Happy Cafe of Chicago
Last inspected: May 6, 2025
78
Score
The health department has logged 21 inspections at Happy Cafe of Chicago, the earliest from 2013. On May 6, 2025, the health department conducted the most recent visit. Diners can read the low risk label as a sign that recent inspections have gone well.
Things have been moving in the right direction, with the rolling count dropping from around seven violations to closer to five violations per visit.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “non-food/food contact surfaces clean”, showing up 11 times.
Restaurants in Chicago average 81, so Happy Cafe of Chicago trails the local norm. There isn't much in the file that would give a customer pause.
21
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
5
Minor latest
Inspection History
May 6, 2025
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS PREPPING FOOD WITHOUT HAIR RESTRAINTS. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT.
40
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WET WIPING CLOTHS ON SEVERAL PREP SURFACE AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION OF EQUIPMENT & FOOD. MUST MAINTAIN.
41
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MULTIPLE FOOD ITEMSSTORED IN PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS IN THE COOLERS FREEZER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE PROPER FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS AND CONTAINERS ONLY.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP ON COOKING EQUIPMENT, WALLS, SURROUNDING FLOORS AND SHELVING UNITS IN THE KITCHEN/PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO DEGREASE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP, FOOD DEBRIS, AND DIRT ON FLOOR UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP, DISH WASHING AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN ALL AREAS. OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON FAN IN WALK-IN COOLER, LIGHT SHIELDS IN COOKING AREA AND CEILING AND WALL VENTS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL FANS, LIGHT SHIELDS AND CEILING/WALL VENTS.
55
78
Jan 17, 2024
Reinspection
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: 3-302.12: OBSERVED THREE CONTAINERS OF FOOD ITEMS NOT LABELED UNDER THE FOOD PREP TABLES IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LABELS ON ALL FOOD ITEMS NOT IN THEIR ORIGINAL PACKAGE AND MAINTAIN.
37
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: 3-305.12: OBSERVED POTATOES AND ONIONS STORED ON THE FLOOR UNDER THE PIPES OF THE HANDWASHING SINK IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO RELOCATE FOOD ITEMS AND REFRAIN FROM STORING FOOD ITEMS UNDER PIPES OF EQUIPMENT.
39
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: 4-904.11: OBSERVED CLEAN PLATES STORED UNDER ON THE EXPEDITOR TABLE IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA NOT WITH FOOD RESIDUE AND NOT INVERTED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT SAID PLATES IN ORDER TO PREVENT CONTAMINATING THE PLATES.
44
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: 4-601.11(B): OBSERVED THE FLOORS THROUGHOUT THE WALK-IN COOLER WITH FOOD DEBRIS AND DRIED UP LIQUID SPILLAGE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN SAID FLOORS.
49
82
Jan 10, 2024
Routine
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Proper hot holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED COOKED PORK STORED AT IMPROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES INSIDE OF THE A 27 GALLON TOTE STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. THE TEMPERATURE OF THE PORK WAS 87.8F. MANAGER DENATURED AND DISCARDED APPROXIMATELY 200LBS AT $450 WORTH PRODUCT. MUST COMPLY WITH THE HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT OF 135F OR ABOVE AND INSIDE ADEQUATE HOT HOLDING UNITS AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY 7-38-005, CITATION ISSUED
21
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS. OBSERVED RAW PORK IN A 27 GALLON TOTE ON THE FLOOR IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA AT 67.5F. ALSO OBSERVED PORK (49.7-50.7F), 10 EGGS (51.2F), CHICKEN GARLIC (48.9F) STORED INSIDE A PREP COOLER ACROSS FROM THE VENTILATION HOOD AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES. MANAGER DISCARDED APPROX. 10 LBS AT $40 PRODUCT. MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING FOODS AT 41.0F OR BELOW AT ALL TIMES. APPROX. 10 LBS AT $40 PRIORITY 7-38-005, CITATION CONSOLIDATED WITH VIOLATION #21
22
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM 04/03/2023, REPORT #2573571 #49: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN A SMALL UPPER AREA OF THE ICE MACHINE BEHIND FRONT SERVING COUNTER AND MAINTAIN. #49: OBSERVED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON COOKING EQUIPMENT EXTERIOR SURFACES (WOK AREA, FRYER, STEAMER) INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. #55: THE FLOORS AND WALL AROUND AND UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT NEED CLEANING; CLEAN FLOOR AND WALL.ALSO CLEAN THE VENTILATION FAN ON THE CEILING OF THE WASHROOM TO REMOVE DUST OBSERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION:7-42-090, CITATION ISSUED
60
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THREE CONTAINERS OF FOOD ITEMS NOT LABELED UNDER THE FOOD PREP TABLES IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LABELS ON ALL FOOD ITEMS NOT IN THEIR ORIGINAL PACKAGE AND MAINTAIN.
37
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED POTATOES AND ONIONS STORED ON THE FLOOR UNDER THE PIPES OF THE HANDWASHING SINK IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO RELOCATE FOOD ITEMS AND REFRAIN FROM STORING FOOD ITEMS UNDER PIPES OF EQUIPMENT.
39
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CLEAN PLATES STORED UNDER ON THE EXPEDITOR TABLE IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA NOT WITH FOOD RESIDUE AND NOT INVERTED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT SAID PLATES IN ORDER TO PREVENT CONTAMINATING THE PLATES.
44
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FLOORS THROUGHOUT THE WALK-IN COOLER WITH FOOD DEBRIS AND DRIED UP LIQUID SPILLAGE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN SAID FLOORS.
49
55
Apr 3, 2023
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN A SMALL UPPER AREA OF THE ICE MACHINE BEHIND FRONT SERVING COUNTER AND MAINTAIN.
49
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON COOKING EQUIPMENT EXTERIOR SURFACES (WOK AREA, FRYER, STEAMER) INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: THE FLOORS AND WALL AROUND AND UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT NEED CLEANING; CLEAN FLOOR AND WALL. ALSO CLEAN THE VENTILATION FAN ON THE CEILING OF THE WASHROOM TO REMOVE DUST OBSERVED.
55
86
Jun 3, 2022
Routine
12 minor violations.
View 12 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: WALLS THROUGHOUT PREP AREA IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPLATTER AND BUILD UP. FLOORS THROUGHOUT PREP AREA IN NEED OF DETAIL CLESANING UNDER AND AROUND ALL EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: ALL BULK FOOD ITEMS IN NEED OF PROPER LABELING WITH NAME OF PRODUCT. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
37
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
39
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: SPONGES MUST BE CHANGED OFTEN. SPONGES TEND TO HOLD BACTERIA. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
41
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: ICE SCOOP MUST BE STORED IN A CLEAN SANITIZED LOCATION, SCOOP MUST NOT BE STORED IN RICE. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
43
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: CUTTING BOARDS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: CAN OPENER IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD BUILD UP INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CLEAN.
49
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: ALL DOOR HANDLES TO REACH IN COOLERS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CLEAN.
49
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: ALL STORAGE SHELVES IN WALK IN AND REACH IN COOLER IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
49
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: GARBAGE RECEPTICLE IN WASHROOM IN NEED OF COVER. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN COVERED.
53
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: AIR VENTS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL DUST BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
55
Sep 24, 2020
Recent Inspection
2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: ALL TCS FOODS AND READY TO EAT FOOD THAT IS REMOVED FROM ITS ORIGINAL PACKAGING AND/OR COOKED/PREPARED AND HELD FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS MUST BE PROPERLY LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL THOSE FOOD ITEMS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
23
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: FOUND NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER FOR INTERNAL TEMPERATURE TAKING OF TCS FOODS ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
36
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: NO EMPLOYEE WEARING A HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS.
40
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: WIPING CLOTHS NOT PROPERLY STORED WHEN NOT IN USE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION (MUST BE AT THE REQUIRED PPM) WHEN NOT IN USE.
41
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING: EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT (BURNERS, FRYERS, STEAMER), PREP AND STORAGE TABLES, BOTTOM OF FRYER TO REMOVE GREASE AND INTERIORS OF REFRIGERATION UNITS AND FREEZERS. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: THE FRONT HAND WASHING SINK CONSTANTLY RUNS A LIGHT STREAM OF WATER AND THE COLD WATER KNOB IS STRIPPED. INSTRUCTED TO FIX AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE INTERIOR OF THE FLOOR DRAINS AND FLOORS IN THE CORNERS AND UNDER/AROUND ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT TO REMOVE DIRT, GREASE, FOOD AND DEBRIS. -WALLS AND CEILING WITH FOOD AND DIRT IN THE FOOD PREP AREAS AROUND THE SINKS, COOKING/COOLING EQUIPMENTS. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN WALLS AND CEILINGS.
55
64
Aug 26, 2020
Routine
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Sewage & waste water properly disposed
Inspector notes: FOUND WASTE WATER COMING UP FROM THE FLOOR DRAINS IN THE FOOD PREP AND TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE PLUMBING PROPERLY FIXED SO THERE IS NO BACKUP. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED
52
Hands clean & properly washed
Inspector notes: OBSERVE MALE EMPLOYEE PUT ON FACE MASK, NOT WASH HIS HANDS AND CONTINUED TO HANDLE FOOD. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY WASH HANDS WHEN TOUCHING FACE, MULTI-TASKING, ETC. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-010 CITATION ISSUED
8
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: ALL TCS FOODS AND READY TO EAT FOOD THAT IS REMOVED FROM ITS ORIGINAL PACKAGING AND/OR COOKED/PREPARED AND HELD FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS MUST BE PROPERLY LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL THOSE FOOD ITEMS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
23
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: FOUND NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER FOR INTERNAL TEMPERATURE TAKING OF TCS FOODS ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
36
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: FOUND THE FRONT HAND WASHING SINK NOT ACCESSIBLE. THERE WAS UTENSILS STORED INSIDE OF IT. INSTRUCTED TO KEEP ALL HAND WASHING SINKS ACCESSIBLE FOR PROPER HAND WASHING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(c) CITATION ISSUED
10
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: NO EMPLOYEE WEARING A HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS.
40
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: WIPING CLOTHS NOT PROPERLY STORED WHEN NOT IN USE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION (MUST BE AT THE REQUIRED PPM) WHEN NOT IN USE.
41
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING: EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT (BURNERS, FRYERS, STEAMER), PREP AND STORAGE TABLES, BOTTOM OF FRYER TO REMOVE GREASE AND INTERIORS OF REFRIGERATION UNITS AND FREEZERS. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: THE FRONT HAND WASHING SINK CONSTANTLY RUNS A LIGHT STREAM OF WATER AND THE COLD WATER KNOB IS STRIPPED. INSTRUCTED TO FIX AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE INTERIOR OF THE FLOOR DRAINS AND FLOORS IN THE CORNERS AND UNDER/AROUND ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT TO REMOVE DIRT, GREASE, FOOD AND DEBRIS. -WALLS AND CEILING WITH FOOD AND DIRT IN THE FOOD PREP AREAS AROUND THE SINKS, COOKING/COOLING EQUIPMENTS. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN WALLS AND CEILINGS.
55
Miscellaneous / public health orders
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 2 MALE EMPLOYEES NOT WEARING A FACE COVERING INSIDE OF THE STORE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND ENFORCE ALL EMPLOYEES TO COMPLY WITH WEARING FACE COVERINGS. CITATION ISSUED 7-28-060
64
41
Jun 12, 2019
Routine
1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES AS REQUIRED; MUST PROVIDE. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION OF EMPLOYEES RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT ANY ILLNESS TRANSMISSIBLE THROUGH FOOD. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 ISSUED.
3
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING: EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT (BURNERS, FRYERS, STEAMER), PREP AND STORAGE TABLES, BOTTOM OF FRYER TO REMOVE GREASE AND INTERIORS OF REFRIGERATION UNITS AND FREEZERS. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: THE FLOORS NEED DETAIL CLEANING UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT TO REMOVE GREASE AND OTHER BUILD UP, BEHIND AND AROUND REFRIGERATION AND FREEZER UNITS TO REMOVE DIRT AND DEBRIS. THE WALLS AROUND AND BEHIND VARIOUS KITCHEN EQUIPMENT NEEDS CLEANING. ALSO CLEAN LIGHT SHIELDS IN KITCHEN AREA WHERE NEEDED.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: THE VENTILATION SYSTEM ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT NEEDS CLEANING TO REMOVE GREASE; CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
57
74
Sep 19, 2018
Reinspection
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NOTED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: NO PROCEDURE ON SITE FOR THE CLEAN UP OF VOMIT AND DIARRHEA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO MAINTAIN AND PROVIDE PROPER EQUIPMENT AT ALL TIMES. PRORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION NO CITATION ISSUED
5
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST HAVE ALLERGAN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
58
82
Sep 10, 2018
Complaint
4 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NOTED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: FOUND BOTH HANDSINK IN BOTH PREP AREA TURNED OFF AT THE BOTTOM, DUE TO HANDLES BEING IN POOR REPAIR. INSTRUCTED MANGER TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C)
10
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: NO PEST CONTROL LOGBOOK ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE LOGBOOK AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(C)
38
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 30-35 MOUSE DROPPINGS IN STORAGE CLOSET WHERE FURNACE IS STORED INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A)
38
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: NO PROCEDURE ON SITE FOR THE CLEAN UP OF VOMIT AND DIARRHEA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO MAINTAIN AND PROVIDE PROPER EQUIPMENT AT ALL TIMES. PRORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST DISCONTINUE THE USE OF GROCERY BAGS FOR FOOD STORAGE. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: P-TRAP UNDER HANDSINK IN MAIN PREP AREA HAS LEAK INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FOUND THE FOLLOWING IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS AND BUILD UP. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND REMOVE LARGE AMOUNTS OF GREASE BUILD UP ON FLOOR AND EQUIPMENT. MUST DETAIL CLEAN ALL FLOORS THROUGHOUT PREP AREA TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS. MUST CLEAN FLOORS IN DINING AREA AND WASHROOM MUST CLEAN CEILING TO REMOVE ALL DUST BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN WATER TANK TO REMMOVE ALL GREASE WASTE.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST HAVE ALLERGAN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
58
52
Jan 16, 2018
License
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: ALL FOOD MUST BE STORED IN FOOD GRADE BAGS. NO GROCERY BAGS MAY BE USED. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
30
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: COOKING EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
90
Dec 26, 2017
Complaint
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Hands washed and cleaned, good hygienic practices; no bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods.
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER HYGIENIC PRACTICE. AT TIME OF INSPECTION OBSERVED MALE FOOD HANDLER WASHING HANDS AT THREE-COMPARTMENT SINK. INFORMED MANAGER THAT PROPER HAND-WASHING IS REQUIRED AT EXPOSED HAND SINK, WHENEVER FOODS ARE PREPARED AND OR SERVED. MANAGER CORRECTED THE VIOLATION DURING INSPECTION. CRITICAL VIOLATION #7-38-010 (A)
6
Hand washing facilities: with soap and sanitary hand drying devices, convenient and accessible to food prep area
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXPOSED HAND SINK IN KITCHEN PREP AREA BLOCKED AND INACCESSIBLE. AT TIME OF INSPECTION SINK WAS BLOCKED BY SMALL PREP TABLE AND SINK BOWL WAS COVERED WITH SHEET PAN AND ENCRUSTED WITH EXCESSIVE IN FLOUR. SAID EXPOSED HAND SINK ALSO DID NOT HAVE PAPER TOWELS AND OR SOAP AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INFORMED MANAGERS THAT ALL EXPOSED HAND SINKS MUST HAVE SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS AND BE ACCESSIBLE FOR PROPER HAND-WASHING, WHENEVER FOODS ARE PREPARED AND OR SEVERED. MANAGER CORRECTED VIOLATION DURING INSPECTION. CRITICAL VIOLATION # 7-38-030
12
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXCESSIVE FOOD SPLATTER AND DEBRIS ON INTERIOR SURFACES AND WIRE SHELVING OF WALK IN COOLER AND TRUE FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXCESSIVE FOOD SPLATTER AND DEBRIS ON FLOORS THROUGHOUT WALK IN COOLER AND KITCHEN PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CONDENSER LEAKING IN WALK-IN COOLER AT TIME OF INSPECTION. ACTIVE LEAK WAS NOT IN CONTACT WITH FOOD. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN IT ALL TIMES.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SMALL LEAK AT DRAIN PIPE UNDERNEATH THREE-COMPARTMENT SINK, NEXT TO WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
38
74
Jun 8, 2017
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SOME FOOD ITEMS IN PLASTIC BAGS IN WALK-IN COOLER. MUST USE FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE.
30
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FOLLOWING: EXTERIOR SURFACES OF THE REFRIGERATION UNITS/FREEZERS, INTERIOR BOTTOM OF REFRIGERATION UNITS AND THE FRYER AND EXTERIOR SURFACES AROUND AND SIDES OF ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT. CLEAN ALL PREP TABLES (TOPS AND BOTTOMS).
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS AROUND HEAVY EQUIPMENT IN PREP AREA AND ALONG WALLBASE AND AT CORNERS THROUGHOUT REAR PREP AREA.
34
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES AND CLUTTER STORED ABOVE WALK-IN COOLER IN KITCHEN AREA, ORGANIZE AND MAINTAIN STORED FOOD ITEMS IN WALK-IN COOLER.
41
82
May 12, 2016
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FOLLOWING: EXTERIOR SURFACES OF THE REFRIGERATION UNITS/FREEZERS, INTERIOR BOTTOM OF THE FRYER AND EXTERIOR SURFACES AROUND AND SIDES OF ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT. CLEAN ALL PREP TABLES (TOPS AND BOTTOMS).
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOORS AROUND UNDER AND BEHIND ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT AND OTHER KITCHEN EQUIPMENT TO REMOVE GREASE AND DIRT. MUST ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS FROM THE FLOOR STORED UNDER TABLES.
34
90
May 4, 2016
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: FOUND FORTY MOUSE DROPPINGS UNDER AND BEHIND KITCHEN EQUIPMENT ON THE FLOOR; INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AREAS. PEST CONTROL SERVICED THIS MORNING PRIOR TO MY ARRIVAL AND INDICATED NO ACTIVITY. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020 ISSUED.
18
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: MUST LABEL ALL BULK STORAGE CONTAINERS WITH THE NAME OF THE PRODUCT INSIDE OF THE CONTAINER.
30
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FOLLOWING: EXTERIOR SURFACES OF THE REFRIGERATION UNITS/FREEZERS, EXTERIOR SURFACES OF ALL BULK STORAGE CONTAINERS, INTERIOR BOTTOM OF THE FRYER AND EXTERIOR SURFACES AROUND AND SIDES OF ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT. CLEAN ALL PREP TABLES (TOPS AND BOTTOMS).
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOORS AROUND UNDER AND BEHIND ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT AND OTHER KITCHEN EQUIPMENT TO REMOVE DROPPINGS, GREASE AND DIRT. MUST ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS FROM THE FLOOR STORED UNDER TABLES.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN WALL AROUND AND BEHIND THE EXPOSED HANDSINK IN THE KITCHEN. CLEAN ALL CEILING VENTS AND LIGHT SHIELDS IN THE KITCHEN TO REMOVE DUST OBSERVED.
35
78
Jun 11, 2015
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jun 3, 2015
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: INADEQUATE INSECTS CONTROL, FOUND 8 LIVE COCKROACHES BEHIND STAND UP COOLER IN KITCHEN AREA, INSTRUCTED MGR TO ELIMINATE INSECTS ACTIVITY, PEAT CONTRO SERVICE RECOMMENDED. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED, 7-38-020.
18
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #1441463 , DATED ON 9-26-14. FOR VIOLATION #(32) FROZEN MEATS STORED IN GROCERY BAGS INSIDE FREEZERS. INSTRUCTED TO USE FOOD GRADE BAGS. #(33)DETAIL CLEAN VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT. REMOVE GREASE BUILD-UP. DETAIL CLEAN INTERIOR SURFACES OF ALL REFRIGERATION UNITS. DETAIL CLEAN EXTERIOR OF WOKS, INTERIOR/EXTERIOR OF DEEP FRYERS, BULK FOOD CONTAINER/LIDS,AND FAN GRID COVERS IN REFRIGERATION UNITS. #(42)OBSERVED FOODHANDLER IN FOOD PREPARATION AREA PREPARING FOOD WITHOUT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINT. MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTRHCTED MGR TO CORRECT VIOLATIONS WITHIN GIVEN TIME FRAME. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED 7-42-090.
29
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: FOUND BAGS AND POTS OF FOOD ( CARROTS, SOUP...) STORED ON FLOOR, INSTRUCTED TO KEEP 6" OFF FLOOR AT ALL TIMES.
30
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: REUSING VINIGER JUGS AS A MULTI-USE UTENSILS CONTAINER. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE.
31
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: PREP COOLER DOOR GASKETS IN POOR REPAIR THROUGH OUT, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE
32
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MISSING LIGHT SHIELDS AT PASTRY DISPLAY CASE, INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL.
36
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: LIVE POTERTY PLANTRS IN FRONT PREP AREA, INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE. CLUTTER NOTED AT FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO NREMOVE AND BETTER ORGANIZE.
41
70
Sep 26, 2014
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Hand washing facilities: with soap and sanitary hand drying devices, convenient and accessible to food prep area
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HANDSOAP PROVIDED AT THE PREP EXPOSED HANDWASH SINK DURING INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT HANDSOAP MUST BE AVAILABLE AT ALL HANDSINKS AT ALL TIMES. MANAGER PROVIDED HANDSOAP AT THE EXPOSED SINK. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030.
12
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: MUST LABEL BULK FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS AND READY TO EAT FOODS INSIDE REFRIGERATION UNITS. LABEL PREPACKAGED INDIVIDUAL BEVERAGES INSIDE FRONT DISPLAY COOLER.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN ALL FOOD STORAGE SHELVING INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER. REMOVE DIRT AND DEBRIS. FROZEN MEATS STORED IN GROCERY BAGS INSIDE FREEZERS. INSTRUCTED TO USE FOOD GRADE BAGS.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT. REMOVE GREASE BUILD-UP. DETAIL CLEAN INTERIOR SURFACES OF ALL REFRIGERATION UNITS. DETAIL CLEAN EXTERIOR OF WOKS, INTERIOR/EXTERIOR OF DEEP FRYERS, BULK FOOD CONTAINER/LIDS,AND FAN GRID COVERS IN REFRIGERATION UNITS.
33
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN AROUND OUTSIDE REAR EXIT DOOR REMOVE UNUSED ITEMS,MILK CREATES UNUSED BUCKETS, MATERIALS TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE
41
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOODHANDLER IN FOOD PREPARATION AREA PREPARING FOOD WITHOUT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINT. MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINT.
42
74
Sep 10, 2013
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Sep 5, 2013
Reinspection
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Previous serious violation corrected, 7-42-090
Inspector notes: UPON REINSPECTION OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF NUMERIOUS LIVE ROACHES ON PREMISES,15 BETWEEN STEAM TABLE,10 BEHIND DISHES ON SHELVING UNIT,6 LARGE ON LARGE DOUGH PRESSER,8 ON SMALL DOUGH PRESSER MACHINE,2 IN FRONT BEHIND COUNTER,12 -LIVE ROACHES AT 3-COMP SINK,AND MORE THAN 30 MICE DROPPING INSDE WATER PUMP ROOM ON FLOORS AROUND CLUTTER.PREVIOUS SERIOUS VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT # 1296528/DATED 8/21/2013.CRITICAL CITATION
14
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: FOUND FOOD EQUIPMENT,COOKING EQUIPMENT NOT CLEAN.INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN ALL PREP TABLES,COOLERS,PREP TABLES,SINKS, DOUGH MIXER ETC.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FOUND FLOORS NOT CLEAN OF OLD FOOD, DEBRIS,ETC, BEHIND SINKS,MIXER,SINK.MUST CLEAN ALL AREAS..
34
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: WATER METER SUPPLY STORAGE AREA TOO CLUTTERED,SOME STORAGE ON FLOORSALSO CLUTTER IN PREP AREA ON WALLS,TABLES,UNDER FRONT COUNTER..MUST PROPERLY STORE,REMOVE ANYTHING NOT USING TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE AREA.
41
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER IN FOOD PREP AREA,PREPARING FOOD WITHOUT HAIR RESTRAINT.MUST KEEP HAIR COVERED.MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINT AT ALL TIMES
42
78
Aug 21, 2013
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF LIVE ROACHES ON PREMISES,IE 5-LIVE ROACHES BEHIND HEAVY EQUIPMENT AT FRONT COUNTER AND 2-BABY ROACHES CRAWLING ON FLOOR IN PREP AREA,3-LARGE ROACHES ON WALL AROUND CLOCK AND 2-LARGE ROACHES ON SMALL TABLE INSIDE NEWSPAPER.ALSO 18 MICE DROPPINGS ON FLOOR OF STORAGE/WATER ROOM RIGHT OFF DINING ROOM.STRONGLY RECOMMENED PEST CONTROL SERVICE.MUST CLEAN/SANITIZE ALL AREAS.SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED.
18
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: FOUND FOOD EQUIPMENT,COOKING EQUIPMENT NOT CLEAN.INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN ALL PREP TABLES,COOLERS,PREP TABLES,SINKS, DOUGH MIXER ETC.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FOUND FLOORS NOT CLEAN OF OLD FOOD, DEBRIS,ETC, BEHIND SINKS,MIXER,SINK.MUST CLEAN ALL AREAS..
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: LEAKY FAUCET HANDLES AT 3-COMP SINK.MUST REPAIR.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: WATER METER SUPPLY STORAGE AREA TOO CLUTTERED,SOME STORAGE ON FLOORSALSO CLUTTER IN PREP AREA ON WALLS,TABLES,UNDER FRONT COUNTER..MUST PROPERLY STORE,REMOVE ANYTHING NOT USING TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE AREA.
41
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER IN FOOD PREP AREA,PREPARING FOOD WITHOUT HAIR RESTRAINT.MUST KEEP HAIR COVERED.MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINT AT ALL TIMES.
42
74
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Happy Cafe of Chicago last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Happy Cafe of Chicago on file is from May 6, 2025. The public record contains 21 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Happy Cafe of Chicago?
Across the inspection record, “non-food/food contact surfaces clean” has been cited 11 times, more than any other issue at Happy Cafe of Chicago.
Has Happy Cafe of Chicago's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Happy Cafe of Chicago have averaged around five violations per visit, down from roughly seven earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Happy Cafe of Chicago 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 Happy Cafe of Chicago inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Happy Cafe of Chicago is inspected around two times per year on average.
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