Caffe Baci

231 S La Salle St, Chicago, IL 60604
Italian
Last inspected: Mar 2, 2018
86
Score
Low Risk

The health department has logged 14 inspections at Caffe Baci, the earliest from 2010. Inspectors last stopped by on Mar 2, 2018. A low risk tier reflects an inspection that turned up minimal issues. No fresh inspection data is available: the latest entry for Caffe Baci dates to Mar 2, 2018.

Recent inspections have turned up roughly the same number of issues each time, hovering near four violations per visit.

The pattern that stands out is “walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code”, which has been cited seven times.

Restaurants in Chicago average 81, so Caffe Baci is doing better than most peers. The file should reassure diners considering a visit.

14
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 2, 2018
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PREPACKAGED DESSERTS, COOKIES,ETC FOR SALE NOT LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL PROPER LABELS OF INGREDIENTS.
30
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS NOT CLEAN OF DEBRIS IN REAR UNDER STORAGE SHELVING AND IN DRY STORAGE ROOM AROUND HOT WATER TANK. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN/MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED UPPER AND LOWER WALL AREA THROUGHOUT DISH WASHING ROOM NOT CLEAN OF DEBRIS,ETC. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN/MAINTAIN.
35
86
Nov 16, 2017
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: Observed spatulas and knives improper stored in spaces between counters and cooking equipment in front prep area. Must properly store all utensils in a clean container, or in a knife box, or on a magnetic strip to prevent contamination. Must maintain same.
31
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: Observed wiping cloths throughout coffee prep, front prep, and rear prep area improper stored on counters. Must properly store all wiping cloths in a sanitizing solution when not in use. Must maintain same.
43
90
Nov 8, 2017
Complaint
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: Observed potentially hazardous foods at improper temperatures in the walk-in cooler and the front display cooler. Found chicken @ 49.5F in the walk in cooler. In the front display cooler found assortment of yogurts and yogurt parfaits @ 46.6F- 64.8F; small cartons of milk @ 50.0F; and hummus @ 59.1F. Instructed must keep all potentially hazardous foods @ 40F or less or 140F or more at all times. Operator discarded denatured foods during inspection. Critical violation 7-38-005(a).
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 12 small, black flies on walls and metal shelving in rear prep area. Must detail clean and sanitize walls and shelving. Must eliminate pest issue. Serious violation 7-38-020.
18
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: Observed spatulas and knives improper stored in spaces between counters and cooking equipment in front prep area. Must properly store all utensils in a clean container, or in a knife box, or on a magnetic strip to prevent contamination. Must maintain same.
31
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: Observed wiping cloths throughout coffee prep, front prep, and rear prep area improper stored on counters. Must properly store all wiping cloths in a sanitizing solution when not in use. Must maintain same.
43
82
Apr 6, 2017
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: THE CUTTING BOARDS IN THE FRONT PREP AREA WITH DEEP GROOVES AND STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO SAND OR REPLACE CUTTING BOARDS, MUST MAINTAIN A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE. THE WASH BOWL IN THE MEN'S TOILET ROOM IS IN NEED OF RECAULKING. INSTRUCTED TO RECAULK AROUND THE WASH BOWL AND MAINTAIN.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: THE INTERIOR OF THE OVENS IN THE REAR FOOD PREPARATION AREA IS IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN TO REMOVE FOOD, DIRT AND GREASE BUILD UP.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: THE FLOORS UNDER THE DISH MACHINE, AROUND THE GREASE TRAP, HOT WATER TANK AND HEAVY EQUIPMENT HAS FOOD AND DIRT DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: THE HOT WATER KNOB ON THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK HAS A LEAK. INSTRUCTED TO FIX AND MAINTAIN.
38
82
Jul 14, 2016
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS MAINTAINED AT IMPROPER COLD TEMPERATURES INSIDE COOLERS.APPROX 20lb LBS OF CHICKEN PASTA SALAD-59.8F,43.8F,12LBS OF BOW TIE PASTA-51.8F,50.8F INSIDE WALK IN COOLER DATED 7-13-2016. ALSO INSIDE PREP COOLER, RAW EGGS AT 55.8F,AND 1LB RAW SHELL EGGS AT 48.7F, 1LB TURKEY DELI MEAT 45.7F, APPROX (10) YOUGURT /FRESH FRUIT CUPS AT 57.8F, MILK AT 48F,45.8F.ALL FOODS REMOVED FROM COOLER AND DISCARDED BY MANAGERS-CDI,25lbs/ cost $275.00. MUST MAINTAIN COLD FOODS AT 40F OR BELOW . CRITICAL VIOLATION ISSUED 7-38-005A.
3
Hands washed and cleaned, good hygienic practices; no bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods.
Inspector notes: OBSERVED POOR HYGIENIC PRACTICES OF EMPLOYEE NOT WASHING HANDS AFTER TOUCHING DIRTY DISHES. EMPLOYEE NEVER WASHED HANDS THRU-OUT HANDLING DIRTY DISHES ,TAKING HANDS REMOVING FOOD FROM CONTAINERS,PANS, THEN LOADING UP TRAY FOR WASHING INSIDE OF DISH MACHINE.ONCE FOOD EQUIPMENT AND FOOD PANS FINISH CYCLE EMPLOYEE REMOVE CLEAN FOOD EQUIPMENT,PANS FROM MACHINE TO PUT ON SHELVES .EMPLOYEE MUST WASH HANDS AFTER ACTIVITY THAT RESULT IN HANDS CONTAMINATION BEFORE HANDLING CLEAN DISHES,FOOD EQUIPMENT OR UTENSIL. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO HAVE EMPLOYEE WASH HANDS-CDI.CRITICAL VIOLATION ISSUED 7-38-010A
6
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: UNCLEAN GREASE TRAP AT DISH MACHINE.MUST CLEAN GREASE,ETC.
33
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: FOUND CLUTTER OF UNCLEAN,UNUSED EQUIPMENT ,(ICE MACHINE) IN STORAGE AREA BY HOT WATER TANK. MUST CLEAN AND PROPERLY STORE TO PREVENT A PEST HARBORAGE AREA UNTIL REMOVED FROM PREMISES FOR SERVICE.
41
82
Feb 24, 2016
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: FOUND FOODS AT IMPROPER COLD TEMPERATURES INSIDE COOLERS.APPROX 1LB COOKED HAM-48.9F,1LB-COOKED MUSHROOMS-48.5F,2LBS RAW SHELL EGGS AT-52.2F,APPROX 10-LBS OF MILK- 50.1F,47.8F.MUST MAINTAIN COLD FOODS AT 40F OR BELOW.ALL FOODS REMOVED AND DISCARDED BY MANAGER-CDI.APPORX 14LBS AT COST $40.00. CRITICAL VIOLATION ISSUED 7-38-005A.
3
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: FOUND FOODS NOT IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, NOT LABELED IN DISPLY COOLER AND AT COUNTER,(YOUGART,COOKIES,ETC)MUST PROPERLY LABEL.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RUSTY FOOD PAN STORAGE SHELVESIN DISH AREA.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE.ALSO RUSTY GREASE TRAP AT 3-COMP SINK.MUST REPAIR.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PEELING PAINT ON RED COLORED WALLS IN FOOD PREP AREA.MUST REPAIR.
35
82
Nov 13, 2015
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE CEILING VENTS WITH ACCUMULATED DUST IN THE REAR LARGE PREP AREA AND ABOVE THE WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE CEILING VENTS.
35
Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EMPLOYEES COATS STORED OVER FOOD IN THE REAR LARGE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AN AREA SEPARATE FROM FOOD STORAGE FOR EMPLOYEES TO STORE PERSONAL ITEMS.
37
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE 2 COMPARTMENT SINK FAUCET BASE LEAKING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN ALL PLUMBING.
38
86
Jan 23, 2015
Complaint
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST REATTACH THE PVC WALLS AT THE CORNER TO SEAL OPENINGS AT THE WALL PRIOR TO REACHING THE STAFF LOCKER ROOM AREA.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE A SHATTER PROOF BULB OR LIGHT SHIELD AT THE COOKING LINE 2DR REACH-IN COOLER.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST TIGHTEN FAUCET BASE AT THE 2-COMP SINK IN THE REAR PREP AREA TO REPAIR LEAK.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE A WORKING AND CALIBRATED THERMOMETER AT THE COFFEE BAR REACH-IN COOLER.
40
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST DECLUTTER AND BETTER ORGANIZE THE REAR STORE AREA SO AS TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE AND BREEDING.
41
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE ALL FOOD STAFF MEMBERS WITH THE ILLINOIS FOOD HANDLER'S CERTIFICATE AT ALL TIMES. MUST PROVIDE ABOVE STATED DOCUMENT.
45
74
Mar 13, 2014
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: FOUND PREPARED SALADS AT FRONT REACH IN COOLER AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE 45-48 DEGREES. ALL SALADS WERE DISCARDED AT THIS TIME. TOTAL VALUE $75.00 25 LBS REACH IN COOLER AT PROPER TEMPERATURE AT THIS TIME. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A) CITATION ISSUED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE.
3
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: THE FOLLOWING IN NEED OF CLEANING: ALL REACH IN COOLERS, STORAGE SHELVES AND COOKING EQUIPMENT. MUST CLEAN TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS THROUGH OUT IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP AND DEBRIS FROM UNDER AND AROUND ALL EQUIPMENT. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: WALLS AND CEILING WITH FOOD SPLATTER BEHIND AND ABOVE COOKINF EQUIPMENT. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: ALL AIR VENTS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE DUST BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: ALL REACH IN COOLERS IN OF THERMOMETERS. MUST INSTALL AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
40
74
Feb 14, 2013
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUSR REPAIR GASKET AT DOOR OF REACH-IN DELI COOLER AT FRONT SERVICE COUNTER.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZE STICKY FLOOR AT WALK-IN COOLER.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST RECAULK WALL AT BASE OF THE 3COMP SINK.
35
86
Oct 12, 2012
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE CAN OPENER.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS BEHIND/AROUND HOT WATER TANK AND INTERIOR OF FLOOR DRAINS.
34
90
Nov 30, 2011
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health. 2-COMPARTMENT SINK AND 3-COMPARTMENT SINK FAUCETS LEAKING AT BASE. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SINKS.
38
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. MUST PROVIDE AND CALIBRATE METAL STEM THERMOMETER FOR FOOD HANDLERS.
40
90
Apr 6, 2011
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
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. OBSERVED STAINED CEILING TILES ABOVE REAR PREP AREA AND WATER STAINED/MISSING CEILING TILES ABOVE DINING AREA. MUST REPLACE ALL STAINED/DAMAGED CEILING TILES AND PROVIDE/INSTALL CEILING TILE AT DINING AREA.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health. REAR PREP AREA HANDWASH BOWL LOOSE FROM WALL AND 2-COMPARTMENT SINK FAUCET LOOSE AT BASE. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SINKS.
38
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. OBSERVED PLASTIC MILK CRATES ALONG WALL AT STORAGE AREA. MUST REMOVE CRATES.
41
86
Sep 29, 2010
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: All cold food shall be stored at a temperature of 40F or less. Found potentially hazardous food at improper temperatures. Found 15 pounds baked pasta at 50.3F, 3Lbs diced tomatoes at 51.0F, 15Lbs pasta salad at 52.1, and 4lbs cooked rice at 56.1F. (Food removed from reach in cooler and disposed) 42 pounds food disposed. value at $150. Reach in cooler temperature at 38.9F. critical violation. citation issued.
3
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: Containers and utensils shall be inverted, covered, or otherwise protected from contamination until used. All single-service drinking straws and containers shall be discarded immediately after use. Found containers not stored properly on shelving units.
31
90

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Caffe Baci last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Caffe Baci on file is from Mar 2, 2018. The public record contains 14 inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Caffe Baci?

Across the inspection record, “walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code” has been cited seven times, more than any other issue at Caffe Baci.

Has Caffe Baci's inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Caffe Baci have averaged around four violations per visit across the recent record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

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