OROMO CAFE.

Chicago Health Dept

4703 N LINCOLN AVE · LINCOLN SQUARE, CHICAGO

Passed most recent inspection (Apr 2026).

15 inspections on record since 2016 · Last inspected Apr 2026.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS
15
VIOLATIONS
61
total on record
LAST INSPECTED
APR 2026

INSPECTION HISTORY

APR 28
2026
PASS 1 violation
Minor Employee Hygiene
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

OBSERVED FOOD EMPLOYEES PREPARING FOOD WITHOUT HAIR RESTRAINTS. INTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS WHEN PREPARING FOOD.

JUN 16
2025
PASS W/ CONDITIONS 14 violations 3 CRITICAL
Critical Documentation & Training
PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES

THE PERSON IN CHARGE DURING THE INSPECTION DOES NOT HAVE A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION.

Critical Documentation & Training
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS WERE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.

Critical Employee Hygiene
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

REAR PREP/DISH HAND WASHING SINK NOT ACCESSIBLE FOR USE. NOTED A CLEAN FOOD CONTAINER BEING STORED INSIDE THE SINK. PERSON IN CHARGE REMOVED. REVIEWED HAND WASHING SINKS ARE FOR HAND WASHING PURPOSES ONLY AND MUST BE ACCESSIBLE FOR USE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.

Serious Food Temperature
PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES

NOTED APPROXIMATELY 1/2 LB TOTAL TCS GRILLED ONION AND ROASTED RED PEPPER HELD AT IMPROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES 0F 108.6F AND 101.3F ON THE SIDE OF THE STOVE. ALL DISCARDED. REVIEWED PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES AND METHODS OF HOLDING HOT. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

Minor Sanitation
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

MUST NOT STORE CLEAN FOOD CONTAINERS DIRECTLY UNDER THE FRON PREP HAND SINK PAPER TOWEL DISPENSER, DIRECTLY ABOVE THE REAR PREP/DISH HAND SINK OR ABOVE THE WASH BASIN AT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.

Minor Sanitation
IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED

ICE MACHINES ICE SCOOP MUST BE HELD IN A CLEAN CONTAINER. NOT ON TOP OF THE MACHINE.

Minor Sanitation
UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED

ALL CLEAN STORED FOOD CONTAINERS IE: MIXING BOWLS, MUST BE STORED INVERTED.

Minor Sanitation
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

LOWER SHELVING OF THE REAR KITCHEN METAL PREP TABLE WITH DIRT AND FOOD DEBRIS.----INTERIOR OF THE UTILITY MOP SINK EXTREMELY DIRTY. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.

Minor Sanitation
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

MUST NOT USE CLOTH TOWELS A LINER FOR SHELVING INSIDE COOLERS.

Minor Pest Activity
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

MUST REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ITEMS AND CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL FROM THE OUTDOOR GARBAGE AREA TO PREVENT PEST HARBORING. GROUNDS MUST BE CLEAR OF ALL DEBRIS.

Minor Sanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

CEILING VENTILATION COVER IN THE EAST WASHROOM NOTED WITH EXCESSIVE DUST. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

MUST REMOVE UNUSED ICE MACHINE FROM THE OUTDOOR REAR WALKWAY TO THE OUT WASTE RECEPTACLES.

Minor Documentation & Training
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES.

Minor Food Storage & Handling
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM 5-20-24 REPORT #2594908 NOT CORRECTED. #37- OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS IN REAR STORAGE RACK WITHOUT A LABEL.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE COMMON NAME ON ALL BULK CONTAINERS TO PROPERLY IDENTIFY ITEM (SALT, SUGAR, FLOUR ETC).#56- OBSERVED BURNT-OUT LIGHT BULB AT KITCHEN EXHAUST HOOD.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ADEQUATE LIGHTING AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED. MANAGER CHANGED THE LIGHT BULB AND LABELED ALL FOOD CONTAINERS BY THE END OF THE INSPECTION.

MAY 20
2024
PASS 3 violations
Serious Sanitation
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

OBSERVED A SLIGHT DEBRIS ACCUMULATION ENCRUSTED ON THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE.MUST REMOVE DEBRIS, DETAIL CLEAN INSIDE ICE MACHINE/HAVE SERVICED AND MAINTAIN ICE MACHINE AT ALL TIMES .

Minor Food Storage & Handling
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS IN REAR STORAGE RACK WITHOUT A LABEL.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE COMMON NAME ON ALL BULK CONTAINERS TO PROPERLY IDENTIFY ITEM (SALT, SUGAR, FLOUR ETC).

Minor Facility Condition
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED BURNT-OUT LIGHT BULB AT KITCHEN EXHAUST HOOD.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ADEQUATE LIGHTING AT ALL TIMES.

JUN 6
2023
PASS · 0 violations
JUN 2
2023
FAIL 1 violation
Serious Food Temperature
PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION CORRECTED

OBSERVED PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED WITHIN SPECIFIED TIMEFRAME. REPORT #2576448 DATED MAY 26TH 2023 INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO PROVIDE IRREVERSIBLE TEMPERATURE INDICATOR FOR DISH MACHINE. OBSERVED NO IRREVERSIBLE TEMPERATURE INDICATOR FOR HOT WATER DISH MACHINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.

show all 15 inspections →
MAY 26
2023
FAIL 4 violations
Serious Food Temperature
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

OBSERVED HOT WATER DISH MACHINE NOT CONSISTENTLY MAINTAINING PROPER FINAL RINSE SANITIZING TEMPERATURES. MACHINE FINAL RINSE SANITIZING TEMPERATURE WOULD HIT 173 F BEFORE GOING DOWN TO A FINAL RINSE SANITIZING TEMPERATURE OF 153 F ON THE NEXT CYCLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE HOT WATER DISH MACHINE CONSISTENTLY REACHES A FINAL SANITIZING TEMPERATURE OF 165 F. DISH MACHINE TAGGED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-025 CITATION ISSUED.

Serious Food Temperature
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

OBSERVED NO IRREVERSIBLE TEMPERATURE INDICATOR FOR HOT WATER DISH MACHINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE EITHER DISH MACHINE THERMOMETER OR THERMAL TEST STRIPS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

Minor Sanitation
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED DUST AND DEBRIS BUILD UP HOOD FILTERS ABOVE GRIDDLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN.

Minor Other
SUMMARY REPORT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC

OBSERVED MOST RECENT INSPECTION SUMMARY REPORT NOT POSTED. FACILITY WAS INSPECTED ON SEPTEMBER 26TH 2022; FACILITY HAS SUMMARY POSTED FROM MAY 16TH 2022. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE THAT SUMMARY FROM MOST RECENT INSPECTION REPORT IS POSTED. PRINTED NEW SUMMARY FOR MANAGER TO POST. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-010(B) CITATION ISSUED.

SEP 26
2022
PASS W/ CONDITIONS 4 violations 2 CRITICAL
Critical Documentation & Training
PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES

PERSON IN CHARGE DOES NOT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.

Critical Documentation & Training
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

FOUND NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS (SOUPS, SALADS, SANDWICHES ETC) ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE, A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES WHEN HANDLING TCS FOODS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED

Minor Sanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CEILING VENT COVER WITH DUST ACCUMULATION INSIDE BOTH WASHROOMS.

Minor Documentation & Training
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

NEW (4) EMPLOYEES HAVE 30 DAYS FROM HIRE TO OBTAIN PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER’S TRAINING CERTIFICATES.

MAY 16
2022
PASS 5 violations
Minor Other
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE INSIDE COOLERS.

Minor Sanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS UNDER AND AROUND 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR PREP AREA.

Minor Pest Activity
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR SURFACES OF FLOOR DRAIN UNDERNEATH 3 COMPARTMENT SINK TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.

Minor Sanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ITEMS (CONSTRUCTION DEBRIS) IN REAR OUTSIDE BY THE EXIT DOOR.

Minor Documentation & Training
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

FOUND INCOMPLETE APPROVED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSON WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.

FEB 1
2021
PASS · 0 violations
JUN 12
2020
PASS W/ CONDITIONS 8 violations
Serious Food Temperature
PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION

OBSERVED READY TO EAT, TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS (LIQUID MILK MIXTURES, SLICED FRUITS)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

Minor Food Storage & Handling
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

OBSERVED SEVERAL PLASTIC FOOD CONTAINERS WITH DRY PRODUCTS.(NUTS ) WITH OUT PROPER COMMON FOOD NAME MARKINGS.ALL BULK AND WORKING FOOD INGREDIENT CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH CONTENTS NAME.MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.

Minor Employee Hygiene
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

OBSERVED THAT EMPLOYEE WORE WATCHES ON HANDS WHILE WORKING WITH FOOD.MUST REMOVE ALL JEWELRY EXCEPT PLAIN WEDDING BAND FROM HANDS WHILE WORKING WITH EXPOSED FOOD

Minor Pest Activity
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

NOTED SOME USE OF MILK CRATES FOR ELEVATION AT THE KITCHEN AREA, DISHWASHING AREA AND DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE MILK CRATES FOR ELEVATION TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST. MUST PROVIDE APPROPRIATE SHELVING FOR STORAGE. ALL FOOD ITEMS MUST ALSO BE STORED 6" AWAY FROM THE WALL

Serious Food 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

Minor Sanitation
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

MUST PROVIDE TOILET ROOM RECEPTACLE WITH COVER FOR SANITARY NAPKINS IN BOTH UNISEX BATHROOM

Minor Other
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER'S TRAINING CERTIFICATION FROM EMPLOYEE. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL EMPLOYEE'S MUST COMPLY WITH FOOD HANDLER'S TRAINING IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FOOD HANDLING REGULATION ENFORCEMENT ACT.

Minor Other
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

NOTED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ON DUTY WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.FACILITY HAVE SEVERAL MANAGERS AND ALL HAVE CERTIFICATION EXCEPT MANAGER ON DUTY. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.

OCT 28
2019
PASS 5 violations
Minor Other
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

NO VISIBLE THERMOMETER IN TWO PREP COOLER. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

WIPING CLOTH FOR WIPING THE PREP TABLES, CHOPPING BOARD ,COOLERS MUST BE STORED ON BUCKET WITH SANITIZING SOLUTION IN BETWEEN USES.

Minor Sanitation
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

MUST CLEAN BOTTOM SHELVE OF THE REACH IN FREEZER WITH FOOD CRUMBS AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

FLOOR NOT CLEAN ALONG THE WALL BASE ALL CORNER ,UNDER AND BEHIND THE STOVE,PREP AREA AND DISH WASHING AREA. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Documentation & Training
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

ALL CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN AN ALLERGEREN TRAINING CERTIFICATE.

JUN 23
2017
PASS 6 violations
Minor Sanitation
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

Observed exposed wood throughout front cabinet interior areas. Also, observed exposed wood paneling above mop sink, in utility/mop sink area. Instructed manager to seal all areas in front cabinet areas, as well as above the mop sink area, to ensure surfaces were smooth.

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

Observed flooring in rear prep area with debris and dirt along the floor base. Instructed manager to clean and maintain.

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

Observed hoods above stove range, with excessive dust. Instructed manager to clean and maintain.

Minor Plumbing & Waste
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

Observed ice machine without back flow preventive device. Instructed manager to install and maintain.

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

Observed clutter in rear utility/mop room, e.g. boxes, brooms, mops. Instructed manager to clean and maintain.

Minor Other
FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET

Observed staff with no food handlers card. Instructed manager to ensure that all staff have food handlers cards within 30 days of employment.

JUN 16
2017
FAIL 7 violations
Serious Sanitation
FOOD PROTECTED DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY, SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION

Observed black slimy residue in ice machine inner mechanical compartment. Instructed manager service, clean and maintain. Observed white and brown sugar in open container, on front counter with no lid. Instructed manager to provide cover to ensure that food is protected during storage at all times. Serious violation #7-38-005 (A)

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

Observed exposed wood throughout front cabinet interior areas. Also, observed exposed wood paneling above mop sink, in utility/mop sink area. Instructed manager to seal all areas in front cabinet areas, as well as above the mop sink area, to ensure surfaces were smooth.

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

Observed flooring in rear prep area with debris and dirt along the floor base. Instructed manager to clean and maintain.

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

Observed hoods above stove range, with excessive dust. Instructed manager to clean and maintain.

Minor Plumbing & Waste
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

Observed ice machine without back flow preventive device. Instructed manager to install and maintain.

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

Observed clutter in rear utility/mop room, e.g. boxes, brooms, mops. Instructed manager to clean and maintain.

Minor Other
FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET

Observed staff with no food handlers card. Instructed manager to ensure that all staff have food handlers cards within 30 days of employment.

DEC 19
2016
PASS W/ CONDITIONS 2 violations
Serious Other
* CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED

FOUND NO CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION MANAGER ON PREMISES WHILE HANDLING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD. (HANDLES MILK,CHEESE,ETC.)SERIOUS VIOLATION. 7-38-020.

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

OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS. MUST PROVIDE.

JUL 20
2016
PASS 1 violation
Minor Sanitation
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

Observed no drain board attached to or near the three compartment sink. Instructed facility to provide and maintain.

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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