PHO CAFE.

Chicago Health Dept

232 W CERMAK RD · CHINATOWN, CHICAGO

Passed most recent inspection (May 2026), 1 critical violation noted.

11 inspections on record since 2018 · Last inspected May 2026 · 1 critical violation in the last 12 months.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS

VIOLATIONS

total on record

LAST INSPECTED

MAY 2026

INSPECTION HISTORY

MAY 18

2026

PASS 3 violations 1 CRITICAL

Critical Pest Activity

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

OBSERVED WORN DOOR SWEEPS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE REAR EXIT DOOR AND THE REAR OUTER EXIT DOOR; INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE BOTH DOOR SWEEPS TO AVOID POSSIBLE RODENT ENTRY.

Minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE BOTTOM AREA OF THE FRYER AND AREA UNDER COOKING BURNERS NEXT TO THE FRYER AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

FOUND NO SELF CLOSING DEVICES ON THE WASHROOM DOORS; INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL ON BOTH DOORS.

MAY 27

2025

PASS · 0 violations

MAY 20

2025

FAIL 5 violations 1 CRITICAL

Serious Food Temperature

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

OBSERVED TCS FOODS HELD AT IMPROPER INTERNAL TEMPERATURES IN THE WALK-IN COOLER SUCH AS 10LBS OF EGG ROLL FILLING (PORK, CARROTS, NOODLES, BLACK FUNGUS) AT 50.0F. MANAGER DISCARDED AND DENATURED A TOTAL 10LBS AT $100. ALL COLD TCS FOOD MUST MAINTAIN 41F OR BELOW. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.

Critical Pest Activity

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF RODENT ACTIVITY ON THE PREMISES. OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 50 MOUSE DROPPINGS IN THE WALL CORNERS BEHIND AND UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT IN KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS FROM ALL AFFECTED AREAS. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.

Minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED CARDBOARD USED AS LINER ON FOOD PREP EQUIPMENT AND TABLES. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED LOOSE DEBRIS, DIRT AND DUST BUILDUP ON THE FLOORS AND CORNERS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND INCREASE CLEANING FREQUENCY OF FLOORS. MUST MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

Minor Documentation & Training

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

OBSERVED FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.

APR 3

2024

PASS 8 violations 3 CRITICAL

Critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

6-301.14: OBSERVED HANDWASHING SINKS ON SITE MISSING HANDWASHING SIGNAGE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

Critical Pest Activity

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

6-501.112: OBSERVED DEAD ROACHES ON THE FLOORS AND SURFACES THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. OBSERVED DEAD ROACHES ON THE FLOORS UNDER ALL COOKING, WASHING, AND SHELVING UNITS EQUIPMENT IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA AND THE FRONT SERVER STATION. OBSERVED DEAD ROACHES INSIDE OF THE SINGLE PREP COOLER ACROSS FROM THE HANDWASHING SINK IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA AND INSIDE A CABINET WITH A PLASTIC DOOR IN THE BEVERAGE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL DEAD ROACHES, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AFFECTED AREAS AND MAINTAIN.

Critical Pest Activity

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

6-202.15: OBSERVED THE REAR EXIT DOOR LEADING TO THE OUTDOOR DUMPSTER NOT RODENT PROOF AT THE BOTTOM. INSTRUCTED TO RODENT PROOF SAID DOOR AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Food Storage & Handling

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

3-305.11: OBSERVED TWO BIG BOWLS OF COOKED NOODLES STORED ON THE DRAINBOARD RIGHT NEXT THE TO LOW TEMEPERATURE DISHWASHING MACHINE DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO RELOCATED TO PREVENT CONTAMINATING FOOD AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Food Storage & Handling

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

3-305.12: OBSERVED A TRAY WITH 4-5 WHOLE PINEAPPLES STORED ON THE FLOOR UNDER A SHELVING UNIT IN THE REAR FOOD PREP/DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REFRAIN FROM STORING FOOD ON THE FLOOR AND ATLEAST 6 INCHES FROM THE FLOOR AND MAINTAIN.

Serious Food Temperature

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

OBSERVED A WHITE/YELLOWISH COLOR MATERIAL THAT LOOKS SEEMS TO BE CAULK INSIDE WHAT LOOKS LIKE IT USED TO BE A TWO COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATED NEXT TO THE LOW TEMPERATURE DISHWASHING MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO USE FOOD GRADE MATERIALS IN MENTIONED SINK AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Facility Condition

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

4-301.12: OBSERVED ONE OF THE WALLS OF THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK MISSING, MAKING THE SINK LOOK LIKE A TWO COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE MISSING WALL AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED CLUTTER AND FOOD ITEMS BEING ELEVATED WITH BUCKETS IN THE CORNER NEAR THE FREEZER UNITS ACROSS FROM THE REAR EXIT DOOR, IN THE REAR PREP/DISWHASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CLUTTER, REMOVE BUCKETS AND PROVIDE PROPER ELEVATING UNITS IN MENTIONED AREA.

DEC 14

2020

PASS 5 violations

Minor Employee Hygiene

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

FOOD HANDLERS NOT WEARING A HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL EMPLOYEES WEARING A HAIR RESTRAINT WHEN IN THE FOOD PREP AREAS.

Minor Sanitation

WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

FOUND THE WIPING CLOTHS NOT PROPERLY STORED WHEN NOT IN USE. INSTRUCTED TO KEEP IN SANITIZING SOLUTION (MUST BE AT THE REQUIRED PPM)WHEN NOT IN USE.

Minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FOLLOWING: INTERIOR BOTTOM OF FRYERS TO REMOVE GREASE, EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, BOTTOMS OF PREP TABLES AND SURFACE AREA UNDER GRILL TO REMOVE GREASE AND FOOD PARTICLES.

Minor Sanitation

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

FOUND THE TRASH RECEPTACLE IN THE WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM WITH NO LID. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A TRASH RECEPTACLE WITH A LID.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED THE FLOORS UNDER AND AROUND COOKING AND OTHER KITCHEN EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING. ALSO THE WALLS AROUND AND BEHIND VARIOUS KITCHEN EQUIPMENT NEED CLEANING; CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS AND WALLS. ALSO OBSERVED DUST ON THE WALL VENT OUTSIDE OF BOTH WASHROOMS; CLEAN VENT TO REMOVE DUST OBSERVED.

show all 11 inspections →

OCT 29

2019

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 1 violation 1 CRITICAL

Critical Employee Hygiene

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

PROCEDURE ON PREMISES AND SOME SUPPLIES (PAPER TOWELS, CLEANING AGENT, GLOVES). MUST OBTAIN THE PROPER SANITIZER TO KILL NOROVIRUS AND FACE MASKS. ADDITIONAL TIME GRANTED TO OBTAIN SUPPLIES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010.

OCT 22

2019

FAIL 6 violations 2 CRITICAL

Critical Employee Hygiene

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

Critical Pest Activity

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF PEST ACTIVITY ON PREMISES. FOUND 80 OR MORE MOUSE DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR BY THE DISHMACHINE, BY THE ICE MACHINE AND BY THE TWO DOOR FREEZER IN THE REAR OF THE KITCHEN. MUST CLEAN ALL AFFECTED AREAS AND HAVE PEST CONTROL COMPANY SERVICE PRIOR TO REINSPECTION NEXT WEEK. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A) ISSUED.

Minor Employee Hygiene

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

SOME FOOD HANDLERS OBSERVED NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS; MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES WHILE HANDLING FOODS.

Minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

MUST CLEAN THE INTERIOR PANEL OF THE ICE MACHINE AND MAINTAIN IN THE KITCHEN AREA.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

MUST CLEAN THE FLOORS AROUND UNDER AND BEHIND KITCHEN EQUIPMENT. MUST CLEAN THE WALLS AROUND AND BEHIND VARIOUS KITCHEN EQUIPMENT WHERE NEEDED. CLEAN THE LIGHT SHIELD IN THE KITCHEN ABOVE THE PREP TABLE TO REMOVE DUST OBSERVED ON THE SHIELD.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

MUST SEAL ALL HOLES ALONG THE WALLBASE AROUND AND BEHIND EQUIPMENT WHERE NEEDED IN THE KITCHEN AREA.

APR 8

2019

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 4 violations 1 CRITICAL

Critical Sanitation

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

NO CLEAN-UP PROCEDURE ON PREMISES FOR VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A CLEAN-UP PROCEDURE AND SUPPLIES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 ISSUED.

Minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Minor Other

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM OCTOBER 22, 2018. THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER DID NOT HAVE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING. MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 ISSUED. INSTRUCTED THE PIC THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING.

MAR 29

2019

FAIL 10 violations 3 CRITICAL

Critical Documentation & Training

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

NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES AS REQUIRED; MUST PROVIDE. INSTRUCTED THE PIC TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION OF EMPLOYEES RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT ANY ILLNESS TRANSMISSIBLE THROUGH FOOD. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 ISSUED.

Critical Sanitation

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

NO CLEAN-UP PROCEDURE ON PREMISES FOR VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A CLEAN-UP PROCEDURE AND SUPPLIES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 ISSUED.

Critical Pest Activity

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

OBSERVED RODENT DROPPINGS ON PREMISES. FOUND 100 OR MORE MOUSE DROPPINGS ON PREMISES ON THE FLOOR BY THE PREP TABLE, UNDER THE THREE COMP SINK AND DISHMACHINE, ON A REAR PREP TABLE (BOTTOM) UNDER THE UTILITY SINK AND BY THE ICE MACHINE. OBSERVED A DEAD RODENT IN THE FRONT BEVERAGE AREA BETWEEN THE COUNTERS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALL AFFECTED AREAS AND HAVE PEST CONTROL COMPANY SERVICE PRIOR TO REINSPECTION NEXT WEEK. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A) ISSUED.

Serious Food Temperature

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

NO CHEMICAL SANITIZER READING. FOUND NO CHEMICAL SANITIZER READING AT THE LOW TEMPERATURE DISHMACHINE AS REQUIRED. INSTRUCTED THE PIC THAT THE SANITIZER READING FOR THE LOW TEMP DISHMACHINE WITH A CHLORINE SANITIZER MUST READ AT 100 PPM AND IS CURRENTLY READING AT 0 PPM. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 ISSUED. MACHINE TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION AT THIS TIME MUST NOT USE UNTIL REINSPECTED BY CDPH. INSTRUCTED TO MANUALLY WASH RINSE AND SANITIZE AT THREE COMP SINK.

Minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

FOUND A LEAK AT THE PIPE UNDER THE THREE COMP SINK AND THE ONE COMP SINK; MUST REPAIR BOTH LEAKS.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED THE WALL COVING AT THE BASE OF THE WALL UNDERNEATH THE DISHMACHINE IN POOR REPAIR; MUST REATTACH WALL COVING WHERE NEEDED.

Minor Other

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

BUMPED UP TO VIOLATION 60.

Minor Other

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM OCTOBER 22, 2018. THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER DID NOT HAVE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING. MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 ISSUED. INSTRUCTED THE PIC THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING.

OCT 22

2018

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 7 violations 2 CRITICAL

Critical Documentation & Training

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

TO HAVE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. NO 2-201.11 NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY PROVIDED ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED CITATION ISSUED.

Critical Sanitation

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

2-501.11 NO CLEAN-UP PROCEDURE ON PREMISES FOR VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A CLEAN-UP PROCEDURE AND SUPPLIES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.

Minor Sanitation

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

CUTTING BOARDS IN NEED OF REPLACING WHERE WORN AND DISCOLORED WITH DEEP CUTS. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN

Minor Sanitation

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

4-601.11B ALL FOOD CONTACT SURFACES IN PREP AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS AND BUILD UP. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

FLOORS UNDER AND AROUND ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS AND GREASE BUILD UP. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

WALLS THROUGHOUT IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPLATTERS. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN

Minor Other

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

PA 100-0367 THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER DID NOT HAVE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING. MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING

MAR 7

2018

PASS 2 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

CUTTING BOARDS IN NEED OF REPLACING. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

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

LIGHT SHIELDS IN NEED OF CLEANING OR REPLACING. CORRECT 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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