JESS CAFE.

Chicago Health Dept

5819 W BELMONT AVE · PORTAGE PARK, CHICAGO

Last inspected 2018.

15 inspections on record since 2010 · Last inspected Mar 2018.

Last inspected Mar 2018. Records may not reflect current conditions.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS

VIOLATIONS

total on record

LAST INSPECTED

MAR 2018

INSPECTION HISTORY

MAR 6

2018

PASS 6 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE GROCERY BAGS FOR FOOD STORAGE INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER AND WALK-IN FREEZER. MUST USE FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS.

Minor Sanitation

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

INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN STORAGE SHELVES IN PREP/COOKING AREA.

Minor Sanitation

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

INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN REAR PREP AREA.

Minor Sanitation

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

INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN WALLS NEXT TO 2 DOOR REACH-IN COOLER WITH DUST AND GREASE ACCUMULATION IN PREP/COOKING AREA.

Minor Food Temperature

REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE INSIDE ALL COOLERS. MUST PROVIDE METAL STEM THERMOMETER FOR MEASURING INTERNAL TEMPERATURE OF FOOD PRODUCTS.

Minor Sanitation

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

INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REORGANIZE REAR PREP AREA. USABLE ITEMS (FOOD AND NON FOOD) MUST BE STORED 6" OFF THE FLOOR FOR EASY ACCESS ON CLEANING.

DEC 12

2017

PASS 3 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE GROCERY BAGS FOR FOOD STORAGE INSIDE WALK-IN FREEZER. MUST USE FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS.

Minor Sanitation

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

INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN STORAGE RACKS INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER.

Minor Pest Activity

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

INSTRUCTED TO REORGANIZE FRONT PREP AREA AND REAR STORAGE AREA. MUST REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.

JAN 19

2017

PASS 4 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS IN REAR STORAGE AREA. FOOD AND NON FOOD ITEMS MUST BE STORED 6" OFF THE FLOOR FOR EASY ACCESS ON CLEANING.

Minor Other

REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE INSIDE AL COOLERS.

Minor Pest Activity

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

INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES STORED ON TOP OF WALK-IN COOLER AND ON TOP OF WALK-IN FREEZER TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.

Minor Pest Activity

FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED

ICE SCOOP MUST BE STORED IN A CLEAN SEPARATE CONTAINER TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.

MAR 31

2016

PASS 5 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

RESTRICTED USING CARRYOUT BAGS FOR FOOD STORAGE, MUST INVEST IN FOOD GRADE BAGS,

Minor Sanitation

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

VENTS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND COOKING EQUIPMENT NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN DAILY AND MAINTAIN,

Minor Sanitation

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

FLOORS THROUGHOUT REAR KITCHEN AREA NOT CLEAN, UNDER AND BEHIND EQUIPMENT, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND BETTER MAINTAIN,

Minor Sanitation

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

GREASY AND UNCLEAN WALLS/CEILING IN COOKING AREA, MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN,

Minor Sanitation

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

CLUTTER FRONT AND REAR OF STORE, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, REMOVE ALL CLUTTER AND BETTER ORGANIZE,

MAR 23

2016

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 5 violations 1 CRITICAL

Critical Food Temperature

SANITIZING RINSE FOR EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS: CLEAN, PROPER TEMPERATURE, CONCENTRATION, EXPOSURE TIME

IN USE HIGH TEMP DISH MACHINE NOT PROPERLY SANITIZING ON FINAL RINSE CYCLE, HIGH TEMP CYCLE ONLY REACHING 160'F, AT THIS TIME OF INSPECTION, INSTRUCTED THAT FINAL RINSE CYCLE MUST REACH 180"F, DISH MACHINE TAGGED, INSTRUCTED TO RESTRICT USE UNTIL REPAIR, INSTRUCTED TO SET THREE COMPARTMENT SINK UP TO WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE, MUST FAX A LETTER TO CDPH FOR TAG REMOVAL ONCE REPAIRED, CRITICAL VIOLATION: 7-38-030.

Minor Sanitation

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

RESTRICTED USING CARRYOUT BAGS FOR FOOD STORAGE, MUST INVEST IN FOOD GRADE BAGS,

Minor Sanitation

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

VENTS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND COOKING EQUIPMENT NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN DAILY AND MAINTAIN,

Minor Sanitation

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

FLOORS THROUGHOUT REAR KITCHEN AREA NOT CLEAN, UNDER AND BEHIND EQUIPMENT, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND BETTER MAINTAIN,

Minor Sanitation

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

CLUTTER FRONT AND REAR OF STORE, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, REMOVE ALL CLUTTER AND BETTER ORGANIZE,

show all 15 inspections →

DEC 14

2015

PASS 3 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR SURFACES OF ICE MACHINE.

Minor Other

REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE INSIDE ALL COOLERS.

Minor Sanitation

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

INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REORGANIZE REAR STORAGE AREA. USABLE ITEMS MUST BE STORED 6" OFF THE FLOOR FOR EASY ACCESS ON CLEANING.

MAR 5

2015

PASS 4 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF DISH MACHINE WITH EXCESSIVE LIME BUILD-UP.

Minor Sanitation

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

INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN REAR PREP AND STORAGE AREA. USABLE ITEMS MUST BE STORED 6" OFF THE FLOOR FOR EASY ACCESS ON CLEANING.

Minor Pest Activity

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

INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES AND CLUTTER STORED ON TOP OF WALK-IN COOLER TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.

Minor Documentation & Training

FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET

FOUND NO EMPLOYEE FOOD HANDLER'S TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON PREMISE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

AUG 29

2014

PASS 6 violations

Minor Chemical Safety

FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED

Found some food items not properly dated in walk in cooler, and reach in freezer, must properly date food items in walk in cooler, and reach in freezer.

Minor Sanitation

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

Caulk around dish machine in state of disrepair, shall be repaired/replaced.

Minor Sanitation

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

Non food contact surfaces of walk in cooler shelving/racks not clean, need detailed cleaning(crevices), non food contact surfaces of prep table lower shelving not clean, need detailed cleaning(crevices).

Minor Sanitation

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

Floors under heavy equipment, rear storage shelving/racks and under dish machine not clean, need detailed cleaning(corners).

Minor Sanitation

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

Walls that had peeling paint in rear kitchen areas, shall be repaired/sealed.

Minor Pest Activity

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

Stock items must be stored six inches off of floor to prevent pest harborage.

JAN 14

2014

PASS 5 violations

Minor Chemical Safety

FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED

LARGE GRAY BULK FOOD CONTAINERS AT REAR MUST BE LABELED TO IDENTIFY FOODS STORED.

Minor Sanitation

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

MUST INSTALL SPLASHGUARD AT THE REAR MOP SINK NEAR HOT COOKING EQUIPMENT.

Minor Sanitation

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

HOOD/FILTERS FULL OF GREASE,MUST CALL SERVICE FOR DETAIL CLEANING. THE SIDES OF HOT COOKING EQUIPMENTS,INTERIOR COMPARTMENTS OF DEEP FRYERS,UPPER PANEL OF ICE MAKER IN NEED FOR FURTHER CLEANING.

Minor Sanitation

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

FLOOR BENEATH THE COOKING EQUIPMENTS ARE DIRTY,CLEAN FLOORS IN DETAIL THROUGHOUT THE PREMISES.

Minor Sanitation

FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED

ICE DISPENSING UTENSIL IN POOR REPAIR-MUST REPLACE.

SEP 18

2013

PASS 4 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

Non food contact surfaces of walk in cooler shelving/racks not clean, need detailed cleaning(crevices), rear storage shelving in kitchen need cleaning(detailed).

Minor Sanitation

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

Floors under heavy equipment, cooking equipment, and under dish machine not clean, need detailed cleaning(corners).

Minor Sanitation

LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED

Damaged/broken light shields in rear kitchen area shall be replaced, light shields need cleaning.

Minor Pest Activity

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

Stock items must be store six inches off of floor to prevent pest harborage.

JAN 17

2013

PASS · 0 violations

MAR 19

2012

PASS 4 violations

Minor Chemical Safety

FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED

All food not stored in the original container shall be stored in properly labeled containers. MUST PROPERLY LABEL AND DATE FOOD INSIDE WALK IN COOLER

Minor Sanitation

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. UNCLEAN SHELVES AND CABINETS MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN; COOKING HOOD FULL OF GREASE,MUST CALL SERVICE FOR DETAIL CLEANING

Minor Sanitation

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. FLOOR UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT UNCLEAN,FOOD DEBRIS THROUGHOUT MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN

Minor Sanitation

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. 2 CEILING TILES IN DINING AREA WITH WATER STAINED MUST BE REPLACED

APR 22

2011

PASS 2 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

Floor under and behind equipment in prep, men's toilet room and dining area not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean daily.

Minor Food Storage & Handling

LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED

Light bulbs not working in rear storage. Instructed to replace all non-working bulbs.

APR 15

2011

FAIL 8 violations 1 CRITICAL

Critical Pest Activity

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

Evidence of rodent activity on premises. Observe mice dropping under sitting booths in front dining area-approximately 30 plus mice dropping. Instructed to remove all activity, detail clean and sanitize areas. Serious citation issued 7-38-020.

Minor Chemical Safety

FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED

Foods inside coolers not labeled or dated. Instructed to label and date all foods not in original containers.

Minor Sanitation

CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES

Multi use utensils not properly stored. Instructed to invert utensils to prevent contamination before use.

Minor Sanitation

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

Cooking equipment, prep tables, sinks, coolers and storage shelves not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean and sanitize.

Minor Sanitation

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

Floor under and behind equipment in prep, men's toilet room and dining area not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean daily.

Minor Sanitation

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

Ventilation covers in prep area not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean.

Minor Food Storage & Handling

LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED

Light bulbs not working in rear storage. Instructed to replace all non-working bulbs.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

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

Plastic bag around pvc drainline pipe of three compartment sink. Instructed to remove bag to have water properly drain.

JUN 15

2010

PASS 5 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. ICE BIN IN FRONT PREP AREA NOT COVERED,MUST PROVIDE LID; EXTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE UNCLEAN,MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN

Minor Sanitation

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. RUBBER GASKET AND AIR VENT OF UPRIGHT COOLER UNCLEAN,MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN

Minor Sanitation

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. FLOOR UNDER 3 COMPARTMENT SINK,FLOOR DRAIN NEAR 3 C SINK UNCLEAN,MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN

Minor Sanitation

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. GREASY AND UNCLEAN WALLS OF THE COOKING EQUIPMENT,MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN;CEILING VENT IN DINING AREA UNCLEAN,MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN;WALL FAN AT THE REAR AREA WITH ACCUMULATED DUST,MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN

Minor Sanitation

FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED

Between uses and during storage ice dispensing utensils and ice receptacles shall be stored in a way that protects them from contamination. ICE SCOOP MUST BE STORED IN A SEPARATE SANITIZED CONTAINER

Public inspection records from Chicago Department of Public Health. Records current as of 2026-07-05. EatOrBeat reports records and does not rate restaurants. Source dataset →

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