Chicago
18
BEAT

Puffy Cakes

1651 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 · Wicker Park · Restaurant · High risk
BEAT
18/100

Troubled record — failed 3 of 6 inspections for employee hygiene, pest activity

Inspections
6
2 passed
Last Inspected
2025-12-04
Pass Rate
33%
3 failures
Score
18/100
BEAT
Passed most recent inspection (2025-12-04)
Failed 3 inspections (2025, 2025, 2024)
Employee Hygiene issues found across 8 inspections
Pest Activity issues found across 7 inspections
Issues were corrected on re-inspection
Advertisement · 300×250
🧽
Sanitation serious 13×
📌
Other minor
🧼
Employee Hygiene critical
🐀
Pest Activity critical
🚰
Plumbing & Waste minor
📋
Documentation & Training critical
📦
Food Storage & Handling minor
🌡
Food Temperature critical
🔧
Facility Condition minor
2025-12-04 Pass Canvass Re-Inspection
CRITICAL 8
critical Pest Activity

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

6-202.15 Inspector Comments: OBSERVED A GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT DOOR MUST MAKE TIGHT FITTING.

minor Employee Hygiene

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

2-402.11 : OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER NOT WEARING A HAIR RESTRAINT MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

serious Sanitation

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

301.12 : OBSERVED UTENSILS (BOWLS,BAKING PANS,ETC) TO LARGE TO BE SUBMERGED INTO 3- COMPARTMENT SINK MUST PROVIDE SMALLER UTENSILS OR A LARGER SINK,OR WRITTEN PROCEDURE TO SANITIZE.

minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

4-601.11(C) : MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM STORAGE CABINETS,PREP COOLERS.

minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

5-204.12 : OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE TO BE SEEN FOR SERVICING MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

6-501.114 : MUST REMOVE ARTICLES FROM INSIDE OF MOPSINK BASIN AND ON FLOOR UNDER DRY FOOD STORAGE SHELVING UNITS AND STORE OFF OF FLOOR.

minor Other

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

2-102.13 : OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

minor Other

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

2-102.13 : OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR FOOD MANAGER MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

2025-11-21 Fail Canvass Re-Inspection
CRITICAL 11
critical Food Temperature

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

OBSERVED FACILITY WITHOUT A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED ONSITE FOR FOOD EMPLOYEES. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE CITY OF CHICAGO ORIGINAL FOOD SERVICE CERTIFICATE MUST BE POSTED ALONG WITH THE CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SIT...

minor Food Storage & Handling

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

3-302.12 Inspector Comments: MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN THE ORIGINAL PACKAGE OF SQUEEZE BOTTLES, ETC.

critical Pest Activity

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

6-202.15 Inspector Comments: OBSERVED A GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT DOOR MUST MAKE TIGHT FITTING.

minor Employee Hygiene

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

2-402.11 Inspector Comments: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER NOT WEARING A HAIR RESTRAINT MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

minor Sanitation

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

-301.12 Inspector Comments: OBSERVED UTENSILS (BOWLS,BAKING PANS,ETC) TO LARGE TO BE SUBMERGED INTO 3- COMPARTMENT SINK MUST PROVIDE SMALLER UTENSILS OR A LARGER SINK.

minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

4-601.11(C) Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM STORAGE CABINETS,PREP COOLERS.

minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

5-204.12 Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE TO BE SEEN FOR SERVICING MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

6-501.114 Inspector Comments: MUST REMOVE ARTICLES FROM INSIDE OF MOPSINK BASIN AND ON FLOOR UNDER DRY FOOD STORAGE SHELVING UNITS AND STORE OFF OF FLOOR.

minor Other

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

2-102.13 Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

minor Other

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

2-102.13 Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR FOOD MANAGER MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

minor Pest Activity

PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION CORRECTED

OBSERVED PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED WITHIN SPECIFIED TIME FRAME ON THE INSPECTION REPORT #2626828 DATED FOR 11/7/25: (#38)6-501.111 Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO PEST CONTROL LOGBOOK WITH RECEIPT OF SERVICE AND REQUIRED ...

2025-11-07 Fail Canvass
CRITICAL 19
critical Documentation & Training

PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES

PIC DOESN'T HAVE A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER'S CERTIFICATE. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)

critical Documentation & Training

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY NOR A CERTIFICATE POSTED TO VIEW WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED, HANDLED, AND SERVED (MILK, EGGS, CAKES, COFFEE)MUST PROVIDE AND BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. (PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)(CITATION ISSUED)

critical Documentation & Training

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

OBSERVED NO SIGNED EMPLOYEES' HEALTH POLICIES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010)(CITATION ISSUED)

critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED REAR DISH WASHING HAND SINK NOT ACCESSIBLE OBSERVED A LARGE FREEZER STORED IN FRONT OF SAID SINK AND SCRUBBERS INSIDE AS WELL.MUST REMOVE FREEZER FROM IN FRONT OF SINK & ARTICLES FROM BASIN TO BE ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIMES.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION ...

critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED FRONT PREP AREA HAND DRYER DISPENSER NOT OPERABLE MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. ASK EMPLOYEE TO PROVIDE PAPER TOWELS DURING INSPECTION. HE NEVER PROVIDED THEM.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C)(CONSOLIDATED VIOLATION)

serious Sanitation

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

OBSERVED EXCESSIVE BUILDUP ON INTERIOR PARTS OF ICE MACHINE WITH BLACK AND PINK SLIMY SUBSTANCE DRIPPING ON ICE INSIDE OF ICE MACHINE. MUST REMOVE ICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE MACHINE, AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED)

minor Food Storage & Handling

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN THE ORIGINAL PACKAGE OF SQUEEZE BOTTLES, ETC.

critical Pest Activity

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

OBSERVED A GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT DOOR MUST MAKE TIGHT FITTING.

critical Pest Activity

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

OBSERVED NO PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK WITH RECEIPT OF SERVICE AND REQUIRED DOCUMENTS MUST BE PROVIDED AND MAINTAINED.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(C)(CITATION ISSUED)

minor Food Storage & Handling

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

OBSERVED FOOD NOT PROTECTED DURING STORAGE. OBSERVED A CHEST FREEZER PLUGGED IN OUTSIDE OF THE REAR EXIT DOOR WITH SEVERAL FROZEN DESSERTS STORED INSIDE.INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND STORE FOOD ITEMS INDOORS IN A PROPER MANNER.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-00...

minor Employee Hygiene

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER NOT WEARING A HAIR RESTRAINT MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

minor Sanitation

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

OBSERVED UTENSILS (BOWLS,BAKING PANS,ETC) TO LARGE TO BE SUBMERGED INTO 3- COMPARTMENT SINK MUST PROVIDE SMALLER UTENSILS OR A LARGER SINK.

minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM STORAGE CABINETS,PREP COOLERS.

minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE TO BE SEEN FOR SERVICING MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

minor Sanitation

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

MUST PROVIDE A LID ON GARBAGE CAN IN UNISEX TOILET ROOM.

minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

MUST REMOVE ARTICLES FROM INSIDE OF MOPSINK BASIN AND ON FLOOR UNDER DRY FOOD STORAGE SHELVING UNITS AND STORE OFF OF FLOOR.

minor Other

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

minor Other

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR FOOD MANAGER MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

minor Other

SUMMARY REPORT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC

OBSERVED NO PREVIOUS SUMMARY INSPECTION REPORT POSTED TO VIEW. EMPLOYEE FOUND IT INSIDE A STACK OF PAPERS IN A FOLDER WHEN ASKED. A SUMMARY REPORT WAS GIVEN TO POST AT THIS TIME OF INSPECTION.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-010(B )(CITATION ISSUED)

2024-12-20 Pass w/ Conditions Complaint
CRITICAL 3
critical Documentation & Training

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

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

critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED HANDWASHING SINK IN DISH AREA OBSTRUCTED BY LARGE COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO MOVE COOLER TO ENSURE HAND WASHING SINK IS EASILY ACCESSIBLE. MANAGER MOVED COOLER PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.

critical Pest Activity

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

OBSERVED SEVERAL FLY TRAPS HANGING IN KITCHEN AND IN DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE INSECT TRAPS AND ENSURE TRAPS ARE PLACED BY LICENSED PEST CONTROL PERSON.

2024-05-09 Pass License Re-Inspection
1
minor Facility Condition

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

4-301.14 OBSERVED LARGE CONVECTION OVEN THAT UTILIZES 22.4 KILOWATTS OF ELECTRICITY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INSTALL VENTILATION ABOVE SAID OVEN.

2024-05-01 Fail License
CRITICAL 10
critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SINK NEAR 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INSTALL HAND WASHING SINK NEAR 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) NO CITATION ISSUED.

serious Sanitation

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

OBSERVED NO SANITIZER ON SITE FOR SANITIZING DISHES AND UTENSILS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE SANITIZER. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.

minor Food Temperature

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

OBSERVED NO FOOD THERMOMETER ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE FOOD THERMOMETER FOR MEASURING HOT AND COLD TEMPERATURES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

critical Pest Activity

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

OBSERVED NO PEST CONTROL LOGBOOK ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE PEST CONTROL WITH LICENSED PEST CONTROL COMPANY DOCUMENTS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(C) CITATION ISSUED.

minor Employee Hygiene

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

OBSERVED HAND WASHING SINK IN PREP AREA WITH NO SPLASH GUARD. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INSTALL SPLASH GUARD AT SAID HAND WASHING SINK.

serious Sanitation

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

OBSERVED NO TEST STRIPS ON SITE FOR MEASURING SANITIZER CONCENTRATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE TEST STRIPS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

OBSERVED PIPE LEAKING UNDERNEATH 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR PIPE.

minor Other

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

OBSERVED NO OUTSIDE DUMPSTER RECEPTACLE OR CONTRACT FOR OUTSIDE DUMPSTER RECEPTACLE ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE CONTRACT FOR OUTSIDE DUMPSTER RECEPTACLE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(B) NO CITATION ISSUED.

minor Facility Condition

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED LARGE CONVECTION OVEN THAT UTILIZES 22.4 KILOWATTS OF ELECTRICITY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INSTALL VENTILATION ABOVE SAID OVEN.

minor Other

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WITH FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH FOOD ALLERGEN REQUIREMENTS.

100
Mana Food Bar
100
Gaudi Coffee & Grill
58
Kama
71
Cafe Colao
40
Innjoy

Data sourced from Chicago Dept. of Public Health · Score calculated from inspection outcomes, violation severity & recency. · How we score
View official record on city data portal →
Eat or Beat scores are independent editorial analysis of public records and do not represent official government ratings.