Esencia Urban Kitchen
Last inspected: Jul 25, 2025
95
Score
Inspectors have visited Esencia Urban Kitchen 19 times, with records going back to 2013. The most recent visit was on Jul 25, 2025. A low risk tier reflects an inspection that turned up minimal issues.
Violation counts have held steady across recent visits, averaging around four violations each.
“Food-contact surfaces” comes up most often, recorded six times in the inspection record.
The city-wide average for Chicago sits at 81, putting Esencia Urban Kitchen on the better side of that line. The record reflects steady performance over time.
19
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jul 25, 2025
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: 6-202.14 - OBSERVED THE BATHROOM IN THE BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AREA TO BE WITHOUT A SELF CLOSING DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE A SELF CLOSING BATHROOM DOOR AT THE BASEMENT BATHROOM.
53
95
Jul 17, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE WITH A CHEMICAL CONCENTRATION OF 0PPM AT TIME OF INSPECTION IN THE REAR PREP AREA. MACHINE WAS NOT IN USE YET FOR THE DAY AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO SERVICE TO MAINTAIN APPROPRIATE SANITIZING SOLUTION CONCENTRAION. DISH MACHINE TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION AT THIS TIME. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE UNTIL EQUIPMENT IS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONCENTRATION OF AT LEAST 50 PPM AND REINSPECTED BY CDPH. PRIORITY VIOLATION, 7-38-025. MANAGER UNABLE TO TURN MACHINE FULLY ON AND GET IT TO FUNCTION PROPERLY BY END OF INSPECTION.
16
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM 08/05/2024, REPORT #2598567: #58) FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE HAS EXPIRED. INSTRUCTED MUST UPDATE FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION: 7-42-090, CITATION ISSUED.
60
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE SMALL WOODEN SHELF BELOW THE MICROWAVE IN THE MAIN PREP AREA TO BE MADE OF UNFINISHED WOOD. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE WITH A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE HAND SINK IN THE FRONT PREP AREA NEAR THE COFFEE MAKER TO BE SPRAYING EXCESSIVELY FROM SPOUT WHEN IN USE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SERVICE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD REPAIR.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE BATHROOM IN THE BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AREA TO BE WITHOUT A SELF CLOSING DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE A SELF CLOSING BATHROOM DOOR AT THE BASEMENT BATHROOM.
53
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED VARIOUS PERSONAL ITEMS STORED ON THE VARIOUS SINGLE SERVICE ITEMS IN BOXES AND ON SHELVES WITH OTHER EQUIPMENT IN THE BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DESIGNATE AN AREA FOR ALL PERSONAL ITEM STORAGE, AND ENSURE ALL PERSONAL ITEMS ARE IN SAID AREA.
56
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE OVERHEAD EXHAUST TO BE HEAVILY SOILED WITH HEAVY DUST BUILD UP IN THE MAIN COOKING AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN OVERHEAD EXHAUST FILTERS FREE OF EXCESSIVE DUST AND GREASE BUILD UP.
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ONLY ONE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE FOR THE 4 EMPLOYEES IN THE KITCHEN AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES COMPLETE AND MAINTAIN FOOD HANDLER TRAINING, AND ALL NEW EMPLOYEES COMPLETE WITHIN 30 DAYS OF HIRE.
57
58
Aug 5, 2024
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SLIGHT PINK BUILD UP INSIDE ICE MACHINE UPPER PORTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST CLEAN INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE AND MAINTAIN.
16
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING CEILING LIGHT BULBS COVER ABOVE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST PROVIDE.
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ONE FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST HAVE FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES.
58
86
Sep 6, 2023
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.12 OBSERVED FRP WALL PANEL LOOSE FROM WALL AND PEELING PAINT BY 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REATTACH WALL PANEL TO WALL AND REMOVE ALL PEELING PAINT BY 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: 6-304.11 THERE IS NO MECHANICAL VENTILATION IN THE BASEMENT WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE.
56
90
Aug 30, 2023
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LOW TEMPERATURE DISHMACHINE NOT MAINTAINED, 0 PPM CHLORINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER LOW TEMPERATURE DISHMACHINE MUST SANITIZE BETWEEN 50 PPM AND 100 PPM CHLORINE. MUST TEMPORARILY WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE ALL MULTI-USE UTENSILS IN 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005.
16
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: THE FOLLOWING PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT #2553818 DATED ON 04/01/22 NOT CORRECTED-#40-NOTED EMPLOYEES AT THE PREP AREA PREPARING FOOD WITH NO HAIR RESTRAINTS OR PROTECTION. INSTRUCTED TO WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS OR PROTECTION AT ALL TIMES, #58 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. INSTRUCTED MANAGER SAID PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS MUST BE CORRECTED BY DATE OF REINSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090.
60
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SLIGHT BUILD UP INSIDE ICE MACHINE UPPER PORTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST CLEAN INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE AND MAINTAIN.
16
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: NO COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE IN BASEMENT WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FRP WALL PANEL LOOSE FROM WALL AND PEELING PAINT BY 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REATTACH WALL PANEL TO WALL AND REMOVE ALL PEELING PAINT BY 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: BASEMENT FLOOR OFFICE AREA CLUTTERED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST ELEVATE ALL ITEMS OFF FLOOR OR REMOVE ITEMS.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: NO CEILING MECHANICAL VENTILATION IN BASEMENT WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE.
56
61
Apr 1, 2022
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: NOTED EMPLOYEES AT THE PREP AREA PREPARING FOOD WITH NO HAIR RESTRAINTS OR PROTECTION. INSTRUCTED TO WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS OR PROTECTION AT ALL TIMES
40
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: NOTED SERVING PLATES ON SHELVES AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT ALL SERVING PLATES TO PREVENT DUST ACCUMULATION.
43
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
86
Jun 11, 2020
Routine
1 critical violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED COOKED/CUT POTATOES HELD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE BETWEEN 46.0 F AND 50.1 F INSIDE STAND UP 1-DOOR PREP COOLER. HOWEVER FOUND SAID COOLER AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE AT 39.0 F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TCS FOODS MUST BE HELD AT 41.0 F OR BELOW IF HELD COLD. ALL OUT OF TEMPERATURE TCS FOODS VOLUNTARILLY DISCARDED AT THIS TIME. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
22
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SLIGHT PINK BUILD UP INSIDE ICE MACHINE. MUST CLEAN INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE AND MAINTAIN.
16
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE NOT LOCATED AT ICE MACHINE WATER LINE AND AT MOP SINK. MUST PROVIDE BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE AND MAKE VISIBLE AT BOTH LOCATIONS.
51
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
74
Jul 10, 2019
Complaint
5 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 12 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 #7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED TODAY.
3
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: NOTED A PREP TABLE WITH CAN OPENER ATTACHED AT THE BASEMENT FOOD/DRY STORAGE WITH NO PREP SINK, HAND WASH SINK, SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO INSTALL A HAND WASH SINK WITH SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS, PREP SINK OR REMOVE THE PREP TABLE FROM THE BASEMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED TODAY.
10
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 AND SUPPLIES NEEDED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED
5
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: NOTED TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED FOR SAFETY FOOD ITEMS INSIDE WALK IN COOLER AND REFRIGERATION UNITS NOT PROPERLY LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL ALL READY TO EAT FOOD ITEMS WITH PRODUCT NAME AND USED BY DATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-005(A). NO CITATION ISSUED TODAY
23
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: NOTED ESTABLISHMENT SERVING UNDERCOOKED FOOD ITEMS (EGGS,STEAK) WITH NO CONSUMER ADVISORY, DISCLOSURE OR REMINDERS TO THE CUSTOMERS. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A CONSUMER ADVISORY ON THE MENU WITH A DISCLOSURE NOTICE AND REMINDER STATEMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED TODAY.
25
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: NOTED NO SPLASH GUARD BETWEEN EXPOSED HAND SINK AND COFFEE PREP STATION, ALSO EXPOSED HAND WASH SINK AND FOOD PREP TABLE AT THE FRONT PREP AREA. MUST INSTALL A WASHABLE SPLASH GUARD.
39
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: NOTED EMPLOYEES AT THE PREP AREA PREPARING FOOD WITH NO HAIR RESTRAINTS OR PROTECTION. INSTRUCTED TO WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS OR PROTECTION AT ALL TIMES
40
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: NOTED TORN RUBBER GASKET AT DOOR REFRIGERATION UNIT AT THE FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL REPAIR AND MAINTAIN AND/OR REPLACE.
47
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: NOTED WASH ROOMS ON PREMISE WITH NO GARBAGE RECEPTACLE LIDS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TRASH CANS WITH LIDS AT ALL WOMEN WASH ROOMS AND UNISEX WASH ROOMS.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: NOTED HEAVY CLUTTER SHELVES ABOVE THE STAIRWAY AND AT THE FAR END OF BASEMENT FOOD/DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN, ORGANIZE AND REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY OR UNUSED ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: NOTED NO EMPLOYEES AT WORK WITH NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL EMPLOYEES ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THE FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE AT ALL TIMES AND ONE MONTH (30 DAYS) GRACE PERIOD FOR NEW HIRES
57
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
43
May 11, 2018
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: FOUND BULK FOOD NOT LABELED.(FLOUR, SUGAR, ETC.) MUST LABEL BULK FOOD.
30
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: FOUND NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES AT WATERLINES FOR ICE MACHINE, COFFEE MACHINE, AND ESPRESSO MACHINE. MUST PROVIDE.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: FOUND CLUTTER AT BASEMENT. (BOXES, WOOD,ETC.) MUST CLEAN AND ORGANIZE.
41
86
Nov 8, 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 REPLACE MISSING COVING BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT, WHERE JUNCTURE BETWEEN WALL AND FLOOR IS COARSE AND SOME GAPS EXIST.
34
95
Feb 8, 2017
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: MUST INVERT CUPS KEPT ON DINING TABLES UNTIL READY FOR SERVICE. MUST STORE MULTI-USE UTENSILS INVERTED (WITH HANDLE PRESENTED TO THE CONSUMER).
31
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST ELEVATE BOXES IN BASEMENT STORAGE TO BE 6 INCHES ABOVE THE FLOOR.
34
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE A LIGHT SHIELD OR SHATTER PROOF BULB FOR THE BASEMENT PRODUCE COOLER.
36
86
Mar 4, 2016
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST INSTALL SPLASH GUARDS ON THE LEFT SIDES OF BOTH THE FRONT COFFEE PREP AND COOKS LINE EXPOSED HAND SINKS.
32
95
Feb 23, 2015
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: TORN GASKET AT ONE DOOR FREEZER IN REAR PREP. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO CLEAN THE FLOOR ALONG THE WALL UNDER THE JUICING STATION AND TO MAINTAIN.
34
90
Feb 13, 2015
Suspected Food Poisoning
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TWO TRAYS WITH BREADS/PASTRY ITEMS UNCOVERED AND UNPROTECTED AT THE FRONT COUNTER WHERE CUSTOMERS ARE SEATED. FACILITY IMMEDIATELY REMOVED SAID FOODS UPON NOTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED FACILITY THAT ALL FOODS MUST BE PROTECTED DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, AND DISPLAY AT ALL TIMES. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005(A).
16
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION FROM REPORT# 1441401 DATED 8-29-14 NOT CORRECTED: "NO EXPOSED HANDSINK CONVENIENTLY ACCESSIBLE IN THE DISHWASHING AREA." INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED 7-42-090.
29
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: TORN GASKET AT ONE DOOR FREEZER IN REAR PREP. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO CLEAN THE FLOOR ALONG THE WALL UNDER THE JUICING STATION AND TO MAINTAIN.
34
82
Aug 29, 2014
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: NO EXPOSED HANDSINK CONVENIENTLY ACCESSIBLE IN THE DISHWASHING AREA
38
95
Aug 27, 2014
Complaint
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: FOUND DRY FOODS IN THE BASEMENT STORED DIRECTLY UNDER A WASTEWATER LINE. INSTRUCTED TO RELOCATE FOOD ITEMS OR PROVIDE A PROTECTION/BARRIER AROUND THE PIPE.
31
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: NO EXPOSED HANDSINK CONVENIENTLY ACCESSIBLE IN THE DISHWASHING AREA.
38
90
Aug 22, 2014
Complaint
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: FOUND THE MICROWAVE IN THE KITCHEN PREP AREA SOILED WITH FOOD DEBRIS SPLATTER. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
95
Feb 7, 2014
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST ELEVATE FOOD PRODUCTS IN KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREA 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR.
34
95
Jun 28, 2013
License
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: FOUND NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES AT ICE MACHINE AND COFFEE MACHINE.
38
95
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Esencia Urban Kitchen last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Esencia Urban Kitchen on file is from Jul 25, 2025. The public record contains 19 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Esencia Urban Kitchen?
Across the inspection record, “food-contact surfaces” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at Esencia Urban Kitchen.
Has Esencia Urban Kitchen's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Esencia Urban Kitchen have averaged around four violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Esencia Urban Kitchen 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 Esencia Urban Kitchen inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Esencia Urban Kitchen is inspected around two times per year on average.
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