Afro Joe's Coffee & Tea
Last inspected: Nov 20, 2025
78
Score
Afro Joe's Coffee & Tea has been inspected five times since 2023. The latest inspection on file is from Nov 20, 2025. A low risk tier reflects an inspection that turned up minimal issues.
Violation counts have been trending down, averaging around five violations across recent inspections versus roughly 11 violations before.
“Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” comes up most often, recorded 11 times in the inspection record.
Compared to other Chicago restaurants (averaging 81), there's room to close the gap. There isn't much in the file that would give a customer pause.
5
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
5
Minor latest
Inspection History
Nov 20, 2025
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE TWO DOOR LOW REACH IN PREP COOLER IN THE FOOD PREP AREA GASKETS IN NEED OF REPAIR ON BOTH DOORS. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD WORKING ORDER.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE INSIDE OF ALL THE REACH IN COOLING UNITS IN NEED OF A DETAILED CLEANING TO REMOVE SPILLAGE, STAINS AND OR FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.
49
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE COOKING AND NON COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA AND THE FRONT BEVERAGE STATION AREA IN NEED OF A DETAILED CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE PEST AND OR INSECT ACTIVITY.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FLOORS IN ALL AREAS IN NEED OF A DETAILED CLEANING UNDER AND BEHIND ALL COOKING AND NON COOKING AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AREAS.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER VENTILATION INSTALLED AT THE PANINI PRESS STATION IN THE REAR COOKING AREA. (FACILITY DID TRY TO COMPLY WITH PREVIOUS INSPECTION REQUEST, JUST PROVIDED THE WRONG KIND OF SYSTEM) INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER HOOD VENTILATION THAT IS DESIGNED TO PULL GREASE FUMES AND SMOKE UP AND OUT OF THE FACILITY.
56
78
Mar 24, 2025
Routine
1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Compliance with variance/specialized process/haccp
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SEVERAL TCS FOOD ITEMS STORED IN REDUCED OXYGEN PACKAGING (SUCH AS RAW BEEF) AND REDUCED OXYGEN PACKAGING EQUIPMENT BEING UTILIZED ON-SITE WITHOUT VALID HACCP PLAN APPROVED BY THIS DEPARTMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE TCS FOOD FROM REDUCED OXYGEN PACKAGING, DISCARD, AND DENATURE, AND CEASE USE OF REDUCED OXYGEN PACKAGING EQUIPMENT WITHOUT HACCP PLAN APPROVED BY CDPH. PERSON-IN-CHARGE REMOVED ALL TCS FOOD, DISCARDED, AND DENATURED ON-SITE. APPROXIMATELY 30 LBS. OF FOOD VALUED APPROXIMATELY $100.00 DISCARDED. PERSON-IN-CHARGE REMOVED ALL REDUCED OXYGEN PACKAGING EQUIPMENT FROM FACILITY AT TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
29
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: ALL SEALED WOOD SHELVING IN FRONT COFFEE AREA IS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD AND GREASE BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
49
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: ALL SIDES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLE LEGS AND BOTTOM SHELVES OF TABLE IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FLOORS AND WALLS THROUGHOUT FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL GREASE AND DUST BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: ADDITIONAL VENTILATION NEEDED ABOVE PANINI MACHINE TO EMOVE SMOKE AND GREASE INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN
56
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
39
67
Feb 1, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation. 14 minor violations.
View 15 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 6-7 CONTAINERS OF DIFFERANT DAIRY PRODUCTS AT FRONT PREP COOLER. ALL PRODUCTS WERE BETWEEN 46.0-50.6 DEGREES INSTRUCTED TO HAVE LESS PRODUCT IN COOLER DUE TO THE HIGH VOLUME OF OPENING AND CLOSING OF REACH IN. RIC AT PROPER TEMPERATURE. ALL PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED. TOTAL VALUE $25.00 15LBS PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED
22
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LOW COLD & HOT RUNNING WATER PRESSURE AT HAND SINK IN REAR PREP AREA.MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
10
Approved thawing methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED INDIVIDUAL ROP PACKAGES OF SALMON THAWING IN REACH IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO OPEN PACKAGES OF SALMON WHEN THAWING.
35
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS (SQUEEZE BOTTLES AND SHAKERS) WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
37
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT ENTRY DOOR MUST MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING.
38
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SCOOPS STORED INSIDE OF ICE BIN MUST STORE PROPERLY.
43
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: MUST INVERT MULTI-USE UTENSILS ON STORAGE SHELVES.
44
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: MUST STORE PLASTIC WEAR WITH HANDLES IN UPRIGHT POSITION.
45
Gloves used properly
Inspector notes: EMPLOYEES ARE NOT WASH HANDS AND CHANGING GLOVES WHEN NEEDED.
46
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM LANDING IN BASEMENT UNDER STORAGE SHELVES,COUNTER TOPS UNDER EQUIPMENT IN FRONT PREP AREA,WINDOW SILLS BEHIND EQUIPMENT IN REAR PREP AREA,LID ON CHEST FREEZER IN BASEMENT.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: MUST PLACE A LID ON SUMP PUMP IN BASEMENT.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE AND ORGANIZE BOXES AND OTHER ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS IN FRONT & REAR PREP AREAS AND BASEMENT.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE SWINING DOOR DAMAGED IN FRONT PREP AREA.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM WALL AT HAND SINK AND 3- COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR PREP/DISH WASHING AREA.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES THROUGHOUT PREP/DISH WASHING AREAS AND BASEMENT.MUST REMOVE WATER AND SPILLAGE FROM FLOOR IN BASEMENT.
55
43
Dec 15, 2023
Complaint
3 critical violations. 1 major violation. 13 minor violations.
View 17 violations
Proper hot holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURES OF TCS READY TO EAT FOODS SUCH AS 1/4LB COOKED SHORT RIB 118.9F.2LBS. COOKED CHICKEN BREAST 94.6F. INSIDE OF HOT HOLDING UNIT.PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED BY MANAGER MUST HAVE HOT HOLDING FOODS AT 135.0F OR ABOVE. APPX. 2 1/4 LBS. $8.(COS)(PRIORITY 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED)
21
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HOT HOLDING UNIT AT 127.0F WITH TCS READY TO EAT FOODS STORED INSIDE. MUST HAVE HOT HOLDING UNIT AT 135.0F OR ABOVE. MANAGER HAD MADE AN ADJUSTMENT ON DIAL TO MAKE IT HOTTER NOW IT IS AT 147.8F.(COS)(PRIORITY 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED)
33
Hands clean & properly washed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED POOR HYGIENIC PRACTICIES BY FOOD HANDLERS AND DISH WASHER SUCH AS OBSERVED MALE EMPLOYEE WASHING DIRTY DISHES AND THEN HANDLING CLEAN DISHES WITHOUT HAND WASHING,ANOTHER MALE EMPLOYEE WIPING CUTTING BOARD WITH WIPING CLOTH AND RUNG OUT TOWEL WITH PLASTIC GLOVES ON AND TOOK OFF GLOVES AND PUT ON ANOTHER PAIR WITHOUT WASHING HANDS AFTER EVERY POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.(PRIORITY 7-38-010)(CITATION ISSUED)(COS)
8
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION FROM REPORT #2578112 6/30/23 NOT CORRECTED #51-5-204.12 : UNABLE TO LOCATE BACKFLOW DEVICE ON BEVERAGE AND ICE MACHINES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090)(CITATION ISSUED)
60
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LOW COLD & HOT RUNNING WATER PRESSURE AT HAND SINK IN REAR PREP AREA.MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
10
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS (SQUEEZE BOTTLES AND SHAKERS) WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
37
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT ENTRY DOOR MUST MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING.
38
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SCOOPS STORED INSIDE OF ICE BIN MUST STORE PROPERLY.
43
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: MUST INVERT MULTI-USE UTENSILS ON STORAGE SHELVES.
44
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: MUST STORE PLASTIC WEAR WITH HANDLES IN UPRIGHT POSITION.
45
Gloves used properly
Inspector notes: EMPLOYEES ARE NOT WASH HANDS AND CHANGING GLOVES WHEN NEEDED.
46
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM LANDING IN BASEMENT UNDER STORAGE SHELVES,COUNTER TOPS UNDER EQUIPMENT IN FRONT PREP AREA,WINDOW SILLS BEHIND EQUIPMENT IN REAR PREP AREA,LID ON CHEST FREEZER IN BASEMENT.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: MUST PLACE A LID ON SUMP PUMP IN BASEMENT.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE SWINING DOOR DAMAGED IN FRONT PREP AREA.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM WALL AT HAND SINK AND 3- COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR PREP/DISH WASHING AREA.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES THROUGHOUT PREP/DISH WASHING AREAS AND BASEMENT.MUST REMOVE WATER AND SPILLAGE FROM FLOOR IN BASEMENT.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE AND ORGANIZE BOXES AND OTHER ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS IN FRONT & REAR PREP AREAS AND BASEMENT.
55
30
Jun 30, 2023
License
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ICE SCOOP HANDLE LAYING ON ICE INSIDE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE ICE SCOOP HANDLE UP TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
43
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RAW WOOD SURFACES ON SHELVING UNITS IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL WOOD SURFACES AND MAINTAIN.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: UNABLE TO LOCATE BACKFLOW DEVICE ON BEVERAGE AND ICE MACHINES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SELF-CLOSING DEVICE ON WASHROOM DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXPOSED BRICK WALLS AND CONCRETE FLOORS IN PREP AND DINING AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL WALLS AND FLOORS TO MAKE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. OBSERVED OPENINGS AND PEELING PAINT ON CEILING IN PREP, DINING AND BASEMENT STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
55
78
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Afro Joe's Coffee & Tea last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Afro Joe's Coffee & Tea on file is from Nov 20, 2025. The public record contains five inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Afro Joe's Coffee & Tea?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited 11 times, more than any other issue at Afro Joe's Coffee & Tea.
Has Afro Joe's Coffee & Tea's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Afro Joe's Coffee & Tea have averaged around five violations per visit, down from roughly 11 earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Afro Joe's Coffee & Tea means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.
How often is Afro Joe's Coffee & Tea inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Afro Joe's Coffee & Tea is inspected around two times per year on average.
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