Cafe Sushi-Wells

1342 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60610
Japanese / Sushi
Last inspected: Oct 18, 2023
78
Score
Low Risk

Public records show 15 inspections at Cafe Sushi-Wells stretching back to 2010. The latest inspection on file is from Oct 18, 2023. A low risk rating suggests inspectors haven't found much to be concerned about lately. No fresh inspection data is available: the latest entry for Cafe Sushi-Wells dates to Oct 18, 2023.

Performance has remained roughly level over recent inspections, averaging near four violations each time.

The most common issue across all inspections has been “insects, rodents, & animals not present”, showing up five times.

Restaurants in Chicago average 81, so Cafe Sushi-Wells trails the local norm. There isn't much in the file that would give a customer pause.

15
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
5
Minor latest
Inspection History
Oct 18, 2023
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Approved thawing methods used
Inspector notes: FROZEN RAW FISH HAS BEEN THAWED WHILE STILL WRAPPED IN COMMERICIAL REDUCED OXYGEN PACKAGING (ROP). PACKAGING MUST BE REMOVED FROM FISH IN ROP PRIOR TO THAWING UNDER REFRIGERATION OR RUNNING WATER.
35
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: EXTERIOR BACK EXIT DOOR (WHERE DUMPSTERS ARE LOCATED) HAS AN OPEN GAP ON THE BOTTOM WHICH ALLOWS FOR PESTS/INSECTS TO ENTER. EXTERIOR DOORS SHALL BE: SELF-CLOSING, SOLID AND TIGHT FITTING, AND LIMITED TO DESIGNATED USE.
38
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: INSECT CONTROL DEVICE (FLY STICKERS) IS OVER FOOD PREP AREA. DEVICES SHALL BE INSTALLED SO THAT: 1)THEY ARE NOT OVER FOOD PREPARATION AREAS, 2) DEAD INSECTS OR INSECT PARTS DO NOT FALL ONTO EXPOSED FOOD, EQUIPMENT, UTENSILS, OR SINGLE SERVICE ITEMS.
38
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: DRAIN STOPPERS AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN KITCHEN/PREPARATION AREA IS MISSING. FACILITY MUST PROVIDE STOPPERS FOR THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK TO ALLOW FOR PROPER WASH, RINSE, AND SANITIZER SET UP.
48
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FLOOR OF DUMPSTER STORAGE/ENCLOUSURE SLIGHTLY SOILED. AREA MUST BE CLEANED AND MAINTAINED OF UNNESESSARY ITEMS.
54
78
Oct 19, 2022
Reinspection
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Summary report displayed and visible to the public
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SUMMARY POSTED FOR PUBLIC VIEW FROM PREVIOUS INSPECTION #2565211 DATED 10/12/2022. LEFT NEW SUMMARY AND INSTRUCTED TO POST FOR PUBLIC VIEW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-010(B). CITATION ISSUED.
61
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE INSIDE ALL GENDER TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
53
86
Oct 12, 2022
Routine
4 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Compliance with variance/specialized process/haccp
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO LABORATORY LETTER REGARDING PH TESTING ON SITE INDICATING RICE HAS BEEN RENDERED NON-TCS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE EITHER LETTER FROM LABORATORY OR WORKING PH METER AND MAINTAIN ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
29
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGE CERTIFICATE POSTED ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO RECEIVE CERTIFICATE FROM CITY OF CHICAGO AND POST ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO VERIFIABLE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. LEFT TEMPLATE AND INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN COPIES OF EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY SIGNED BY ALL EMPLOYEES ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.
3
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO DISCLOSURE ON MENU CONNECTING RAW OR UNDERCOOKED ITEMS TO CONSUMER ADVISORY FOOTNOTE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE DISCLOSURE FOR ALL ITEMS SERVED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED ON ALL VERSIONS OF MENU. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
25
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
10
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE INSIDE ALL GENDER TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
53
61
Mar 6, 2020
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS OR POSTERS NEAR HAND WASHING SINK IN FRONT SUSHI BAR AREA. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
10
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RUSTY STORAGE SHELVING IN REAR STORAGE AREA. MUST REPAINT OR REPLACE SHELVING.
47
90
Feb 27, 2020
Routine
2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HAMACHI (YELLOWTAIL), NAMASAKE (FRESH SALMON), TAI (RED SNAPPER) ON MENU, SAID ITEM CAN BE ORDERED RAW. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO PROVIDE DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER FOR MENU ITEMS THAT CAN BE ORDERED UNDER COOKED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
25
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT#2293416 ON 6/12/19. 38. OBSERVED OUTSIDE DOOR IN RECEPTACLE AREA WITH A 1/4 INCH GAP . INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO MAKE DOOR CLOSED AND TIGHT FITTING.58.OBSERVED NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
60
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS OR POSTERS NEAR HAND WASHING SINK IN FRONT SUSHI BAR AREA. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
10
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RUSTY STORAGE SHELVING IN REAR STORAGE AREA. MUST REPAINT OR REPLACE SHELVING.
47
74
Jun 12, 2019
Routine
3 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: MANAGER PROVIDED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY THAT INCLUDES A SIGNED ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FROM EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7.38.010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA PROCEDURE OR MATERIALS TO CLEAN UP SAID INCIDENT. FACILITY MUST PROVIDE PROCEDURES AND MATERIALS FOR EMPLOYEES TO FOLLOW AND USE WHEN RESPONDING TO VOMITING OR DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED
5
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HAMACHI ON MENU, SAID ITEM CAN BE ORDERED RAW. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO PROVIDE DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER FOR MENU ITEMS THAT CAN BE ORDERED UNDER COOKED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED
25
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OUTSIDE DOOR IN RECEPTACLE AREA WITH A 1/4 INCH GAP . INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO MAKE DOOR CLOSED AND TIGHT FITTING.
38
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GARBAGE RECEPTACLE OVER FLOWING INSIDE DESIGNATED GARBAGE RECEPTACLE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO KEEP RECEPTACLES CLOSED AND TIGHT FITTING.
54
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS.
58
64
Mar 6, 2018
Routine
No violations found.
100
Jan 18, 2017
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: FOUND ALL FOOD ITEMS INSIDE SUSHI AREA REFRIGERATORS NOT DATED OR LABELED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY LABEL AND DATE ALL FOODS NOT FOUND IN THEIR ORIGINAL CONTAINERS AT ALL TIMES.MUST PROVIDE.
30
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: FOUND ONLY ONE WORKING SINK STOPPER DURING INSPECTION FOR THE 3-COMP SINK. MUST OBTAIN TWO ADDITIONAL SINK STOPPERS FOR THE 3-COMP SINK IN ORDER TO PROPERLY SET-UP FOR WASHING, RINSING AND SANITIZING AT ALL TIMES.
38
90
Mar 21, 2016
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Mar 18, 2016
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Water source: safe, hot & cold under city pressure
Inspector notes: THERE IS NO HOT RUNNING WATER TROUGHOUT ALL SINKS IN THE FOOD ESTABLISHMENT,WATER TEMPERATURE MEASURED AT 75.1F. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030.
9
Outside garbage waste grease and storage area; clean, rodent proof, all containers covered
Inspector notes: THE INTERIOR GARBAGE DUMPSTER STORAGE AREA,EXTERIOR DOOR THAT LEADS TO THE OUTSIDE IS NOT RODENT-PROOFED APPROXIMATELY 2" INCH GAP ALL ACROSS THE BOTTOM.ALSO,RODENT RAT DROPPINGS FOUND ON CORNERS OF THIS SAID STORAGE AREA APPROXIMATELY 10 RAT DROPPINGS.INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AFFECTED AREAS AND MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING ALL ACROSS THE BOTTOM TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY AND MAINTAIN. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
19
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: REMOVE ALUMINUM FOIL LINERS ON PLASTIC BASKETS WHERE CLEAN DISHWARE IS STORED,THIS AREA MUST BE SMOOTH,EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACES AND MAINTAIN.
32
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: REMOVE CLUTTERED CONDITIONS AT REAR HALLWAY DUE TO POTENTIAL PEST HARBORAGE AND ELEVATE STORED ARTICLES AT LEAST 6" INCHES OFF THE FLOOR/WALL FOR EASIER CLEANING AND MAINTAIN.
41
82
Feb 13, 2015
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE OPEN SITE FLOOR DRAIN AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK WITH ACCUMULATED DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FLOOR DRAINS.
35
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS WITHOUT PROOF OF STATE APPROVED FOOD HANDLER EDUCATION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROOF OF STATE APPROVED FOOD HANDLER EDUCATION.
45
90
May 9, 2014
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Water source: safe, hot & cold under city pressure
Inspector notes: INADEQUATE SUPPLY OF HOT WATER PROVIDED IN THE ESTABLISHMENT. OBSERVED HOT WATER AT 77.1F AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT HOT WATER ABOVE 110F MUST BE PROVIDED TO THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK FOR PROPER DISHWASHING. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HOT WATER ABOVE 110F TO THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AT ALL TIMES. BY THE END OF THE INSPECTION, THE HOT WATER WAS ABOVE 110F. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030.
9
* inspection report summary displayed and visible to all customers
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY FROM 5/2/14 WAS NOT POSTED ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT WAS GIVEN A COPY OF TODAY'S INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY AND WAS INSTRUCTED TO POST IT IN VIEW OF ALL CUSTOMERS. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-010B.
28
90
May 2, 2014
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Adequate number, convenient, accessible, designed, and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED REAR EXPOSED HANDSINK IN POOR REPAIR. OBSERVED A HOLE IN THE DRAIN LINE OF THE HANDSINK SO THAT WATER RAN ONTO THE FLOOR EXCESSIVELY WHEN THE WATER WAS TURNED ON. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR. THE HANDSINK IN THE FRONT PREP AREA CAN BE USED UNTIL THE REAR HANDSINK IS REPAIRED AND IS ACCESSIBLE THROUGH AN OPEN DOORWAY BETWEEN THE TWO PREP AREAS. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030.
11
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: FOOD (ICE) NOT PROTECTED FROM CONTAMINATION FROM 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 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: NO PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK WAS AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW DURING THE INSPECTION. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK WITH A CURRENT PEST CONTROL RECEIPT FROM A COMPANY LICENSED BY IDPH. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
18
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WAS PRESENT WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS (SOUP AT 147.3F) WAS BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD IS BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012.
21
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: REPAIR THE BROKEN DOOR HINGE AT THE PREP COOLER.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: REPAIR THE CORNERS OF THE WALLS IN THE REAR PREP AREA SO THAT THEY ARE COVERED.
35
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WET WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON THE COUNTERS. MUST STORE WET WIPING CLOTHS IN SANITIZER SOLUTION.
43
70
Sep 4, 2013
Complaint
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: MUST PROPERLY LABEL BULK STORAGE CONTAINERS WITH THE NAME.
30
95
Mar 10, 2010
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 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. MUST REPLACE BROKEN SLIDING GLASS DOOR TO SUSHI BAR DISPLAY COOLER.
32
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. MUST REPAIR OPENING IN WALL BEHIND REGISTER. ALSO PROVIDE BASEBOARD ALONG WALLS LEADING TO WASHROOM. MUST DETAIL CLEAN WALLS UNDER FRONT PREP COUNTERS AND REMOVE FOOD DEBRIS. REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILE OVER REAR PREP AREA.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: The flow of air discharged from kitchen fans shall always be through a duct to a point above the roofline. VENTILATION FAN IN WASHROOM NOT WORKING PROPERLY. MUST CLEAN OR REPAIR VENTILATION FAN SO THAT IT FUNCTIONS PROPERLY.
38
86

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Cafe Sushi-Wells last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Cafe Sushi-Wells on file is from Oct 18, 2023. The public record contains 15 inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Cafe Sushi-Wells?

Across the inspection record, “insects, rodents, & animals not present” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Cafe Sushi-Wells.

Has Cafe Sushi-Wells' inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Cafe Sushi-Wells have averaged around four violations per visit across the recent record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

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