Bar Cafe San Francesco
Last inspected: May 22, 2025
95
Score
Going back to 2011, Bar Cafe San Francesco has 16 inspections in the public record. The most recent visit was on May 22, 2025. A low risk tier reflects an inspection that turned up minimal issues.
Violation counts have been trending down, averaging around two violations across recent inspections versus roughly seven violations before.
When inspectors have written things up, “proper cooling methods used” has been the most frequent reason, cited eight times.
Bar Cafe San Francesco's latest score of 95 sits above the Chicago average of 81. The full picture is one of consistent compliance.
16
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
May 22, 2025
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: NOTED CLUTTER IN KITCHEN ON TABLE AND CABIENT TOPS. AND ON STAIRWAY AND IN BASEMENT/ BASEMENT CLOSETS. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ITEMS. ALL KEPT ITEMS ARE TO BE STORED ON PROPER SHELVING THAT IS SMOOTH AND EASY TO CLEAN AND A MINIMUM OF 6 INCHES OFF THE GROUND.
55
95
Aug 26, 2024
Routine
No violations found.
100
Aug 28, 2023
Routine
1 critical violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ONE (REFRIGERATOR) IN KITCHEN AREA WITH AN AIR TEMPERATURE OF 49.5 F. NO (TCS FOODS) WERE FOUND IN MENTIONED COOLER AT THIS TIME OF INSPECTION.INSTRUCTED MANAGER COLD HOLDING UNIT MUST MAINTAIN COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 41.0F OR COLDER AT ALL TIMES.THE REFRIGERATION UNIT IS TAGGED "HELD FOR INSPECTION" AT THIS TIME.INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE UNTIL REPAIRED.SEE COMMENTS BELOW.PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005,NO CITATION ISSUED.
33
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED STAINED CUTTING BOARDS IN THE KITCHEN PREP AREAS.INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE OR REPLACE THE CUTTING BOARDS
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE MICROWAVE AND KITCHEN COOLERS AND MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS THROUGHOUT THE KITCHEN PREP AREAS ESPECIALLY UNDER AND AROUND COOKING EQUIPMENTS AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE KITCHEN EXHAUST HOOD NOT WORKING.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MANTAIN ADEQUATE VENTILATION FOR KITCHEN COOKING EQUIPMENTS.
56
70
Apr 12, 2021
Routine
8 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FRONT SCREEN DOOR WITH GAP APPROXIMATELY 1/4" INCH OPENING AT BOTTOM LEFT CORNER.MUST MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING ALL ACROSS THE BOTTOM TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.
38
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE GROCERY BAGS FOR FOOD STORAGE INSIDE REFRIGERATION UNITS. MUST USE FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS OR CONTAINERS.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING SINK STOPPERS FOR THE BAR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN 3 ADEQUATE WORKING SINK STOPPERS.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FOLLOWING: INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF ALL COOLERS AND FREEZERS,PREP TABLES,STORAGE AND PREP SHELVES, INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS WITH FOOD DEBRIS AND SOME LITTER ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS THROUGHOUT REAR KITCHEN PREP AREA AND IN THE FRONT BAR AREA.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND ORGANIZE KITCHEN PREP AREA AND FRONT BAR AREA AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES DUE TO POTENTIAL PEST HARBORAGE AND ELEVATE STOCK ITEMS OFF THE FLOOR AT LEAST 6" INCHES (MUST NOT USE MILK CRATES OR SODA CRATES FOR ELEVATING OF ITEMS).
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ACCUMULATION OF DUSTS ON VENTILATION COVER IN WASHROOMS.
56
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT ALL HANDSINKS(BAR,WASHROOM).
10
67
Oct 29, 2019
Routine
3 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CONSUMER REPORT REMINDERS ON THE MENU.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PUT CONSUMER REMINDERS ON THE MENU. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
25
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED INCOMPLETE CLEAN UP KIT ONSITE.INSTRUCTED TO GET A COMPLETE CLEAN UP KIT ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
5
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED INCOMPLETE DATE MARKING ON READY TO EAT FOOD IN REFRIGERATOR AND FREEZER.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO HAVE DATE MARKING ON READY TO EAT FOOD AT MENTIONED LOCATIONS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005
23
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GARBAGE RECEPTACLES WITHOUT LIDS IN RESTROOMS.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PROVIDE LIDS FOR GARBAGE RECEPTACLES IN RESTROOMS.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CLUTTER IN THE KITCHEN,DINING ROOM AND BASEMENT.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REMOVE CLUTTER.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ELECTRIC OVEN WITHOUT VENTILATION OVER IT.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PUT VENTILATION OVER ELECTRIC OVEN IF OVER 7.5 KILOWATTS.
56
64
Sep 14, 2018
Routine
2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: 2-501.11 OBSERVED NO CLEANINING SCHEDUAL ON SITE.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO CREATE A CLEANING SCHEDUAL. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATIONS ISSUED.
5
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: 2-201.11 OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO CREATE A EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-12(a) NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-202.16 OBSERVED BACK OF BAR NOT CLEAN .INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO CLEAN BACK OF BAR. CORE
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: 4-601.(A) OBSERVED FOOD ENCRUSTED INSIDE REFRIGERATORS.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO CLEAN INSIDE REFRIGERATORS. CORE
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-201.11 OBSERVED FLOORS AT WALLBASE BEHIND EQUIPMENT (REFRIGERATORS) NEED CLEANING. CORE
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: PA100-0367 OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE ON SITE.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO GET A ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE CORE
58
67
May 5, 2017
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: NOTED REACH IN FREEZER (IN REAR PREP/COOKING AREA) WITH EXCESSIVE ICE ACCUMULATION. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND DEFROST.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FOLLOWING: INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF ALL COOLERS AND FREEZERS, STORAGE AND PREP SHELVES, INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS WITH FOOD DEBRIS AND SOME LITTER ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS THROUGHOUT REAR PREP/COOKING AREA AND IN FRONT BAR AREA.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR STRIPPED (HOT) FAUCET HANDLE AT HAND SINK INSIDE WASHROOM (REAR PREP AREA).----------MUST REPAIR FAUCET NECK AND HANDLE WITH LEAK AT EXPOSED HAND SINK IN FRONT BAR AREA.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: NOTED UNNECESSARY ARTICLES AND CLUTTER IN REAR PREP/COOKING AREA AND IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, REMOVE CLUTTER AND REORGANIZE. FOOD AND NON FOOD ITEMS MUST BE STORED 6" OFF THE FLOOR FOR EASY ACCESS ON CLEANING.
41
78
May 16, 2016
Reinspection
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: NO SPLASH GUARD AT FRONT BAR AREA NEXT TO THREE COMPARTMENT SINK DRAIN BOARD, AND EXPOSED HAND SINK, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE,
32
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: NO LIGHT SHIELDS ON LIGHTS IN KITCHEN PREP AREA, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE,
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: NO BACK FLOW DEVICE AT COFFEE MACHINE, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE,
38
86
Apr 8, 2016
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector notes: CONTINUED NON COMPLIANCE ON PREVIOUS ORDERS ISSUED, DATED 07/10/2015, INSPECTION REPORT # 1560085, FOR VIOLATIONS LISTED BELOW: 41 INSTRUCTED TO REORGANIZE REAR PREP AND BASEMENT AREA TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE. MUST REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES AND CLUTTER, SERIOUS CITATION: 7-42-090
29
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: NO SPLASH GUARD AT FRONT BAR AREA NEXT TO THREE COMPARTMENT SINK DRAIN BOARD, AND EXPOSED HAND SINK, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE,
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: 1ST FLOOR PREP AND BASEMENT AREA FLOORS NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN DAILY,
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: STAINED CEILING TILE IN KITCHEN PREP AREA, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE,
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: NO LIGHT SHIELDS ON LIGHTS IN KITCHEN PREP AREA, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE,
36
Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE A COMPLETE SEPARATION BETWEEN LIVING QUARTERS AND RESTAURANT, IN BASEMENT AREA,
37
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: NO BACK FLOW DEVICE AT COFFEE MACHINE, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE,
38
70
Jul 10, 2015
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR SURFACES OF COOLERS AND FREEZERS.
33
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL EXPOSED HAND SINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER EQUIPPED WITH HAND SOAP AND PAPER TOWEL BEHIND FRONT BAR.--------MUST REPAIR LEAKY DRAINPIPE UNDERNEATH FIRST (LEFT) COMPARTMENT OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.----------MUST PROVIDE WORKING DRAIN STOPPERS FOR 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REORGANIZE REAR PREP AND BASEMENT AREA TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE. MUST REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES AND CLUTTER.
41
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: NO EMPLOYEE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE ON PREMISE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. INFORMATION GIVEN.
45
82
Jun 18, 2014
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: Found some food items not properly dated in rear reach in cooler, must properly date food items in reach in cooler.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Cooler shelving/racks that had peeling paint/rust, shall be repaired/replaced.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Non food contact surfaces of cooking equipment, prep table lower shelving not clean, need detailed cleaning(crevices).
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Floors under heavy equipment, cooking equipment not clean, need detailed cleaning(corners).
34
82
May 24, 2013
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Non food contact surfaces of cooler shelving/racks not clean, need detailed cleaning(crevices).
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Floors in kitchen prep area, bar area not clean, need cleaning(detailed).
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Exhaust vents(ventilation) in kitchen prep area, bathrooms not clean, need detailed cleaning.
38
86
Dec 10, 2012
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL AND CLEAN THE FOLLOWING; INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF (2) 3 COMPARTMENT SINK (PREP/BAR), INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF ALL COOLERS AND FREEZERS WITH GREASE AND DRIED FOOD DEBRIS ACCUMULATION
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP AND IN BASEMENT.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN WALLS WITH DRIED FOOD SPILLAGE AROUND PREP AREA.
35
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE INSIDE ALL COOLERS AND FREEZERS.
40
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES (NEWSPAPER, BOXES ETC.) STORED THROUGHOUT PREMISES (BAR/PREP/BASEMENT)TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE. USABLE ITEMS MUST BE STORED 6" OFF THE FLOOR FOR EASY ACCESS ON CLEANING. MUST REORGANIZE.
41
78
Sep 16, 2011
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Sep 14, 2011
Reinspection
10 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Previous serious violation corrected, 7-42-090
Inspector notes: Previous serious violation not corrected: report #557531, 09-07-2011: Dish washing facilities not maintained or operated. While draining and running water in middle of three compartment sink, water with food particles coming up left and right sides. Additionally, water coming-up in exposed hand sink also at this time. Instructed to detail clean grease trap and/or drainline to prevent inadequate disposal of waste water. Contact plumber to correct violation. Critical citation issued 7-42-090.
14
Dish washing facilities: properly designed, constructed, maintained, installed, located and operated
Inspector notes: Violation has been upgraded to Critical
24
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Sinks, cooking equipment, utensils, unused equipment, coolers and storage shelves/cabinets (kitchen and all washrooms) not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean and sanitize.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Floor along wallbase, behind equipment and in basement not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean daily. Remove all grease and food debris and litter through-out.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Ceiling and light cover in prep and basement not maintained. Instructed to replace cracked light cover in prep area and replace all damaged ceiling tile thru-out premises.
35
Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters
Inspector notes: Toilet room door not self closing. Instructed to install self-closing device.
37
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Backflow device not installed on utility faucet. Must install backflow device or remove threads from faucet.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: Thermometer not visible inside cooler. Instructed to have thermometer conspicuous inside all coolers.
40
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: Unnecessary articles stored on premises and stock not properly stored. Instructed to elevate stock 6 inches or higher and away from wall and remove all unused articles
41
Only authorized personnel in the food-prep area
Inspector notes: Video gaming machines in rear food prep area. Instructed to remove machines from prep area or have area sectioned off from prep area.
44
61
Sep 7, 2011
Routine
8 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Dish washing facilities: properly designed, constructed, maintained, installed, located and operated
Inspector notes: Dish washing facilities not maintained or operated. While draining and running water in middle of three compartment sink, water with food particles coming up left side. Instructed to detail clean grease trap and/or drainline to prevent inadequate disposal of waste water. Serious citation isued 7-38-030.
24
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Sinks, cooking equipment, utensils, unused equipment, coolers and storage shelves/cabinets not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean and sanitize.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Floor along wallbase, behind equipment and in basement not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean daily.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Ceiling and light cover in prep and basement not maintained. Instructed to replace cracked light cover in prep area and replace all damaged ceiling tile thru-out premises.
35
Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters
Inspector notes: Toilet room door not self closing. Instructed to install self-closing device.
37
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: Thermometer not visible inside cooler. Instructed to have thermometer conspicuous inside all coolers.
40
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: Unnecessary articles stored on premises and stock not properly stored. Instructed to elevate stock 6 inches or higher and away from wall and remove all unused articles
41
Only authorized personnel in the food-prep area
Inspector notes: Video gaming machine in rear prep area. Instructed to remove machine in prep area or have area sectioned off from prep area.
44
67
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Bar Cafe San Francesco last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Bar Cafe San Francesco on file is from May 22, 2025. The public record contains 16 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Bar Cafe San Francesco?
Across the inspection record, “proper cooling methods used” has been cited eight times, more than any other issue at Bar Cafe San Francesco.
Has Bar Cafe San Francesco's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Bar Cafe San Francesco have averaged around two violations per visit, down from roughly seven earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Bar Cafe San Francesco 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 Bar Cafe San Francesco inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Bar Cafe San Francesco is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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