Lior's Cafe
Last inspected: Jan 8, 2026
74
Score
Public records show five inspections at Lior's Cafe stretching back to 2023. The latest inspection on file is from Jan 8, 2026. When a facility lands in medium risk territory, it usually means a mixed inspection result.
Recent visits have produced comparable findings, with counts hovering near six violations per visit.
When inspectors have written things up, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been the most frequent reason, cited seven times.
That's lower than the typical Chicago restaurant, which scores around 81. Taken together, the history looks like that of a busy facility working through the usual inspection cycle.
5
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
6
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 8, 2026
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT THE REAR HAND WASHING SINK IN THE DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN A HAND WASHING SIGNAGE TO ALL HAND WASHING SINKS.
10
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: A FLY TRAP HANGING IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE, REFRAIN FROM HANGING PEST CONTROL ITEMS IN THE FOOD PREP AREA AND LET THE LICENSED PEST CONTROL OPERATOR INSTALL ANY NECESSARY DEVICES.
38
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: THE LOWER SURFACE OF THE PREP TABLE IN THE REAR PREP AREA WITH RUST. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE RUST AND MAINTAIN A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE THAT IS RUST FREE.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: THE CAN OPENER IN THE REAR PREP AREA WITH RUST AND FOOD BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE RUST, FOOD, CLEAN/SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN CAN OPENER.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: THE LOWER SURFACE OF THE CABINETS, PREP TABLES AND SHELVES WITH DIRT AND FOOD. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: THE FLOORS IN THE CORNERS, UNDER/AROUND THE COOKING/COOLING EQUIPMENT, SINKS AND DISH MACHINES IN THE PREP AND STORAGE AREAS WITH DIRT, FOOD AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS. -WALLS AROUND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND SINKS WITH FOOD SPLATTER AND DIRT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN WALLS.
55
74
Jan 23, 2025
Routine
3 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 8 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE WHEN TCS FOOD PREPARED AND SERVED. A CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AND VALID CERTIFICATE POSTED AT ALL TIMES TCS FOOD PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.
2
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE ON SITE WHEN TCS FOOD PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DESIGNATE PERSON IN CHARGE DURING ALL HOURS OF OPERATION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION
1
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HOT WATER (52.3F) AT HAND WASHING SINK IN UNISEX WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AT LEAST 100F WATER AT HAND WASHING SINK. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.
10
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOIL CONTAINERS STORED ON FLOOR IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
45
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LEAKING DRAINPIPE ON HAND WASHING SINK IN KITCHEN AND LEAKING VALVE ON REAR HOT WATER TANK IN DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING BASEBOARDS ALONG WALLS IN DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGN AT HAND WASHING SINK IN FRONT BEVERAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGNS AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS USED BY EMPLOYEES.
10
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
39
58
Jan 17, 2024
Reinspection
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE COMMON NAME OF FOODS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
37
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ICE SCOOPER BEING STORED ON TOP OF ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED ON HOW TO PROPERLY STORE ICE SCOOP. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
43
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GLASSWARE NOT INVERTED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT GLASSES AFTER SANITIZING AND AIR DRYING. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
44
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: CUTTING BOARDS IN NEED OF REPLACING. OBSERVED MINOR DISCOLORATION AND CUTS. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FLOORS IN PREP AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING ALONG WALL BASES TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
78
Jan 10, 2024
Routine
2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE ONLY HANDSINK IN THE PREP AREA IN POOR REPAIR. THE HANDLE FOR HOT WATER IS COMPLETELY STRIPPED NOT ALLOWING THE WATER TO BE TURNED ON AND OFF. THE WATER WAS TURNED OFF AT THE BOTTOM. NO OTHER HANDSINK AVAILABLE FOR HANDWASHING IN FOOD PREP AREA. MANAGER HAD SINK REPAIRED DURING THE INSPECTION. HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER NOW AVAILABLE FOR PROPER HANDWASHING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION SEE VIOLATION #10
10
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WATER CONNECTIONS FOR HANDSINK THAT WAS REMOVED FROM DISH WASHING AREA. HANDSINK MUST BE REINSTALLED FOR PROPER HANDLING OF CLEAN UTENSILS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REINSTALL HANDSINK AND SUPPLY WITH SOAP, PAPER TOWELS AND PROPER HANDWASHING SIGNAGE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.
10
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE COMMON NAME OF FOODS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
37
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ICE SCOOPER BEING STORED ON TOP OF ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED ON HOW TO PROPERLY STORE ICE SCOOP. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
43
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GLASSWARE NOT INVERTED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT GLASSES AFTER SANITIZING AND AIR DRYING. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
44
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: CUTTING BOARDS IN NEED OF REPLACING. OBSERVED MINOR DISCOLORATION AND CUTS. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FLOORS IN PREP AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING ALONG WALL BASES TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
64
Apr 5, 2023
License
3 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE SOAP DISPENSERS AT THE HANDWASHING SINKS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY NOT WORKING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR, OR REPLACE SAID DISPENSERS, AND MAINTAIN PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C), NO CITATION ISSUED.
10
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON-SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN RECORDS ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010, NO CITATION ISSUED
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO VOMITING AND DIARRHEA PROCEDURE AND CLEAN-UP KIT ON PREMISES DURING THE INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE SAID PROCEDURE ALONG WITH THE REQUIRED EQUIPMENT FOR CLEAN-UP. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005, NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO THERMOMETERS INSIDE REFRIGERATION UNITS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY, CONSPICUOUSLY POSTED TO MONITOR THE AMBIENT TEMPERATURE OF EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO EQUIP ALL REFRIGERATION UNITS WITH ACCURATE AND WORKING THERMOMETERS.
36
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED AN OPENING AT THE BOTTOM OF THE FRONT ENTRY DOOR AND THE REAR EXIT DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO RODENT PROOF SAID DOORS AND MAINTAIN.
38
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE IN THE ALL GENDER TOILET ROOMS ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN A COVERED RECEPTACLE IN BOTH TOILET ROOMS ON SITE AND MAINTAIN.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HOOKING DEVICE ON SITE FOR HANGING WET MOPS AND MAINTENANCE TOOLS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN SAID HOOKING DEVICES.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A WATER LEAK IN THE CEILING AT THE FRONT SMOOTHIE/COFFEE STATION. THE WATER WAS LEAKING ONTO THE FOOD PREP TABLE IN THE SAID AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SAID LEAK.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED AN OPENING IN THE WALL ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE MOP SINK. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL THE SAID HOLE TO PREVENT POTENTIAL HARBORAGE POINTS FOR PEST.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE.
58
52
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Lior's Cafe last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Lior's Cafe on file is from Jan 8, 2026. The public record contains five inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Lior's Cafe?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited seven times, more than any other issue at Lior's Cafe.
Has Lior's Cafe's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Lior's Cafe have averaged around six violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Lior'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 Lior's Cafe inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Lior's Cafe is inspected around two times per year on average.
Nearby Restaurants