Chicago Downtown Marriott — Bistro Cafe (Employee Cafe)
Last inspected: Jan 26, 2026
95
Score
Inspectors have visited Chicago Downtown Marriott — Bistro Cafe (Employee Cafe) 19 times, with records going back to 2010. The newest entry in the record is dated Jan 26, 2026. A low risk tier reflects an inspection that turned up minimal issues.
Recent visits have produced comparable findings, with counts hovering near three violations per visit.
“Proper cooling methods used” comes up most often, recorded six times in the inspection record.
Among Chicago restaurants, the typical score is 81; Chicago Downtown Marriott — Bistro Cafe (Employee Cafe) is comfortably above that bar. The file should reassure diners considering a visit.
19
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 26, 2026
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: NO THERMOMETER INSIDE SALAD BAR COOLER. MUST PROVIDE A WORKING THERMOMETER INSIDE SAID COOLER.
36
95
Feb 18, 2025
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF THE REACH IN COOLERS IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ONE COMPARTMENT SINK IN PREP AREA WITHOUT RUNNING WATER, PIC INDICTAED PIPE BUSTED INSIDE WALL, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR, RESTORE WATER AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CLUTTER STORED IN BROKEN EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNUSED ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LOOSE DEBRIS, DIRT AND DUST BUILDUP ON THE FLOORS AND CORNERS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND INCREASE CLEANING FREQUENCY OF FLOORS. MUST MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
55
82
Feb 21, 2024
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: Soda fountain machine not clean around dispensing panel, instructed to clean and maintain.
47
95
Mar 22, 2023
Routine
No violations found.
100
Jan 24, 2022
Routine
2 critical violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: PREP COOLER AT EMPLOYEES CAFETERIA AIR TEMPERATURE AT 57.3F, INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO KEEP ALL COOLERS WHERE TCS FOODS ARE STORED AT 41F OR LOWER. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. COOLER IS TAGGED NOT ALLOWED TO USE. MUST CONTACT THE OFFICE OF CDPH WHEN REPAIRED FOR TAG REMOVAL INSPECTION.
33
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: TCS FOODS HELD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE. FOUND 8 LBS OF DELI MEAT AT 55.3F. 2 LBS OF SLICED TOMATOES AT 52.3F. INSTRUCTED TO HOLD SUCH FOODS AT 41F OR LOWER.FOOD DISCARDED VALUED AT $25. PRIORITY VIOALTION 7-38-005.
22
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: THERMOMETR ARE PLACED IN THE REAR SIDE OF PREP COOLER, INSTRUCTED KEEP IN WARMEST PART OF COOELR WHERE IT CAN BE EASILY VIEWED.
36
Compliance with clean indoor air ordinance
62
67
May 27, 2021
Routine
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: FOUND AN IMPROPER INTERNAL FOOD TEMPERATURE OF A TCS FOOD IN THE WALK-IN COOLER. COOKED POTATOES STORED IN METAL CONTAINERS COVERED TIGHTLY WERE AT 68.8 F. MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED APPROXIMATELY 8 LBS OF FOOD WORTH $25. PRIORITY 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
22
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: FOUND NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS (DELI MEAT SANDWICHES) ARE BEING PREPARED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
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
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO VOMIT/DIARRHEA CLEANUP KIT OR WRITTEN PROCEDURES. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
5
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: NO THERMOMETER IN 1-DOOR DAIRY COOLER IN EMPLOYEE CAFE AREA. MUST PROVIDE.
36
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: FOUND HEAVY GREASE BUILDUP INSIDE FRYER LOCATED ON EMPLOYEE CAFE SERVICE LINE. MUST CLEAN.
49
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: UNABLE TO LOCATE AND VERIFY FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES DURING INSPECTION. MUST PROVIDE AND KEEP CERTIFICATES ON SITE.
57
55
Nov 1, 2019
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A CAN OPENER ON PREP LINE COVERED IN RUST AND DIRT. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN CLEAN CAN OPENERS.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A CUTTING BOARD ON PREP LINE WITH DEEP GROOVES AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN A SMOOTH, CLEANABLE SURFACE.
47
90
Sep 7, 2018
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Proper cooking time & temperatures
18
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: 3-603.11 (A)- OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY SIGNAGE POSTED IN PLAIN VIEW OF CUSTOMER. INFORMED MANAGER THAT CONSUMER ADVISORY SIGNAGE MUST BE POSTED IN PLAIN VIEW OF CUSTOMER AS WELL AS INDICATED ON MENU OF RAW/UNDER COOKED FOODS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE CONSUMER ADVISORY SIGNAGE. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
25
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: 3-307.11- SNEEZE GUARD TOO SHORT AT SELF-SERVICE SALAD BAR AND HOT FOOD LINE, INSTRUCTED TO EXTEND. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
39
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: 2-402.11 (A) (B) (A)- OBSERVED ONE FOOD HANDLER AT FRONT COUNTER AREA WITHOUT HAIR RESTRAINT. INFORMED MANAGER THAT FOOD HANDLER MUST WEAR PROPER HAIR RESTRAINTS, TO PREVENT POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE PROPER HAIR RESTRAINTS. MAINTAIN SAID.
40
82
May 26, 2017
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: SNEEZE GUARD TOO SHORT AT SELF-SERVICE SALAD BAR AND HOT FOOD LINE, INSTRUCTED TO EXTEND
32
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLERS NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS, INSTRUCTED TO WERA.
42
90
Oct 11, 2016
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: NOTED LINENS, BROOMS AND OTHER MAINTENANCE EQUIPMENT STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE STORAGE CLOSET. ALSO NOTED FOOD ITEMS (OIL, BEETS) STORED ON THE FLOOR BELOW THE SERVICE COUNTER. INSTRUCTED TO STORE ALL ITEMS AT LEAST 6 INCHES ABOVE THE FLOOR.
34
95
Sep 20, 2016
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE 4 DOOR REACH IN COOLER HOLDING IMPROPER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE OF 52 DEGREES, WITH POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD STORED INSIDE. THE UNIT WAS TAGGED DURING INSPECTION AND MUST NOT BE USED TO STORE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD UNTIL THE CPDH HAS REMOVED THE TAG. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN COLD HOLDING FACILITIES AT 40 DEGREES OR BELOW. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED: 7-38-005(A)
2
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD STORED AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES IN THE 4 DOOR REACH IN COOLER: HOUSE MADE SALAD DRESSING, 50 DEGREES, 16 LBS, $3; CHICKEN, 50 DEGREES, 2 LBS, $4.50; CHEESE, 52-54 DEGREES, 14 LBS, $12; EGGS, 52 DEGREES, 4 LBS, $2.50; YOGURT, 52 DEGREES, 20 LBS, $20; CUT MELON, 51 DEGREES, 10 LBS, $2; PASTA, 50 DEGREES, 9 LBS, $3.75; CHICKEN SALAD, 50 DEGREES, 8 LBS, $4.25; POTATO SALAD, 51 DEGREES, 8 LBS, $4.25; SHRIMP, 50 DEGREES, 8 LBS, $4.25; TUNA, 51 DEGREES, 6 LBS, $4.25. THESE PRODUCTS WERE VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AND DENATURED BY THE OPERATOR. INSTRUCTED TO HOLD COLD POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT 40 DEGREES OR BELOW DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY AND SERVICE. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED: 7-38-005(A)
3
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: NOTED LINENS, BROOMS AND OTHER MAINTENANCE EQUIPMENT STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE STORAGE CLOSET. ALSO NOTED FOOD ITEMS (OIL, BEETS) STORED ON THE FLOOR BELOW THE SERVICE COUNTER. INSTRUCTED TO STORE ALL ITEMS AT LEAST 6 INCHES ABOVE THE FLOOR.
34
86
Nov 9, 2015
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE CAN OPENER MOUNTED ON THE SERVING LINE COUNTER WITH DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE CAN OPENER.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE CEILING VENT WITH ACCUMULATED DUST ABOVE THE 4 DOOR PREP COOLER BEHIND THE SERVING LINE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL CEILING VENTS.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE 1 COMPARTMENT SINK FAUCET BASE LEAKING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN ALL PLUMBING.
38
86
Nov 24, 2014
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLER IN THE PREP AREA WITH NO HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN A HAIR RESTRAINT WHILE FOOD IS BEING HANDLED.
42
95
Jan 24, 2014
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: BULK FOOD CONTAINERS NOT LABELED. LABEL ALL BULK FOOD CONTAINERS AT ALL TIMES.
30
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INTERIOR OF REACH IN REFRIGERATOR NEAR SELF SERVE CEREAL STATION RUSTY. REMOVE RUST AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR OF REFRIGERATOR IN SANITARY CONDITION AT ALL TIMES.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOOR OF DRY STORAGE AREA UNCLEAN. DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOOR OF DRY STORAGE AREA. OLD DRAINAGE PIPE IN FLOOR UNCOVERED AND CONTAINING DEBRIS. REMOVE DEBRIS AND COVER OLD DRAINAGE PIPE.
34
86
May 3, 2013
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE 4 DOOR PREP COOLER.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN THE CRUMB CATCHER TRAY FOR THE PIZZA OVEN.
33
90
May 23, 2012
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: UPPER PANEL OF ICE MAKER INTERIOR SURFACES NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: MISSING THERMOMETER FOR MILK DISPENSER COOLER, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
40
90
Aug 26, 2011
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: UPPER RIGHT DOOR GASKET OF A 4-DOOR COOLER IS NOT ALIGNED-MUST FIX. All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MISSING BASEBOARD TILES IN BUTCHER ROOM MUST BE REPLACED. WATER-STAINED CEILING TILES BY PREP SINK AT COFFEE/SODA STATION (CAFETERIA) MUST BE REPLACED. The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned.
35
90
Aug 18, 2011
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: (7-38-020) EVIDENCE OF PESTS ON PREMISES. OBSERVED 14-SMALL/FRUIT FLIES ON EAST WALL & CEILING TILES (SOUTH) OF THE CAFETERIA DINING AREA; 4-ON WALL AROUND HANDSINK; 5-INSIDE FLOOR DRAIN BY THE SODA FOUNTAIN. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE SOURCE & CLEAN/SANITIZE ALL AFFECTED AREAS.
18
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: UPPER RIGHT DOOR GASKET OF A 4-DOOR COOLER IN NOT ALIGNED- MUST FIX. All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOOR DRAINS, AREAS UNDER THE 1-COMP SINK OF THE SODA/COFFEE STATION & INSIDE A CLOSET STORAGE ROOM MUST BE KETP CLEAN & DRY. ALL STOCK/SUPPLIES MUST BE ELEVATED OFF THE FLOOR, AT COLD/DRY STORAGE AREAS. The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: ALL AFFECTED WALLS (BY PESTS) MUST BE CLEANED/SANITIZED; DUSTY CEILING VENTS MUST BE CLEANED ALSO. MISSING BASEBOARDS TILES IN BUTCHER ROOM MUST BE REPLACED. The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: LEAK AT BOTTOM PIPE OF 2-COMP SINK (BUTCHER ROOM) MUST BE FIXED. Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health.
38
78
Dec 1, 2010
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
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. CUTTING BOARDS IN NEED OF REPLACING.
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. All utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each usage. ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT, HOT/COLD HOLDING UNITS, DRINK MACHINES, COFFEE AREAS ALL IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE FOOD DEBRIS AND BUILD-UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. FLOORS THROUGH OUT IN NEED OF CLEANING UNDER AND AROUND EQUIPMENT. FLOORS IN NEED OF REGROUTING. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
34
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: All rooms in which food or drink is prepared, or in which utensils are washed, shall be lighted so that a minimum of 50-foot candles of light is available on all work surfaces. Shielding to protect against broken glass falling into food shall be provided for all artificial lighting sources in preparation, service, and display facilities. LIGHTS IN NEED OF SHEILDING WITH PROPER TUBES AND END CAPS. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
36
82
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Chicago Downtown Marriott — Bistro Cafe (Employee Cafe) last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Chicago Downtown Marriott — Bistro Cafe (Employee Cafe) on file is from Jan 26, 2026. The public record contains 19 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Chicago Downtown Marriott — Bistro Cafe (Employee Cafe)?
Across the inspection record, “proper cooling methods used” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at Chicago Downtown Marriott — Bistro Cafe (Employee Cafe).
Has Chicago Downtown Marriott — Bistro Cafe (Employee Cafe)'s inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Chicago Downtown Marriott — Bistro Cafe (Employee Cafe) have averaged around three violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Chicago Downtown Marriott — Bistro Cafe (Employee 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 Chicago Downtown Marriott — Bistro Cafe (Employee Cafe) inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Chicago Downtown Marriott — Bistro Cafe (Employee Cafe) is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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