Chicago Diplomat Cafe
Last inspected: Jun 13, 2025
74
Score
Chicago Diplomat Cafe has been inspected nine times since 2017. Inspectors last stopped by on Jun 13, 2025. The medium risk tier sits in the middle: not spotless, but not alarming either.
Recent visits have produced comparable findings, with counts hovering near four violations per visit.
When inspectors have written things up, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been the most frequent reason, cited six times.
By comparison, the average Chicago facility scores 81, putting Chicago Diplomat Cafe on the weaker side. The inspection history reads as standard for a restaurant of this size.
9
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
6
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jun 13, 2025
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BUCKETS OF FOOD STORED ON FLOOR IN REAR FOOD STORAGE AREA. MUST ELEVATE ITEMS OFF THE FLOOR TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
39
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON TOP OF PREP TABLES IN REAR KITCHEN FOOD PREPARATION AREA. MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITAZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
41
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXCESSIVE ICE BUILD UP INSIDE CHEST FREEZER LOCATED IN FRONT KITCHEN FOOD PREPARATION AREA. MUST REMOVE ICE AND CLEAN FREEZER.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LEAKING FAUCET BASE AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR DISHWASHING AREA. MUST REPAIR LEAKING AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DAMAGED AND CRACKED FLOOR TILES IN FRONT AND REAR KITCHEN FOOD PREPARATION AREA. MUST REPAIR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXCESSIVE GREASE BUILD UP ON VENTILATION VENTS AND FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
74
Apr 26, 2024
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SOME FOOD HANDLERS MISSING FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST HAVE FOOD HANDERS TRAINING CERTIFICATES.
57
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: NO THERMOMETERS INSIDE SOME PREP AREA AND DISPLAY COOLERS. MUST PROVIDE WORKING THERMOMETERS AND MAKE VISIBLE IN ALL COOLERS.
36
90
Nov 29, 2022
Reinspection
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: 6-301.14 OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT THE HANDWASHING SINK BEHIND THE BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT ALL HANDWASHING SINKS AND MAINTAIN.
10
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-101.19 OBSERVED THE SHELVING UNITS OF THE COOKING EQUIPMENT UNDER THE VENTILATION HOOD LINED WITH ALUMINUM FOIL. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE THE ALUMINUM FOIL FROM THE SURFACE TO MAKE THE SURFACE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.13 OBSERVED SLIGHT DEBRIS ON THE FLOOR UNDER THE COOKING EQUIPMENT UNDER THE VENTILATION HOOD. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN SAID DEBRIS AND MAINTAIN.
55
86
Nov 22, 2022
Routine
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SANITIZER TEST STRIP KIT ON-SITE AT THE INSPECTION TO TEST CONCENTRATION OF SANITIZER IN 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND LOW-TEMPERATURE DISHWASHING MACHINE ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A TEST STRIP KIT ON-SITE AT ALL TIMES TO MONITOR THE STRENGTH OF THE SANITIZER PROPERLY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005, CITATION ISSUED.
48
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT THE HANDWASHING SINK BEHIND THE BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT ALL HANDWASHING SINKS AND MAINTAIN.
10
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE SHELVING UNITS OF THE COOKING EQUIPMENT UNDER THE VENTILATION HOOD LINED WITH ALUMINUM FOIL. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE THE ALUMINUM FOIL FROM THE SURFACE TO MAKE THE SURFACE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SLIGHT DEBRIS ON THE FLOOR UNDER THE COOKING EQUIPMENT UNDER THE VENTILATION HOOD. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN SAID DEBRIS AND MAINTAIN.
55
78
Jun 25, 2021
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jun 17, 2021
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 9 minor violations.
View 12 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: CHEMICAL DISH MACHINE NOT DISPENSING CHLORINE SANITIZER. MANAGEMENT STATES THE MACHINE IS NOT BEING USED AT THIS TIME. NO DISHES BEING WASHED. MACHINE TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION AND MUST NOT USE UNTIL REPAIRED AND PROPERLY DISPENSES CHLORINE SANITIZER; C.D.P.H. MUST BE CONTACTED FOR TAG REMOVAL. PRIORITY VIOLATION.
16
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: MENU ITEMS SUCH AS MEATS COOKED TO ORDER AND EGGS NOT PROPERLY DISCLOSED ON THE MENU. INSTRUCTED THE CONSUMER ADVISORY ON THE MENU MUST ALSO DISCLOSE AND REMIND OF SUCH ITEMS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.
25
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE FOR ALL EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.
3
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: ALL STORED ITEMS THROUGHOUT THE HALLWAY CLOSET MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOORS.
45
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: THE CUTTING BOARD AT THE TWO-DOOR PREP COOLER IN POOR CONDITION, WITH DEEP CUT GROOVES ON BOTH SIDES. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE OR RESURFACE.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: NOTED EXCESSIVE RUST AND ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS ON THE TABLE TOP CAN OPENER. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AFTER EACH USE.
49
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: METAL DRAWERS USED FOR UTENSIL STORAGE NOTED WITH EXCESSIVE RUST AND DIRT. MUST REMOVE RUST, CLEAN, AND MAINTAIN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: EXTREMELY SLOW DRAINING HAND WASHING SINK IN THE KITCHEN. MUST REPAIR TO DRAIN PROPERLY.
51
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE PILED PLASTIC CARTONS FROM THE REAR GARBAGE AREA TO PREVENT PEST HARBORING.
54
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST NOT USE CLOTH CARPETS AS MATS THROUGHOUT THE KITCHEN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: NOTED THE CEILING VENTILATION COVER IN THE MEN'S WASHROOM WITH EXCESSIVE DUST. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.----NOTED PEELING PLASTER AND PAINT ON THE CEILING ABOVE THE FAR REAR TALL REACH-IN FREEZER. MUST REPAIR TO BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST HAVE FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES OR PROOF OF TRAINING.
57
45
Jan 21, 2020
Routine
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: NO CONSUMER ADVISORY WITH DISCLOSURE ON MENU. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE A CONSUMER ADVISORY WITH DISCLOSURE (STATEMENT ABOUT THE FOOD) ON MENU OR TABLE TENTS/PLACARDS ON ALL TABLES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
25
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ESTABLISHMENT USING PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS TO HOLD RAW MEATS INSIDE STAND UP REACH IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST USE FOOD GRADE PLASTIC BAGS ONLY FOR FOODS.
47
86
Jan 9, 2019
Routine
2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NOTED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION FOLLOWING THE NEW CODE AND GUIDELINES. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE VERIFICATION OF POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE ONE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-012(A). NO CITATION ISSUED TODAY
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: MANAGEMENT UNABLE TO PROVIDE A PROCEDURE FOR CLEANING UP VOMITING AND DIARRHEA.INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ONE INCLUDING THE CHEMICALS NEEDED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED
5
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: NOTED RUSTY SHELVES INSIDE THE 2 DOOR REFRIGERATION AND SERVICE COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN, REPAINT WITH NON TOXIC FOOD GRADE PAINT AND/OR REPLACE
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: NOTED TORN RUBBER GASKET INSIDE THE PREP SERVICE COOLER AT THE KITCHEN PREP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL REPAIR AND MAINTAIN AND/OR REPLACE
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: NOTED DIRTY AND DUSTY EXTERIOR FANS AND SURROUNDING WALL AT THE REAR. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: NOTED HEAVY DIRT AND GREASE ACCUMULATION INSIDE THE EXHAUST HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN HOOD, FILTERS AND PIPES/CONDUITS
56
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
64
Jan 23, 2017
License
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOIL BEING USED TO LINE THE ROLLING CART AND THE SHELF BELOW THE GRILL. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE THE FOIL AND MAINTAIN THE SURFACES TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
32
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A LEAK IN THE WASTE PIPING UNDER THE MAIN PREP EXPOSED HAND SINK. MUST REPAIR.
38
90
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Chicago Diplomat Cafe last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Chicago Diplomat Cafe on file is from Jun 13, 2025. The public record contains nine inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Chicago Diplomat Cafe?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at Chicago Diplomat Cafe.
Has Chicago Diplomat Cafe's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Chicago Diplomat Cafe have averaged around four violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Chicago Diplomat Cafe 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 Chicago Diplomat Cafe inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Chicago Diplomat Cafe is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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