MAR 31
2026
PASSED
5 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO
✕
TWO SHADES CAFE, INC..
BEAT. 41/100
1152 W TAYLOR ST · WEST LOOP, CHICAGO
Last inspected March 31, 2026 · passed
Failed 2 of 8 inspections. 13 critical violations on the cumulative record. Pattern of issues, not a one-off.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTIONS
8
3 passed · 3 w/ conditions · 2 failed
VIOLATIONS
44
includes 13 critical
RECORDS COVER
4 YEARS
since Sep 2021
INSPECTION HISTORY
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
FLY STRIP ATTACHED TO WALL NEAR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTD TO REMOVE, FLY STRIPS NOT PERMITTED IN PREP AREAS.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
PLASTIC LINING ON EXTERIOR SURFACE OF SMALL ICE MACHINE IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTD TO REMOVE PLASTIC LINING SO AS SUFACE TO BE SMOOTH, EVEN AND EASILY CLEANABLE
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
LEAK AT PIPE UNDER 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTD TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
BRICK WALLS IN TOILET ROOMS CRUMBLING CAUSING BRICK DEBRIS ON HANDWASH SINKS AND SURROUNDING SURFACE. INSTD TO SEAL BRICK/FINISH WALL SO AS TO BE SMOOTH, EVEN, NON POROUS AND EASILY CLEANABLE
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
WALLS SURROUNDING UTILITY SINK IN FRONT PREP AREA NOT CLEAN, EXCESSIVE DEBRIS. INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN SAME
FEB 252025PASSED1 violationDETAILS
FEB 25
2025
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
2-102.13-OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS' CERTIFICATES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH THE IDPH FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENT.
FEB 182025FAILED10 violations4 CRITICALDETAILS
FEB 18
2025
FAILED
10 violations4 CRITICALDETAILS
PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH VALID CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE.
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED, HANDLED AND SERVED, SUCH AS (SANDWICHES, FRIED EGGS ETC) MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING SINKS NOT MAINTAINED WITH HOT WATER: IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF HOT WATER OBSERVED AT EMPLOYEE WASHROOM HANDSINK (50.1F). INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE HOT WATER AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS MUST BE AT LEAST 100FF. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
"OBSERVED NO CURRENT PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK ON THE PREMISES. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT A LICENSED PEST CONTROL COMPANY AND OPERATOR MUST PROVIDE AT LEAST 2 PEST INSPECTIONS A YEAR AND THE REPORTS MUST BE MAINTAINED IN THE LOG BOOK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A CURRENT PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK AND PEST INSPECTION REPORTS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(C). CITATION ISSUED."
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
OBSERVED WET WIPING CLOTHS ON SEVERAL PREP SURFACE AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION OF EQUIPMENT & FOOD. MUST MAINTAIN
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
OBSERVED FACILITY WITHOUT A CHEMICAL TEST KIT FOR SANITIZER OR FOR WARE WASHING AREA. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE A TEST KIT THAT ACCURATELY MEASURES THE CONCENTRATION IN MG/L OF SANITIZING SOLUTION MUST BE PROVIDED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED CLUTTER STORED ON FLOOR IN FRONT STORAGE CLOSET AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNUSED ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS' CERTIFICATES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH THE IDPH FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENT.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
OBSERVED FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT #2589942 ON 2/23/24 WERE NOT CORRECTED: #40 OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE NOT WEARING A HAIR RESTRAINT WHILE PREPARING FOOD. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD-HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS WHILE PREPARING FOOD. #51-OBSERVED BROKEN BACKFLOW PREVENTER DEVICE ON THE FRONT PREP MOP SINK. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL TO ENSURE THE DEVICE CAN BE LOCATED, SERVICED, AND MAINTAINED. #53-OBSERVED MISSING COVERED RECEPTACLE IN EMPLOYEE/CUSTOMER RESTROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
FEB 232024PASS W/ CONDITIONS9 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
FEB 23
2024
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
9 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH VALID CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE.
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED, HANDLED AND SERVED, SUCH AS (SANDWICHES, FRIED EGGS ETC) MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS IN THE FRONT COUNTER PREP AREA HANDSINK AND REAR DISHWASHING PREP AREA HANDSINK. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT PAPER TOWELS MUST BE AVAILABLE AT HAND SINKS AT ALL TIMES. THE FOOD HANDLER OBTAINED PAPER TOWELS FOR THE HAND SINK DURING THE INSPECTION PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
OBSERVED READY-TO-EAT, TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY (TCS) FOODS (FRIED EGGS AND SANDWICHES ) NOT DATE MARKED TO INDICATE THE PRODUCT'S NAME AND DATE IN WHICH THE FOOD MUST BE SOLD, DISCARDED OR CONSUMED WITHIN 7 DAYS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER LABELS FOR DATE MARKING AND DISCARD DATE FOR REFRIGERATED, READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOODS HELD OVER 24HRS PLACED IN ALL COLD-HOLDING UNITS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES NOT WEARING A HAIR RESTRAINT WHILE PREPARING FOOD. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINTS WHILE PREPARING FOOD.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED BROKEN BACKFLOW PREVENTER DEVICE ON THE FRONT PREP MOP SINK. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL TO ENSURE THE DEVICE CAN BE LOCATED, SERVICED, AND MAINTAINED.
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
OBSERVED MISSING COVERED RECEPTACLE IN EMPLOYEE/CUSTOMER RESTROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
OBSERVED OUTSIDE DUMPSTER WITH LIDS NOT CLOSED DUE TO TRASH OVERFLOWING. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN TO ENSURE TIGHT FITTING LIDS. THE MANAGER CLEANED OVERFLOWING TRASH FROM THE GROUND DURING THE INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-020(B). CITATION ISSUED.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP, FOOD DEBRIS, AND DIRT ON THE FLOOR UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS, AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP, DISHWASHING, AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS, AND ALL CORNERS IN ALL AREAS.
MAR 272023PASS W/ CONDITIONS4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
MAR 27
2023
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS WERE PREPARED AND SERVED (EGGS). INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A PERSON ON SITE WITH AN ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED. THE FOOD MANAGER ARRIVED AT THE END OF THE INSPECTION.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
FOUND HEAVY DEBRIS BUILD UP INSIDE THE MICROWAVE. FOUND HEAVY ICE BUILD UP INSIDE THE 2-DOOR TRUE FREEZER IN THE FRONT PREP AREA. MUST DETAIL CLEAN MICROWAVE, DEFROST AND REMOVE ICE FROM FREEZER, AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED HEAVY DIRT BUILD UP ON THE FLOOR MAT USED IN THE FRONT PREP AREA. MUST DETAIL CLEAN FLOOR MAT AND MAINTAIN.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
OBSERVED A FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGERS MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATES ON SITE.
show all 8 inspections →
MAY 112022PASS W/ CONDITIONS8 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
MAY 11
2022
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
8 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
NO PERSON IN CHARGE ON SITE DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS WERE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED (EGGS). INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A PERSON ON SITE WITH AN ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
MUST CLEAN PINK SLIME BUILD UP INSIDE OF ICE MACHINE.
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
OBSERVED MILK AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE AT 50.3F. ALSO OBSERVED OPENED CONTAINER OF ALMOND MILK FOUND AT 48.4F, OPENED CONTAINER OF SOY MILK FOUND AT 49.7F, OPENED CONTAINER OF COCONUT MILK FOUND AT 50.1F, HALF AND HALF FOUND AT 50.3F. PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE MUST BE AT 41.0F OR BELOW INSIDE OF A COLD HOLDING UNIT. FOOD HAS BEEN DISCARDED AND DENATURED. FOOD WEIGHING APPROXIMATELY 50 LBS AT A COST OF $150.00. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
OBSERVED IMPROPER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE AT 47.3F INSIDE OF PREP COOLER. PROPER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE MUST BE AT 41.0F OR BELOW INSIDE OF A COLD HOLDING UNIT. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
OBSERVED PACKAGED DESSERTS FOR CUSTOMER SELF SERVICE WITHOUT A LABEL IN FRONT COOLER. Identity (name of food), Net Quantity of Contents, Ingredient List, Major Food Allergens, Business Name and Address, Nutrition Facts (if applicable).
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES FOR CURRENT EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE.
SUMMARY REPORT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC
SUMMARY REPORT NOT POSTED FROM PREVIOUS INSPECTION ON 10/4/2021, REPORT #2534269. INSTRUCTED TO POST RECENT SUMMARY REPORT VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-42-010(b). CITATION ISSUED.
SEP 162021FAILED7 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
SEP 16
2021
FAILED
7 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED HOT WATER ABOVE 120F AT MEN'S WASHBOWL SINK. MUST PROVIDE HOT WATER BETWEEN 100-120F AT THE HANDWASHING SINKS. WATER WAS CORRECTED DURING INSPECTION AND REFLECTS 101F. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C).
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
NOTED SNEEZE GUARD TOO LOW AT FRONT COUNTER WHERE ESPRESSO MACHINE IS STORED. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A SNEEZE GUARD TO ACT AS A BARRIER FROM CUSTOMERS TO ALLOW FOR PROTECTION OF FOOD PRODUCTS. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005.
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
OBSERVED LOW SPLASHGUARD BETWEEN FRONT EXPOSED HANDSINK AND CUSTOMER COUNTER SEATING. MUST INSTALL A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SPLASHGUARD TO AID IN PREVENTING CONTAMINATION.
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
OBSERVED FACILITY WITHOUT A CHEMICAL TEST KIT FOR SANITIZER OR FOR WAREWASHING AREA. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE A TEST KIT THAT ACCURATELY MEASURES THE CONCENTRATION IN MG/L OF SANITIZING SOLUTION MUST BE PROVIDED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
OBSERVED AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF ICE BUILDUP IN 2-DOOR REACH IN FREEZER IN FRONT COFFEE PREP AREA. MUST REMOVE EXCESS ICE, DETAIL CLEAN, AND MAINTAIN.
SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED
OBSERVED 3-COMPARTMENT WAREWASHING SINK WITHOUT APPROVED GREASE TRAP LOCATED IN REAR PREP AREA. ALL SINKS IN WHICH FOOD, UTENSILS, AND EQUIPMENT ARE WASHED SHALL BE CONNECTED TO ALSO HAVE A CATCH-BASIN OR BE EQUIPPED WITH AN APPROVED GREASE INTERCEPTOR. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO OBTAIN, INSTALL AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED EXPOSED BRICK WALLS IN THE FRONT COFFEE PREP AREA/LOBBY FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO COVER AS WALLS SHOULD BE SEALED, SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
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 →