Arzan Market & Cafe
Last inspected: Sep 26, 2025
14
Score
Arzan Market & Cafe has been inspected four times since 2023. On Sep 26, 2025, the health department conducted the most recent visit. High risk indicates the latest inspection turned up problems worth knowing about.
The picture has gotten worse over the last few visits, with the average climbing from around four violations to closer to 22 violations.
“Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” comes up most often, recorded five times in the inspection record.
By comparison, the average Chicago facility scores 81, putting Arzan Market & Cafe on the weaker side. This restaurant has more on its record than most do.
4
Inspections
6
Critical latest
5
Major latest
11
Minor latest
Inspection History
Sep 26, 2025
Routine
6 critical violations. 5 major violations. 11 minor violations.
View 22 violations
Proper hot holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IN THE SOUTH KITCHEN COOKED RICE AT AN IMPROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 87.9F IN A RICE COOKER THAT HAD BEEN TURNED OFF. REVIEWED HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENTS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 SEE VIOLATION #22 FOR CITATION.
21
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: NOTED THE FOLLOWING TCS FOODS HELD AT IMPROPER COLD TEMPERATURE IN THE BELOW MENTIONED COOLER IN THE SOUTH KITCHEN. COOKED CHICKEN AT 59F, COOKED BEEF AT 52.5F, CHEESE AT 56.4F. ALL FOODS DISCARDED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
22
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: NOTED THE SOUTH KITCHEN COOKS LINE TWO DOOR COOLER UNABLE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE TEMPERATURE. COOLER AT 60.8F WITH TCS FOODS SUCH AS COOKED CHICKEN AT 59F AND COOKED BEEF AT 52.5F. COOLER TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION AND MUST NOT USE UNTIL REPAIRED, MAINTAINS A TEMPERATURE OF 41F OR BELOW AND C.D.P.H CONTACTED BY EMAIL REQUEST TO REINSPECT THE COOLER AND REMOVE THE TAG. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
33
Food separated and protected
Inspector notes: NOTED IN SEVERAL COOLERS THROUGHOUT THE PREMISES IN BOTH KITCHENS OBSERVED RAW ANIMAL ORIGIN FOODS SUCH AS RAW EGGS, RAW CHICKEN AND RAW BEEF BEING STORED DIRECTLY ABOVE OR ON TOP OF FRESH VEGETABLES, FRESH FRUIT AND PREPARED FOODS. REVIEWED PROPER STORAGE OF RAW ANIMAL ORIGIN FOODS. MANAGER REMOVED ALL FOODS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
15
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DISHWASHER AT THE NORTH KITCHEN THREE COMPARTMENT SINK WASHING CUSTOMER DISHWARES, POTS, PANS WITHOUT SANITIZER. SINK WAS SET WITH SOAP WATER ONLY. REVIEWED WITH MANAGER ON DUTY THE PROPER WAY TO WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-025 CITATION ISSUED.
16
Proper cooling time and temperature
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LARGE CONTAINERS OF COOKED TCS FOODS SUCH AS BEEF, STEW AND SOUP IN BOTH KITCHENS IMPROPERLY COOLING. FOODS NOTED IN DEEP CONTAINERS, SOME COVERED WITH METAL LIDS AND PLASTIC WRAP. MANAGER STATES THE FOOD WERE PREPARED IN THE MORNING. TEMPERATURES NOTED AT 79.5F, 130.8. REVIEWED TIME AND TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENTS FOR COOLING TCS FOODS AND PROPER COOLING METHODS. SOME FOODS DISCARDED OTHERS REHEATED TO BEGIN THE COOLING PROCESS AGAIN CORRECTLY. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 SEE VIOLATION #22 FOR CITATION.
20
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS WERE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012.CITATION ISSUED.
2
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: SOUTH KITCHEN HAND WASHING SINK NOT ACCESSIBLE FOR USE. NOTED CLEAN PREPPING EQUIPMENT BEING STORED INSIDE THE SINK AND BLOCKED BY A LARGE FAN. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL AND MAKE SINK ACCESSIBLE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.
10
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: NOTED THE SOUTH KITCHEN HAND WASHING SINK WITHOUT SOAP. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) SEE THE ABOVE VIOLATION #10 FOR CITATION.
10
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: THE PERSON IN CHARGE DURING THE INSPECTION DOES NOT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.
1
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: NOTED THE SOUTH KITCHEN HAND WASHING SINK WITHOUT PAPER TOWELS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) SEE THE ABOVE VIOLATION #10 FOR CITATION.
10
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: ALL BULK FOODS MUST BE LABELED WITH THE PRODUCT COMMON NAME.
37
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: ALL FOOD HANDLERS AND KITCHEN STAFF MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS.
40
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: ALL PREP AREA WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE HELD IN A CONTAINER WITH A SANITIZING SOLUTION.
41
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: ALL STORED ITEMS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOORS.
45
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: TORN RUBBER DOOR GASKET ON THE TWO DOOR TALL REACH-IN COOLER IN THE SOUTH KITCHEN.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST NOT USE PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS AS FOOD CONTAINERS INSIDE COOLERS AND FREEZERS. MUST USE WASHABLE CONTAINERS OR FOOD GRADE PLASTIC BAGS.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST NOT USE PAPER OR TINFOIL AS LINER FOR SHELVING THROUGHOUT BOTH KITCHENS.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: HAND SINK IN THE REAR HALLWAY OF THE SOUTH DINING ROOM WITH NO HOT OR COLD WATER AND MISSING HOT AND COLD HANDLES. MUST REPLACE/REPAIR TO BE OPERATIONAL.----RAW WOODEN 2X4'S USED TO ELEVATE THE HAND SINK IN THE SOUTH CUSTOMER WASHROOM MUST BE PAINTED/SEALED TO BE SMOOTH, CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: NOTED DIRTY FLOOR DRAIN UNDER THE SOUTH KITCHEN HAND WASHING SINK. FLOORS DIRTY UNDER AND AROUND THE NORTH KITCHEN GREASE TRAP AND THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.----MISSING FLOOR DRAIN COVERS IN THE NORTH SIDE KITCHEN AND THE MOP SINK. MUST REPLACE.----FLOOR DRAIN COVER IN THE REAR SOUTH KITCHEN SEALED WITH PLASTIC TAPE. MUST REMOVE.----EXCESSIVE BLACK MOLD ON THE BACKSPLASH OF THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE NORTH KITCHEN. MUST REPLACE.----EXCESSIVE GREASE ON THE FLOOR UNDER THE OVEN IN THE SOUTH KITCHEN. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: NOTED SOILED MOPS THROUGHOUT THE KITCHENS/STORAGE IMPROPERLY STORED. MUST STORE INVERTED INSIDE THE UTILITY SERVICE SINKS.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: EMPLOYEES MUST NOT STORE PERSONAL ITEMS SUCH AS HAND BAGS IN THE FOOD PREP/STORAGE AREAS. MUST PROVIDE A DESIGNATED EMPLOYEE STORAGE AREA.
56
14
Sep 16, 2024
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER INSIDE SMALL REFRIGERATION UNIT IN KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AN ACCURATE,WORKING THERMOMETER FOR REFRIGERATION UNIT AND MAINTAIN.
36
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE REAR EXIT DOOR NEAR THE WASHROOM HALLWAY WITH GAP OPENING APPROX:1/4" INCH AT BOTTOM RIGHT CORNER OF DOOR.INSTRUCTED TO MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING ALL ACROSS THE BOTTOM TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY AND MAINTAIN.
38
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE MICROWAVE AND PREP COOLERS AND ON TOP OF THE KITCHEN STOVE AND LARGE OVEN TO REMOVE FOOD SPLASHED DEBRIS AND MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS WITH GREASE AND DRIED FOOD DEBRIS ACCUMULATION ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS THROUGHOUT KITCHEN PREP/DISHWASHING AREA ESPECIALLY UNDER AND AROUND COOKING EQUIPMENTS AND FLOOR DRAIN UNDERNEATH THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED (2) MISSING FILTERS AT KITCHEN EXHAUST HOOD.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
56
78
Mar 17, 2023
Reinspection
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.11 OBSERVED MISSING CEILING TILES IN KITCHEN STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE CEILING TILES.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: 2-102.13 OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS WITHOUT FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENT.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: 2-102.13 OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WITH FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENT.
58
86
Mar 10, 2023
Routine
6 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO TEST STRIPS ON SITE FOR MEASURING SANITIZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE TEST STRIPS TO MEASURE SANITIZER CONCENTRATION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
48
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED POTS AND PANS TOO LARGE TO FIT INTO 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INSTALL LARGER SINK OR ACQUIRE SMALLER POTS AND PANS TO FIT INTO 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-025.
48
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED,HANDLED AND SERVED SUCH AS (CHICKEN AND SALMON) MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012.
2
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HAND WASHING SINK IN FRONT CONSUMER AREA WITH NO PAPER TOWELS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE PAPER TOWELS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C).
10
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY REMINDER AND DISCLOSURE NOTICE ON MENU FOR UNDERCOOKED ITEMS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
25
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD THERMOMETER ON SITE FOR MEASURING TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE METAL STEM FOOD THERMOMETER TO TAKE TEMPERATURES OF HOT AND COLD FOODS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
36
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH VALID CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DESIGNATE PERSON IN CHARGE DURING ALL HOURS OF OPERATION.
1
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING CEILING TILES IN KITCHEN STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE CEILING TILES.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS WITHOUT FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENT.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WITH FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENT.
58
45
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Arzan Market & Cafe last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Arzan Market & Cafe on file is from Sep 26, 2025. The public record contains four inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Arzan Market & Cafe?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Arzan Market & Cafe.
Has Arzan Market & Cafe's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Arzan Market & Cafe have averaged around 22 violations per visit, up from roughly four earlier in the record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Arzan Market & Cafe means the most recent inspection flagged either critical violations or a substantial number of smaller ones. Diners may want to read the violation details before deciding to visit.
How often is Arzan Market & Cafe inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Arzan Market & Cafe is inspected around two times per year on average.
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