations

DETAILS

MINORSanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

Deteriorated wood under prep tables, instructed to replace.

MINORSanitation

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

Ice maker interior surfaces not clean, instructed to clean and maintain.

MINORSanitation

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

mops and brooms stored too close to ice maker door, instructed to keep away.

JAN 15

2015

PASSED

4 violations

DETAILS

MINORSanitation

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

MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE INTERIOR PANEL AT THE ICE MACHINE TO REMOVE SLIGHT BUILD-UP.

MINOREmployee Hygiene

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

MUST REPAIR/ADJUST HOT WATER PUSH FAUCET HANDLE SO AS TO LAST AT LEAST 15 SECONDS FOR THE HOT WATER TO RUN IN THE MEN'S RESTROOM HAND SINK LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT. ALSO MUST REPAIR LOOSE HOT WATER FAUCET HANDLE AT THE EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK IN THE PREP AREA SO AS TO BE EASIER TO CLOSE.

MINORSanitation

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

MUST REMOVE OFF PREMISES THE UNPLUGGED NOT IN USE RYKOFF LOW TEMP DISH MACHINE WHICH IS BEING STORED IN THE BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AREA TO DECLUTTER ABOVE STATED AREA.

MINORDocumentation & Training

FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET

MUST PROVIDE 6 STAFF MEMBERS WITH THE ILLINOIS FOOD HANDLER'S CERTIFICATE AT ALL TIMES. MUST PROVIDE ABOVE STATED DOCUMENT FOR ALL.

JAN 31

2013

PASSED

2 violations

DETAILS

MINORSanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

MUST REPAIR THE GASKET AT BOTH 1DOOR REFRIGERATORS IN THE BASEMENT.

MINORSanitation

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

MUST CLEAN FLOOR AT MEN'S RESTROOM IN THE BASEMENT.

SEP 6

2011

PASSED

0 violations

AUG 29

2011

FAILED

3 violations1 CRITICAL

DETAILS

CRITICALPest Activity

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

All necessary control measures shall be used to effectively minimize or eliminate the presence of rodents, roaches, and other vermin and insects on the premises of all food establishments, in food-transporting vehicles, and in vending machines. OBSERVED OVER 20 LIVE SMALL FLIES ON WALLS AT DINING AREA AND AT REAR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AREA. MUST REMOVE ALL INSECT ACTIVITY BY DATE OF REINSPECTION (09/06/11).

MINORSanitation

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

All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. OBSERVED SLIGHT LIME BUILD UP INSIDE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE.

MINORSanitation

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

The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL UNCLEAN WALLS THROUGHOUT.

OCT 1

2010

PASSED

2 violations

DETAILS

MINORSanitation

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

Correct By: Thursday, September 22, 2011 Violation Codes: 7-38-030, 015, 010 (A), 005 (A) Inspector Comments: The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. Found walls in poor repair by ice machine.(chipping paint)

MINOREmployee Hygiene

APPROPRIATE METHOD OF HANDLING OF FOOD (ICE) HAIR RESTRAINTS AND CLEAN APPAREL WORN

Correct By: Thursday, September 22, 2011 Violation Codes: 7-38-030, 015, 010 (A), 005 (A) Inspector Comments: All employees shall be required to use effective hair restraints to confine hair. Observed foodhandlers not wearing hair restraints.

SEP 22

2010

FAILED

4 violations1 CRITICAL

DETAILS

CRITICALPest Activity

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

All necessary control measures shall be used to effectively minimize or eliminate the presence of rodents, roaches, and other vermin and insects on the premises of all food establishments, in food-transporting vehicles, and in vending machines. Found fruit fly activity at rear dishwashing areas.(observed about 35 fruit flies flying and on walls). serious violation. citation issued.

MINORSanitation

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

The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. Found floors not clean at rear dishwashing areas.

MINORSanitation

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

The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. Found walls in poor repair by ice machine.(chipping paint)

MINOREmployee Hygiene

APPROPRIATE METHOD OF HANDLING OF FOOD (ICE) HAIR RESTRAINTS AND CLEAN APPAREL WORN

All employees shall be required to use effective hair restraints to confine hair. Observed foodhandlers not wearing hair restraints.

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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