Cantina on Madison
Last inspected: Sep 23, 2025
64
Score
Going back to 2023, Cantina on Madison has nine inspections in the public record. Inspectors last stopped by on Sep 23, 2025. The medium risk tier sits in the middle: not spotless, but not alarming either.
Violation counts have ticked up lately, averaging around seven violations per visit versus roughly five violations earlier in the record.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean”, showing up eight times.
Cantina on Madison's latest score of 64 falls below the Chicago average of 81. Nothing in the record is alarming, but there's room to improve.
9
Inspections
0
Critical latest
3
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Sep 23, 2025
Reinspection
3 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
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
1
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
Previous priority foundation violation corrected
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION FROM INSPECTION #2623895 DATED 09/16/2025 NOT CORRECTED. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED. OBSERVED OVER 90 RAT DROPPINGS AND OVER 30 SMALL FLIES THROUGHOUT FACILITY. OBSERVED RAT DROPPINGS IN SUCH AREAS AS BASEMENT UNDERNEATH SHELVING UNIT NEAR STORAGE ROOM WITH DOOR, BASEMENT LOCKER ROOM, STAIRCASE LEADING TO SECOND FLOOR AND SECOND FLOOR STORAGE AND UTILITY ROOMS. OBSERVED SMALL FLY ACTIVITY IN AREAS SUCH AS STORAGE ROOM IN BASEMENT WITH DOOR, NEXT TO WALK IN COOLER, BAR, SECOND FLOOR HALLWAY AND SECOND FLOOR MEN'S WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE RODENT ACTIVITY AND SMALL FLY ACTIVITY IN FACILITY, REMOVE RAT DROPPINGS AND CLEAN AFFECTED AREAS, RECOMMENDED LICENSED PEST CONTROL COMPANY SERVICE FACILITY ON OR AFTER 9/16/2025. UPON REINSPECTION ON 9/23/2025 STILL OBSERVED 14 RAT DROPPINGS IN FACILITY, OBSERVED RAT DROPPINGS IN BASEMENT LOCKER ROOM UNDERNEATH LOCKERS AND IN TWO SECOND FLOOR UTILITY ROOMS. OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 10 SMALL FLIES IN FACILITY. OBSERVED SMALL FLY ACTIVITY IN HALLWAY OUTSIDE OF SECOND FLOOR WOMEN'S WASHROOM, IN MEN'S WASHROOM AND IN BASEMENT ON WALLS OUTSIDE OF STORAGE ROOM WITH DOOR AND OUTSIDE ON DOOR OF STORAGE ROOM WITH DOOR NEXT TO WALK IN COOLER. CORRECETED ON SITE BEFORE CONCLUSION OF INSPECTION RODENT DROPPINGS REMOVED AND AFFECTED AREAS CLEANED. SMALL FLIES ELIMINATED AND AFFECTED AREAS CLEANED BEFORE CONCLUSION OF INSPECTION.
59
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: 6-303.11: OBSERVED NONWORKING OR DIM LIGHTING IN DISHROOM, NEAR FRYER AND IN AREA NEAR HANDWASHING SINK AND 1 COMPARTMENT SINK IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE ALL NONWORKING OR DIM LIGHTING IN DISHROOM, NEAR FRYER AND IN AREA NEAR HANDWASHING SINK AND 1 COMPARTMENT SINK IN BASEMENT TO INCREASE LIGHT INTENSITY AND MAINTAIN.
56
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.11: OBSERVED MISSING GROUT IN BETWEEN TILES AND CRACKED FLOOR TILES IN DISHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO SMOOTHLY REGROUT IN BETWEEN TILES WHERE GROUT IS MISSING AND SMOOTHLY REPAIR OR REPLACE CRACKED FLOOR TILES IN DISHROOM FOR EASE OF CLEANABILITY. OBSERVED MISSING OR DAMAGED CEILING TILES THROUGHOUT BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE ALL DAMAGED OR MISSING CEILING TILES THROUGHOUT BASEMENT AND MAINTAIN.
55
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: 6-202.15: OBSERVED OPENINGS AT BASE OF PATIO ENTRANCE DOOR AND AT BASE AND LOWER CORNERS OF REVOLVING FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRANCE
38
64
Sep 16, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 5 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 14 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED COLD TCS FOODS, HELD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES RANGING BETWEEN 47.8-54.9F. OBSERVED COLD TCS FOODS, SLICED TOMATOES(47.8F) AND DICED TOMATOES(54.9F) HELD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE. INSTRUCTED ALL COLD TCS FOOD MUST BE HELD AT 41F OR BELOW. CORRECTED ON SITE MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AND DENATURED FOOD VALUED AT $2 WEIGHING 0.5LBS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
22
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OVER 90 RAT DROPPINGS AND OVER 30 SMALL FLIES THROUGHOUT FACILITY. OBSERVED RAT DROPPINGS IN SUCH AREAS AS BASEMENT UNDERNEATH SHELVING UNIT NEAR STORAGE ROOM WITH DOOR, BASEMENT LOCKER ROOM, STAIRCASE LEADING TO SECOND FLOOR AND SECOND FLOOR STORAGE AND UTILITY ROOMS. OBSERVED SMALL FLY ACTIVITY IN AREAS SUCH AS STORAGE ROOM IN BASEMENT WITH DOOR, NEXT TO WALK IN COOLER, BAR, SECOND FLOOR HALLWAY AND SECOND FLOOR MEN'S WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE RODENT ACTIVITY AND SMALL FLY ACTIVITY IN FACILITY, REMOVE RAT DROPPINGS AND CLEAN AFFECTED AREAS, RECOMMENDED LICENSED PEST CONTROL COMPANY SERVICE FACILITY ON OR AFTER 9/16/2025. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED
38
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO QUATERNARY AMMONIUM TEST KIT ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A TEST KIT THAT ACCURATELY MEASURES THE CONCENTRATION IN MG/L OF QUATERNARY AMMONIUM SANITIZING SOLUTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED
48
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
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
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. 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.
2
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO ASTERISK ON MENU IDENTIFYING ALL ANIMAL DERIVED FOODS THAT CAN BE SERVED RAW, UNDERCOOKED OR COOKED TO ORDER AND OBSERVED NO DISCLOSURE ON MENU STATING ASTERISKED ANIMAL DERIVED FOODS CAN BE SERVED RAW, UNDERCOOKED OR COOKED TO ORDER. INSTRUCTED TO ADD AN ASTERISK TO ALL ANIMAL DERIVED FOODS ON MENU THAT CAN BE SERVED RAW, UNDERCOOKED OR COOKED TO ORDER AND TO ADD DISCLOSURE TO MENU STATING ANIMAL DERIVED FOODS WITH AN ASTERISK CAN BE SERVED RAW, UNDERCOOKED OR COOKED TO ORDER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
25
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OPENINGS AT BASE OF PATIO ENTRANCE DOOR AND AT BASE AND LOWER CORNERS OF REVOLVING FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRANCE.
38
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COLD WATER PRESSURE AT HANDWASHING SINKS IN SECOND FLOOR MEN AND WOMEN'S WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO RESTORE COLD WATER PRESSURE TO SECOND FLOOR HANDWASHING SINK ON LEFT IN WOMEN'S WASHROOM AND ON RIGHT IN MEN'S WASHROOM.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE IN LARGE LEFT STALL IN SECOND FLOOR WOMEN'S WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COVERED RECEPTACLE IN LARGE LEFT STALL IN SECOND FLOOR WOMEN'S WASHROOM FOR SANITARY PRODUCTS AND MAINTAIN.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING GROUT IN BETWEEN TILES AND CRACKED FLOOR TILES IN DISHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO SMOOTHLY REGROUT IN BETWEEN TILES WHERE GROUT IS MISSING AND SMOOTHLY REPAIR OR REPLACE CRACKED FLOOR TILES IN DISHROOM FOR EASE OF CLEANABILITY. OBSERVED MISSING OR DAMAGED CEILING TILES THROUGHOUT BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE ALL DAMAGED OR MISSING CEILING TILES THROUGHOUT BASEMENT AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED STRONG SMELL OF URINE IN SMALL STORAGE ROOM WITH DOOR IN BASEMENT NEXT TO WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN SMALL STORAGE ROOM WITH DOOR IN BASEMENT NEXT TO WALK IN COOLER TO REMOVE SMELL OF URINE.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED STACK OF BOXES STORED IN LOCKER ROOM ON FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ITEMS THAT ARE UNNECESSARY TO THE OPERATION THAT IS NONFUNCTIONAL OR NO LONGER IN USE.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NONWORKING OR DIM LIGHTING IN DISHROOM, NEAR FRYER AND IN AREA NEAR HANDWASHING SINK AND 1 COMPARTMENT SINK IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE ALL NONWORKING OR DIM LIGHTING IN DISHROOM, NEAR FRYER AND IN AREA NEAR HANDWASHING SINK AND 1 COMPARTMENT SINK IN BASEMENT TO INCREASE LIGHT INTENSITY AND MAINTAIN.
56
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BOXES STORED ON FLOOR IN LOCKER ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD AND NONFOOD ITEMS AT LEAST SIX INCHES OFF OF FLOOR FOR EASE OF CLEANABILITY.
47
35
Sep 5, 2024
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TORN GASKETS ON THE INSIDE OF PREP COOLERS AT THE COOKLINE IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
47
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LIGHT BULB WITHOUT A LIGHT SHIELD IN THE WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
56
90
Aug 29, 2024
Reinspection
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: FACILITY WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE MINIMUM HOT WATER TEMPERATURES IN THE UPSTAIRS WOMENS AND MENS RESTROOMS RANGING BETWEEN 80-82F. MUST PROVIDE HOT WATER WITH A MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 100F. PRIORITY VIOLATION, 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED
10
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON THE PREMISES WHILE TCS FOODS (BEEF, CHICKEN, PORK) WERE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED OR SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012, CITATION ISSUED.
2
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LIGHT BULB WITHOUT A LIGHT SHIELD IN THE WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
56
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TORN GASKETS ON THE INSIDE OF PREP COOLERS AT THE COOKLINE IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
47
70
Aug 27, 2024
Routine
3 critical violations. 2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: LEFT PREP COOLER IN FRONT OF COOKLINE IN THE BASEMENT PREP AREA NOT MAINTAINING PROPER TEMPERATURE. NOTED TEMPERATURE OF PREP COOLER TO BE AT 55F. UNIT TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION BY THE CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND MAY NOT BE USED UNTIL RE-INSPECTED AND MAINTAINING PROPER TEMPERATURE OF 41F AND BELOW. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005, CITATION ISSUED.
33
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MINIMUM HOT WATER TEMPERATURES IN THE UPSTAIRS WOMENS AND MENS RESTROOMS RANGING BETWEEN 80-83F. MUST PROVIDE HOT WATER WITH A MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 100F. PRIORITY VIOLATION, 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
10
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SHRIMP, GUAC, AND SHREDDED CHEESE AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES LOCATED IN LEFT PREP COOLER AT THE COOKLINE IN THE BASEMENT PREP AREA; 5 LBS OF COOKED SHRIMP AT 53.2F, 5LBS OF GUAC AT 51.4, AND 5LBS OF SHREDDED CHEESE AT 50.9. INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD AND DENATURE ALL SAID TCS FOODS AND MAINTAIN TCS FOODS AT 41F OR BELOW AT ALL TIMES. FOOD EMPLOYEE DISCARDED ALL SAID TCS FOODS. FOOD DISCARDED VALUED AT $20. PRIORITY VIOLATION, 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
22
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON THE PREMISES WHILE TCS FOODS (BEEF, CHICKEN, PORK) WERE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED OR SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012, CITATION ISSUED.
2
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 30 RODENT DROPPINGS SCATTERED ON THE FLOOR IN THE BASEMENT. OBSERVED 20 UNDERNEATH PLASTIC UTENSIL SHELVING IN THE REAR, AND 10 UNDERNEATH DISH MACHINE. FACILITY WAS SERVICED BY PEST CONTROL THE DAY OF INSPECTION 8/27/2024. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS, CLEAN, AND SANITIZE ALL AFFECTED AREAS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION, 7-38-020(A).
38
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TORN GASKETS ON THE INSIDE OF PREP COOLERS AT THE COOKLINE IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A SLOW DRAINAGE AND A LEAK FROM THE PIPING UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LIGHT BULB WITHOUT A LIGHT SHIELD IN THE WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
56
45
Nov 30, 2023
Reinspection
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: 6-202.15 OBSERVED THE REVOLVING ENTRANCE DOOR WITH A ONE INCH GAP IN MULTIPLE AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO MAKE REVOLVING DOOR TIGHT FITTING AND RODENT PROOFED.
38
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: 5-205.15 OBSERVED AN AIR GAP BETWEEN THE PIPES LOCATED UNDER THE 1 COMPARTMENT SINK AND WASTEWATER IS INADEQUATELY DISPOSED WHEN THE WATER IS RUNNING UNDER HIGH PRESSURE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR SO THAT WASTEWATER ALWAYS DISPOSED PROPERLY.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-201.11 OBSERVED CRACK FLOOR TILES IN VARIOUS AREAS OF THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO MAKE ALL SURFACES IN THE FOOD PREP AREA SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
55
86
Nov 28, 2023
Complaint
1 critical violation. 8 major violations. 12 minor violations.
View 21 violations
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: 5-205.15 OBSERVED THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP AREA HAND WASHING SINK NOT ABLE TO TURN ON DUE TO THE HOT AND COLD-WATER KNOBS BEING STRIPPED, HANDWASHING SINK INOPERABLE DURING THE INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN FOOD PREP AREA HANDWASHING SINK AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030(C).
51
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: 2-102.14(O) OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-010.
3
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: 6-301.12 OBSERVED NO HAND DRYING PROVISION LOCATED AT THE HAND WASHING SINKS IN THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP AREA AND BAR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030(C).
10
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: 6-301.11 OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING CLEANSER LOCATED AT THE BASEMENT AREA HANDWASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AT ALL TIMES. MANAGER PROVIDED HANDWASHING CLEANSER DURING THE INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED UNDER VIOLATION ABOVE.
10
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: 3-501.17 OBSERVED MULTIPLE READY TO EAT TCS FOOD ITEMS NOT DATE MARKED WITH THE DISCARD DATE OF THE PRODUCT; ABOUT 3 LBS OF MOLE SAUCE, ABOUT 3 LBS OF COOKED SHRIMP, ABOUT 5 LBS OF COOKED BEEF, ABOUT 3 LBS OF COOKED CHICKEN AND ABOUT 5 LBS OF SALSA IN 2 DOOR REFRIGERATION UNITS WITHOUT DISCARD DATE LABELS. INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD AND DENATURE SAID TCS FOODS AND ALWAYS PROVIDE DISCARD DATE LABELS ON ALL READY TO EAT TCS FOODS THAT ARE HELD FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS IN A REFRIGERATION UNIT. MANAGER DISCARDED SAID FOODS DURING THE INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.
23
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: 3-603.11 OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE FOR THE HAMBURGER ITEM THAT CAN BE ORDERED UNDERCOOKED OR RAW. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE ON THE MENU FOR SAID ITEM. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
25
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: 4-302.12 OBSERVED NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER ON SITE TO TAKE TEMPERATURES OF COLD AND HOT FOODS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005. MANAGER PROVIDED A METAL STEM THERMOMETER AT THE END OF THE INSPECTION.
36
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: 5-501.15 OBSERVED THE OUTSIDE DUMPSTER GROUND AREA NOT MAINTAINED WITH EXCESSIVE GARBAGE ON THE GROUND AROUND ALL DUMPSTERS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN GROUND AREA AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020(B).
54
Summary report displayed and visible to the public
Inspector notes: 8-304.11(A) OBSERVED THE MOST RECENT INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY NOT POSTED FOR THE PUBLIC'S VIEW. INSTRUCTED TO ALWAYS POST THE MOST RECENT INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY FOR THE PUBLIC'S VIEW AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-42-010(B).
61
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: 2-102.13 OBSERVED THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT THE REQUIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.
58
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: 6-301.14 OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGN AT THE BASEMENT AREA HANDWASHING SINK, AND IN THE UNISEX TOILET ROOM ON THE 1ST FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
10
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: 4-602.11(B-E) OBSERVED A SLIGHT PINKISH SUBSTANCE ON THE PANEL OF THE ICE MACHINE AND A BROWNISH SUBSTANCE IN MULTIPLE SODA GUN DISPENSERS LOCATED BEHIND THE BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
16
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: 3-302.12 OBSERVED SOME DRY STORAGE CONTAINERS NOT LABELED WITH THE PRODUCT NAME. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A LABEL FOR ALL DRY STORAGE CONTAINERS.
37
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: 6-202.15 OBSERVED THE REVOLVING ENTRANCE DOOR WITH A ONE INCH GAP IN MULTIPLE AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO MAKE REVOLVING DOOR TIGHT FITTING AND RODENT PROOFED.
38
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: 3-304.14 OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS BEING STORED ON TOP OF THE CUTTING BOARD AND NOT IN SANITIZING SOLUTION. INSTRUCTED TO ALWAYS STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION.
41
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: 4-601.11(C) OBSERVED EXCESSIVE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS IN THE FRYERS AND IN THE GRILL THAT IS ATTACHED ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT. OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE DEBRIS ON THE VENTS ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALL.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: 5-205.15 OBSERVED AN AIR GAP BETWEEN THE PIPES LOCATED UNDER THE 1 COMPARTMENT SINK AND WASTEWATER IS INADEQUATELY DISPOSED WHEN THE WATER IS RUNNING UNDER HIGH PRESSURE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR SO THAT WASTEWATER ALWAYS DISPOSED PROPERLY.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: 5-501.17 OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE INSIDE OF THE UNISEX TOILET ROOM ON THE 1ST FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-201.11 OBSERVED CRACK FLOOR TILES IN VARIOUS AREAS OF THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO MAKE ALL SURFACES IN THE FOOD PREP AREA SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.114 OBSERVED ITEMS STORED ON THE FLOOR IN CLOSETS THAT ARE LOCATE ON THE 2ND FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO ORGANIZE AND ELEVATE ALL ITEMS IN CLOSETS.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: 2-102.13 OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTOR'S REVIEW. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.
57
21
Mar 2, 2023
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Feb 28, 2023
License
8 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: No allergen training certificate for food service manger, instructed to obtain.
58
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: No employees health policy on site, instructed to obtain.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: No vomit clean up kit, no procedure on site, instructed to obtain.
5
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: No disclaimer on the raw food at the menu, instructed to provide.
25
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: No probe thermometer, instructed to obtain.
36
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: shelves, prep coolers, fryers, grill and counter tops not clean. food debris and grease build up. instructed to clean and maintain.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: No mop hangers, moldy walls next to mop sink, instructed to clean and maintain.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: Inadequate lighting in basement storage room, and walk-in cooler.
56
67
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Cantina on Madison last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Cantina on Madison on file is from Sep 23, 2025. The public record contains nine inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Cantina on Madison?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited eight times, more than any other issue at Cantina on Madison.
Has Cantina on Madison's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Cantina on Madison have averaged around seven violations per visit, up from roughly five earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Cantina on Madison 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 Cantina on Madison inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Cantina on Madison is inspected around four times per year on average.
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