Ain't She Sweet Cafe
Last inspected: Nov 24, 2025
86
Score
Across the available record, Ain't She Sweet Cafe has 21 inspections on file, the first dated 2010. Ain't She Sweet Cafe was last inspected on Nov 24, 2025. A low risk tier reflects an inspection that turned up minimal issues.
Performance has remained roughly level over recent inspections, averaging near one violation each time.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code”, showing up three times.
Restaurants in Chicago average 81, so Ain't She Sweet Cafe is doing better than most peers. Overall, the inspection record reads well.
21
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Nov 24, 2025
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SANDWICH TRAYS STORED IMPROPERLY INSIDE CABINETS AS WELL AS ON STORAGE CARTS IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT TO PREVENT POSSIBLE CONTAMINATON.
45
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BEVERAGES STORED ON FLOOR IN BASEMENT TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE TO PREVENT POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION. FOOD MAY NOT BE STORED IN TOILET ROOMS, MUST MAINTAIN.
39
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON PREP TABLES THROUGHOUT PREMISE IMPROPERLY. INSTRUCTED TO STORE INSIDE SOULTION AT LEAST 50 PPM IN BETWEEN USES.
41
86
Dec 2, 2024
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE DEEP FREEZER IN THE BASEMENT WITH ICE BUILD UP. MUST DEFROST AND CLEAN, ALSO CLEAN THE UPRIGHT FREEZER TO REMOVE SPILLS.
49
95
Apr 16, 2024
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Apr 15, 2024
Routine
2 critical violations.
View 2 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED VARIOUS TCS FOODS INSIDE THE FRONT PREP COOLER AT IMPROPER INTERNAL TEMPERATURES SUCH AS: 15LBS OF RAW CHICKEN AT 60F, 5LBS OF COOKED GRILLED CHICKEN AT 59.0F AND 7LBS OF COOKED JERK CHICKEN AT 49.0F. A TOTAL 27LBS AT $350 WERE DISCARDED AND DENATURED. PRIORITY CITATION ISSUED #7-38-005
22
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FRONT PREP COOLER WHICH HOLDS TCS FOODS WITH AN IMPROPER AIR TEMP OF 60f. COOLER TAGGED/HELD FOR INSPECTION UNTIL IT HOLDS A AIR TEMP OF 41F OR BELOW. PRIORITY CITATION #7-38-005.
33
74
Dec 11, 2023
Routine
No violations found.
100
Oct 3, 2022
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED THAT ALL NEW FOOD HANDLERS MUST OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING.
58
90
Jun 2, 2021
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUST ON THE VENTILATION FAN ON THE CEILING OF THE WASHROOM; CLEAN VENT TO REMOVE DUST.
55
95
Feb 24, 2020
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: NO HAND WASHING SIGNS AT THE DESIGNATED HAND WASHING SINKS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
10
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: FOUND THE WASH CLOTHS NOT PROPERLY STORED WHEN NOT IN USE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION (MUST BE AT THE REQUIRED PPM) WHEN NOT IN USE.
41
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: ALL TOILET ROOMS NEED TRASH RECEPTACLES WITH LIDS/COVERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TRASH RECEPTACLES WITH LIDS/COVERS AND MAINTAIN.
53
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST TAKE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING COURSE AND PROVIDE PROOF THE REQUIREMENT WAS MET.
58
82
Feb 7, 2019
License
No violations found.
100
Jun 28, 2018
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: Observed potentially hazardous food not meeting temperature requirements during storage, preparation and display; Jerk chicken inside rear reach in cooler in prep kitchen at 58.9 degrees F, cooked rice and cooked jerk chicken in hot holding unit in prep kitchen at 128 degrees F, jerk chicken salad, potato salad, and perishable deserts at 49.9-51.2 degrees F in front display reach in cooler; soft cheese at 57.2 degrees F, salsa sitting on counter at 55.4 degrees F in prep kitchen. All cold food must hold 40 degrees F or below. Person in charge voluntary discarded food items not meeting temperature requirements. Approx.. 19lbs $110. Critical Violation 7-38-005a
3
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Facility needs additional hand sink in main prep area location of current hand sink is not easily accessible for hand washing in main prep area. Must install additional hand sink connected to city water pressure in main prep area. Hand sink in ware washing area need splash guard on right side. Obtain, install and maintain.
38
90
Mar 3, 2017
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Sanitizing rinse for equipment and utensils: clean, proper temperature, concentration, exposure time
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EMPLOYEE WASHING FOOD EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS IN FIRST COMPARTMENT OF 3-COMPARTMENT SINK WITH NO SANITIZER AND 3-COMPARTMENT SINK NOT SET UP. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY SET UP 3-COMPARTMENT SINK TO WASH, RINSE, AND SANITIZE FOOD EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030
8
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: SEUCRE LOOSE SINK TO WALL IN CUSTOMER WASHROOM. CLEAN ALL VENILATION FANS IN WASHROOMS(DUST BUILDUP).
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED STOVE IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INSTALL VENTILATION ABOVE STOVE(HOODED AND DUCTED TO ROOF) DISCONNECT, OR REMOVE FROM PREMISES.
38
82
Sep 1, 2016
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: FOUND A LOOSE RUBBER GASKET AT THE TWO DOOR PREP COOLER IN THE CORNER AREA OF KITCHEN; REPAIR OR REPLACE GASKET.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SOME CHIPPED PAINT ALONG THE WINDOW LEDGE BEHIND A PREP TABLE; INSTRUCTED TO PAINT AREA.
35
90
Jul 14, 2015
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS NOT CLEAN BEHIND CHEST FREEZER IN BASMENT, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
34
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MISSING LIGHT SHIELD AT PASTRY DISPLAY COOLER, INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL.
36
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: MISSING THERMOMETER FOR PREP COOLER, INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL.
40
86
Oct 16, 2014
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOORS UNDER STORAGE SHELVES IN BASEMENT WHERE CHEMICAL ITEMS STORED.
34
95
Jan 27, 2014
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: RECOMMENDED INSTALLING A UTILITY RACK FOR HANGING WET MOP TO DRY IN BASEMENT AREA NEAR UTILITY SINK OR ROOM WHERE SINK LOCATED.
41
95
Apr 8, 2013
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS IN THE PREP AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE FOOD DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
34
Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters
Inspector notes: EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM IN NEED OF CLEANING. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
37
90
Mar 6, 2012
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN RUBBER GASKETS AT PREP COOLERS.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS IN FURNACE CLOSET IN BASEMENT.
34
90
Sep 23, 2011
Complaint
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: FOODHANDLERS NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS.
42
95
Jun 28, 2011
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: FOUND FOOD CONTAINERS NOT STORED PROPERLY ON SHELVING UNITS.(MUST STORE INVERTED).
31
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FOUND FLOORS NOT MOPPED AT DISHWASHING AREAS.
34
90
Nov 1, 2010
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Oct 28, 2010
License
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST SEAL SMALL OPENING ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT DOOR.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: SEAL LARGE OPENING IN WALL IN BASEMENT MOP SINK CLOSET AND PROVIDE OUTLET COVER FOR OUTLET IN 1ST FLOOR EMPLOYEE RESTROOM.
35
Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters
Inspector notes: MUST INSTALL A SELF CLOSING DEVICE AT ALL THREE WASHROOM DOORS.
37
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE A BACK FLOW DEVICE AT THE ICE MACHINE. MUST INSTALL DIPPER WELL AT PACKED ICE CREAM FREEZER. MUST INSTALL MOP SINK AND PROVIDE AN ATTACHED BACK FLOW DEVICE.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE CLUTTER FROM FLOORS IN BASEMENT MOP SINK CLOSET AND WHERE NEEDED. STORE ALL ITEMS 6 INCHES OFF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS.
41
78
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Ain't She Sweet Cafe last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Ain't She Sweet Cafe on file is from Nov 24, 2025. The public record contains 21 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Ain't She Sweet Cafe?
Across the inspection record, “walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at Ain't She Sweet Cafe.
Has Ain't She Sweet Cafe's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Ain't She Sweet Cafe have averaged around one violation per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Ain't She Sweet Cafe 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 Ain't She Sweet Cafe inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Ain't She Sweet Cafe is inspected roughly once per year on average.
Nearby Restaurants