Chefs Sara's Cafe
Last inspected: Feb 27, 2025
90
Score
Going back to 2011, Chefs Sara's Cafe has 15 inspections in the public record. The most recent visit was on Feb 27, 2025. Low risk indicates the latest report didn't flag anything that would worry the average customer.
There hasn't been much movement either way: counts have stayed near three violations per visit across recent inspections.
“Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” comes up most often, recorded 10 times in the inspection record.
Restaurants in Chicago average 81, so Chefs Sara's Cafe is doing better than most peers. The file should reassure diners considering a visit.
15
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 27, 2025
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A LEAK FROM THE CEILING BY THE OFFICE DOOR; INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR LEAK FROM CEILING.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
57
90
Feb 9, 2024
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: FOOD HANLDERS NOT WEARING PROPER HAIR RESTRAINTS; INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR PROPER HAIR RESTRAINTS WHILE HANDLING FOODS.
40
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUST ON THE VENTILATION FAN ON THE CEILING IN THE WASHROOM; INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE FLOORS IN CORNER AREAS AND INSIDE OF THE FURNACE CLOSET IN CORNER AREAS.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SOME WATER STAINED CEILING TILES IN WASHROOM; INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE WHERE NEEDED.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
57
82
Oct 13, 2023
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: WALLS IN REAR AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING BEHIND REACH IN COOLER TO REMOVE ALL DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: WATER DAMAGE TO COUNTER AROUND HAND SINK. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: ALL STORAGE SHELVES IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL EQUIPMENT AND CLEAN SHELVES. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
49
86
Jun 9, 2022
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FLOORS NEED CLEANING IN THE KITCHEN TO REMOVE DEBRIS.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FLOORS IN POOR REPAIR(CRACKS). MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASLIY CLEANABLE.
55
90
Dec 8, 2021
Complaint
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETERS IN REFRIGERATION UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
36
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: OBSERVED UTENSILS IMPROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INVERT MULTIUSE UTENSILS INSIDE STORAGE CONTAINERS WITH HANDLES IN UPRIGHT POSITION TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
44
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CLUTTER IN REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE CLUTTER TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CRUMBS AND FOOD DEBRIS SCATTERED THROUGHOUT MAIN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DETAIL CLEAN AND REMOVE FOOD DEBRIS TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
55
82
Nov 26, 2021
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETERS IN REFRIGERATION UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
36
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CRUMBS AND FOOD DEBRIS ON SHELVING UNITS IN MAIN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAITAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CLUTTER IN REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE CLUTTER TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MOP IMPROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE MOP WITH HEAD UP TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING AND MAINTAIN.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.
58
78
Jun 17, 2020
Routine
3 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY POSTED NOR A DISCLOSURE AND A REMINDER ON THE MENU FOR ALL FOODS THAT CAN BE ORDERED UNDERCOOKED OR RAW (EGGS). INSTRUCTED TO POST A CONSUMER ADVISORY AND ADD A DISCLOSURE AND A REMINDER ON THE MENU FOR ALL FOODS THAT CAN BE ORDERED UNDERCOOKED OR RAW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
25
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO 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.
3
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY READY TO EAT FOODS (VEGETABLE MIX, SALMON BURGER) OUT OF THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING AND HELD FOR OVER 24 HOURS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE DISCARD DATES OF THE TCS RTE FOODS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A LABEL CONTAINING THE DISCARD DATES FOR ALL TCS RTE FOODS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
23
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGN AT HAND WASHING SINK IN FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
10
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DEBRIS ON SHELVING UNITS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING AVAILABLE. ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING.
58
64
May 22, 2019
Routine
5 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: 3-501.17 OBSERVED TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY READY TO EAT FOODS (VEGETABLE MIX, SALMON BURGER) OUT OF THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING AND HELD FOR OVER 24 HOURS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE DISCARD DATES OF THE TCS RTE FOODS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A LABEL CONTAINING THE DISCARD DATES FOR ALL TCS RTE FOODS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
23
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: 3-603.11 OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY POSTED NOR A DISCLOSURE AND A REMINDER ON THE MENU FOR ALL FOODS THAT CAN BE ORDERED UNDERCOOKED OR RAW (EGGS). INSTRUCTED TO POST A CONSUMER ADVISORY AND ADD A DISCLOSURE AND A REMINDER ON THE MENU FOR ALL FOODS THAT CAN BE ORDERED UNDERCOOKED OR RAW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
25
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: 4-302.12 OBSERVED NO FOOD THERMOMETER ON SITE THAT MEASURES THE TEMPERATURES OF HOT AND COLD FOODS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A FOOD THERMOMETER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
36
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: 2-102.14(N) OBSERVED NO 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.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: 2-501.11 OBSERVED NO WRITTEN PROCEDURE NOR ADEQUATE SUPPLIES (DISPOSABLE FACE MASK, DISPOSABLE MOP HEAD, DISPOSABLE LATEX GLOVES, ADEQUATE SANITIZER *MUST ELIMINATE NOROVIRUS*) ON SITE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA EVENTS THAT CAN POTENTIALLY OCCUR INSIDE OF THE FOOD ESTABLISHMENT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
5
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: 6-301.14 OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS LOCATED AT THE FOOD PREP AREA AND TOILET ROOM HAND WASHING SINKS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
10
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: 4-904.11 OBSERVED CLEAN PANS BEING STORED ON TOP OF THE GREASE TRAP UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE EQUIPMENT IN ORDER TO PREVENT ANY POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.
44
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: 5-501.17 OBSERVED A CLOSED RECEPTACLE IS NEEDED INSIDE OF THE TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
53
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: 2-102.13 OBSERVED THREE FOOD HANDLERS (2 FEMALE, I MALE) WITHOUT FOOD HANDLER'S CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.
57
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
47
May 3, 2018
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOOR IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS ALONG WALL AND IN CORNER AREAS.
34
95
Jun 9, 2017
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN FLOORS IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA,ALONG WALL BASE AND CORNERS
34
95
May 5, 2016
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS NEED CLEANING IN THE PREP AREA ALONG THE WALL BASE AND IN CORNERS TO REMOVE DEBRIS.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: NOTED MISSING CEILING TILES IN THE TOILET ROOM. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
35
90
Sep 30, 2015
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOORS IN THE PREP AREA,ALONG WALL BASE AND CORNERS
34
95
Jun 25, 2013
Routine
9 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: LABEL ALL BULK CONTAINERS AND PREPARED SALADS. POST CONSUMER ADVISORY.
30
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: STORE CLEAN POTS AND PANS OFF FLOOR.
31
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING FOR STORAGE. PAINT SHELVES UNDER FRONT COUNTER.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN ALL SHELVES UNDER FRONT COUNTER.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS NEED CLEANING ALONG WALLS NEAR WATER HEATER. ELEVATE ALL STOCK OFF FLOOR.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: CLEAN ALL WALL VENTS(DUST BUILDUP). SEAL ALL OPENINGS IN WALLS AND CEILINGS AROUND PIPE FITTINGS IN DINING, PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. SEAL OPENINGS ALONG BASEBOARDS UNDER 3-COMP SINK AND IN SOUTHWEST CORNER IN FURNACE ROOM.
35
Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters
Inspector notes: REMOVE SHOES BEHIND FRONT COUNTER AND PROVIDE SEPARATE AREA FOR EMPLOYEE BELONGINGS.
37
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: STORE MOP HEAD UPRIGHT TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING.
41
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: STORE WASH CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION. PROVIDE LONG HANDLE UTENSILS FOR DISPENSING CONDIMENTS, SUGAR, ETC.
43
64
Sep 20, 2011
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Sep 19, 2011
License
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: FOUND LIGHT FIXTURES NOT SHIELDED AT FRONT PREPARATION AREAS.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: FOUND 2 COFFEE MACHINES WITH NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES.
38
90
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Chefs Sara's Cafe last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Chefs Sara's Cafe on file is from Feb 27, 2025. The public record contains 15 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Chefs Sara's Cafe?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited 10 times, more than any other issue at Chefs Sara's Cafe.
Has Chefs Sara's Cafe's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Chefs Sara's Cafe have averaged around three violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Chefs Sara'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 Chefs Sara's Cafe inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Chefs Sara's Cafe is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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