Cafe Ballou

939 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Café / Breakfast

Last inspected: Aug 27, 2014

Score

Low Risk

Public records show five inspections at Cafe Ballou stretching back to 2010. On Aug 27, 2014, the health department conducted the most recent visit. Diners can read the low risk label as a sign that recent inspections have gone well. Note that Cafe Ballou's inspection history hasn't been updated since Aug 27, 2014; current conditions may have shifted from what the file shows.

Things are looking better lately, with recent visits averaging around two violations compared to roughly four violations earlier on.

Across the inspection history, “premises maintained free of litter” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded five times.

The city-wide average for Chicago sits at 81, putting Cafe Ballou on the better side of that line. There isn't much in the file that would give a customer pause.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Aug 27, 2014

Routine

2 minor violations.

View 2 violations

Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous

Inspector notes: PROVIDE THERMOMETER IN REFRIGERATOR.

Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored

Inspector notes: REMOVE ALL UNUSED EQUIPMENT ARTICLES IN PREP AND BASEMENT AREAS. ORGANIZE ALL STORAGE AREAS.

Nov 18, 2013

Routine

4 minor violations.

View 4 violations

Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

Inspector notes: Storage shelves, sink, prep cooler and prep counter not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean and sanitize.

Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

Inspector notes: Floor not maintained in prep and tile missing. Instructed to replace missing floor tile and detail clean floor.

Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

Inspector notes: Ventilation cover not toilet room not maintained. Instructed to detail clean.

Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored

Inspector notes: Unnecessary articles in basement and unused equipment. Instructed to remove all unused articles and elevate supplies 6 inches or higher and away from wall.

Nov 6, 2012

Routine

5 minor violations.

View 5 violations

* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served

Inspector notes: No certified food manager on premises when potentially hazardous foods are being served to customers.(preparing sandwiches,salads). Instructed that a certified food manager must be on premises during all hours of operation. Serious citation issued 7-38-012.

Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

Inspector notes: Floors behind equipment not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean daily.

Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

Inspector notes: Detail clean dusts accumulations on ceiling fans over customer dining areas.

Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored

Inspector notes: Detail clean,organize basement storage areas and remove unnecessary articles due to potential pest harborage and remaining articles must be properly stored 6" off floor/wall for easier cleaning.

Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn

Inspector notes: Food handlers must have hair restraints when working around open food.

Aug 22, 2011

Routine

1 minor violation.

View 1 violation

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 UNUSED EQUIPMENT FROM PREMISES

Aug 5, 2010

Routine

3 minor violations.

View 3 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.FOUND ARTICLES IN BASEMENT NOT PROPERLY STORED,NOT 6"OFF FLOOR.

Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous

Inspector notes: All food establishments that display, prepare, or store potentially hazardous foods shall have calibrated metal stem thermometers, provided and conspicuous, for refrigerated and hot food units.THERMOMETERS FOR ALL COOLERS ARE NEEDED.

Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Cafe Ballou last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Cafe Ballou on file is from Aug 27, 2014. The public record contains five inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Cafe Ballou?

Across the inspection record, “premises maintained free of litter” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Cafe Ballou.

Has Cafe Ballou's inspection record improved over time?

Yes. Recent inspections at Cafe Ballou have averaged around two violations per visit, down from roughly four earlier in the record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at Cafe Ballou means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.

Nearby Restaurants

Cafe Ballou & Deli

939 N Western Ave

Score: 67 — Medium Risk

Salsa Picante

949 N Western Ave

Score: 100 — Low Risk

Ricky's Deli

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Score: 86 — Low Risk

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