Comfort African Cuisine
Last inspected: Jun 26, 2025
61
Score
Comfort African Cuisine has been inspected five times since 2023. Inspectors last stopped by on Jun 26, 2025. Diners should read medium risk as a signal that some issues exist but aren't extreme.
Inspection results have stayed in a similar range over the last few visits, averaging around seven violations each.
“Adequate ventilation & lighting” comes up most often, recorded four times in the inspection record.
Compared to other Chicago restaurants (averaging 81), there's room to close the gap. The full record sits in fairly typical territory for a working restaurant.
5
Inspections
0
Critical latest
2
Major latest
6
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jun 26, 2025
Routine
2 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 8 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: FOUND NO INDIVIDUAL WITH A CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE ON PREMISES WHILE HANDLING TCS FOODS. (HANDLES CHICKEN, FISH, ETC.) PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION, 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED. MUST PROVIDE CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE DURING HOURS OF OPERATION. MANAGER CALLED ON PHONE AND STATED THEY WERE AWAY AT EITHER THE ALDERMAN, SOME OFFICE, OR BUYING GROCERIES. MANAGER DID NOT SHOW UP AT ALL.
2
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: NO PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
1
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED VARIOUS FOOD ITEMS, DRINKS, AND BOXED GOOD STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE STAIRWELL LEADING TO THE 2ND FLOOR, VARIOUS BAGS OF FLOURS AND GRAINS ON THE FLOOR IN THE DRY STORAGE CLOSET BY THE WOMEN'S BATHROOM, AND STORAGE BINS AND BOXES OF FOOD STORED ON FLOOR IN THE BELOW STAIRS DRY STORAGE AREA LOCATED IN THE MAIN DINING ROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL ITEMS AT LEAST 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR.
39
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: OBSERVED VARIOUS FOOD SERVICE EQUIPMENT STORED ON THE FLOOR AT THE TOP OF THE STAIRS LEADING TO THE SECOND FLOOR AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL EQUIPMENT AT LEAST 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR.
44
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED VARIOUS BOXED SINGLE SERVICE ITEMS STORED ON THE FLOOR AND ON THE STAIRS LEADING TO THE 2ND FLOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL ITEMS AT LEAST 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR.
45
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FREEZER COMPARTMENT OF THE MINI FRIDGE AT FRONT BAR TO BE HEAVILY SOLED AND HAVE BUILT UP ICE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FREE OF EXCESSIVE BUILD UP.
49
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TWO (2) OF FIVE (5) LIGHTS IN THE OVERHEAD EXHAUST SYSTEM TO BE NOT FUNCTIONAL AT TIME OF INSPECTION ON THE RIGHT SIDE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR/PROVIDE BULBS TO HAVE ADEQUATE LIGHTING IN PREP AREA.
56
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE LIGHT IN THE SIDE DRY STORAGE AREA NEXT TO THE WOMEN'S BATHROOM TO NOT HAVE A COVER/PROTECTIVE SHIELDING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE LIGHTS IN STORAGE AREAS HAVE A PROTECTIVE SHEILD.
56
61
Jul 10, 2024
Complaint
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RICE AND FLOUR SPILLED ON THE FLOOR IN THE SIDE DRY GOODS STORAGE CLOSET LOCATED NEXT TO THE WOMEN'S BATHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AREA FREE OF ANY GRAIN AND FLOUR SPILLAGE.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GREASE BUILD UP ON VENTILATION HOOD AND HOOD FILTERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST CLEAN VENTILATION HOOD/FILTERS AND MAINTAIN.
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAININAG CERTIFICATES ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST HAVE FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON PREMISES.
58
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SCOOPS USED THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY TO HAVE HANDLES STORED IN CONTACT WITH FOOD ITEMS IN DRY STORAGE BINS SUCH AS RICE AND FLOUR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE ALL SCOOPS SO THAT HANDLE IS NOT IN CONTACT WITH CONTENTS.
43
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LARGE TAN CUTTING BOARD DEEPLY GOUGED AND BROKEN IN HALF AT THE REAR OF PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE CUTTING BOARD.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: BAR HANDWASH SINK DRAIN PIPE LEAKING. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SINK.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FLOOR CLUTTERED THROUGHOUT BAR. MUST ELEVATE ALL ITEMS OFF BAR FLOOR OR REMOVE ITEMS.
55
70
May 15, 2024
Routine
1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 6 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON PREMISES WHILE TCS FOODS- GOAT MEAT, CHICKEN, ETC.- ARE PREPARED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE ON PREMISES WHILE TCS FOODS ARE PREPARED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012.
2
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: BAR HANDWASH SINK DRAIN PIPE LEAKING. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SINK.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FLOOR CLUTTERED THROUGHOUT BAR. MUST ELEVATE ALL ITEMS OFF BAR FLOOR OR REMOVE ITEMS.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GREASE BUILD UP ON VENTILATION HOOD AND HOOD FILTERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST CLEAN VENTILATION HOOD/FILTERS AND MAINTAIN.
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: NO FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATES ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST HAVE FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING CERTIFICATES.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAININAG CERTIFICATES ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST HAVE FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON PREMISES.
58
70
Jun 14, 2023
Reinspection
2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: 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 7-38-010.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: NO PROCEDURE/PLAN AND KIT 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.
5
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: NO BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE PROVIDED AT ICE MACHINE WATER LINE,AT LOCATED AT SECOND FLOOR. ALSO PROVIDE A BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE AT MOP SINK. MUST INSTALL SO BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE MAY BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAIN.
51
78
Jun 1, 2023
License
1 critical violation. 5 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 12 violations
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: BOTH TWO DOOR REACH-IN COOLERS MAINTAINS AIR TEMP OF 50F AND ABOVE. MUST MAINTAIN TEMP OF 41F AND BELOW. PRIORITY VIOLATION:7-38-005
33
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: 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 7-38-010.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: NO PROCEDURE/PLAN AND KIT 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.
5
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BAR THREE COMPARTMENT SINK INSTALLED AT REAR DISHROOM/PREP AREA.NOT LARGE ENOUGH FOR OVER-SIZED UTENSILS(POTS). MUST INSTALL A LARGER 3 COMPARTMENT TO BE ABLE TO SUBMERGE THE LARGEST UTENSIL/POTS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION:7-38-025.
48
Hot & cold water available; adequate pressure
Inspector notes: HOT WATER ON SITE HOWEVER NOT ABLE TO MAINTAIN MINIMUM OF 100F AT WASHROOMS(68F TO 93.9F); HANDWASHING SINK 87F TO 93.4F. THREE COMPARTMENT SINK 94.7F,MUST MAINTAIN TEMP OF 110F. REPAIR ISSUE AND PROVIDE HOT WATER ACCORDINGLY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION:7-38-005
50
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: NO STEM THERMOMETER PROVIDED ON SITE TO BE ABLE TO CHECK FOOD TEMPERATURE, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION:7-38-005
36
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: THERMOMETER IS NEEDED INSIDE THE COOLERS
36
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: A DRAIN BOARD IS REQUIRED AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK FOR HOLDING CLEANED UTENSIL AFTER SANITIZING AT BAR AREA.
48
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: LOW TEMP DISHMACHINE NOT IN WORKING CONDITION UNABLE TO FILL UNIT.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR ISSUE. FRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION:7-38-025
48
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SINK STOPPERS ARE NEEDED AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. -
51
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: NO BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE PROVIDED AT ICE MACHINE WATER LINE,AT LOCATED AT SECOND FLOOR. ALSO PROVIDE A BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE AT MOP SINK. MUST INSTALL SO BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE MAY BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAIN.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: WASHROOM DOOR AT SECOND FLOOR NOT SELF CLOSING.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SELF CLOSING DEVICE AT SAID DOOR.
53
39
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Comfort African Cuisine last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Comfort African Cuisine on file is from Jun 26, 2025. The public record contains five inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Comfort African Cuisine?
Across the inspection record, “adequate ventilation & lighting” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Comfort African Cuisine.
Has Comfort African Cuisine's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Comfort African Cuisine have averaged around seven violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Comfort African Cuisine 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 Comfort African Cuisine inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Comfort African Cuisine is inspected around two times per year on average.
Nearby Restaurants