APR 24
2026
PASSED
0 violationsSANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO
✕
LITTLE BRANCH CAFE.
YOUR CALL. 61/100
1251 S PRAIRIE AVE · SOUTH LOOP, CHICAGO
Last inspected April 24, 2026 · passed
5 of 11 inspections passed, 2 failed, 4 passed with conditions. 14 critical violations across the record.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTIONS
11
5 passed · 4 w/ conditions · 2 failed
VIOLATIONS
53
includes 14 critical
RECORDS COVER
8 YEARS
since Sep 2017
INSPECTION HISTORY
SEP 172025PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
SEP 17
2025
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
OBSERVED ITEMS OUT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE PRODUCT NAME. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL FOODS AND SPICES WITH COMMON NAME THAT ARE OUT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
OBSERVED FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.
JUN 282024PASS W/ CONDITIONS10 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
JUN 28
2024
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
10 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
HANDS CLEAN & PROPERLY WASHED
OWNER/MANAGER NOT PROPERLY WASHING HER HANDS IN THE REQUIRED DESIGNATED HAND WASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED NOT TO WASH HANDS IN THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. PROPERLY WASH HANDS WITH SOAP IN THE HAND WASHING SINK ONLY. MAINTAIN SAME. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010 VIOLATION CITATION ISSUED
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
REAR HAND WASHING SINK NOT ACCESSIBLE. DISH WASHING LIQUID AND UTENSILS STORED INSIDE. INSTRUCTED TO ALWAYS HAVE ALL HAND WASHING SINKS ACCESSIBLE AND PROPERLY STOCKED. MAINTAIN SAME. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(c) VIOLATION CITATION ISSUED
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
NO HANDWASHING SIGN POSTED AT THE DESIGNATED HANDWASHING SINK IN THE REAR PREP/DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AND MAINTAIN.
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
FEMALE FOOD HANDLERS/EMPLOYEES IN FRONT FOOD PREP AREA NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL FOOD HANDLERS/EMPLOYEES HANDLING FOOD AND IN THE FOOD PREP AREAS TO WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT. MAINTAIN SAME.
IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
MULTI USE KNIVES NOT PROPERLY STORED WHEN NOT IN USE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE KNIVES IN A KNIFE RACK WHEN NOT IN USE. MAINTAIN SAME.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
INTERIOR LOWER SURFACES OF ALL COOLERS/FREEZERS AND STORAGE RACKS IN REAR PREP AREA WITH FOOD, DIRT AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
WALLS BEHIND THE COOLERS/COOKING EQUIPMENT WITH FOOD/GREASE AND DIRT. FLOORS IN THE CORNERS AND UNDER/AROUND ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT WITH FOOD, DIRT AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN WALLS AND FLOORS THROUGHOUT.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
VENTILATION PANELS IN REAR PREP WITH GREASE AND DIRT BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
FOOD HANDLERS ON SITE WITH NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN CURRENT CERTIFICATES.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
CFM WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL CFMs OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN A VALID ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE.
JUN 132023PASSED5 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
JUN 13
2023
PASSED
5 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
6-301.14 OBSERVED A HAND WASHING SIGN IS NEEDED AT THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA HAND WASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
4-602.11(B-E) OBSERVED A MINOR SLIGHT BROWNISH SUBSTANCE IN THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE LOCATED BY THE ICE MAKER WHERE THE WATER FLOWS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED
3-501.13 OBSERVED RAW BEEF THAWING AT ROOM TEMPERATURE IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA, AT THE TIME OF THE INSPECTION SAID PRODUCT WAS AT 34F. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY THAW ALL TCS FOODS UNDER COLD RUNNING WATER (NOT EXCEEDING 70F) OR IN A REFRIGERATION UNIT AT ALL TIMES. MANAGER PLACED SAID PRODUCT IN THE REFRIGERATOR DURING THE INSPECTION.
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
2-402.11 OBSERVED THE FEMALE FOOD HANDLERS AT THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA PREPPING COFFEE AND SERVING ICE CREAM WITHOUT PROPER HAIR RESTRAINTS SUCH AS HAIR NETS OR BASEBALL CAPS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED
4-502.13 OBSERVED CARDBOARD BEING USED AS A SHELF LINER IN THE REAR DRY STORAGE AREA AND ON THE UNUSED FLAT TOP GRILL. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CARDBOARD AND ENSURE ALL SURFACES ARE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
JUL 152022PASS W/ CONDITIONS3 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
JUL 15
2022
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
3 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
HANDS CLEAN & PROPERLY WASHED
OBSERVED MANAGER WASH HANDS WITH GLOVES ON. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE GLOVES IN ORDER TO PROPERLY WASH HANDS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-010 CITATION ISSUED.
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
OBSERVED DISH MACHINE NOT DISPENSING SANITIZER.CHLORINE SANITIZER CONCENTRATION MEASURED AT 0PPM AT DISH MACHINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR DISH MACHINE. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED ACCUMULATED DEBRIS ON THE FLOORS BEHIND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND REFRIGERATION UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN.
show all 11 inspections →
OCT 132021FAILED7 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
OCT 13
2021
FAILED
7 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
2-102.14(O) OBSERVED MANAGER UNABLE TO LOCATE THE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010.
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
2-501.11 OBSERVED MANAGER UNABLE TO LOCATE THE VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEAN UP PROCEDURE AND SUPPLIES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
6-301.14 OBSERVED HAND WASHING SIGNS ARE NEEDED AT THE FOOD PREP AREA HAND WASHING SINKS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED
4-502.13 OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE CONTAINERS (BUTTER CONTAINERS) BEING USED AS FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS. INSTRUCTED TO NOT RE-USE SINGLE SERVICE CONTAINERS AS FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS. OBSERVED CARDBOARD BEING REUSED AS A SHELF LINER FOR A PREP TABLE. INSTRUCTED TO NOT REUSE CARDBOARD.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
5-204.12 UNABLE TO LOCATE THE BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON THE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO LOCATE.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
6-501.12 OBSERVED ACCUMULATED DEBRIS ON THE FLOORS BEHIND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND REFRIGERATION UNITS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION CORRECTED
8-404.13(B:3) OBSERVED PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT #2534401 DATED 10/06/21; 25-3-603.11 OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY POSTED NOR A DISCLOSURE (WITH FOOTNOTE) ON THE MENU FOR ALL ITEMS THAT CAN BE ORDERED UNDERCOOKED OR RAW (EGGS, BEEF). INSTRUCTED TO POST A CONSUMER ADVISORY AND ADD A DISCLOSURE (WITH FOOTNOTE) FOR ALL ITEMS THAT CAN BE ORDERED UNDERCOOKED OR RAW. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATIONS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-42-090.
OCT 62021FAILED7 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
OCT 6
2021
FAILED
7 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
2-102.14(O) OBSERVED MANAGER UNABLE TO LOCATE THE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010.
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
2-501.11 OBSERVED MANAGER UNABLE TO LOCATE THE VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEAN UP PROCEDURE AND SUPPLIES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
6-301.14 OBSERVED HANDWASHING SIGNS ARE NEEDED AT THE FOOD PREP AREA HANDWASHING SINKS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
3-603.11 OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY POSTED NOR A DISCLOSURE (WITH FOOTNOTE) ON THE MENU FOR ALL ITEMS THAT CAN BE ORDERED UNDERCOOKED OR RAW (EGGS, BEEF). INSTRUCTED TO POST A CONSUMER ADVISORY AND ADD A DISCLOSURE (WITH FOOTNOTE) FOR ALL ITEMS THAT CAN BE ORDERED UNDERCOOKED OR RAW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED
4-502.13 OBSERVED SINGLE-SERVICE CONTAINERS (BUTTER CONTAINERS) BEING USED AS FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS. INSTRUCTED NOT TO REUSE SINGLE SERVICE CONTAINERS AS FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS. OBSERVED CARDBOARD BEING REUSED AS A SHELF LINER FOR A PREP TABLE. INSTRUCTED NOT TO REUSE CARDBOARD.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
5-204.12 UNABLE TO LOCATE THE BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON THE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO LOCATE.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
6-501.12 OBSERVED ACCUMULATED DEBRIS ON THE FLOORS BEHIND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND REFRIGERATION UNITS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
SEP 122019PASS W/ CONDITIONS5 violationsDETAILS
SEP 12
2019
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
5 violationsDETAILS
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
FOUND LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE IN USE SANITIZING SOLUTION AT 0 PPM. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN A CHLORINE BASED SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN 25 PPM - 100 PPM. LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE TAGGED AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE DISH MACHINE UNTIL IT IS INSPECTED BY THE CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED.
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
OBSERVED TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS (BEEF, CHICKEN, CHEESE, TOMATOES, EGGS, VARIETY OF COOKED VEGETABLES) AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES (TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 60F - 58F)LOCATED IN REACH IN COOLER ACROSS FROM GRIDDLE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD AND DENATURE ALL SAID TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS AND ALWAYS MAINTAIN ALL COLD HOLDING TCS FOODS AT 41F OR BELOW AT ALL TIMES. MANAGER DISCARDED ALL SAID TCS FOODS, COST OF ALL FOODS $250 AT 20 LBS. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
OBSERVED BURGERS ON MENU. SAID ITEM CAN BE ORDERED UNDER COOKED. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO PROVIDE DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER FOR MENU ITEMS THAT CAN BE ORDERED UNDER COOKED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.7-38-005
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE FOR CAPPUCCINO AND COFFEE BREWER. A BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE MUST BE LOCATED, SO THAT IT MAY BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED. -
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
FOUND NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS.
AUG 212018PASS W/ CONDITIONS10 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
AUG 21
2018
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
10 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
OBSERVED NO WRITTEN PROCEDURE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING OR DIARRHEAL EVENTS THAT CAN POTENTIALLY OCCUR INSIDE THE FOOD ESTABLISHMENT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS AT THE EXPOSED HAND SINKS LOCATED IN BOTH FOOD PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
OBSERVED TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS (CHEESE) OUT OF THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING AND HELD FOR OVER 24 HOURS WITHOUT PROPER LABELS CONTAINING PRODUCT NAME AND DATE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LABELS FOR ALL TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS THAT ARE OUT OF THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING AND HELD FOR OVER 24 HOURS AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY POSTED NOR A REMINDER AND A DISCLOSURE ON THE MENU. INSTRUCTED TO POST A CONSUMER ADVISORY AND ADD A REMINDER AND A DISCLOSURE TO THE MENU AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
OBSERVED NO THERMOMETERS INSIDE OF THE REACH IN COOLERS, 2 DOOR PREP COOLER AND REFRIGERATOR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETERS AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
OBSERVED THE VENTS WITH ACCUMULATED GREASE DEBRIS LOCATED ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE NOT VISIBLE ON THE ESPRESSO MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SPECIFICATIONS FOR ESPRESSO MACHINE OR MAKE BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE VISIBLE AND MAINTAIN.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATES FOR ONE MALE AND ONE FEMALE EMPLOYEE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT AND MAINTAIN.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
OBSERVED CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT THE REQUIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT AND MAINTAIN.
SEP 212017PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
SEP 21
2017
PASSED
4 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
THE STORAGE RACK ABOVE THE HAND SINK AND COOKING EQUIPMENT USE TO STORE DISPOSABLE CUPS HAS A GREASY LIKE SUBSTANCE ON IT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
THE INTERIOR/EXTERIOR OF THE FLOOR DRAINS AND THE FLOORS IN THE CORNERS HAS FOOD AND DEBIS ON THEM. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FLOOR DRAINS AND FLOORS. MAINTAIN THE SAME.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
THE WALLS, CEILING AND VENTS IN THE FRONT FOOD PREPARATION AREA AND DINING AREA HAS DIRT/DUST BUILD UP ON THEM. ALSO, THE FILTERS ON THE VENTILATION AND THE WALLS BEHIND THE SINK AND COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE REAR PREP AREA HAS DIRT/FOOD STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALL.
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
THERE IS A LEAK AT THE HOT WATER KNOB ON THE HAND WASHING SINK IN THE REAR FOOD PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED TO FIX. MAINTAIN SAME.
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 →