Cafe Utjeha
Last inspected: Nov 26, 2025
52
Score
Cafe Utjeha has been inspected 12 times since 2011. On Nov 26, 2025, the health department conducted the most recent visit. High risk usually means inspectors flagged either critical violations or a stack of smaller ones.
Recent visits have flagged more than earlier ones: around six violations per visit lately, up from roughly four violations before.
“Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous” comes up most often, recorded three times in the inspection record.
Restaurants in Chicago average 81, so Cafe Utjeha trails the local norm. Taken together, the history suggests a facility that has struggled with consistency.
12
Inspections
0
Critical latest
2
Major latest
9
Minor latest
Inspection History
Nov 26, 2025
Routine
2 major violations. 9 minor violations.
View 11 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED ON THE PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.
2
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: THE PERSON IN CHARGE DOES NOT HAVE A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.
1
Compliance with clean indoor air ordinance
Inspector notes: NOTED FIVE, DIRTY WITH ASH, ASHTRAYS IN THE REAR ENCLOSED DINING ROOM OF THE ESTABLISHMENT. INSTRUCTED OWNER THERE IS NO SMOKING ALLOWED INSIDE RETAIL FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS. CITATION ISSUED 7-32-020 (C)
62
Proper eating, tasting, drinking, or tobacco use
Inspector notes: NOTED EMPLOYEE EATING AND DRINKING IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. MUST NOT EAT IN THE FOOD PREP AREA AND ALL BEVERAGES MUST BE IN A COVERED CONTAINER.
6
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: SOME AREAS IN THE THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE IN NEED OF CLEANING.
16
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: MUST NOT STORE ANY UTENSILS, WATER PITCHERS, EQUIPMENT NEXT TO OR SURROUNDING THE PREP HAND WASHING SINK.
39
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE A LID FOR THE ICE BIN IN THE FOOD PREP AREA.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: TOP WOODEN PORTION OF THE WOOD COUNTER/PREP SURFACE IN PREP AREA IN POOR REPAIR WITH CHIPPING DAMAGED WOOD. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE TO BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: NOTED PEELING PLASTIC ON THE TOP PORTION OF THE ICE MACHINE. MUST REMOVE TO BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE LOCATED ON THE UTILITY SERVICE SINK WITH A HOSE ATTACHED. MUST PROVIDE A VISIBLE BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED.
51
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES FOR ALL EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE.
57
52
May 11, 2021
Routine
No violations found.
100
Jun 11, 2020
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 PROOF OF EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY THAT INCLUDES A SIGNED ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FROM EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7.38.010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PROBE THERMOMETER FOR TAKING FOOD TEMPERATURES.MUST PROVIDE.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED) 7-38-005
36
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE DURING THE INSPECTION WHILE THE TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS (MILK) HAS BEEN PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012.CITATION ISSUED
2
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE SINGLE SERVICE FOOD UTENSILS AND CUPS STORED IN KITCHEN CABINETS UNDER HAND WASHING SINK
44
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES NOT LOCATED CAPPUCCINO/ESPRESSO MACHINE. MUST INSTALL BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES OR AIR GAP BETWEEN THE WATER SUPPLY INLET AND THE UNIT SO IT MAY BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CARPET IN LADY'S BATHROOM.MUST REMOVE TO MAINTAIN EASY CLEANABLE SURFACES
55
64
Jun 17, 2019
Routine
1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CLEAN-UP OF VOMITING AND DIARRHEA PROCEDURE ON SITE DURING INSPECTION BUT NO COMPLETE CLEAN-UP KIT ON PREMISES DURING INSPECTION.MISSING MOP HEAD AND MASK. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE SAID PROCEDURE ALONG WITH REQUIRED EQUIPMENT FOR CLEAN-UP. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-005
5
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: MUST INSTALL PROPER DRAIN TO SEWAGE ON DRAIN ORIGINATED FROM COFFEE MACHINE
51
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES NOT LOCATED AT ICE MACHINE AND CAPPUCCINO/ESPRESSO MACHINE. MUST INSTALL BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES OR AIR GAP BETWEEN THE WATER SUPPLY INLET AND THE UNIT SO IT MAY BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE TOILET ROOM RECEPTACLE WITH COVER FOR SANITARY NAPKINS IN LADY'S BATHROOM
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR WALLS BY REACH IN COOLER IN UTILITY ROOM
55
74
Aug 21, 2018
Routine
3 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: 2-102.14(A)-NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POILICY. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-012(A) NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: 2-501.11- NO PROCEDURE FOR CLEANING AFTER AN EMPLOYEE OR A PATRON EXPERIENCES VOMITING AND/OR DIARRHEA. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: 3-501.17(C)A REFRIGERATED READY TO EAT TIME TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD MUST BE PROPERLY LABELED AND DATED AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
23
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: 3-304.14(D)-WIPING CLOTH FOR WIPING THE PREP TABLES, SERVING COUNTER,DINING TABLES MUST BE STORED ON A BUCKET WITH SANITIZING SOLUTION.
41
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: 3-304.12(E)- ICE SCOOP MUST BE STORED ON A SEPARATE CONTAINER HANDLED UP TO PREVENT POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.
43
67
Jun 20, 2017
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: NO GREASE TRAP BOX AT THE DISHWASHING 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN. NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE AT THE COFFEE EXPRESSO MACHINE AT PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A VISIBLE BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE AND MAINTAIN.
38
95
Jun 13, 2017
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Outside garbage waste grease and storage area; clean, rodent proof, all containers covered
Inspector notes: OUTSIDE GARBAGE DUMPSTER NOT MAINTAINED HAS A BROKEN LID WITH APPROXIMATELY A 3"INCH HOLE AT CORNER OF LID OF SAID GARBAGE DUMPSTER.INSTRUCTED TO NOTIFY DISPOSAL COMPANY TO REPAIR/REPLACE LID OF SAID GARBAGE DUMPSTER AND MAINTAIN CONTAINER COVERED,RODENT PROOFED AT ALL TIMES.SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
19
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: NO GREASE TRAP BOX AT THE DISHWASHING 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN. NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE AT THE COFFEE EXPRESSO MACHINE AT PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A VISIBLE BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE AND MAINTAIN.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: NO THERMOMETER INSIDE THE REFRIGERATOR AT PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN A VISIBLE THERMOMETER.
40
86
May 21, 2015
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: NO THREE SINK STOPPERS FOR THREE COMPARTMENT SINK, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE,
38
95
Sep 9, 2014
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: FRONT STORAGE CABINETS AND UNDER COUNTER TOP EUQUIPMENT NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN NAD SANITIZE ALL FOOD CONTACT SURFACES.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOOR ALONG WALL BASE AND BEHIND EQUIPMENT NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN DAILY.
34
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: ICE SCOOP NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO STORE IN SANITIZE HOLDER OR CONTAINER.
43
86
Aug 26, 2013
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: FOOD DEBRIS AND DUST ON INTERIOR/EXTERIOR OF EQUIPMENT; INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN/SANITIZE; COOLERS, FREEZER, CABINETS, MOP SINK AND ICE MACHINE.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: DEBRIS/FOOD DEBRIS BUILD-UP ON FLOORS; INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS AT PREP AREA AND MOP/STORAGE CLOSET, UNDER, BEHIND EQUIPMENT AT CORNERS AND ALONG WALLS.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LARGE OPENINGS ALONG NORTH WALLS BEHIND PREP AREA; INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR WALL/SEAL OPENINGS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: NO BACK FLOW PREVENTER ON MOP SINK, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE BACK FLOW PREVENTER OR CUT THREADS ON FAUCET.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: NO THERMOMETER FOR ONE DOOR PREP REACH IN COOLER, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A THERMOMETER.
40
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CLUTTER INSIDE MOP/STORAGE CLOSET; INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CLUTTER, CLEAN AND ORGANIZE TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE. ARTICLES MUST BE STORED OFF FLOOR, AWAY FROM WALLS.
41
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: ICE SCOOP IMPROPERLY STORED; INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORED IN AN APPROVED SANITIZER.
43
70
Nov 20, 2012
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE WHILE SERVING SMOOTHIES, TERAMISU, CHEESE CAKE,MILK,ICE CREAM,ETC. ONE CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFICATE POSTED ON THE WALL,BUT THE SAID PERSON IS NOT ON SITE. CITATION ISSUED SERIOUS 7-38-012.
21
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST DEFROST THE REACH IN COOLER AND REACH IN FREEZER WITH HEAVY ICE ACCUMULATED AND MAINTAIN.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN IN DETAIL THE FLOOR AROUND AND BEHIND THE WATER HEATER AND MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST SEAL ALL THE GAPS/CREVICES AROUND THE CONDUIT AND PIPES INSIDE THE STORAGE ROOM.
35
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: MUST REPLACE BROKEN THERMOMETER INSIDE THE REACH IN COOLER BESIDE THE FRONT COUNTER. MUST PROVIDE VISIBLE THERMOMETER IN REACH IN COOLER BEHIND FRONT COUNTER, AND REACH IN FREEZER IN THE STORAGE ROOM.
40
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: ALL WASH CLOTHS USED FOR WIPING THE FRONT COUNTER, COOLERS, DINING TABLES, MUST BE STORED IN A BUCKET WITH SANITIZING SOLUTION.
43
No smoking regulations
Inspector notes: FOUND DISPOSABLE GLASS BEING USE AS AN ASTRAYS WITH CIGARETTE BUTTS INSIDE, IN ALL DINING TABLES IN THE PATIO. INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT ALL ASTRAYS SHALL BE REMOVED FROM ANY AREA WHERE SMOKING IS PROHIBITED. CITATION ISSUED 7-32-020(C). CLEAN INDOOR AIR ORDINANCE.
70
70
Feb 16, 2011
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: All utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each usage. MUST CLEAN CABINETS THRU-OUT PREP AREA.
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. MUST CLEAN FLOORS THRU-OUT PREMISES, AT CORNERS AND ALONG WALLS.
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. MUST REPAIR EAST WALL INSIDE MENS WASHROOM.
35
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN AND ORGANIZE MOP CLOSET TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
41
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: Between uses and during storage ice dispensing utensils and ice receptacles shall be stored in a way that protects them from contamination.
43
78
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Cafe Utjeha last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Cafe Utjeha on file is from Nov 26, 2025. The public record contains 12 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Cafe Utjeha?
Across the inspection record, “refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at Cafe Utjeha.
Has Cafe Utjeha's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Cafe Utjeha have averaged around six violations per visit, up from roughly four earlier in the record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Cafe Utjeha means the most recent inspection flagged either critical violations or a substantial number of smaller ones. Diners may want to read the violation details before deciding to visit.
How often is Cafe Utjeha inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Cafe Utjeha is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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