Levy Restaurants @Lincoln Park Zoo — Park Place Cafe
Last inspected: Jul 7, 2025
100
Score
The health department has logged 13 inspections at Levy Restaurants @Lincoln Park Zoo — Park Place Cafe, the earliest from 2010. The most recent visit was on Jul 7, 2025. Diners can read the low risk label as a sign that recent inspections have gone well.
Violation counts have held steady across recent visits, averaging around two violations each.
When inspectors have written things up, “food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed” has been the most frequent reason, cited five times.
Compared to the broader Chicago restaurant scene, where the average is 81, this is a stronger showing. Overall, the inspection record reads well.
13
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jul 7, 2025
Routine
No violations found.
100
Aug 12, 2024
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE PROVIDED IN THE UNISEX EMPLOYEE'S WASHROOMS LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT. MUST PROVIDE COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE AND MAINTAIN,
53
95
Aug 28, 2023
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: NOTED THE PREP COOLER CUTTING BOARD IN THE "SAFARI SANDWICH" PREP STATION IN POOR REPAIR WITH DEEP, BLACKENED GROOVES. MUST REPLACE OR RESURFACE.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: NOTED INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINES UPPER ICE SHOOT PATCHED/REPAIRED WITH PLUMBERS PUTTY. MUST REPLACE. ALL INTERIOR ICE CONTACT SURFACES MUST BE A SMOOTH, FOOD GRADE AND CLEANABLE MATERIAL.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: TABLETOP CAN OPENER NOTED WITH EXCESSIVE RUST AND ENCRUSTED FOOD DEBRIS. MUST REMOVE RUST AND CLEAN AFTER EACH USE.-----ALL FOUR PLASTIC ICE SHOOTS ON THE ICE DISPENSING SODA SYSTEMS IN THE DINING ROOM NOTED DIRTY. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: BROKEN/MISSING HOT/COLD HANDLE ON THE FAR RIGHT WASHBOWL IN THE LADIES CUSTOMER WASHROOM.----HOLE IN THE SAME WASHBOWL BASIN AND FAR LEFT WASHBOWL BASIN HOLE REPAIRED WITH PLUMBERS PUTTY. MUST REPLACE ALL.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST NOT STORE SOILED MOPS, IN-USE MOP BUCKETS AND OTHER ASSORTED CLEANING TOOLS OUTDOORS IN THE BASEMENT STAIRWELL.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELDS OR SHATTERPROOF BULBS IN THE STORAGE ROOM WHERE TO GO FOOD CONTAINERS ARE STORED.
56
74
Dec 9, 2021
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
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.
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95
Aug 12, 2019
Routine
No violations found.
100
May 18, 2018
Reinspection
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: PREPACKAGED FOODS (COOKIES, POPCORN, CHICHARONES, ETC) ON DISPLAY SHELVES WITHOUT LABELS. MUST LABEL PACKAGES WITH FOOD NAME, INGREDIENTS AND SOURCE
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: : FAUCET NECK AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK NOT MAINTAINED SAID FAUCET IS SLOPPED INSIDE THE COMPARTMENT SINKS,IN OTHER TO BRING FAUCET NECK FROM ONE COMPARTMENT TO THE OTHER NEED TO RAISE FAUCET NECK,REPAIR CAUSE. LOWER LEVEL KITCHEN/CATERING PREP AREA.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: NEED TO CLEAN DEBRIS AND GREASE FROM INSIDE DEEP FRYERS,IST FLOOR PREP AREA / GORILLA GRILL.
33
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: EXPOSED HAND SINKS MUST BE INSTALLED AT FOLLOWING AREA: AT OTHER END OF MAIN KITCHEN/CATERING AREA AT LOWER LEVEL, AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK ACROSS WALK-IN #29 AND BY THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AT LONG HALLWAY ACROSS FROM ICE MACHINES. EXPOSED HAND SINKS MUST BE INSTALLED UNDER CITY PLUMBING CODE,ALSO SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS/HAND DRYING DEVICE MUST BE PROVIDED AT SAID MENTIONED SINKS.
38
82
May 10, 2018
Suspected Food Poisoning
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector notes: FOUND REACH-IN COOLER #20 AT FIRST FLOOR PREP/SERVING AREA AT AIR TEMP OF 51.7F TO 52F. POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD STORED INSIDE THE MENTIONED UNIT: VARIOUS KIND OF PIZZA, CHEESE, COOKED PASTA, MEATBALLS ETC. COOLER MUST MAINTAIN TEMP OF 40F AND BELOW. TAGGED UNIT "HELD FOR INSPECTION", DO NOT USE. CRITICAL VIOLATION:7-38-005(A).
2
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE STORED INSIDE THE REACH-IN COOLER #20: GYRO MEAT AT TEMP OF 51.2F; RAVIOLI CHEESE AT TEMP OF 51.8F; MOZZARELLA CHEESE AT TEMP OF 48.2F; PESTO MAYO AT TEMP OF 46.5F TO 52.6F; VARIOUS KIND OF WHOLE PIZZA:4 CHEESE PIZZA AT TEMP OF 55.6F; 4 SAUSAGE/CHEESE PIZZA AT TEMP OF 52.5F TO 55F; 8 PEPPERONI CHEESE PIZZA AT TEMP 52.6F TO 55F; CHICKEN SANDWICHES AT TEMP OF 47.7F; TWO BAGS OS ALFREDO SAUCE AT TEMP OF 48.7F; TWO BAGS OF SHREDDED CHEESE AT TEMP OF 48.6F; TWO BAGS OF MARINARA SAUCE AT TEMP OF 47.7F TO 48F. MEAT BALLS AT TEMP OF 58F; CHEESE SLICE AT TEMP OF 52F; CHICKEN AT TEMP OF 54.2F. FOOD WAS DISCARDED BY THE MANAGER.ALSO FOUND COOKED BLACK RICE ON SHELF IN THE KITCHEN AT TEMP OF 67.6F TO 69.5F. POUNDS 55, VALUE 500. HOT FOOD MUST MAINTAIN TEMP OF 140F AND ABOVE COLD FOOD 40F AND BELOW. CRITICAL VIOLATION:7-38-005(A)
3
Hands washed and cleaned, good hygienic practices; no bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods.
Inspector notes: POOR HYGIENIC PRACTICES. OBSERVED EMPLOYEE WITH GLOVED HANDS LEAVING PREP AREA IN AND OUT THE STORAGE ROOM BY PUSHING DOOR, TOUCHING DIRTY KNIFE FROM THREE COMPARTMENT SINK THAN WITHOUT HAND WASHING CONTINUED TO PREP FOOD ON HER STATION. OBSERVED MALE EMPLOYEE WITH GLOVED HANDS AFTER HANDLING FOOD WIPED HIS HANDS AT CORNER OF APRON AND WITHOUT REMOVING GLOVES GRABBED HAMBURGER BUN, BURGER AND SERVED TO CUSTOMER. NO HAND WASHING, NOR REMOVAL OF GLOVES. INFORMATION GIVEN ON HAND WASHING AND GLOVE PROCEDURE. MANAGER CORRECTED EMPLOYEES. CRITICAL VIOLATION:7-38-010(A)
6
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: PREPACKAGED FOODS (COOKIES, POPCORN, CHICHARONES, ETC) ON DISPLAY SHELVES WITHOUT LABELS. MUST LABEL PACKAGES WITH FOOD NAME, INGREDIENTS AND SOURCE.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: FAUCET NECK AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK NOT MAINTAINED SAID FAUCET IS SLOPPED INSIDE THE COMPARTMENT SINKS,IN OTHER TO BRING FAUCET NECK FROM ONE COMPARTMENT TO THE OTHER NEED TO RAISE FAUCET NECK,REPAIR CAUSE. LOWER LEVEL KITCHEN/CATERING PREP AREA.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: NEED TO CLEAN DEBRIS AND GREASE FROM INSIDE DEEP FRYERS,IST FLOOR PREP AREA / GORILLA GRILL
33
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: EXPOSED HAND SINKS MUST BE INSTALLED AT FOLLOWING AREA: AT OTHER END OF MAIN KITCHEN/CATERING AREA AT LOWER LEVEL, AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK ACROSS WALK-IN #29 AND BY THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AT LONG HALLWAY ACROSS FROM ICE MACHINES. EXPOSED HAND SINKS MUST BE INSTALLED UNDER CITY PLUMBING CODE,ALSO SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS/HAND DRYING DEVICE MUST BE PROVIDED AT SAID MENTIONED SINKS
38
70
Feb 28, 2017
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CONTACT SURFACES ON PREP TABLES IN THE BASEMENT NOT CLEAN, WATER AND FOOD DEBRIS PRESENT. MEAT SLICER IN PREP AREA NOT CLEAN. ALSO, ICE ACCUMULATION ON PIPES INSIDE THE WALK IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN ALL AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FLOORS NOT CLEAN IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS, FOOD DEBRIS PRESENT; KITCHEN, WALK IN COOLER, AND DRY STORAGE ROOMS IN BASEMENT, 1ST FLOOR GRILL AND SALAD PREP AREAS AND UNDER HEAVY EQUIPMENT IN SAID AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN ALL AND MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WALL IN DRY STORAGE ROOM NOT CLEAN, EXCESSIVE DIRT PRESENT. ALSO, HOOD AND FILTERS IN THE GRILL PREP AREA ON THE 1ST FLOOR, HAVE GREASE ACCUMULATION. ADJUST THRESHOLD'S AT GARDEN DOORS IN THE DINING ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN, REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LIGHT SHIELDS IN THE BASEMENT PREP AND 1ST FLOOR PREP AREAS, WITH UNKNOWN DEBRIS PRESENT. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
36
82
Jun 30, 2016
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Adequate number, convenient, accessible, designed, and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED INADEQUATE HAND WASHING FACILITIES FOR STAFF.OBSERVED NO HOT RUNNING WATER AT HAND SINK IN BETWEEN MEXICAN AND ITALIAN GRILL ON SERVING LINE WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE BEING HANDLED AND SERVED.HOT RUNNING WATER HAS BEEN RESTORED AT HAND SINK DURING INSPECTION.MUST MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.(CRITICAL 7-38-030)
11
Outside garbage waste grease and storage area; clean, rodent proof, all containers covered
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OUTSIDE GARBAGE DUMPSTER LID IN POOR REPAIR FRAME BENT IN UPRIGHT POSTION AND GREASE ON EXTERIOR OF GREASE CONTAINER.MUST REPAIR LID TO BE TIGHT FITTING.LID HAS BEEN REPAIRED AT THIS TIME AND GREASE REMOVED FROM GREASE CONTAINER.(SERIOUS 7-38-020)
19
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE LOOSE CAULKING AT HOOD OF COOKING EQUIPMENT.MUST CLEAN LIGHT SHIELDS IN BASEMENT MAIN KITCHEN PREP AREA AND IN 1ST FL. REAR AREA.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED WALL BASES IN PREP AREAS ON 1ST FL. SERVING LINE.MUST ADJUST THRESHOLD AT REAR GARBAGE DOOR.
35
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE THERMOMETERS FOR HOT HOLDING UNITS ON SERVING LINE.
40
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: IDPH FOOD HANDLERS REQUIREMENTS NOT MET FOR NEW EMPLOYEES.MUST ENROLL AND MAINTAIN.
45
78
May 29, 2015
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TIN FOIL COVERING GRILL. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE TIN FOIL ON GRILL AND KEEP GRILL SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ICE CREAM COOLER UNCLEAN. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR OF ICE CREAM COOLER.
33
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SMALL DRIPPING UNDER 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
38
86
Aug 27, 2014
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: REPLACE THE MISSING FAUCET HANDLE FOR THE CENTER SINK IN THE MEN'S CUSTOMER WASHROOM.
38
95
Jul 16, 2013
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST NOT USE TIN FOIL AS LINER FOR SHELVING.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MISSING WALL TILES IN LADIES CUSTOMER WASHROOM. MUST REPLACE/REPAIR.
35
90
Jun 10, 2010
Complaint
5 minor violations.
View 5 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. CLEAR PLASTIC ICE SHOOTS/DISPENSERS AT CUSTOMER SELF-SERVE SODA STATION MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
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. RIGHT SIDE ICE BIN STORAGE BIN MUST CLEAN. BASEMENT TABLETOP CAN OPENER WITH RUST AND FOOD ACCUMULATION MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
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. FLOOR DRAIN AT ICE CREAM PREP STATION, MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. MUST REPLACE REMOVED FLOOR DRAIN COVER AT BASEMENT MOP SINK. FLOOR UNDER BAG IN BOX SODA DISPENSING SYSTEM WITH SYRUP SPILLAGE, MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. WALL CAULKING AT 1ST FLOOR AND BASEMENT THREE COMPARTMENT SINKS WITH EXCESSIVE MOLD AND IN POOR REPAIR, MUST REPLACE.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health. HOT WATER HANDLE LEAKING ON EXPOSED HAND SINK NEXT TO PIZZA PREP STATION, MUST REPAIR. LEAK AT NOZZLE IN LADIES EMPLOYEE WASHROOM, MUST REPAIR.
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78
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Levy Restaurants @Lincoln Park Zoo — Park Place Cafe last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Levy Restaurants @Lincoln Park Zoo — Park Place Cafe on file is from Jul 7, 2025. The public record contains 13 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Levy Restaurants @Lincoln Park Zoo — Park Place Cafe?
Across the inspection record, “food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Levy Restaurants @Lincoln Park Zoo — Park Place Cafe.
Has Levy Restaurants @Lincoln Park Zoo — Park Place Cafe's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Levy Restaurants @Lincoln Park Zoo — Park Place Cafe have averaged around two violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Levy Restaurants @Lincoln Park Zoo — Park Place 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 Levy Restaurants @Lincoln Park Zoo — Park Place Cafe inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Levy Restaurants @Lincoln Park Zoo — Park Place Cafe is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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