Cal's Corner
Last inspected: Nov 3, 2025
67
Score
The health department has logged six inspections at Cal's Corner, the earliest from 2023. On Nov 3, 2025, the health department conducted the most recent visit. Medium risk typically reflects a handful of issues that inspectors wrote up but didn't deem critical.
Inspection results have stayed in a similar range over the last few visits, averaging around seven violations each.
The pattern that stands out is “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean”, which has been cited nine times.
Compared to other Chicago restaurants (averaging 81), there's room to close the gap. On the whole, the file is mixed but not concerning.
6
Inspections
0
Critical latest
2
Major latest
4
Minor latest
Inspection History
Nov 3, 2025
Complaint
2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: NOTED A THICK BLACK AND SLIMY SUBSTANCE INSIDE THE INNER COMPARTMENT OF ICE MACHINE DRIPPING ONTO THE ICE. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT NOT TO USE ICE MACHINE UNTIL EQUIPMENT IS DETAIL CLEANED AND SANITIZE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
16
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: NOTED NO PAPER TOWELS AT HAND WASH SINK OF THE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ALWAYS HAVE SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
10
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INSIDE OF THE CHEST ICE CREAM FREEZER WITH SPILLS.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS ALONG WALL BASE AND UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT WHERE EVER NEEDED. MUST ALSO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOOR DRAIN UNDERNEATH THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: NOTED MISSING TILES ON FLOOR LEADING TO THE BATHROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE ALL TILES AND MAINTAIN.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: NOTED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ON DUTY WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.
58
67
Feb 19, 2025
Reinspection
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MULTIPLE OPENINGS IN THE BASEMENT CEILING AREAS WHERE LARGE PIECES OF DRY WALL ARE MISSING. ALSO OBSERVED OPENINGS AROUND PIPES IN THE BASEMENT AS WELL AS OPENINGS IN THE WALLS WHERE EXPOSED BRICK IS LOCATED IN BASEMENT AREAS. ALSO OBSERVED AN AREA WHERE THER APPEARS TO BE STUDS TO CREATE A ROOM OF SOME SORT, INSTRUCTED TO SEAL ANY OPENINGS IN THAT AREA ALSO. ALSO OBSERVED AN OPENING AT THE BOTTOM OF THE STAIRS THAT MUST BE SEALED AS WELL. INSTRUCTED THAT FACILITY OWNER ***MUST*** SEAL ANY AND ALL OPENINGS AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE PEST AND OR INSECTS FROM ENTERING FACILITY.
38
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE LOWER SHELVING IN THE REAR FOOD SERVICE AREA WITH A BUILD UP OF DIRT AND FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE PEST AND OR INSECT ACTIVITY.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE NON COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA WITH A BUILD UP OF FOOD DEBRIS ON THE SIDES OF THE EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL AREAS.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FLOOR AND WALL IN THE REAR FOOD SERVICE AREA WITH A BUILD UP OF FOOD DEBRIS, DIRT AND POSSIBLE FOOD SPILLAGE ON THE LOWER WALL AT THE PREP TABLE AREA. ALSO OBSERVED THE FRONT FOOD SERVICE AREA FLOOR WITH A BUILD UP OF DIRT, DEBRIS AND FOOD DEBRIS ON THE FLOOR UNDER AND AROUND THE EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL AREAS.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PART OF THE FRAME MISSING AT THE ENTRANCE LEADING TO THE KITCHEN AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN AS A MEANS OF MAKING AREA EASY TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NEW FOOD SERVICE MANAGER JULIA MATHAS WITHOUT PROPER FOOD ALLERGEN CERTIFICATION ON SITE. INFORMED THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS IN A RISK #1 FACILITY SHOULD HAV. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND PROVIDE ON SITE.
58
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE INSIDE OF THE LOWER REACH IN TWO DOOR COOLING UNIT WITH A BUILD UP OF FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN INSIDE AND MAINTAIN.
49
70
Feb 11, 2025
Complaint
1 major violation. 7 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED APPROX 100-120 DROPPINGS IN THE BASEMENT AREA ALONG THE SOUTH AND NORTH WALLS AS WELL AS OBSERVED APPROX 30 DROPPINGS IN THE AREA BEHIND THE COFFEE GRIND STATION WITH RAW WOOD WHERE A WALL WOULD GO. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL AREAS AS NEEDED. CONTACT PEST CONTROL AND HAVE A SERVICE PROVIDED BEFORE OR ON RETURN DATE OF 2/18/2025. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020 CITATION ISSUED.
38
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MULTIPLE OPENINGS IN THE BASEMENT CEILING AREAS WHERE LARGE PIECES OF DRY WALL ARE MISSING. ALSO OBSERVED OPENINGS AROUND PIPES IN THE BASEMENT AS WELL AS OPENINGS IN THE WALLS WHERE EXPOSED BRICK IS LOCATED IN BASEMENT AREAS. ALSO OBSERVED AN AREA WHERE THER APPEARS TO BE STUDS TO CREATE A ROOM OF SOME SORT, INSTRUCTED TO SEAL ANY OPENINGS IN THAT AREA ALSO. ALSO OBSERVED AN OPENING AT THE BOTTOM OF THE STAIRS THAT MUST BE SEALED AS WELL. INSTRUCTED THAT FACILITY OWNER ***MUST*** SEAL ANY AND ALL OPENINGS AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE PEST AND OR INSECTS FROM ENTERING FACILITY.
38
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE LOWER SHELVING IN THE REAR FOOD SERVICE AREA WITH A BUILD UP OF DIRT AND FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE PEST AND OR INSECT ACTIVITY.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE INSIDE OF THE LOWER REACH IN TWO DOOR COOLING UNIT WITH A BUILD UP OF FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN INSIDE AND MAINTAIN.
49
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE NON COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA WITH A BUILD UP OF FOOD DEBRIS ON THE SIDES OF THE EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL AREAS.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FLOOR AND WALL IN THE REAR FOOD SERVICE AREA WITH A BUILD UP OF FOOD DEBRIS, DIRT AND POSSIBLE FOOD SPILLAGE ON THE LOWER WALL AT THE PREP TABLE AREA. ALSO OBSERVED THE FRONT FOOD SERVICE AREA FLOOR WITH A BUILD UP OF DIRT, DEBRIS AND FOOD DEBRIS ON THE FLOOR UNDER AND AROUND THE EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL AREAS.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PART OF THE FRAME MISSING AT THE ENTRANCE LEADING TO THE KITCHEN AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN AS A MEANS OF MAKING AREA EASY TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NEW FOOD SERVICE MANAGER JULIA MATHAS WITHOUT PROPER FOOD ALLERGEN CERTIFICATION ON SITE. INFORMED THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS IN A RISK #1 FACILITY SHOULD HAV. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND PROVIDE ON SITE.
58
64
Aug 26, 2024
Complaint
3 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 10 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: 2-101.11 OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER MUST BE ON PREMISES AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.
2
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: 6-501.115: OBSERVED CUSTOMER WITH DOG ENTER FACILITY DURING INSPECTION AND MANAGEMENT DID NOT ASK CUSTOMER IF DOG WAS A SERVICE ANIMAL DURING INSPECTION. CORRECTED ON SITE CUSTOMER AND DOG VOLUNTARILY LEFT FACILITY WITHOUT BEING ASKED BY MANAGEMENT AFTER RECEIVING ORDER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-40-060 CITATION ISSUED.
38
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER MUST BE ON PREMISES AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.
1
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: 6-202.15: FOUND A 1/4 INCH GAP AT FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR; INSTRUCTED TO SEAL GAP. ADVISED TO INSTALL A DOOR SWEEP AT FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR BOTTOM.
38
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: 4-903.11(A;C): FOUND BOXES OF SINGLE SERVICE CUPS AND CONTAINERS ON BASEMENT FLOOR; INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SHELVING AND STORE ITEMS ON SHELF ONLY.
45
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: 4-602.13: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FOLLOWING: EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, INTERIORS OF REFRIGERATION UNITS, COUNTER AREAS, SINKS, ICE CREAM FREEZER.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.12: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FLOORS UNDER AROUND AND BEHIND FRONT COUNTER EQUIPMENT AND IN KITCHEN AREA TO REMOVE CRUMBS AND GREASE. ALSO CLEAN IN BASEMENT AREA WHERE FLOOR IS DAMP FROM RAIN YESTERDAY.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: 6-501.14: INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A VENTILATION SYSTEM ABOVE TABLE TOP FRYER USED FOR FRYING CHICKEN. UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE AMOUNT OF WATTS TO FRYER UNIT. THERE IS A STRONG PRESENCE OF SMOKE IN THE AIR FROM THE FRYER.
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: 2-102.13: INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES AND HAVE PRINTED OUT FOR REVIEW.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: 2-102.13: INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING AND HAVE CERTIFICATE ON SITE.
58
52
Jul 16, 2024
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: FOUND A 1/4 INCH GAP AT FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR; INSTRUCTED TO SEAL GAP. ADVISED TO INSTALL A DOOR SWEEP AT FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR BOTTOM.
38
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: FOUND BOXES OF SINGLE SERVICE CUPS AND CONTAINERS ON BASEMENT FLOOR; INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SHELVING AND STORE ITEMS ON SHELF ONLY.
45
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FOLLOWING: EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, INTERIORS OF REFRIGERATION UNITS, COUNTER AREAS, SINKS, ICE CREAM FREEZER.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FLOORS UNDER AROUND AND BEHIND FRONT COUNTER EQUIPMENT AND IN KITCHEN AREA TO REMOVE CRUMBS AND GREASE. ALSO CLEAN IN BASEMENT AREA WHERE FLOOR IS DAMP FROM RAIN YESTERDAY.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A VENTILATION SYSTEM ABOVE TABLE TOP FRYER USED FOR FRYING CHICKEN. UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE AMOUNT OF WATTS TO FRYER UNIT. THERE IS A STRONG PRESENCE OF SMOKE IN THE AIR FROM THE FRYER.
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES AND HAVE PRINTED OUT FOR REVIEW.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING AND HAVE CERTIFICATE ON SITE.
58
70
Oct 31, 2023
License
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Sewage & waste water properly disposed
Inspector notes: GREASE TRAP NOT LOCATED IN FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL/PROVIDE GREASE TRAP IN ACCORDANCE WITH ALL RELEVANT LAWS, RULES, AND REGULATIONS.
52
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: WOMENS RESTROOM LACKS A COVERED RECEPTACLE FOR DISPOSAL OF FEMININE HYGIENE PRODUCTS. PROVIDE AT LEAST ONE COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE IN RESTROOM.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: UNNECESSARY ITEMS / NONFUNCTIONAL EQUIPMENT FOUND IN BASEMENT. THE PREMISES SHALL BE FREE OF ITEMS UNNECESSARY TO THE OPERATION OR MAINTENANCE OF THE ESTABLISHMENT. THIS INCLUDES EQUIPMENT THAT IS NONFUNCTIONAL OR NO LONGER USED.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATIONS NOT PROVIDED ON SITE. FACILITY MUST ENSURE ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES OBTAIN A VALID FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATION AND PROVIDE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: FOOD ALLERGEN CERTIFICATION NOT PROVIDED ON SITE. ALL CITY/PENDING CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN A VALID FOOD ALLERGEN CERTIFICATION AND PROVIDE ON SITE.
58
78
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Cal's Corner last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Cal's Corner on file is from Nov 3, 2025. The public record contains six inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Cal's Corner?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited nine times, more than any other issue at Cal's Corner.
Has Cal's Corner's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Cal's Corner have averaged around seven violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Cal's Corner means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.
How often is Cal's Corner inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Cal's Corner is inspected around three times per year on average.
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