Charmer's Cafe
Last inspected: Apr 7, 2025
90
Score
Going back to 2011, Charmer's Cafe has 20 inspections in the public record. Charmer's Cafe was last inspected on Apr 7, 2025. Low risk indicates the latest report didn't flag anything that would worry the average customer.
Recent visits have produced comparable findings, with counts hovering near two violations per visit.
Across the inspection history, “food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded eight times.
That puts the facility ahead of the local pack: the average Chicago restaurant scores 81. There isn't much in the file that would give a customer pause.
20
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 7, 2025
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: DEBRIS UNDER SHELF AT REAR STORAGE AREA IN FRONT OF ICE MACHINE.
55
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: CUTTING BOARD AT PREP COOLER WITH DARK STAINS AND DEEP CUTS,MUST REFINISH OR REPLACE .
47
90
Jun 3, 2024
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST NOT USE MILK CRATES AS A MEANS OF ELEVATION FOR STORED ITEMS.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: ICE BUILD-UP INSIDE THE REACH-IN FREEZER AT REAR PREP AREA,REMOVE ICE CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
49
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: DUST BUILD-UP ON TWO CEILING FANS AT REAR PREP AREA.CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES PROVIDED ON SITE ARE EXPIRED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS. CERTIFICATE IS VALID FOR THREE YEARS.
58
82
Oct 16, 2023
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TORN GASKET ON REFRIGERATION/ COLD HOLD UNIT. REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
47
95
Nov 21, 2022
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE NOT FOUND ON ESSPRESSO MACHINE, COFFEE/TEA MACHINE, AND MOP SINK. FACILITY MUST PROVIDE.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: UNNECESSARY ITEMS / NONFUNCTIONAL EQUIPMENT ITEMS INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO #8 SMALL REACH-IN CHEST FREEZER LOCATED IN THE BACK PREP AREA. 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
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: LIGHT DOME SHEILDS FOUND SOILED WITH DEBRIS FOUND OVER COFFEE/TEA STATION. FACILITY MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: IN-USE WIPING CLOTHS ARE NOT STORED PROPERLY. FOUND ON PREP SURFACES. CLOTHS USED TO WIPE SURFACES, AND EQUIPMENT SHALL BE HELD IN A PROPER SANITIZER SOLUTION. CLOTHS IN-USE FOR WIPING SURFACES IN CONTACT WITH RAW ANIMAL FOODS SHALL BE KEPT SEPARATE FROM CLOTHS USED FOR OTHER PURPOSES. IN-USE CLOTHES MUST BE LAUNDERED DAILY.
41
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: UTENSILS STORED IN STAGNANT WATER IN THE COFFEE AREA. UTENSILS MUST BE STORED WITH UTENSILS HANDLES FACING UP AND OUT OF THE FOOD ITEM; ON A CLEAN AND SANITIZED SURFACE; IN RUNNING WATER; IN A CONTAINER OF HOT WATER MAINTAINED AT OR ABOVE 135F. THE MANAGER PLACED UTENSILS IN RUNNING WATER DIPPING WELL.
43
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: THE CRATE IS USED AS A CLEAN LINEN CONTAINER IN THE COFFEE STATION. THE FACILITY MUST ELIMINATE CRATE USAGE IN THE FACILITY AND REPLACE IT WITH A CONTAINER THAT IS SMOOTH, DURABLE, NON-ABSORBENT, AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
47
74
Mar 29, 2021
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Mar 22, 2021
Complaint
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: FOUND OUTSIDE DUMPSTER AREAS NOT MAINTAINED. DUMPSTER LIDS WIDE OPEN DUE TO THEM BEING OVERFILLED. ALSO, GARBAGE ON FLOORS SURROUNDING DUMPSTERS.PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED.7-38-020B. MUST KEEP DUMPSTER LIDS CLOSED. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN OUTSIDE DUMPSTER AREAS.
54
90
Feb 14, 2020
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Feb 5, 2020
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Hands clean & properly washed
Inspector notes: NOTED EMPLOYEE WHILE WEARING GLOVES AND PREPARING A SMOOTHIE MIX -TOUCHED HER FACE TO ADJUST HER GLASSES, -WENT TO THE GARBAGE CAN BY THE DISH WASHING AREA AND DROPPED TRASH -DROPPED DISHES INSIDE THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK -OPENED THE CHEST FREEZER TO TAKE OUT MORE CONDIMENTS AND BACK TO CONTINUE WITH THE SMOOTHIE MIX -FINALLY PICK UP A CLOTH AND DIPPED INSIDE THE SANITIZING BUCKET WITH SANITIZER. ALL WITHOUT CHANGING GLOVES OR WASHING HANDS. DISCUSSED WITH MANAGEMENT THAT EMPLOYEES ARE REQUIRED TO WASH THEIR HANDS AND CHANGE GLOVES WHEN THERE IS A CHANGE IN TASK AND MOVING FROMM ONE PREP AREA TO ANOTHER. PRIORITY VIOLATION CITATION ISSUED 7-38-010.
8
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: NOTED OVER 50 MICE DROPPINGS ALONG WALL BASE AND UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT AT THE REAR AND FRONT FOOD PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS, ELIMINATE PEST ACTIVITY (MICE). INSTRUCTED TO CONSULT WITH PEST CONTROL COMPANY AND HAVE PREMISES TREATED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-020(A)
38
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: NOTED WASH ROOMS ON PREMISE WITH GARBAGE RECEPTACLES AND NO LIDS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TRASH CANS WITH LIDS AT ALL WOMEN WASH ROOMS AND UNISEX WASH ROOMS. (CUSTOMER BATHROOM)
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: NOTED MULTIPLE HOLES AND OPENING WALL BEHIND EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN, SEAL ALL HOLES AND OPENINGS TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG WALL BASE AND UNDERNEATH SHELVING THROUGH OUT ESPECIALLY WHERE DROPPINGS WERE FOUND.
55
67
Feb 26, 2019
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: NOTED SLIGHT DISCOLORATION AT UPPER SIDE COMPARTMENT OF THE ICE MACHINE,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN,SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN
16
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: FOOD/NON FOOD REMOVED FROM ORIGINAL CONTAINER MUST BE LABELED WITH COMMON NAME
37
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: A SPLASH GUARD MUST BE PROVIDED AT HANDWASHING SINK AT FRONT PREP/SERVING COUNTER
39
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: ICE SCOOP HOLDERS FOR ICE SCOOP NOT LARGE ENOUGH TO STORE ICE SCOOP,INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE. -
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A DIRTY, GRIMED CLOTH WRAPPED ON DISCARDING PIPES UNDER THE ESPRESSO MACHINE INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE SAID CLOTH AND REPAIR PIPES.SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH,CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE
51
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: WAREWASHING SINK (THREE COMPARTMENT SINK) SLOWLY DRAINING.REPAIR CAUSE
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: DEBRIS ON FLOOR UNDER THE SHELVES(SPECIALLY AT REAR AREA)BY THE EXIT DOOR, ALSO BEHIND AND UNDER EQUIPMENT,CLEAN AND MAINTAIN REMOVE METAL SPONGE FROM HOLE AND PROPERLY SEAL(BEHIND WHITE CHEST FREEZER BY THE ICE MACHINE).UNSEALED PLASTIC BASEBOARD WALL UNDER THE WAREWASHING UNIT(THREE COMPARTMENT SINK),SEAL AND MAINTAIN. MISSING WALL TILES BEHIND THE ICE MACHINE,INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL.SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH,CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT MATERIAL. WALL BEHIND THE MENTIONED UNIT NOT CLEANABLE
55
70
Sep 13, 2018
Reinspection
3 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: 2-501.11 FOUND NO PROCEDURE/PLAN FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO DEVELOP AND MAINTAIN A PROCEDURE/PLAN AND TO MAINTAIN ANY APPROPRIATE SUPPLIES ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED
5
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: 3-501.17 (A) OBSERVED NO DATE MARKING SYSTEM IN PLACE. READY TO EAT AND OR TIME TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED FOODS PREPARED AND HELD IN A RETAIL FOOD ESTABLISHMENT FOR OVER 24 HOURS MUST HAVE A CLEARLY MARKED LABELING SYSTEM IN PLACE TO INDICATE THE DATE OR DAY BY WHICH THE FOOD SHALL BE CONSUMED ON PREMISES, SOLD, OR DISCARDED WHEN HELD AT A TEMPERATURE OF 41F OR LESS FOR A MAXIMUM OF 7 DAYS WITH THE DATE OF PREPARTION COUNTING AS DAY 1. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005
23
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: 2-102.14(A)FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO ESTABLISH AN APPROPRIATE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING SYSTEM AND MAINTAIN WITH VERIFIABLE DOCUMENTS ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: 4-301.14 OBSERVED NO HOOD VENTILATION SYSTEM FOR LARGE ELECTRIC GRIDDLE. MUST PROVIDE HOOD AND EXHAUST VENTILATION SYSTEM.
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: PA 100 0367 OBSERVED NO APPROVED ALLERGEN TRAINING IN ACCORDANCE WITH PA 100-0367 ON SITE. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSONS WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING AND TO MAINTAIN
58
67
Sep 5, 2018
Routine
4 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: 2-102.14(A)FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO ESTABLISH AN APPROPRIATE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING SYSTEM AND MAINTAIN WITH VERIFIABLE DOCUMENTS ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: 2-501.11 FOUND NO PROCEDURE/PLAN FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO DEVELOP AND MAINTAIN A PROCEDURE/PLAN AND TO MAINTAIN ANY APPROPRIATE SUPPLIES ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED
5
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: 4-601.11(A) OBSERVED INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE USED FOR CONSUMPTION UNCLEAN WITH BLACK MILDEW LIKE SUBSTANCE. INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE MUST BE CLEANED, SANITIZED AND MAINTAINED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005
16
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: 3-501.17 (A) OBSERVED NO DATE MARKING SYSTEM IN PLACE. READY TO EAT AND OR TIME TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED FOODS PREPARED AND HELD IN A RETAIL FOOD ESTABLISHMENT FOR OVER 24 HOURS MUST HAVE A CLEARLY MARKED LABELING SYSTEM IN PLACE TO INDICATE THE DATE OR DAY BY WHICH THE FOOD SHALL BE CONSUMED ON PREMISES, SOLD, OR DISCARDED WHEN HELD AT A TEMPERATURE OF 41F OR LESS FOR A MAXIMUM OF 7 DAYS WITH THE DATE OF PREPARTION COUNTING AS DAY 1. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005
23
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: 4-301.14 OBSERVED NO HOOD VENTILATION SYSTEM FOR LARGE ELECTRIC GRIDDLE. MUST PROVIDE HOOD AND EXHAUST VENTILATION SYSTEM.
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: - PA 100 0367 OBSERVED NO APPROVED ALLERGEN TRAINING IN ACCORDANCE WITH PA 100-0367 ON SITE. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSONS WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING AND TO MAINTAIN
58
61
Dec 22, 2017
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: NOTED INTERIOR OF ICE CREAM FREEZER WITH ICE CRYSTAL BUILDUP.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO THAW,CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ICE CREAM FREEZER.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: NOTED FLOOR TILES MISSING FROM FLOOR AT DISHWASHING AREA,INSTRUCRED TO REPLACE FLOOR TILES.
34
90
Mar 21, 2017
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NOTED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED SANITATION MANAGER ON PREMISIS WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD SUCH AS SMOOTHIES,HOT AND COLD SANDWICHES AND MILKSHAKES ARE PREPARED AND SERVED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012
21
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INTERIOR OF REACH-IN COOLER AND COLD HOLDING DEVICE NEEDS CLEANING.
33
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: NOTED SINK IN FRONT RESTROOM SLOW DRAINING, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR SINK
38
86
Dec 8, 2016
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD CONTAINERS NOT LABELED (SUGAR), ON THE REAR FOOD STORAGE RACKS. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM ORIGINAL PACKAGING AND MAINTAIN.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BROKEN DOOR GASKET ON THE SMALL PREP FREEZER IN THE REAR PREP. ALSO, DEFROST DEEP FREEZER BEHIND FRONT COUNTER. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR DOOR GASKET AND CLEAN AND DEFROST DEEP FREEZER AND MAINTAIN.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE INTERIOR SURFACE OF THE CABINET UNDER THE DUMP SINK AT THE FRONT COUNTER, NOT CLEAN. CONTACT SURFACE UNDER THE ESPRESSO/COFFEE MACHINE BEHIND THE FRONT COUNTER AND CONTACT SURFACE AT CONDIMENT STATION ARE NOT CLEAN. ALSO, SIGNS OF ACCUMULATION OF DEBRIS ON THE INTERIOR PANEL OF THE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN CABINETS AND SURFACES AND ICE MACHINE AND MAINTAIN.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SEVERAL HOLES ALONG THE WALL BASE UNDER THE 3-COMP SINK IN THE REAR PREP AREA. WALL VENT ON WEST WALL HAS EXCESSIVE DUST ACCUMULATION. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL HOLES AND CLEAN WALL VENT AND MAINTAIN.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LIGHT MISSING IN REAR PREP AREA (ABOVE 3-COMP SINK). INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL WORKING LIGHT AND MAINTAIN.
36
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CLUTTER OUTSIDE THE REAR EXIT DOOR WHERE WOODEN STORAGE SHELVES ARE LOCATED. INSTRUCTED TO ELEVATE ITEMS 6" OFF GROUND TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORING AND MAINTAIN.
41
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS NOT MET. INFORMATION PROVIDED.
45
70
Mar 28, 2016
License
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 LIGHT SHEILD IN REAR TOILET ROOM WITH DUST ACCUMULATION. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING LIGHTS THROUGHOUT, INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL WORKING LIGHTS AND MAINTAIN.
36
90
Mar 14, 2013
Complaint
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED THAT ALL SANDWICHES AND INDIVIDUAL SLICE OF POUND CAKE MUST HAVE LABELS(FOOD NAME,INGREDIENTS AND SOURCE).
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: PROVIDE A SPLASH GUARD BETWEEN THE FRONT EXPOSED HAND SINK AND COFFEE MACHINE.OBSERVED ICE CUBES STORED INSIDE IGLOO CONTAINER,INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SELF DRAIN CONTAINER FOR THE ICE.
32
90
Aug 13, 2012
Reinspection
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: REPLACE BROKEN PAPER HOLDER TISSUE FOR THE FRONT WASHROOM
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN INTERIOR OF MOP SINK,REMOVE FLOOR DEBRIS
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: REMOVE EXCESS SPIDER WEBS AND DUST BUILD-UP FROM CEILING, WALLS AND CHAINS THAT HOLD UP HANGING MENU BOARDS,EAST SIDE AREA. REMOVE SPLATTERED FOOD ON WALLS BETWEEN THE PREP COOLER(EAST SIDE),AND RESEAL AND PAINT WALL BEHIND THE PREP COOLER BY THE JUICE MACHINE.
35
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: RE-ORGANIZE OUTSIDE AREA IN FRONT OF REAR DOOR.ELEVATE ITEMS NEEDED 6" OFF THE FLOOR,SWEEP AND MAINTAIN AREA TO MINIMIZE INSECTS ACTIVITIES.
41
82
Aug 8, 2012
Complaint
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Source of cross contamination controlled i.e. cutting boards, food handlers, utensils, etc
Inspector notes: SOURCE OF CONTAMINATION.OBSERVED INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE WATER RESERVOIR WITH BLACK SLIME SUBSTANCE DRIPPING INTO WATER WHERE ICE IS MADE. ICE MACHINE WAS TURNED OFF. TAGGED UNIT" HELD FOR INSPECTION".CLEAN AND SANITIZE UNIT.BUY ICE IN BAGS FROM A RETAIL FOOD PROVIDER, KEEP RECEIPT. CRITICAL VIOLATION:7-38-005(A)
4
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: REPLACE BROKEN PAPER HOLDER TISSUE FOR THE FRONT WASHROOM
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN INTERIOR OF MOP SINK,REMOVE FLOOR DEBRIS.
33
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN INTERIOR OF COOLERS AND WHITE REACH-IN FREEZER IN REAR AREA,FOOD DEBRIS; ALSO CLEAN AND SANITATIZE MEAT SLICER,ENCRUSTED FOOD DEBRIS.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOOR UNDER THE FRONT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK,BEHIND THE GREASE TRAP,REMOVE DEBRIS.SWEEP FLOOR AT REAR EXIT AREA UNDER THE STAIR CASE.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: REMOVE PEELING PAINT FROM CEILING(EAST SIDE) ABOVE SHELVES,BY THE WINDOW,REPAINT SAID AREA. REMOVE EXCESS SPIDER WEBS AND DUST BUILD-UP FROM CEILING, WALLS AND CHAINS THAT HOLD UP HANGING MENU BOARDS,EAST SIDE AREA. REMOVE SPLATTERED FOOD ON WALLS BETWEEN THE PREP COOLER(EAST SIDE),AND RESEAL AND PAINT WALL BEHIND THE PREP COOLER BY THE JUICE MACHINE.
35
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: RE-ORGANIZE OUTSIDE AREA IN FRONT OF REAR DOOR.ELEVATE ITEMS NEEDED 6" OFF THE FLOOR,SWEEP AND MAINTAIN AREA TO MINIMIZE INSECTS ACTIVITIES.
41
70
Aug 16, 2011
Tag Removal
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO INVERT ALL CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES ON SHELVES AND ON COUNTERS THROUGHOUT, AT ALL TIMES.
31
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN DEBRIS AND STAINS ON CABINET STORAGE AT FRONT PREP AREAS,MOP SINK,PREP COUTERS AT COFFEE MACHINE AREAS, AND PLASTIC PANEL ON ICE MACHINE.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR DAMAGED WALLS AT FRONT AND REARAIR PREP AREAS.
35
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOODSERVICE EMPLOYEES PREPARING AND MAKING SANDWICHES WITHOUT HAIR RESTRAINT,APPROACHED OWNER WHO WAS CONDUCTING INSPECTION WITH ME ABOUT IT,HE REPLIED SAYING THAT "BECAUSE THEIR FACILITY IS A CAFE,THEY NOT REQUIRED TO HAVE HAIR RESTRAINT ON". INSTRUCTED TO HAVE HAIR RESTAINT ON WHEN FOODS ARE HANDLED AT ALL TIMES.
42
82
Aug 10, 2011
Routine
8 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector notes: All food establishments that display, prepare, or store potentially hazardous food shall have adequate refrigerated food storage facilities. FOUND CHEF PREP REACH IN COOLER AND BAKED GOODS DISPLAY COOLER AT FRONT PREP/SERVING AREA AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES OF 50.0F TO 58.8F AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005(a)CRITICAL INSTRUCTED OWNER TO REPAIR ABOVE COOLERS TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE OF 40F OR BELOW AT ALL TIMES. ABOVE COOLERS ARE TAGGED INSTRUCTED OWNER TO FAX LETTER TO OUR OFFICE AT 312 746 4240 AFTER REPAIR TO HAVE COOLER CHECK AND REMOVE TAG. MANAGEMENT HAVE OTHER COOLERS THAT ARE MAINTAINING REQUIRED TEMPERATURES OF 38-40F.
2
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 FOODS SUCH AS EGGS,CORNBEEF,HAM,CHEESES,ETC STORED IN THE ABOVE COOLERS AT INADEQUATE TEMPERTURES RANGING FROM 52.3F TO 60.5F AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005(a) CRITICAL INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL COLD POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT 40F OR BELOW AT ALL TIMES. INSTRUCTED ALSO TO DISCARD ABOVE MENTIONED FOODS, SUCH WAS DONE 50pds TOTAL AT TOTAL COST OF $318.00 WERE DISCARDED AND DENATURED WITH SANITIZER. HEARING FOR TICKET #H000073118-13 WILL BE ON 10-06-11 AT 400 W. SUPERIOR AVE ROOM 112 AT 10:00am
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. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT ALL CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES ON SHELVES AND ON COUNTERS THROUGHOUT, AT ALL TIMES.
31
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. INSTRUCTED TO RESUFACE STAINS AND DEEP CUTS ON CUTTING BOARDS ON PREP COUNTERS IN PREP AREAS.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN DEBRIS AND STAINS ON CABINET STORAGE AT FRONT PREP AREAS,MOP SINK,PREP COUTERS AT COFFEE MACHINE AREAS, AND PLASTIC PANEL ON ICE MACHINE.
33
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. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR DAMAGED WALLS AT FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS.
35
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. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER INSIDE ALL COOLERS AND FREEZERS AND MONITOR DAILY.
40
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: All employees shall be required to use effective hair restraints to confine hair. OBSERVED FOODSERVICE EMPLOYEES PREPARING AND MAKING SANDWICHES WITHOUT HAIR RESTRAINT,APPROACHED OWNER WHO WAS CONDUCTING INSPECTION WITH ME ABOUT IT,HE REPLIED SAYING THAT "BECAUSE THEIR FACILITY IS A CAFE,THEY NOT REQUIRED TO HAVE HAIR RESTRAINT ON". INSTRUCTED TO HAVE HAIR RESTAINT ON WHEN FOODS ARE HANDLED AT ALL TIMES.
42
67
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Charmer's Cafe last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Charmer's Cafe on file is from Apr 7, 2025. The public record contains 20 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Charmer's Cafe?
Across the inspection record, “food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean” has been cited eight times, more than any other issue at Charmer's Cafe.
Has Charmer's Cafe's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Charmer's Cafe have averaged around two violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Charmer's Cafe means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.
How often is Charmer's Cafe inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Charmer's Cafe is inspected roughly once per year on average.
Nearby Restaurants