Espressamente Illy/Cityfront Cafe
Last inspected: Jan 15, 2026
95
Score
Espressamente Illy/Cityfront Cafe has been inspected 16 times since 2013. On Jan 15, 2026, the health department conducted the most recent visit. Low risk indicates the latest report didn't flag anything that would worry the average customer.
Inspection results have stayed in a similar range over the last few visits, averaging around two violations each.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “insects, rodents, & animals not present”, showing up six times.
Restaurants in Chicago average 81, so Espressamente Illy/Cityfront Cafe is doing better than most peers. The file should reassure diners considering a visit.
16
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 15, 2026
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 1/2 INCH GAPS AT REVOLVING DOOR SWEEPS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST RODENT PROOF REVOLVING DOOR SWEEPS.
38
95
Jan 8, 2026
Routine
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED BLACK DIRT BUILD UP INSIDE LARGE ICE MACHINE DRIPPING INTO ICE, ICE USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST CLEAN INTERIOR OF LARGE ICE MACHINE BY DATE OF REINSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. ALL ICE INSIDE SAID ICE MACHINE VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED.
16
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: NO THERMOMETER INSIDE SODA GRAB N GO COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROIVDE A WORKING AND VISIBLE THERMOMETER INSIDE SAID COOLER.
36
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 1/2 INCH GAPS AT REVOLVING DOOR SWEEPS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST RODENT PROOF REVOLVING DOOR SWEEPS.
38
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: COFFEE PREP AREA 1-COMPARTMENT SINK FAUCET LOOSE. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
78
Jul 3, 2024
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE DAIRY COOLER TO REMOVE SPILLS AND DEBRIS. ALSO CLEAN THE STORAGE SHELVING UNDERNEATH THE COUNTER TO REMOVE DEBIS.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FLOORS NEED CLEANING AROUND COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE CITYFRONT CAFE AND IN SHARED KITCHEN TO REMOVE SPILL, DEBRIS AND/OR GREASE. ALSO CLEAN THE FLOOR DRAIN IN THE DISH WASHING AREA.
55
90
Oct 3, 2023
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: Food handler with long beard, instructed to wear a beard restraint when handling open foods.
40
95
Nov 1, 2022
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: Bulk food containers ( sugar, flour..) not labeled, instructed to label and maintain.
37
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: Disposable plastic cups used as a scoop for bulk food. instructed to use proper scoops.
47
90
Aug 18, 2021
Reinspection
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: FOUND NO IRREVERSIBLE REGISTERING TEMPERATURE INDICATOR FOR HOT WATER SANITIZING DISH MACHINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PROVIDE AND HAVE READILY ACCESSIBLE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
48
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ICE SCOOP IN AN ICE SCOOP HOLDER ATTACHED TO THE WALL DIRECTLY NEXT TO THE COFFEE BAR HANDWASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO INSTALL A SPLASH GUARD ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE COFFEE BAR HANDWASHING SINK OR RELOCATE ICE SCOOP.
39
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: FOUND A BROKEN, UNPLUGGED COOLER NOT IN USE IN THE REAR KITCHEN AREA. MUST REPAIR OR REMOVE BROKEN EQUIPMENT FROM PREMISES.
47
82
Jul 28, 2021
Routine
3 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: FOUND NO IRREVERSIBLE REGISTERING TEMPERATURE INDICATOR FOR HOT WATER SANITIZING DISH MACHINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PROVIDE AND HAVE READILY ACCESSIBLE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
48
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
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM 5/20/2019 REPORT #2289115 NOT CORRECTED: OBSERVED FOOD/UTENSILS STORED DIRECTLY UNDER SEWAGE LINES IN THE DRY STORAGE ROOM IN THE PARKING GARAGE. MUST REMOVE AND STORE ALL ITEMS AWAY FROM POTENTIAL SOURCES OF CONTAMINATION. MUST CORRECT PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090.
60
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: FOUND A BROKEN, UNPLUGGED COOLER NOT IN USE IN THE REAR KITCHEN AREA. MUST REPAIR OR REMOVE BROKEN EQUIPMENT FROM PREMISES.
47
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
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ICE SCOOP IN AN ICE SCOOP HOLDER ATTACHED TO THE WALL DIRECTLY NEXT TO THE COFFEE BAR HANDWASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO INSTALL A SPLASH GUARD ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE COFFEE BAR HANDWASHING SINK OR RELOCATE ICE SCOOP.
39
64
May 20, 2019
Reinspection
3 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 3-603.11. Inspector Comments: - MUST PROVIDE CONSUMER ADVISORY (ON SITE), REMINDER (IN THE MENU), AND DISCLOSURE (BY THE FOOD ITEMS) FOR ALL UNDERCOOKED FOODS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#: 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
25
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 2-501.11. Inspector Comments: - NO VOMITOUS AND DIARRHEAL INCIDENT CLEAN UP WRITTEN POLICY AND PHYSICAL KIT ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#: 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 3-501.17. Inspector Comments: - MUST PROVIDE PROPER LABELS FOR DATE MARKING THE PREPARATION AND CONSUME BY/DISCARD DATE OF ALL REFRIGERATED, READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOODS PREPARED ON SITE AND HELD OVER 24HRS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#: 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
23
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 4-602.11(B-E). Inspector Comments: - OBSERVED A SLIGHT DEBRIS BUILDUP IN THE ICE MACHINES ABOVE THE SODA DISPENSERS AND IN THE KITCHEN. MUST REMOVE DEBRIS DETAIL CLEAN/HAVE SERVICED AND MAINTAIN.
16
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 3-302.12. Inspector Comments: - MUST PROVIDE IDENTIFICATION LABELS FOR THE BULK ITEM CONTAINERS IN THE DRY STORAGE AREAS.
37
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 6-202.15. Inspector Comments: - OBSERVED A 1/4" GAP AT THE BOTTOM/CENTER OF THE DELIVERY ENTRANCE DOOR. MUST PROVIDE A TIGHT FITTING SEAL AT ALL OUTER OPENINGS TO PREVENT THE ENTRY OF PESTS.
38
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 4-903.12. Inspector Comments: - OBSERVED FOOD/UTENSILS STORED DIRECTLY UNDER SEWAGE LINES IN THE DRY STORAGE ROOM IN THE PARKING GARAGE. MUST REMOVE AND STORE ALL ITEMS AWAY FROM POTENTIAL SOURCES OF CONTAMINATION.
44
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 4-301.16. Inspector Comments: - MUST INSTALL A PREP SINK FOR THE GRILL STATION/DELI AREA.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 6-501.12. Inspector Comments: - MUST CLEAN OUT THE ON THE FLOOR BASIN UNDER THE FRYER IN THE GRILL STATION AREA. OBSERVED BROKEN GLASS AND DEBRIS ON THE FLOOR IN THE LIQUOR STORAGE ROOM. MUST REMOVE DEBRIS/GLASS, CLEAN AREA, AND MAINTAIN.
55
55
May 17, 2019
Routine
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: - OBSERVED THE FINAL RINSE TEMP OF THE HOT WATER SANITIZATION OF THE HIGH TEMP DISH MACHINE IN THE ILLY FRONT PREP AREA TOO LOW AT TIME OF INSPECTION. THE DISH MACHINE WAS SANITIZING AT 176F. MUST PROVIDE HOT WATER SANITIZING TEMPERATURES OF 180F OR ABOVE. VIOLATION HAS BEEN CORRECTED ON SITE. THE DISH MACHINE HAS BEEN TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION. MUST NOT USE DISH MACHINE OR REMOVE TAG UNTIL REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE, CDPH HAS BEEN CONTACTED FOR A TAG REMOVAL REQUEST, AND ARRIVES ON SITE FOR INSPECTION AT THE TAGGED MACHINE. FACILITY HAS A WORKING 3 COMP SINK AND HIGH TEMP DISH MACHINE IN THE CITY FRONT PLAZA CAFE KITCHEN AVAILABLE FOR USE AT THIS TIME. PRIORITY VIOLATION#:7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED. -
16
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: - NO VOMITOUS AND DIARRHEAL INCIDENT CLEAN UP WRITTEN POLICY AND PHYSICAL KIT ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#: 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED. -
5
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: - MUST PROVIDE PROPER LABELS FOR DATE MARKING THE PREPARATION AND CONSUME BY/DISCARD DATE OF ALL REFRIGERATED, READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOODS PREPARED ON SITE AND HELD OVER 24HRS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#: 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED. -
23
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: - MUST PROVIDE CONSUMER ADVISORY (ON SITE), REMINDER (IN THE MENU), AND DISCLOSURE (BY THE FOOD ITEMS) FOR ALL UNDERCOOKED FOODS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#: 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED. -
25
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: - OBSERVED A SLIGHT DEBRIS BUILDUP IN THE ICE MACHINES ABOVE THE SODA DISPENSERS AND IN THE KITCHEN. MUST REMOVE DEBRIS DETAIL CEAN/HAVE SERVICED AND MAINTAIN. -
16
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: - MUST PROVIDE IDENTIFICATION LABELS FOR THE BULK ITEM CONTAINERS IN THE DRY STORAGE AREAS. -
37
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: - OBSERVED A 1/4" GAP AT THE BOTTOM/CENTER OF THE DELIVERY ENTRANCE DOOR. MUST PROVIDE A TIGHT FITTING SEAL AT ALL OUTER OPENINGS TO PREVENT THE ENTRY OF PESTS. -
38
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: - OBSERVED FOOD/UTENSILS STORED DIRECTLY UNDER SEWAGE LINES IN THE DRY STORAGE ROOM IN THE PARKING GARAGE. MUST REMOVE AND STORE ALL ITEMS AWAY FROM POTENTIAL SOURCES OF CONTAMINATION. -
44
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: - MUST INSTALL A PREP SINK FOR THE GRILL STATION/DELI AREA. -
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: - MUST CLEAN OUT THE ON THE FLOOR BASIN UNDER THE FRYER IN THE GRILL STATION AREA. OBSERVED BROKEN GLASS AND DEBRIS ON THE FLOOR IN THE LIQUOR STORAGE ROOM. MUST REMOVE DEBRIS/GLASS, CLEAN AREA, AND MAINTAIN. -
55
47
Mar 22, 2018
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Mar 15, 2018
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: FOUND THE FOLLOWING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS HELD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE- SAUSAGE PATTIES HELD BETWEEN 75.0 F AND 114.5 F, SCRAMBLED EGGS HELD AT 127.1 F AND EGG BREAKFAST SANDWICHES HELD AT 118.0 F. FOUND SAUSAGE PATTIES HELD ON TOP OF HEATING UNIT WHICH WAS TURNED OFF AND NOW TURNED ON AND HOLDING HOT TEMPERATURES AT 140 F AND ABOVE AND SCRAMBLED EGGS AND EGG BREAKFAST SANDWICHES HOT HOLDING UNITS AT OVER 140 F. ALSO FOUND THE FOLLOWING COLD POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES AT SELF SERVICE COOLER- COTTAGE CHEESE AT 46.4 F, YOGURT AT 46.4 F. HOWEVER SAID SELF SERVICE COOLER AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATUE AT BELOW 40 F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS MUST BE HELD AT 140.0 F OR ABOVE IF HELD HOT AND 40.0 F OR BELOW IF HELD COLD. ALL OUT OF TEMPERATURE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS VOLUNTARILLY DISCARDED AT THIS TIME. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A).
3
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector notes: THE FOLLOWING PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT #1982183 DATED ON 01/27/17 NOT CORRECTED-#33 DRAWER COOLERS NOT CLEAN FRAME AND INTERIOR SURFACES. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN, #34 FLOORS NOT CLEAN BEHIND FRONT COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. SAID PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATIONS MUST BE CORRECTED BY DATE OF REINSPECTION. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-090. NON COMPLIANCE.
29
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD/DIRT BUILD UP INSIDE PREP AREA/DISHWASH AREA FLOOR DRAINS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN INTERIOR OF FLOOR DRAINS AND MAINTAIN.
34
86
Jan 27, 2017
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: DUST BULID UP NOTED ON FAN COVERSIN WALK-IN COOLERS, INSTRUCTED TO CELEAN AND MAINTAIN. ICE MAKER INTERIOR SURFACES NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: DRAWER COOLERS NOT CLEAN FRAME AND INTERIOR SURFACES, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS NOT CLEAN BEHIND FRONT COOKING EQUIPMENT, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
34
86
Feb 24, 2016
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES: FOUND 4 TRAYS OF CHICKEN ON A STORAGE RACK NEXT TO COOKING EQUIPMENT AT 95.2F AND 88.6F, BREAKFAST SAUSAGE IN THE HOT HOLDING UNIT AT FRONT SERVICE AT 106.8F, AND DELI MEAT IN THE WALK-IN COOLER AT 48F. MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED 30# OF FOOD WORTH $150. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A
3
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO SERVICE HOODVENTS TO REMOVE BUILDUP AND MAINTAIN.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS IN THE CHEMICAL STORAGE CLOSET AND UNDER THE 2-COMPARTMENT SINK AND FRONT HAND SINK ACROSS FROM THE COOKING EQUIPMENT- MAINTAIN.
34
86
Jun 3, 2015
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN/SANITIZE FLOORS THROUGHOUT REAR KITCHEN/PREP AREA, DISHROOM AND INSIDE WALK-IN COOLERS.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: LEAK AT FAUCET OF 3-COMP SINK IN DISHROOM. MUST REPAIR.
38
90
Apr 4, 2014
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Adequate number, convenient, accessible, designed, and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HOT WATER AT ONE OF THE EXPOSED HAND SINKS IN THE FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN HOT WATER AT ALL EXPOSED HAND SINKS. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030
11
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE OR MANAGER ON THE PREMISES WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS (I.E. CHICKEN, SAUSAGE, EGGS, FISH, ETC). INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE AND HAVE IT CONSPICOUSLY POSTED IN PLAIN VIEWING OF CUSTOMERS AND MANAGER ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012
21
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FLOOR DRAINS AT OMELLETTE BAR IN THE FRONT PREP AREA WITH ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOOR DRAINS.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HOOD VENTS IN REAR PREP AREA WITH ACCUMULATED GREASE AND DUST. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN HOOD VENTS.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BOTH FAUCET BASES AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE REAR PREP AREA LEAKING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN ALL PLUMBING.
38
78
Apr 19, 2013
License
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: NO GARBAGE CANS WERE PROVIDED FOR CAFE RESTROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN THE FLOOR THROUGHOUT THE PREMISES.
34
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: NO END CAPS PROVIDED FOR LIGHT SHIELD IN THE WALK-IN COOLER ACROSS FROM THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST PROVIDE.
36
86
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Espressamente Illy/Cityfront Cafe last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Espressamente Illy/Cityfront Cafe on file is from Jan 15, 2026. The public record contains 16 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Espressamente Illy/Cityfront Cafe?
Across the inspection record, “insects, rodents, & animals not present” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at Espressamente Illy/Cityfront Cafe.
Has Espressamente Illy/Cityfront Cafe's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Espressamente Illy/Cityfront Cafe have averaged around two violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Espressamente Illy/Cityfront 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 Espressamente Illy/Cityfront Cafe inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Espressamente Illy/Cityfront Cafe is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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