Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea
Last inspected: Sep 9, 2025
67
Score
Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea has been inspected 13 times since 2010. The newest entry in the record is dated Sep 9, 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 four violations each.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean”, showing up five times.
Restaurants in Chicago average 81, so Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea trails the local norm. On the whole, the file is mixed but not concerning.
13
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
8
Minor latest
Inspection History
Sep 9, 2025
Routine
8 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRT AND DEBRIS ON FLOOR DRAINS IN REAR PREPARATION AREA/DISHWASHING AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PEELING PAINT ON WALL UNDER AND BEHIND 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. ALSO OBSERVED PEELING PAINT ON CEILING ABOVE 2-DOOR TALL REFRIGERATOR IN REAR PREP AREA/DISHWASHING AREA. MUST REPAINT AND MAINTAIN WALLS SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACES AT ALL TIMES. OBSERVED DIRT AND DEBRIS ON FLOOR UNDERNEATH 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR DISHWASHING AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BURN OUT LIGHT BULBS ABOVE ICE MACHINE IN REAR PREP/DISHWASHING AREA. MUST REPLACE BURN OUT LIGHT BULBS AND MAINTAIN INTENSITY LIGHTING.
56
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HEAVE ACCUMULATION OF DUST BUILD UP ON CEILING VENTILATION VENTS THROUGHOUT PREMISES. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN VENTS CLEAN AT ALL TIMES.
56
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS OR POSTERS NEAR HAND WASHING SINKS IN BOTH WASHROOMS. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
10
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EMPLOYEES NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS WHILE FOOD IS BEING PREPARED IN FRONT PREP AREA. MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS AT ALL TIMES FOOD IS BEING PREPARED AND SERVED
40
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON TOP OF FRONT COUNTERTOP IN FRONT COFFEE PREP AREA. MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
41
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK DRAINING SLOW IN FRONT COFFEE FOOD PREPARATION AREA. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
67
Oct 5, 2020
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 1/4 INCH GAP AT FRONT ENTRANCE/EXIT DOOR SWEEP. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST RODENT PROOF SAID DOOR.
38
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS/DIRT BUILD UP INSIDE CABINETS AT TRAINING BAR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST CLEAN INTERIOR OF CABINETS AND MAINTAIN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: DISHWASH AREA HANDWASH BOWL COLD WATER LEAKING AT FAUCET. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SAID HANDWASH BOWL.
51
86
Nov 19, 2019
Routine
1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: NOTED PREMISE USING A HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH WASHER WITH GAUGE READING 181F; HOWEVER NOTED NO TEMPERATURE TEST STRIPS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND IRREVERSIBLE REGISTERING TEMPERATURE INDICATOR, STRIPS/STICKERS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED TODAY.
48
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: NOTED TORN RUBBER GASKET INSIDE 2 DOOR REFRIGERATION UNIT AT THE REAR 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 GARBAGE RECEPTACLES AND NO 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: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG WALL BASE AND UNDERNEATH THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK, WATER HEATING UNIT AND DISH WASHER ALL AT THE REAR FOOD PREP/DRY STORAGE AREA; FLOORS ALONG WALL AND UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT AT THE FRONT PREP AREA INCLUDING ALL FLOOR DRAINS.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: NOTED DIRTY WALLS WITH SPILLS BEHIND THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AT THE REAR FOOD PREP/DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
74
Jul 31, 2018
Complaint
3 critical violations. 1 minor violation.
View 4 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: FOUND NO EXPOSED HAND SINK AT FRONT/MAIN COFFEE PREPARATION AREAS. PRIORITY VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.7-38-030C. MUST PROVIDE ADDITIONAL EXPOSED HAND SINK AT MAIN COFFEE AREAS THAT IS EASILY ACESSILBLE.
10
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AT PREMISES. PRIORITY VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-012A. MUST PROVIDE.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: FOUND NO VOMIT DIARRHEAL PROCEDURE. PRIORITY VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-005. MUST PROVIDE.
5
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FOUND CEILING AT FOLLOWING AREAS NOT CLEAN: DISHWASHING AREA, STORAGE, AND OFFICE. MUST CLEAN AND PAINT. FOUND WALLS BEHIND AND UNDER 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN POOR REPAIR/NOT EASILIY CLEANABLE(DAMAGED DRYWALL). MUST REPAIR AND PAINT. FOUND WALLS NOT SMOOTH AND EASY TO CLEAN AT REAR HALLWAY AREAS(CHIPPING PAINT). MUST PAINT.
55
61
Sep 1, 2017
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: FOUND 3 COMPARTMENT SINK NOT PROPERLY FASTENED TO WALL. MUST FASTEN AND SECURE PROPERLY. FOUND FAUCET AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK LOOSE. MUST REPAIR.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FOUND FLOORS NOT CLEAN AT DISHWASHING AREAS. MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: FOUND WALL BEHIND 3 COMPARTMENT SINK WITH CHIPPING PAINT. MUST SEAL/PAINT.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: FOUND NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES AT WATERLINES FOR ALL COFFEE MACHINES(2 ESPRESSO MACHINES AND 3 DRIP MACHINES). MUST PROVIDE.
38
82
Sep 24, 2015
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO CLEAN, SANITIZE, AND MAINTAIN THE ICE MACHINE AT THE FRONT COUNTER.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRT ACCUMULATION ON THE FLOOR UNDER AND AROUND THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
34
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: OUT OF COMPLIANCE. INFORMATION GIVEN, INSTRUCTED TO COMPLY AND MAINTAIN.
45
86
Sep 25, 2014
Complaint
No violations found.
100
Apr 3, 2014
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN INTERIOR OF CABINETS BEHIND FRONT COUNTER.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: NOTED PEELING PAINT ON THE CEILING IN REAR DRY STORAGE ROOM. MUST REPAINT CEILING.
35
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES FROM ELECTRICAL ROOM.CLEAN AND ORGANIZE ROOM.
41
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: EMPLOYEES MUST WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT AT ALL TIMES FOOD IS PREPARED AND SERVED.
42
82
Aug 16, 2013
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: A EXPOSED HANDSINK FOR HANDWASHING IS NEEDED FOR THE REAR DISHWASHING AREAS;PROVIDE VISIBLE BACKFLOW PREVFENTION DEVICES FOR THE COFFEE EXPRESSO STATIONS.
38
95
Aug 13, 2013
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: A EXPOSED HANDSINK FOR HANDWASHING IS NEEDED FOR THE REAR DISHWASHING AREAS;PROVIDE VISIBLE BACKFLOW PREVFENTION DEVICES FOR THE COFFEE EXPRESSO STATIONS.
38
95
Aug 6, 2013
Complaint
8 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Hands washed and cleaned, good hygienic practices; no bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods.
Inspector notes: OBSERVED,POOR HYGYENIC PRACTICES;FOOD HANDLERS PERFORMING MULTIPLE TASKS(PREPARING COFFEES,TOUCHING HAIR,DIRTY APRONS,THEN RETURNING TO HANDLE OPEN SWEET PASTRIES,RINSING DIRTY UTENSILS INSIDE THE FRONT EXPOSED HANDSINK ETC.)AND NOT WASHING HANDS.ALSO,OBSERVED NO SOAP AND NO HANPAPERTOWELS AT SAID EXPOSED HANDSINK(DESIGNATED FOR HANDWASHING ONLY).INSTRUCTED ON PROPER PROCEDURES OF WASHING HANDS PER CITY CODE.CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-010(A).
6
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: FOOD (ICE) NOT PROTECTED DURING STORAGE INSIDE OF THE ICE MACHINE. OBSERVED BLACK SLIMY SUBSTANCE ON INTERIOR WATER COMPONENTS OF THE ICE MACHINE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO TURN OFF MACHINE, REMOVE ICE AND HAVE INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE CLEANED AND SANITIZED. TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION .ALSO,THE FRONT COFFEE BREWING STATION MUST BE PROTECTED AGAINST PUBLIC CONTAMINATION PROVIDE A BARRIER OR SNEEZEGUARD. MUST FAX LETTER TO THE CDPH 312-746-4240 FOR TAG REMOVAL ATT:A.LOPEZ. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-005A.
16
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: FOUND THE FRONT AND REAR DOORS TO THIS FOOD ESTABLISHMENT NOT INSECT/RODENT-PROOFED APPROXIMATELY 1/4" MODE OF ENTRY.OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 12 LIVE FRUIT FLIES ALONG REAR HALLWAY CORRIDOR LEADING TO THE DRY STORAGE ROOM,DISHWASHING ROOM. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO MINIMIZE OR ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY.MUST MAKE DOORS TIGHT FITTING ALL ACROSS THE BOTTOMS.THE PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK MUST BE COMPLETE WITH ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOLLOWING CURRENT COPIES OF I.D.P.H LICENSES AND A MAP LOCATOR INDICATING ALL PEST CONTROL SERVICES PROVIDED FOR THIS FOOD ESTABLISHMENT. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
18
* inspection report summary displayed and visible to all customers
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY WAS NOT DISPLAYED. MANAGEMENT WAS GIVEN A COPY OF TODAY'S INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY AND WAS INSTRUCTED TO POST IT IN VIEW OF ALL CUSTOMERS. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-010B.
28
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector notes: Previous minor violation(s) Corrected 7-42-090 NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION#1092209 11/26/2012. 34 MUST MAINTAIN FLOOR DRY IN REAR DISHWASH AREA. 02/26/2013 40 MISSING THERMOMETER INSIDE MILK COOLER LOCATED IN FRONT PREP AREA. MUST PROVIDE. 02/26/2013 MUST CORRECT BY THE REINSPECTION DATE.
29
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: A EXPOSED HANDSINK FOR HANDWASHING IS NEEDED FOR THE REAR DISHWASHING AREAS;PROVIDE VISIBLE BACKFLOW PREVFENTION DEVICES FOR THE COFFEE EXPRESSO STATIONS.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN,ORGANIZE STORAGE ROOMS,DISHWASHING ROOM,CLEANING EQUIPMENT MUST BE STORED IN A DESIGNATED AREAS.REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES DUE TO POTENTIAL PEST HARBORAGE FROM THE EXTERIOR SHARED DUMPSTER AREA. ALL ARTICLES STORED MUST BE 6" OFF FLOOR FOR EASIER CLEANING.
41
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: HAIR RESTRAINTS ARE REQUIRED WHEN WORKING AROUND OPEN FOODS.
42
67
Nov 26, 2012
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST MAINTAIN FLOOR DRY IN REAR DISHWASH AREA.
34
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: MISSING THERMOMETER INSIDE MILK COOLER LOCATED IN FRONT PREP AREA. MUST PROVIDE.
40
90
Oct 25, 2010
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: All cold food shall be stored at a temperature of 40F or less. OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE IN THE MILK COOLER. OBSERVED MILK BETWEEN 43.5-44.4F, HEAVY CREAM AT 49.2F, HALF AND HALF CREAMER AT 47.6F. MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED 12 GALLONS OF FOOD WORTH $90. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A.
3
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. DETAIL CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE (SCALE BUILDUP).
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. CLEAN THE FLOOR UNDER THE COFFEE COUNTER IN THE FRONT PREP AREA.
34
86
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea on file is from Sep 9, 2025. The public record contains 13 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea.
Has Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea have averaged around four violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea 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 Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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