Janik's Cafe
Last inspected: Apr 15, 2026
74
Score
Going back to 2010, Janik's Cafe has 21 inspections in the public record. On Apr 15, 2026, the health department conducted the most recent visit. Diners should read medium risk as a signal that some issues exist but aren't extreme.
Recent visits have produced comparable findings, with counts hovering near three violations per visit.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean”, showing up six times.
By comparison, the average Chicago facility scores 81, putting Janik's Cafe on the weaker side. Taken together, the history looks like that of a busy facility working through the usual inspection cycle.
21
Inspections
0
Critical latest
1
Major latest
4
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 15, 2026
Routine
1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ICE MACHINE LOCATED NEAR THE FRONTLINE WITH A BUILD-UP OF BLACK DIRT/SLIME SUBSTANCE OVER THE ICE CUBES STORED BELOW IN ICE BIN. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ICE THEN CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE INTERIOR OF THE BIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED
16
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE COMMON NAME OF FOODS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
37
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SCOOPS FOR DRY STORAGE CONTAINERS BEING STORED DIRECTLY INSIDE OF THE CONTAINER. INSTRUCTED TO STORE PROPERLY BETWEEN USAGE. OBSERVED IMPROPER STORAGE OF IN-USE UTENSILS (KNIVES) ON PREP SURFACE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO STORE PROPERLY.
43
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED AN ACCUMULATION OF DIRT/DEBRIS BUILDUP ON THE EXHAUST VENTILATION IN BOTH MEN AND WOMEN WASHROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WITH EXPIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE UPDATED DOCUMENTATION FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGERS.
58
74
Apr 17, 2025
Routine
No violations found.
100
Jun 14, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED COOKED CHICKEN HELD AT AN INADEQUATE TEMPERATURE OF 48 F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL COLD TCS FOODS ARE HELD AT 41 F AND BELOW. THE MANAGER DISCARDED 8 POUNDS OF CHICKEN ($40), AND A PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION WAS ISSUED.
22
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SPLASH GUARD ON HAND SINK TO PROTECT PREPARATION TABLE LOCATED NEXT TO HAND SINK IN FRONT COFFEE PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE SPLASH GUARD TO PROTECT AGAINST MISCELLANEOUS SOURCES OF CONTAMINATION.
39
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED KNIVES STORED IN BETWEEN PREPARATION COOLERS AND EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE ALL IN-USE UTENSILS IN A CLEAN LOCATION BETWEEN USE TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
43
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DAMAGED AND TORN GASKETS ON TWO DOOR REACH IN COOLER IN REAR PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR OR REPLACE GASKETS TO MAINTAIN IN GOOD REPAIR.
47
74
Jul 31, 2023
Routine
No violations found.
100
Jan 13, 2022
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MILK CRATES BEING USED AS SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE DRY STORAGE AREA. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE SHELVING THAT IS 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND PROVIDES FLOOR ACCESSIBILITY TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FACILITY CLEANING.
47
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE PERSON WHO HAS CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ON FILE.
58
90
Jan 5, 2021
Routine
9 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE VISIBLE AND WORKING THERMOMETER AT THE 4-DOOR PREP COOLER IN FOOD PREPARATION AREA.
36
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: MUST INSTALL SPLASH GUARDS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE FRONT PREP HAND WASHING SINK THAT HAS FOOD PREP TABLES ON BOTH SIDES.
39
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON TOP OF PREP TABLES IN FRONT PREPARATION AREA. MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
41
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ICE SCOOPS STORED ON TOP OF ICE MACHINE LOCATED IN REAR PREP AREA. MUST PROPERLY STORE ICE SCOOPS IN A CLEAN CONTAINER TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
43
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED KNIVES STORED BETWEEN PREP COOLERS IN FOOD PREPARATION AREA. MUST PROVIDE KNIFE RACK AND PROPERLY STORE KNIVES.
45
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST NOT USE MILK CRATES FOR PRODUCT ELEVATION THROUGHOUT PREMISES. MUST USE APPROVED SHELVING.
47
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLES PROVIDED IN THE WOMEN'S WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRT AND DUST BUILD UP ON CEILING INSIDE LIGHT SHIELDS COVERS IN FOOD PREPARATION AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HEAVY DUST BUILD UP ON CEILING VENTILATION VENTS INSIDE CUSTOMERS WASHROOMS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
64
Jun 24, 2020
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: FLY TRAP LOCATED ABOVE CLEAN UTENSILS, INSTRUCTED TO STORE AWAY FROM UTENSILS AND OPEN FOODS.
38
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: DAMAGED WALL ABOVE 3-COMP SINK, INSTRUCTED TO REAPPEAR AND MAINTAIN.
55
90
Nov 15, 2019
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE PROVIDED IN THE WOME'S WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOOR UNDER AROUND AND BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING LIGHT BULBS IN REAR FOOD PREP AREA. MUST PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING AND MUST MAINTAIN.
56
86
Jan 14, 2019
Routine
4 major violations. 11 minor violations.
View 15 violations
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO DATE MARKING ON TCS FOODS HELD MORE THAN 24 HOURS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
23
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE OR REMINDER ON RAW UNDERCOOKED FOODS ON MENU (HAMBURGERS). MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
25
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: THE PERSON IN CHARGE UNABLE TO PROVIDE PROCEDURE FOR EMPLOYEE TO FOLLOW WHEN RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: THE PERSON IN CHARGE UNABLE TO PROVIDE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNS OR POSTERS POSTED NEAR TO HAND WASHING SINKS THROUGHOUT PREMISES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
10
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN THE ORIGINAL PACKAGE
37
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE SPLASH GUARD AT THE FRONT HAND WASHING SINK IN FRONT PREP AREA. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
39
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON TOP OF PREP TABLES. MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
41
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LEAKING FAUCET BASE AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR DISHWASHING AREA . MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO VISIBLE BACK FLOW PREVENTER DEVICE AT THE SERVICE SINKS. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL SO THAT CAN BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICE AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRT AND DEBRIS ON FLOOR UNDERNEATH FOOD STORAGE SHELVING IN REAR STORAGE ROOM. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRT AND DEBRIS ON WALLS IN REAR PREP AREA/DISHWASHING AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PEELING PAINT ON WALL IN FOOD PREPARATION AREA BY 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST RE-PAINT AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXCESSIVE DUST BUILD UP ON CEILING VENTILATION VENTS INSIDE WASHROOMS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ON SITE WITH THE REQUIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST COMPLETE FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING.
58
39
Mar 9, 2018
Complaint
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS NEED CLEANING IN THE PREP AREA AND INSIDE THE MOP CLOSET TO REMOVE DEBRIS AND SPILLS.
34
95
Dec 14, 2017
Complaint
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE RIPPED GASKETS ON THE LEFT DOOR OF THE 2-DOOR REFRIGERATION UNIT IN THE KITCHEN AND MAINTAIN TO PROVIDE A TIGHT FITTING SEAL.
32
95
Apr 24, 2017
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WHOLE CHICKENS STORED DIRECTLY IN GROCERY BAGS LOCATED IN THE 2-DOOR REACH-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO USE FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS TO PROPERLY STORE MEATS AT ALL TIMES.
30
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FOOD DEBRIS ON THE FLOORS UNDER THE DRY FOOD STORAGE RACK. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS AND MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE BASEBOARD FOR THE WALLS IN THE HALLWAY LEADING TO THE REAR EXIT DOOR WHERE THE BASEBOARD HAS BEEN REMOVED.
35
86
Jun 29, 2016
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: NO LABELS PROVIDED AT REPACKED SWEETS,MUST PROVIDE:SOURCE AND FOOD INGREDIENT.
31
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: BROKEN RUBBER GASKET AT TWO DOOR REACH-IN COOLER.SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH,CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE.DUCT TAPE USED AT BROKEN HANDLE OF TWO DOOR REACH-IN COOLER UNDER THE SMALL STEAM TABLE ,MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE HANDLES.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: GREASE/BURNED FOOD INSIDE THE OVEN,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: DEBRIS ON FLOOR UNDER PLASTIC CRATES,INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE SAID CRATES-AND PROVIDE RAISED SHELVES
34
82
Dec 14, 2015
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS UNDER AND AROUND ALL EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS AND BUILD UP. MUST 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: WALLS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPLATTER. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: AIR VENTS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL DUST BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
38
86
Mar 19, 2015
Complaint
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE TO REMOVE ANY BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS IN NEED OF CLEANING ALONG WALL BASES AND UNDER EQUIPMENT TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
34
90
Dec 8, 2014
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: SEAL LOOSE GASKET ON REAR REACH-IN COOLER DOOR.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE AND REACH-IN COOLERS.
33
90
Feb 6, 2014
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: REMOVE MILK CRATES OFF FLOOR AND PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING FOR STORAGE.
32
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: REMOVE EXCESS CARDBOARD NEAR REAR DOOR. ORGANIZE SECOND FLOOR STORAGE/OFFICE AREA AND ELEVATE STOCK OFF FLOOR.
41
90
Jan 4, 2013
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Floor behind equipment, along wallbase and storage rooms not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean daily.
34
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: Unnecessary articles stored in storage room second floor. Instructed to remove all unused articles and elevate supplies 6 inches or higher and away from walls.
41
90
Apr 5, 2012
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INSTALL A SPLASHGUARD AT EXPOSED HANDSINK NEXT TO 1 COMP PREP SINK.
32
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 INTERIOR SHELVINGS OF THE 3 DOOR COOLER,INTERIOR UPPER PANEL OF ICE MACHINE,BOTTOMS OF FOOD PREP TABLES ETC.
33
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: All food establishments that display, prepare, or store potentially hazardous foods shall have calibrated metal stem thermometers, provided and conspicuous, for refrigerated and hot food units. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE A THERMOMETER INSIDE THE 3 DOOR COOLER IN KITCHEN.
40
86
May 18, 2011
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
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. MUST CLEAN FLOORS UNDER AND BEHIND ALL EQUIPMENT
34
Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters
Inspector notes: MUST STORE EMPLOYEE BELONGINGS NICE AND NEATLY ONE DESIGNATED AREA
37
90
Apr 9, 2010
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
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.FAN COVERS,SHELVING INSIDE COOLERS REQUIRE DETAIL CLEANING.
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.FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS INCLUDING FLOOR DRAINS REQUIRE DETAIL CLEANING.
34
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: All food establishments that display, prepare, or store potentially hazardous foods shall have calibrated metal stem thermometers, provided and conspicuous, for refrigerated and hot food units.MUST PROVIDE THERMOMETERS FOR ALL COOLERS.
40
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: All parts of the food establishment and all parts of the property used in connection with the operation of the establishment shall be kept neat and clean and should not produce any offensive odors.FOUND THE MOP SINK CLOSET CLUTTERED.
41
82
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Janik's Cafe last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Janik's Cafe on file is from Apr 15, 2026. The public record contains 21 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Janik's Cafe?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at Janik's Cafe.
Has Janik's Cafe's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Janik's Cafe have averaged around three violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Janik's Cafe 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 Janik's Cafe inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Janik's Cafe is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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