JAN 8
2025
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO
✕
LYFE KITCHEN.
BEAT. 38/100
259 E ERIE ST · STREETERVILLE, CHICAGO
Last inspected January 8, 2025 · passed
Failed 4 of 16 inspections. 9 critical violations on the cumulative record. Pattern of issues, not a one-off.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTIONS
16
10 passed · 2 w/ conditions · 4 failed
VIOLATIONS
53
includes 9 critical
RECORDS COVER
9 YEARS
since Mar 2015
INSPECTION HISTORY
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED TORN DOOR GASKET AND BROKEN PLASTIC CURTAIN WALK-IN COOLER AND EWALK-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN
DEC 302024FAILED2 violationsDETAILS
DEC 30
2024
FAILED
2 violationsDETAILS
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
OBSERVED MENU WITH A FOOTNOTE REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU NOTED MISSING DISCLOSURE BY ASTERICKS FOR RELATED MENU ITEMS. INSTRUCTED TO IDENTIFY SUCH FOODS (EX: AHI TUNA POKE BOWL AND BURGERS ON MENU). INSTRUCTED TO IDENTIFY SUCH FOODS BY ASTERISKING THEM TO A FOOT NOTE THAT STATES: "ITEMS CAN BE SERVED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED OR CONTAIN UNDERCOOKED INGREDIENTS"(REFER TO ONLINE CDPH CONSUMER ADVISORY GUIDE). PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED TORN DOOR GASKET AND BROKEN PLASTIC CURTAIN WALK-IN COOLER AND EWALK-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN
FEB 162024PASSED5 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
FEB 16
2024
PASSED
5 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
6-202.15: OBSERVED OPENING IN MIDDLE OF DOUBLE ENTRANCE DOORS ON EASTSIDE OF ONTARIO. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRANCE.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
5-205.15: OBSERVED HANDSINK NOT WORKING IN MEN'S WASHROOM RIGHT SIDE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SAID HANDSINK IN MEN'S WASHROOM. NOTE THERE IS ANOTHER HANDSINK IN WASHROOM.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
6-501.12: OBSERVED FOOD AND DEBRIS UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT IN BARISTA AREA AND UNDERNEATH COLD AND HOT HOLDING UNITS ACROSS FROM COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN SAID AREAS AND MAINTAIN.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
6-303.11: OBSERVED NON WORKING LIGHT BULBS IN HOOD. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE ALL NON WORKING LIGHT BULBS IN HOOD AND MAINTAIN.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
6-501.14: OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON FILTERS IN HOOD AND IN HOOD ABOVE DISH MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
FEB 142024FAILED12 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
FEB 14
2024
FAILED
12 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED LID IN HANDWASHING SINK OF DISHROOM ON 1ST FLOOR. INSTRUCTED HANDWASHING SINKS SHALL BE ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIMES FOR EMPLOYEE USE. CORRECTED ON SITE, LID REMOVED FROM SAID HANDWASHING SINK. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED IMPROPER MINIMUM WATER TEMPERATURE AT HANDWASHING SINKS IN WASHROOMS ON SECOND FLOOR. OBSERVED IMPROPER MINIMUM WATER TEMPERATURES IN WOMEN'S WASHROOM HANDWASHING SINKS(LEFT SIDE 93.6F AND RIGHT SIDE 93.0F) AND MEN'S HANDWASHING SINK LEFT SIDE 94.5F. INSTRUCTED A HANDWASHING SINK SHALL BE EQUIPPED TO PROVIDE WATER AT A TEMPERATURE OF AT LEAST 100F THROUGH A MIXING VALVE OR COMBINATION FAUCET. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
OBSERVED THREE LARGE WHITE CONTAINERS UNDERNEATH PREP AREA ON 2ND FLOOR NOT LABELED WITH COMMON NAME. INSTRUCTED ALL FOOD, CONDIMENTS AND SPICES NOT IN ORIGINAL CONTAINERS SHALL BE LABELED WITH COMMON NAME.
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
OBSERVED OPENING IN MIDDLE OF DOUBLE ENTRANCE DOORS ON EASTSIDE OF ONTARIO. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRANCE.
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
OBSERVED NO SPLASH GUARD ON RIGHT SIDE OF HANDWASHING SINK IN BARISTA AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL SPLASH GUARD ON RIGHT SIDE OF HANDWASHING SINK IN BARISTA AREA TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
OBSERVED SMALL CUPS USED TO DISPENSE NUTS STORED IN CONTAINER ON TOP OF NUTS IN 1ST FLOOR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO STORE DISPENSING UTENSILS WITH THEIR HANDLES ABOVE THE TOP OF THE FOOD WITHIN THE CONTAINER OF EQUIPMENT THAT CAN BE CLOSED.
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER TURNED OFF TO FAUCET ON LEFT OF THREE COMPARTMENT SINK USED TO FILL WASH COMPARTMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR/RESTORE HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER TO WASH COMPARTMENT OF THREE COMPARTMENT SINK SO THAT WASH COMPARTMENT CAN BE FILLED. INSTRUCTED A SINK WITH AT LEAST THREE COMPARTMENTS SHALL BE PROVIDED FOR MANUALLY WASHING, RINISING AND SANITIZING EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-025 CITATION ISSUED.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED HANDSINKS NOT WORKING IN MEN'S WASHROOM RIGHT SIDE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SAID HANDSINK IN MEN'S WASHROOM. NOTE THERE IS ANOTHER HANDSINK IN WASHROOM.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED FOOD AND DEBRIS UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT IN BARISTA AREA AND UNDERNEATH COLD AND HOT HOLDING UNITS ACROSS FROM COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN SAID AREAS AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON CEILING IN DISHROOM ON 1ST FLOOR AND IN AREAS OF 1ST FLOOR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN SAID AREAS AND MAINTAIN.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
OBSERVED NON WORKING LIGHT BULBS IN HOOD. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE ALL NON WORKING LIGHT BULBS IN HOOD AND MAINTAIN.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON FILTERS IN HOOD AND IN HOOD ABOVE DISH MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT #2575513 DATED 05/08/2023. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED. OBSERVED ONE OF TWO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS WITHOUT ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN ON SITE FOR REVIEW.
MAY 82023PASS W/ CONDITIONS4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
MAY 8
2023
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED NO PAPERTOWEL AVAILABLE AT HANDSINK IN IN USE DISH WASHING AREA DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES FOR PROPER HANDWASHING. PIC PROVIDED. PRORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-030 (c). CITATION ISSUED
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED CAULKING ON DISH WASHING EQUIPMENT DISCOLORED WITH MOLKD LIKE BUILDUP AND IN DISREPAIR. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL PROPERLY AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED WALK IN FREEZER FLOORS AND FLOORS THROUGHOUT ALL PREP AREAS IN NEED OF TRASH AND DRIED FOOD DEBRIS REMOVAL. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
OBSERVED ONE OF TWO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS WITHOUT ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. INSRRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN ON SITE FOR REVIEW.
show all 16 inspections →
OCT 42022FAILED4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
OCT 4
2022
FAILED
4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
Inadequate hands washing facilities in employees/customers restroom. not working faucets noted at men's restroom, faucet runs for few seconds and stops . Instructed to provide good working faucets to allow proper hands washing. Priority foundation violation 7-38-030(c)
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
Bulk food containers not properly labeled. instructed to label and maintain
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
damaged insulation on walk-in cooler cooling lines, instructed to insulate to prevent condensation.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Heavy dust build-up noted on walk-in cooler fan covers, kitchen ceiling vents. instructed to clean and maintain.
FEB 172022PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
FEB 17
2022
PASSED
4 violationsDETAILS
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
Bulk food containers not properly labeled. instructed to label and maintain.
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
food handler not wearing hair restraint, instructed to wear.
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
sanitizer bucket kept too close to open food items/ prep table. instructed to keep away.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
disposable spoons are used in food preparation, instructed to use proper utensils.
JAN 262021PASSED1 violationDETAILS
JAN 26
2021
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
6-501.12 OBSERVED ACCUMULATED DEBRIS ON THE FLOORS LOCATED IN THE 2ND FLOOR FOOD PREP AREA UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND IN THE DRY STORAGE ROOM. OBSERVED A BROWNISG SUBSTANCE ON THE WALLS BEHIND AND UNDER THE DISH MACHINE ON THE 1ST FLOOR DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALL.
JAN 92020FAILED4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
JAN 9
2020
FAILED
4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
TOXIC SUBSTANCES PROPERLY IDENTIFIED, STORED, & USED
EMPLOYEES CLOTHING, BAGS AND PERSONAL ITEMS STORED IN FOOD/CONTAINER STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO STORE SEPARATELY
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
FOUND 8 LIVE COCKROACHES IN DISH MACHINE ROOM UNDER HAND SINK AND MACHINE, INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE INSECTS ACTIVITY IN ALL AFFECTED AREAS, PEST CONTROL SERVICE RECOMMENDED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A)
IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
IN USE UTENSILS STORED IN STANDING WATER, INSTRUCTED TO STORE IN A DRY CLEAN CONTAINER.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
NO LIGHTS IN WALK-IN FREEZER, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
JAN 42019PASS W/ CONDITIONS6 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
JAN 4
2019
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
6 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#: 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
MUST PROVIDE PROPER LABELS FOR DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION OF REFRIGERATED, READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOODS HELD OVER 24HRS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#: 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
OBSERVED A 1/4" GAP ALONG THE BOTTOM AND SIDES OF THE SIDE AND MAIN ENTRANCE DOORS. MUST PROVIDE TIGHT FITTING SEAL AT ALL OUTER OPENINGS TO PREVENT THE ENTRY OF PESTS.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED STAINS AND DEEP BLACK GROVES ON THE CUTTING BOARDS THROUGHOUT THE 1ST FLOOR PREP AREA. MUST REPLACE OR RESURFACE AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED THE WALL CAULKING BY THE DISHWASHING MACHINE IN POOR REPAIR. MUST RECAULK AND MAINTAIN.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
OBSERVED AN EXCESS ACCUMULATION OF GRIME AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILDUP ON THE DISHMACHINE EXHAUST VENTILATION. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
JAN 42018PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
JAN 4
2018
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
1ST FLOOR PREP AREA CUTTING BOARD SURFACES WITH DARK PITS ALSO QB REACH IN COOLER DOOR RUBBER GASKETS RIPPED. MUST REPLACE/REPAIR CUTTING BOARDS AND DAMAGED COOLER DOOR GASKETS AT 1ST FLOOR PREP AREA.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
OBSERVED SLIGHT CALCIUM BUILD UP INSIDE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE AND MAINTAIN.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
OBSERVED DUST BUILD UP ON CEILING TILES AND CEILING VENTILATION ABOVE DISHWASH AREA. MUST CLEAN CEILING TILES AND CEILING VENTILATION COVERS.
JAN 202017PASSED1 violationDETAILS
JAN 20
2017
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
DAMAGED INSULATION ON WALK-IN COOLER COOLING LINE, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR TO PREVENT CONDENSATION.
MAR 22016PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
MAR 2
2016
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
LABEL BULK FOOD ITEMS STORED ON THE 2ND FLOOR AND MAINTAIN.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
DETAIL CLEAN THE INTERIOR SURFACE OF THE ICE MACHINE, REPAIR THE SOAP DISPENSER ON THE 2ND FLOOR HAND SINK, AND REMOVE DUST ACCUMULATION ON THE FAN VENT COVER IN THE WALK-IN COOLER.
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
OBSERVED SLOW DRAINING HAND SINK IN THE REAR PREP AREA ON THE 1ST FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR SINK AND MAINTAIN TO PREVENT FUTURE WASTE WATER BACKUPS.
MAR 172015PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
MAR 17
2015
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
CLEAN/SANITIZE ALL COUNTER TOPS AND FOOD CONTACT SURFACES IN PREP AREA AND DINING TABLES OF ANY DUST BUILD UP.
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
ALL FLOOR DRAINS NEED TO BE SEALED TO PREVENT SEEPAGE.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
SEAL OPENING INTO WALL NEXT TO SELF-SERVE WATER STATION.
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 →