Ann Sather's Cafe
Last inspected: Mar 4, 2026
67
Score
Inspectors have visited Ann Sather's Cafe 19 times, with records going back to 2012. The most recent report on file is from Mar 4, 2026. A medium risk rating points to a few notable findings at the last inspection, though nothing severe.
Violation counts have held steady across recent visits, averaging around four violations each.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable”, showing up six times.
By comparison, the average Chicago facility scores 81, putting Ann Sather's Cafe on the weaker side. The inspection history reads as standard for a restaurant of this size.
19
Inspections
1
Critical latest
0
Major latest
5
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 4, 2026
Complaint
1 critical violation. 5 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS SHELLED EGGS AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 58F - 62.6 F LOCATED IN REACH IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD AND DENATURE ALL SAID TCS FOODS AND TO MAINTAIN A COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 41F AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION.7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
22
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CAN OPENER BLADE ENCRUSTED WITH DRIED FOOD, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND OR REPLACE BLADE.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF THE REACH IN COOLERS IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN.
49
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP ON COOKING EQUIPMENT, WALLS, SURROUNDING FLOORS AND SHELVING UNITS IN THE KITCHEN/PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO DEGREASE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FAUCET OF 3 COMPARTMENT SINK SPRAYING TO SIDE INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PAINT CHIPPING CHIPPED FROM VENT IN DISH NEAR 3 COMP SINK NEAR WATER HEATER. INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE AND REPAINT CHIPPED AREAS TO ENSURE IT IS SEALED, SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
55
67
Apr 30, 2025
Reinspection
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Proper eating, tasting, drinking, or tobacco use
Inspector notes: NOTED EMPLOYEES DRINKING AND PREPARING FOOD AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PROVIDE A DESIGNATED AREA FOR EMPLOYEES TO DRINK AND EAT AND NOT AT THE PREP AREAS.
6
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: NOTED SERVING PLATES ON SHELVES AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT ALL SERVING PLATES TO PREVENT DUST ACCUMULATION.
43
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: NOTED DIRTY AND DUSTY CEILING FANS AT THE REAR DISH WASHING AREA ABOVE THE WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AND WHERE EVER NEEDED.
55
86
Apr 23, 2025
Routine
1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: NOTED TEMPERATURE OF THE FINAL RINSE HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH WASHING MACHINE TO BE AT 200F. NORMAL RANGE 180F TO 194F. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE UNTIL EQUIPMENT IS MAINTAINED AND READING BETWEEN I80F TO 194F. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED.
16
Proper eating, tasting, drinking, or tobacco use
Inspector notes: NOTED EMPLOYEES DRINKING AND PREPARING FOOD AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PROVIDE A DESIGNATED AREA FOR EMPLOYEES TO DRINK AND EAT AND NOT AT THE PREP AREAS.
6
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: NOTED SERVING PLATES ON SHELVES AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT ALL SERVING PLATES TO PREVENT DUST ACCUMULATION.
43
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: NOTED SOME USE OF MILK CRATES FOR ELEVATION AT THE REAR DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE MILK CRATES FOR ELEVATION TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST. MUST PROVIDE APPROPRIATE SHELVING FOR STORAGE. ALL FOOD ITEMS MUST ALSO BE STORED 6" AWAY FROM THE WALL.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: NOTED DIRTY AND DUSTY CEILING FANS AT THE REAR DISH WASHING AREA ABOVE THE WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AND WHERE EVER NEEDED.
55
74
Feb 15, 2024
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS ON PREP AREA SHELVES AND FOOD DEBRIS INSIDE PREP AREA COOLERS. MUST CLEAN EQUIPMENT AND MAINTAIN.
49
95
Apr 20, 2023
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: LABELS WITH COMMON NAME IS REQUIRED AT PLASTIC CONTAINER WITH FOOD IN THEM,AT REAR STORAGE SHELVES.
37
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: A BUCKET WITH SANITIZE SOLUTION AND LINEN MUST BE PROVIDED AT PREP TABLES
41
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: ICE SCOOP MUST BE STORED IN A CLEAN ENCLOSED CONTAINER BETWEEN USE. -
43
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST NOT USE MILK CRATES AS A MEANS OF ELEVATION FOR STORED ITEMS. MUST REMOVE FOLDED DIRTY CARDBOARD UNDER THE CAN OPENER AT PREP TABLE. REMOVE. SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH,CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT MATERIAL
47
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: BUILD-UP GRIMES ON CEMENT UNDER THE OUTSIDE GARBAGE CONTAINERS. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
54
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: ADDITIONAL ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES IS REQUIREDON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS
58
74
Apr 4, 2022
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: NOTED SERVING PLATES ON SHELVES AT THE DISH WASHING AREA NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT ALL SERVING PLATES TO PREVENT DUST ACCUMULATION.
43
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS ALONG WALL BASE AND UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT ESPECIALLY UNDERNEATH COOKING EAPUIPMENT.
55
90
Jun 29, 2020
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 1-DOOR REACH IN COOLER (UNDER FRONT COUNTER) DOOR GASKET RIPPED. MUST REPAIR/REPLACE DAMAGED DOOR GASKET.
47
95
Jun 19, 2020
Routine
1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BLACK DIRT AND PINK SLIME BUILD UP INSIDE ICE MACHINE DRIPPING INTO ICE, ICE USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST CLEAN INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE AND MAINTAIN. ICE VOLUNTARLLY DISCARDED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
16
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 1-DOOR REACH IN COOLER (UNDER FRONT COUNTER) DOOR GASKET RIPPED. MUST REPAIR/REPLACE DAMAGED DOOR GASKET.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: COOKLINE PREP AREA COOLER CUTTING BOARD SURFACE WITH DARK STAINS/SURFACE PITTED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST REPAIR/REPLACE CUTTING BOARD, CUTTING BOARD SURFACE MUST BE EASY TO CLEAN.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS INSIDE REACH IN PREP COOLERS GASKETS AND DOOR CORNERS/DOOR HINDGES. MUST CLEAN COOLERS AND MAINTAIN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: FRONT COUNTER 3-COMPARTMENT SINK LEFT SIDE COMPARTMENT DRAIN PIPE LEAKS. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: NO COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE IN WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE.
53
70
Jun 18, 2019
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jun 6, 2019
Routine
3 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: NOTED PREMISE USING A HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH WASHER WITH GAUGE READING 180F; HOWEVER NOTED NO INDICATOR INSIDE THE DISH WASHER OR TEST STRIPS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND IRREVERSIBLE REGISTERING TEMPERATURE INDICATOR, STRIPS/STICKERS OR THERMOMETER THAT IS WATER-PROOF AND HAS A MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE HOLDING FEATURE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED TODAY.
48
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: NOTED TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED FOR SAFETY FOOD ITEMS INSIDE WALK IN COOLER AND REFRIGERATION UNITS NOT PROPERLY LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL ALL READY TO EAT FOOD ITEMS WITH PRODUCT NAME AND USED BY DATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-005(A). NO CITATION ISSUED TODAY.
23
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: NOTED OVER 40 FLYING INSECTS ON WALLS, CEILINGS AND SHELVES AT THE REAR DRY STORAGE AREA AND BY THE HALL WAY LEADING TO THE BATHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS, ELIMINATE PEST ACTIVITY. INSTRUCTED TO CONSULT WITH PEST CONTROL COMPANY AND HAVE PREMISES TREATED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-020(A)
38
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: NOTED ASSORTED FOOD ITEMS INSIDE REFRIGERATION UNITS NOT PROPERLY LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL ALL FOOD ITEMS WITH PRODUCT NAME INCLUDING BULK FOOD CONTAINERS.
37
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: NOTED DIRTY WIPING CLOTHS ON PREP TABLES AT FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS. NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL WASHCLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION ESPECIALLY WHEN NOT IN USE.
41
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: NOTED MULTIPLE HOLES AND OPENINGS ALONG PIPING BY THE WATER HEATER AREA AND AT THE REAR DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL ALL HOLES AND OPENINGS TO PREVENT ENTRY POINTS FOR PESTS.
55
64
Apr 16, 2018
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: FOUND SMALL HOLES ABOVE EXPOSED HAND SINK AT DISHWASHING AREAS. MUST SEAL. FOUND TORN CEILING TILE TORN ABOVE STEAM TABLE AREAS. MUST REPLACE.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: FOUND NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES AT ICE MACHINE AND COFFEE MACHINE WATERLINES. MUST PROVIDE.
38
90
Nov 28, 2017
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BAGS OF PANCAKE MIX FOR SALE AT FROM COUNTER WITHOUT PROPER LABELS. IN ADDITION TO CURRENT LABEL, MUST PROVIDE MANUFACTURER ADDRESS AND NET WEIGHT.
30
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: MUST STORE ALL UTENSILS AT FRONT COUNTER AND SERVICE LINE WITH HANDLE PRESENTED TO CONSUMER. MANAGER CORRECTED DURING INSPECTION.
31
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS FROM FLOORS AT FRONT COUNTER AND BEHIND OVEN. OPERATOR CORRECTED DURING INSPECTION.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR HOLE IN WALL AROUND WATER SUPPLY LINE AT REAR PREP HAND SINK SO WALL IS SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
35
82
Feb 9, 2017
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD (PANCAKE BATTER MADE WITH RAW EGG) BEING STORED IN AN ICE BATH AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE. NOTED 2 LBS, WORTH $3 OF BATTER AT 52-54 DEGREES. OPERATOR VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED THE PRODUCT. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL COLD POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS MUST BE HELD AT 40 DEGREES OR BELOW. CRITICAL VIOLATION: 7-38-005(A)
3
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOIL BEING USED TO LINE THE TABLE WHERE FROSTING IS PREPPED. NOTED PLASTIC CONTAINERS WITH JAGGED PLASTIC AROUND THE MOUTHS. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN THE SURFACES TO BE SMOOTH, DURABLE AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: NOTED SOILED KNIVED BEING STORED IN THE KNIVE RACK. NOTED PINKISH MOLD-LIKE SUBSTANCE ON THE FRONT CORNERS OF THE ICE MACHINE DROP PLATE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THESE SURFACES.
33
86
Mar 4, 2016
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: BULK FOOD CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED. MANAGEMENT LABELED DURING INSPECTION.
30
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: MISSING INTERNAL THERMOMETER IN THE FRONT, ONE DOOR DAIRY COOLER. MANAGEMENT PROVIDED.
40
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: EMPLOYEES PERSONAL BELONGINGS MUST NOT BE STORED IN THE CLEAN POT/PAN STORAGE SHELVING. MANAGEMENT REMOVED.
41
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: WIPING CLOTHS FOR THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA MUST BE HELD IN A CLEAN CONTAINER WITH A SANITIZING SOLUTION. MANAGEMENT PROVIDED.
43
82
Feb 13, 2015
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TORN GASKETS AT THE 3 DOOR COOLER AND AT THE FRONT FRUIT COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO INSTALL A SPLASHGUARD AT THE EXPOSED HANDSINK BETWEEN THE SINK AND THE COUNTER WHERE WAFFLE IRON IS LOCATED.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO CLEAN THE GASKETS AT THE 2 DOOR REACH IN COOLER NEAR THE COOKING LINE AND TO MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FLOORS UNDER THE FRONT DISPLAY CASE AND COOLER LINE.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE CEILING VENTS IN THE DINING ROOM AND IN THE REAR PREP AREA.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL EXPOSED HANDSINK IN THE REAR PREP/DISH AREA AND TO MAINTAIN.
38
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED FACILITY THAT ALL FOODHANDLERS MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS.
42
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: FACILITY NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH IDPH FOODHANDLER REQUIREMENT (NOT ALL STAFF HAS CERTIFICATES ON SITE). INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO ENSURE ALL EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE BEEN ON STAFF LONGER THAN 30 DAYS THAT MEET THE FOODHANDLER REQUIREMENT HAVE TAKEN THE FOODHANDLER COURSE AND HAVE APPROPRIATE PROOF ON SITE.
45
70
Oct 16, 2014
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN CEILING ABOVE STORAGE SHELVING IN REAR FOOD STORAGE AREA. REMOVE DIRT AND DUST ACCUMULATION.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE CHEMICAL TEST TRIPS FOR THE DISHMACHINE AND 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.
38
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHES STORED ON TOP OF PREP TABLES. MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHES IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
43
86
Feb 20, 2014
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: MUST LABEL ALL BULK FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS IN REAR FOOD STORAGE AREA.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: RUSTY FOOD STORAGE SHELVING INSIDE FRONT PREP COOLER AND REAR FOOD STORAGE SHELVING. MUST REPAINT OR REPLACE.
32
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE A DRAIN COVER IN DISHWASHING AREA.
38
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: ICE SCOOP STORED ON TOP OF ICE DISPENSER. MUST PROPERLY STORE IN A CLEAN CONTAINER.
42
82
May 17, 2013
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: FOUND CUTTING BOARD IN POOR REPAIR/DEEP GROOVES AT FRONT PREPARATION COOLER.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FOUND FLOORS NOT CLEAN AT PREMISES.(NEEDS SWEEPING/MOPPING)
34
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: FOUND REAR STORAGE AREAS NOT CLEAN AND ORGANIZED.(NEEDS CLEANING AND ORDER)
41
86
Dec 14, 2012
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST NOT USE TIN FOIL AS LINER FOR SHELVING THROUGHOUT COOKS LINE.
32
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: EMPLOYEES PERSONAL BELONGINGS MUST NOT BE STORED IN DRY FOOD STORAGE.
41
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: ICE SCOOP MUST BE STORED IN A CLEAN CONTAINER WITH A SANITIZING SOLUTION. NOT ON TOP OF MACHINE.
43
86
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Ann Sather's Cafe last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Ann Sather's Cafe on file is from Mar 4, 2026. The public record contains 19 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Ann Sather's Cafe?
Across the inspection record, “food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at Ann Sather's Cafe.
Has Ann Sather's Cafe's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Ann Sather's Cafe have averaged around four violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Ann Sather's Cafe means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.
How often is Ann Sather's Cafe inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Ann Sather's Cafe is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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