Cafe 53
Last inspected: Apr 29, 2025
86
Score
Cafe 53 has been inspected 13 times since 2011. The most recent visit was on Apr 29, 2025. Low risk indicates the latest report didn't flag anything that would worry the average customer.
Things have been moving in the right direction, with the rolling count dropping from around nine violations to closer to five violations per visit.
“Premises maintained free of litter” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing seven times across the record.
That puts the facility ahead of the local pack: the average Chicago restaurant scores 81. The full picture is one of consistent compliance.
13
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 29, 2025
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT POP AND/OR MILK CRATES ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE FOR PROPER ELEVATION. MUST BE ABLE TO EASILY CLEAN AND MONITOR UNDERNEATH.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR OF COOLERS, FREEZERS AND COUNTER TOPS.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE FLOORS THROUGH OUT ALONG THE WALL BASE AND IN CORNERS TO REMOVE SPILLS AND/OR DEBRIS. ALSO CLEAN LEDGES IN THE PREP AREA TO REMOVE DBERIS.
55
86
Dec 10, 2024
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE REAR EXTERIOR DOOR NOT TIGHT FITTING AT THE BOTTOM (1/4" GAP). MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN TO PREVENT POSSIBLE ENTRY POINT FOR PESTS.
38
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CUTTING BOARD IN THE REAR WITH DEEP DARK SEEMS. MUST REPAIR AND/OR REPLACE.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE REACH IN COOLER SHELVING AND FAN COVER.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE CEILING AND WALLS IN THE PREP AREA DUSTY. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
82
Mar 27, 2024
Complaint
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GROCERY BAGS BEING USED FOR FOOD STORAGE FOR SOME FOOD ITEMS; INSTRUCTED TO USE FOOD GRADE BAGS FOR FOOD STORAGE.
45
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE RUBBER GASKETS AT ONE REFRIGERATION UNIT AND ONE FREEZER IN POOR REPAIR; INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE TO AVOID AIR ESCAPING FROM UNITS.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: FOUND A LEAK FROM THE EXPOSED HANDSINK IN TH MENS WASHROOM; INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR LEAK AT SINK.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FOLLOWING: THE FLOORS AND WALLS AROUND UNDER AND BEHIND KITCHEN EQUIPMENT, CLEAN FLOOR IN REAR STORAGE ROOM, CLEAN INTERIORS OF REFRIGERATION UNITS WHERE NEEDED, PREP TABLES AND OTHER EQUIPMENT IN KITCHEN AREA.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO ORGANIZE AND MAINTAIN REAR STORAGE CLOSET; REMOVE ANY UNNECESSARY ITEMS TO AVOID CLUTTER.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS THAT ARE NOT FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS 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 CERTIFCATE.
58
70
Aug 7, 2020
Reinspection
3 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: MUST CONVENIENTLY LOCATE A HAND WASH SINK PROPERLY EQUIPPED AT FRONT PREP AREA FOR EMPLOYEE USE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C).
10
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: NO PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEA EVENTS WITH CLEAN-UP KIT. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
5
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST REATTACH/SEAL SPLASH GUARD TO HAND SINK IN PREP AREA.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN/SANITIZE INTERIOR BOTTOM OF ALL REFRIGERATION UNITS OF FOOD SPILLS AND ENCRUSTED DEBRIS.
49
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE COVERED RECEPTACLES FOR WOMEN'S WASHROOM.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HIGH CEILINGS AT REAR WITH EXPOSED VENT OVER PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A PROTECTIVE BARRIER BETWEEN THE CEILING AND THE PREP AREA.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
57
58
Jul 31, 2020
Routine
5 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 13 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: NO PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEA EVENTS WITH CLEAN-UP KIT. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
5
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: MUST CONVENIENTLY LOCATE A HAND WASH SINK PROPERLY EQUIPPED AT FRONT PREP AREA FOR EMPLOYEE USE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C).
10
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE TCS FOODS(BREAKFAST SANDWICHES,COFFEE, ESPRESSO) ARE BEING PREPARED, HANDLED AND SERVED. CITY CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE WHILE TCS FOOD ITEMS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 ISSUED.
2
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: NOTED NO SANITIZER TEST STRIP KIT ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A TEST KIT ON SITE AT ALL TIME TO PROPERLY MONITOR THE STRENGHT OF THE SANITIZIER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
48
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ASSORTED FOOD ITEMS INSIDE REFRIGERATION UNITS NOT PROPERLY LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ITEMS WITH PRODUCT NAME INCLUDING BULK CONTAINERS.
37
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS WITH OPEN SEAMS AND DARK STAINS. MUST REFINISH OR REPLACE DAMAGED OR STAINED CUTTING BOARDS.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN/SANITIZE CAN OPENER ATTACHED TO PREP TABLE AT REAR.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST REATTACH/SEAL SPLASH GUARD TO HAND SINK IN PREP AREA.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN/SANITIZE INTERIOR BOTTOM OF ALL REFRIGERATION UNITS OF FOOD SPILLS AND ENCRUSTED DEBRIS.
49
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE COVERED RECEPTACLES FOR WOMEN'S WASHROOM.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HIGH CEILINGS AT REAR WITH EXPOSED VENT OVER PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A PROTECTIVE BARRIER BETWEEN THE CEILING AND THE PREP AREA.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
57
41
Nov 4, 2016
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS(COFFEE, ESPRESSO) ARE BEING PREPARED, HANDLED AND SERVED. CITY CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012 ISSUED.
21
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN/SANITIZE MEAT SLICER, ALL INTERIOR BOTTOMS OF REFRIGERATION UNITS AND COUNTER AREA AROUND COFFEE/ESPRESSO MACHINE OF SPILLS.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS IN KITCHEN AREA UNDER 3-COMP SINK, INBETWEEN 2-DR COOLER AND AROUND HEAVY EQUIPMENT AT CORNERS AND ALONG WALLBASE IN SAME AREA.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: CLEAN WALL OF FOOD SPLASHES NEXT TO 2-DR REFRIGERATOR IN KITCHEN ABOVE GARBAGE CONTAINER AND EXTERIOR SIDE OF 2-DR REFRIGERATOR IN SAME AREA.
35
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: REMOVE CLUTTER IN REAR STORAGE ROOM, ORGANIZE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
41
78
Oct 29, 2015
Reinspection
12 minor violations.
View 12 violations
Previous serious violation corrected, 7-42-090
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS SERIOUS VIOLATION FROM REPORT #1386509 10/22/15 #18 STILL FINDING FRONT DOOR FRAME NOT TIGHT FITTING.MANAGER IS ON SITE REPAIRING DOOR AT THIS TIME.(CRITICAL 7-42-090)
14
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED SEE VIOLATION #14.
18
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY AND NO CERTIFICATE POSTED TO VIEW WHILE CHICKEN,TURKEY,HUMMUS IS BEING PREPARED,HANDLED AND SERVED.MUST PROVIDE AND POST CERTIFICATE.(SERIOUS 7-38-012)
21
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST REMOVE RUST FROM SHELVING UNITS IN 2- DOOR REACH IN COOLER & TABLE TOP COOLER .MUST PROVIDE SPLASH GUARD AT HAND SINK NEXT TO PREP COOLER.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN DUST FROM OVER HEAD HANGING UNIT IN FRONT PREP AREA & REAR PREP AREA SHELVING UNITS.MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRI FROM ALL COOLERS,INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF STORAGE CABINETS,DISH RACKS,DIPPING WELL,COUNTER TOPS.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRI FROM FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES THROUGHOUT PREP AREAS,FOOD STORAGE AREA,MOP SINK CLOSET.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN PREP AREA.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN DUST BUILD UP FROM WALLS IN PREP AREA,DINING AREA,DOORS AT MOP SINK CLOSET,VENTILATION VENTS IN TOILETROOMS.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE HOLES IN WOMEN'S TOILETROOM DOOR.MUST SCRAPE AND PAINT PEELING PAINT ON WALLS THROUGHT PREP AREAS AND DINING AREA.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELDS AND END CAPS ON LIGHTS IN BOTH PREP AREAS.
36
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST PROVIDE PROBE AND REFRIGERATOR THERMOMETERS.
40
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE AND ORGANIZE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS IN FOOD STORAGE AREA,CASH REGISTER AREA.
41
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST PROVIDE HOOKS TO HANG WET MOPS.MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION.
43
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: IDPH FOOD HANDLERS REQUIREMENTS NOT MET.MUST ENROLL AND MAINTAIN.
45
55
Oct 22, 2015
Routine
14 minor violations.
View 14 violations
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector notes: OBSERVED REAR PREP COOLER AT 51.9F AND FRONT TABLE TOP MILK COOLER AT 49.0F. WITH POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS STORED INSIDE.A HELD FOR INSPECTION TAG PLACED ON UNIT.ONCE REPAIRED FAX LETTER TO (312)746-4240 WHEN READY.MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING UNIT AT 40.0F OR BELOW.(CRITICAL 7-38-005A)
2
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURES OF 1LB.CUT ROMAINE LETTUCE AT 48.7F AND 1/2LB.SLICED TOMATOES AT 46.9F IN REAR PREP COOLER AND 5 GALLONS MILK 44.4F,45.1F,45.8F,45.9F,52.3F,7QUARTS OF HALF & HALF 45.7F,46.9F,47.2F,5- HALF GALLONS SOY MILK 50.3F-50.5F IN TABLE TOP MILK COOLER.PRODUCT WAS DUMPED AND DENATURED BY MANAGER.MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING AT 40.0F OR BELOW.APPX.11.7,1.5 LBS GALLONS $52.50.(CRITICAL 7-38-005A)
3
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX.20 OR MORE LIVE SMALL FLIES FLYING AROUND,ON WALLS & CEILINGS AND A PILE OF SOILED TOWELS ON FLOOR UNDER 3- COMPARTMENT SINK & CONDIMENT COUNTER AND THROUGHOUT AND ALSO APPX. 100 OR MORE RODENT DROPPINGS ON FLOOR UNDER 3- COMPARTMENT SINK,ON BRICK UNDER CONDIMENT COUNTER,MOTOR OF REFRIGERATOR UNITS,COUNTER TOPS AND LEDGES,MOPSINK CLOSET,DINING AREA,DRY FOOD STORAGE AREA.FRONT DOOR FRAME,HOLE IN LOWER WALL AT FRONT WINDOW(EAST),REAR SCREEN DOOR AND WALL EXHAUST UNIT MISSING SCREEN.MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS,CLEAN & SANITIZE AREAS.RODENT PROOF DOORS.RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 10/22/15.(SERIOUS 7-38-020)
18
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY AND NO CURRENT FOOD MANAGERS CERTIFICATE POSTED TO VIEW WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED,HANDLED AND SERVED SUCH AS ROAST BEEF,CHICKEN,SLICED TOMATOES,LEAFY GREEN VEGETABLES,ETC.MUST PROVIDE & POST CERTIFICATE AND BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.(SERIOUS 7-38-012)
21
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE RUST FROM SHELVING UNITS IN 2- DOOR REACH IN COOLER & TABLE TOP COOLER .MUST PROVIDE LOCK ON FOOD STORAGE DOOR ACROSS FROM PUBLIC TOILET ROOM,SPLASH GUARD AT HAND SINK NEXT TO PREP COOLER.MUST REPLACE WORN CUTTING BOARD.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DUST FROM OVER HEAD HANGING UNIT IN FRONT PREP AREA & REAR PREP AREA SHELVING UNITS.MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRI FROM ALL COOLERS,INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF STORAGE CABINETS,DISH RACKS,DIPPING WELL,COUNTER TOPS.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRI FROM FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES THROUGHOUT PREP AREAS,FOOD STORAGE AREA,MOP SINK CLOSET.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN PREP AREA.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DUST BUILD UP FROM WALLS IN PREP AREA,DINING AREA,DOORS AT MOP SINK CLOSET,VENTILATION VENTS IN TOILETROOMS.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE HOLES IN WOMEN'S TOILETROOM DOOR.MUST SCRAPE AND PAINT PEELING PAINT ON WALLS THROUGHT PREP AREAS AND DINING AREA.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELDS AND END CAPS ON LIGHTS IN BOTH PREP AREAS.
36
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE PROBE AND REFRIGERATOR THERMOMETERS.
40
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE AND ORGANIZE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS IN FOOD STORAGE AREA,CASH REGISTER AREA.
41
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE HAIR RESTRAINTS FOR FOOD HANDLERS.
42
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE HOOKS TO HANG WET MOPS.MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION.
43
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: IDPH FOOD HANDLERS REQUIREMENTS NOT MET.MUST ENROLL AND MAINTAIN.
45
50
Nov 7, 2013
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST PROPERLY SEAL AROUND THE WASH BOWL IN THE WOMENS WASHROOM.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN ALL EQUIPMENT AND FOOD CONTACT SURFACES.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS UNDER ALL SINKS AND EQUIPMENT. MUST REMOVE COFFEE BEANS AND OTHER DEBRIS.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE WALLS IN THE PREP AREA.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR LEAKY FAUCET AT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST STORE ALL ITEMS IN REAR STORAGE CLOSET 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR.
41
74
Mar 29, 2012
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: A certified food service manager must be present in all establishments at which potentially hazardous food is prepared or served. NO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON DUTY NOR ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE POSTED WHEN DELI SANDWICHES ARE PREPARED AND SERVED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.
21
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. REMOVE CRATES OFF FLOOR AND PROVIDE SHELVING FOR STORAGE.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. CLEAN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF ALL COOLERS, FREEZERS, CABINETS, PREP TABLES, EQUIPMENT, SINKS, ETC
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. ELEVATE ALL STOCK OFF FLOOR IN STORAGE AREAS. FLOORS NEED CLEANING UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS.
34
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: All parts of the food establishment and all parts of the property used in connection with the operation of the establishment shall be kept neat and clean and should not produce any offensive odors. REMOVE ALL UNUSED EQUIPMENT IN OUTSIDE AND REAR STORAGE AREAS.
41
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: All employees shall be required to use effective hair restraints to confine hair. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS.
42
74
Mar 25, 2011
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Mar 24, 2011
Reinspection
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. PROVIDE FLOOR TILES FOR MISSING SECTION BY SMALL COOLER AT FRONT PREP AREA. CLEAN FLOORS THROUGHOUT PREMISES TO REMOVE CONSTRUCTION DEBRIS.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. SEAL ALL RAW WOOD SURFACES UNDER COUNTER AT FRONT PREP AREA AND NEXT TO PREP COOLER. SEAL ALL OPENINGS AROUND LARGE PIPING/VENTS AND UPPER AT DISH WASHING AREA AND HALLWAY BY TOILET ROOMS. SEAL OPENINGS AROUND ELECTRICAL OUTLETS AT FRONT PREP AREA. CLEAN UPPER AND LOWER WALLS AR THREE COMPARTMENT SINK.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE THE PROPER LIGHT SHEILDS AND END CAPS ON LIGHTS OVER ALL FOOD PREP AREAS OR PROVIDE PROOF OF SHATTER PROOF BULBS.
36
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: All parts of the food establishment and all parts of the property used in connection with the operation of the establishment shall be kept neat and clean and should not produce any offensive odors. MUST REMOVE ALL CLUTTER AND CONSTRUCTION DEBRIS FROM INTERIOR OF STORE AND FROM REAR OUTSIDE AREAS.
41
82
Mar 11, 2011
License
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector notes: GELATO FREEZER NOT ON AND OPERATING. MUST REPAIR AND HAVE ON AND OPERATING TO VERIFY THAT IT HOLDS THE PROPER TEMPERATURE.
2
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE PEELING PAINT FROM CEILING ABOVE REAR DISH WASHING AREA. MUST SEAL ALL LARGE GAPS ALONG WALL BASES IN REAR CLOSET AND INSTALL COVING. MUST SEAL OPENINGS AND RAW WOOD AROUND HOT WATER HEATER COVER IN MENS WASHROOM.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE THE PROPER LIGHT SHEILDS AND END CAPS ON LIGHTS OVER ALL FOOD PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS OR PROVIDE PROOF OF SHATTER PROOF BULBS.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST INSTALL A DIPPER WELL NEAR GELATO FREEZER. MUST REPAIR LEAKY FAUCET AT HAND SINK. MUST INSTALL A BACK FLOW DEVICE AT THE ESPRESSO MACHINE.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE ALL CLUTTER AND CONSTRUCTION DEBRIS FROM INTERIOR OF STORE AND FROM REAR OUTSIDE AREAS.
41
78
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Cafe 53 last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Cafe 53 on file is from Apr 29, 2025. The public record contains 13 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Cafe 53?
Across the inspection record, “premises maintained free of litter” has been cited seven times, more than any other issue at Cafe 53.
Has Cafe 53's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Cafe 53 have averaged around five violations per visit, down from roughly nine earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Cafe 53 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 Cafe 53 inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Cafe 53 is inspected roughly once per year on average.
Nearby Restaurants