Cafe Nordstrom
Last inspected: Mar 16, 2026
86
Score
Public records show 19 inspections at Cafe Nordstrom stretching back to 2010. Inspectors last stopped by on Mar 16, 2026. Low risk means the most recent visit produced few or no significant findings.
Recent inspections have turned up roughly the same number of issues each time, hovering near three violations per visit.
“Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” comes up most often, recorded five times in the inspection record.
Compared to the broader Chicago restaurant scene, where the average is 81, this is a stronger showing. Taken together, the history is a positive one.
19
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 16, 2026
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SOME FOOD BUILD UP INSIDE SOME FLOOR DRAINS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST CLEAN INTERIOR OF FLOOR DRAINS AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GREASE BUILD UP DRIPPING FROM VENTILATION HOOD. MUST CLEAN VENTILATION HOOD AND MAINTAIN.
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: SOME FOOD ALLERGEN CERTIFICATES HAVE EXPIRED. INSTRUCTED ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST HAVE VALID FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES.
58
86
Apr 28, 2025
Reinspection
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS IN THE REAR PREP AREA WITH OPEN SEAMS AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REFINISH OR REPLACE DAMAGED OR STAINED CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ALUMINUM FOIL USED AS LINER ON FOOD PREP EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.
47
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: NOTED COMMERCIAL HIGH TEMP DISH MACHINE LOCATED IN DISH AREA MISSING THE MACHINE'S DATA PLATE AND OTHER MANUFACTURER'S INSTRUCTIONS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE MANUFACTURER INSTRUCTIONS.
48
86
Apr 17, 2025
Routine
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING SINKS NOT MAINTAINED WITH HOT WATER AT86.4F: IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF HOT WATER AT HAND SINK IN REAR PREP INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE HOT WATER AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS MUST BE AT LEAST 100F. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
10
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: NOTED NORDSTROM ESPRESSO BAR INSPECTION #2615957 1ST FLOOR LOW TEMPERATURE DISH WASHING MACHINE IN USE NOT PROPERLY SANITIZING. SANITIZING STRENGTH OF SANITIZER (CHLORINE) AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION WAS 0 PPM. EQUIPMENT MUST PROPERLY SANITIZE AT A MINIMUM OF 50 PPM.ECOLAB TECH ON SITE DISH MACHINE NOW READING 50 PPM. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED
16
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: NOTED CONTINUED NON-COMPLIANCE FROM REPORT #2252726 CONDUCTED ON 3/19/24. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED: (#55) 6-201.11: Kitchen floor tiles in poor repair, missing grout between tiles in several spots trapping dirt and wastewater, instructed to re-grout tiles and maintain. MUST CORRECT CORE VIOLATIONS BY THE DATE ON THE REPORT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
60
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: NOTED COMMERCIAL HIGH TEMP DISH MACHINE LOCATED IN DISH AREA MISSING THE MACHINE'S DATA PLATE AND OTHER MANUFACTURER'S INSTRUCTIONS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE MANUFACTURER INSTRUCTIONS.
48
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BROKEN FLOOR BASE TILES AND HOLE IN WALL UNDER DISH MACHINE IN DISH AREA, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR TO CREATE A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE. MUST MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
55
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS IN THE REAR PREP AREA WITH OPEN SEAMS AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REFINISH OR REPLACE DAMAGED OR STAINED CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ALUMINUM FOIL USED AS LINER ON FOOD PREP EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.
47
55
Mar 19, 2024
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: Insulation covering for walk-in cooler cooling lines are in poor repair, dust and loose tape, instructed to remove and maintain.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: Kitchen floor tiles in poor repair, missing grout between tiles in several spots trapping dirt and waste water, instructed to re-grout tiles and maintain.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: Inadequate lighting in walk-in cooler, instructed to provide additional lights
56
86
May 11, 2023
Routine
1 critical violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TCS FOODS @ IMPROPER TEMPERATURES DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. NOTED 3 LBS COOKED CHICKEN @56.2F, 1 LB COOKED PASTA @58.2F AND 4 LBS OF MILK @47.6F ALL STORED INSIDE OF WALK IN COOLER. NOTED GALLON OF MILK @48.2F STORED INSIDE 2 DOOR COOLER IN FRONT PREP AREA, AND 2 LBS COOKED PASTA STORED INSIDE COLD HOLD UNIT @56.4F. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO HOLD ALL COLD TCS FOODS @ 41F OR BELOW AT ALL TIMES. PIC DISCARDED AND DENATURED SAID ITEMS VOLUNTARILY. PRIORITY VIOLATION. #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
22
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT THROUGHOUT PREP AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED AREAS THROUGHOUT PREP USED FOR STORING UNUSED ITEMS. INSTRUCTED TO ORGANIZE, MISCELLANEUS AND CLEAN INSIDE UNUSED EQUIPMENT. MUST MAINTAIN PREMISE.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXCESSIVE DRIED FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOORS THROUGHOUT REAR PREP/DISHWASHING AREA UNDER EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
74
Apr 20, 2022
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Apr 12, 2022
Routine
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 4 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: No hot running water at front kitchen hand wash sink. water temp 67f, instructed to provide 100-120f temp at all hand wash sinks. priority violation 7-38-030. by the end of inspection a technician arrived and repaired faucet water temperature.
10
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: High temp dish washing machine not sanitizing at final rinse. final rinse temps 154f while machine was being used, utensils being washed instructed to provide 180f at final rinse gauge. priority violation 7-38-025. by the end of inspection the booster heater was turned on and final rinse reached 187f.
16
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: Inadequate insects control, found around 50 fruit flies at dish washing area, instructed to eliminate insects activity, pest control service recommended. priority foundation violation 7-38-020.
38
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: Thermometer hidden at rear of coolers at cook line, instructed to keep in warmest part, easy to view.
36
64
Feb 1, 2021
Routine
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO IRREVERSIBLE REGISTERING TEMPERATURE INDICATORS ON THE PREMISES TO MEASURE THE UTENSIL SURFACE TEMPERATURE INSIDE OF THE HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
48
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED METERE FAUCET NOT AT PROPER TEMPERATURE FOR HANDWASHING IN LADIES RESTROOM ON THE 4TH FLOOR. WATER TEMPERATURE @ 82.5F AT WASHBOW SINK # 2. MUST PROVIDE MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 100F AT ALL WASHBOWL SINKS IN ALL RESTROOMS.
51
86
Sep 13, 2019
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICY ON SITE, INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN. NO CITATION ISSUED
3
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE FOR FOOD SERVICE MANAGER, INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN
58
90
May 10, 2018
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: 2-DOOR REACH IN COOLER ALONG COOKLINE DOOR RUBBER GASKET RIPPED. MUST REPAIR/REPLACE DOOR GASKET.
32
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE WATER LINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE/MAKE VISIBLE BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE FOR ICE MACHINE.
38
90
Feb 7, 2017
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: BULK-FOOD CONTAINERS NOT LABELED, INSTRUCTED TO LABEL AND MAINTAIN.
30
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: DISPOSABLE PAPER CUPS USED AS A FOOD SCOOP, INSTRUCTED TO USE PROPER UTENSILS.
31
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: HEAVY DUST BUILD-UP NOTED ON PIPE INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER, ON WALL ATTACHED FAN IN SANDWICH PREP AREAS, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLERS WITH LONG BEARD NOT WEARING A BEARD RESTRAINTS, INSTRUCTED TO WEAR.
42
82
Feb 23, 2016
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: REMOVE BLACK CAULK FROM UNDER THE CONDERSER IN THE WALK-IN COOLER HANGING OVER READY TO EAT CILANTRO. INSTRUCTED TO CUT TAPE TO PROVIDE A SMOOTH EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.
32
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: REMOVE THE DUCT TAPE ON THE PIZZA PREP LINE THAT IS CURRENTLY PEELING AWAY FROM THE COUNTERTOP.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO WIPE DOWN AND CLEAN THE SQUARE PREP TABLE DIRECTLY NEXT TO THE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND MAINTAIN.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN THE FLOORS OF THE WALK-IN FREEZER TO REMOVE FOOD DEBRIS BUILDUP AND MAINTAIN.
35
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZER SOLUTION IN BETWEEN USE AND MAINTAIN.
43
78
Aug 20, 2015
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD ITEMS IN COLD HOLDING UNITS AT IMPROPER INTERNAL TEMPERATURES: SLICED TURKEY 46.9F, LEAFY GREEN SPINACH 50.0F, MAYO 47F, CHICKEN 46.4F. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY DENATURED AND DISCARDED. INSTRUCTED TO KEEP COLD FOOD ITEMS AT 40F OR LOWER. APPROX. WT. 16LBS, VALUE $50.00. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A).
3
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOOR IN KITCHEN AND PREP AREAS OF FOOD SPILLS.
34
90
Apr 24, 2014
Complaint
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD (CHICKEN AND COOKED POTATOES) FOUND AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES (51.0F-55.0F). MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED 7LBS OF FOOD VALUED AT $9. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN COLD FOOD AT 40.0F OR LESS. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A)
3
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BLOWN LIGHT BULBS IN THE DRY STORAGE ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ADEQUATE LIGHTING.
36
90
Sep 24, 2013
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST REGROUT THE FLOOR TILES IN FRONT OF THE COOK'S LINE. MAINTAIN THE FLOOR DRY IN THE DISHWASH AREA.
34
95
Sep 17, 2013
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector notes: FACILITIES DO NOT MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE. OBSERVED THE LINE PREP COOLER WITH AN AIR TEMPERATURE OF 52.7F. THE COOLER WAS USED TO STORE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS SUCH AS MEATS AND CHEESES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN THE COOLER BELOW 40F. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A.
2
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS STORED AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES INSIDE OF THE LINE PREP COOLER. OBSERVED SHRIMP AT 49.6F, GARLIC DRESSING AT 53.7F, EGGS AT 50.1F, BEEF AT 49.6F, SALMON AT 49.1F, ROASTED CORN AT 49.8F. MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED 20# OF FOOD WORTH $311. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A.
3
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: FOOD (ICE) NOT PROTECTED FROM CONTAMINATION DURING STORAGE INSIDE OF THE ICE MACHINE. OBSERVED DISCOLORATION AND A SLIMY SUBSTANCE ON THE INTERIOR CONTACT SURFACES OF THE ICE MACHINE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE INTERIOR SURFACES OF THE ICE MACHINE. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-005A.
16
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LIVE FRUIT FLIES ON THE WALLS AND CEILING OF THE FOOD PREPARATION AREAS. APPROXIMATELY 15 LIVE FRUIT FLIES WERE OBSERVED IN THESE AREAS. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO MINIMIZE OR ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
18
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST REGROUT THE FLOOR TILES IN FRONT OF THE COOK'S LINE. MAINTAIN THE FLOOR DRY IN THE DISHWASH AREA.
34
78
Nov 2, 2012
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MEAT SLICER BLADE HOUSING NOT CLEAN, ENCRUSTED FOOD DEBRIS STUCK PN SURFACES. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: FAN COVER IN WALK-IN COOLER WITH HEAVY DUST BUILD-UP, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: FLY TRAP INSTALLED ABOVE PREP TABLE, INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.
41
86
Oct 21, 2011
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: THE PAPER TOWEL HOLDERS AT FRONT PREP STATIONS MUST BE LOCATED RIGHT BESIDE THE HANDSINKS (PRESENTLY LOCATED UNDER THE SINK'S CABINET WITH DOORS TO OPEN). All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: FOLLOWING NEED CLEANING: CABINETS UNDER ALL SINKS MUST BE FREE OF CLUTTER/UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, INTERIOR OF VENTS AT BOTH ENDS OF DISHMACHINE, PANEL BEHIND THE SODA DISPENSER ICE CHUTE NEED CLEANING ALSO. All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOOR DRAIN BY THE SODA FOUNTAIN STATION MUST BE FREE OF ORGANIC MATTER. FLOORS AT DISHROOM AREA MUST BE KEPT DRY AT ALL TIMES. The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair.
34
86
Oct 22, 2010
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
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. CUTTING BOARDS IN NEED OF REPLACING WHERE WORN. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
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. All utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each usage. SODA DISPENSORS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD-UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
33
90
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Cafe Nordstrom last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Cafe Nordstrom on file is from Mar 16, 2026. The public record contains 19 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Cafe Nordstrom?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Cafe Nordstrom.
Has Cafe Nordstrom's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Cafe Nordstrom have averaged around three violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Cafe Nordstrom 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 Nordstrom inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Cafe Nordstrom is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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