Little Branch Cafe
Last inspected: Sep 17, 2025
90
Score
The health department has logged 10 inspections at Little Branch Cafe, the earliest from 2017. The most recent report on file is from Sep 17, 2025. When a facility lands in the low risk tier, it usually means nothing alarming showed up at the most recent visit.
Recent visits have flagged more than earlier ones: around six violations per visit lately, up from roughly three violations before.
“Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible” comes up most often, recorded six times in the inspection record.
Little Branch Cafe's latest score of 90 sits above the Chicago average of 81. On the whole, the file is mixed but not concerning.
10
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Sep 17, 2025
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ITEMS OUT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE PRODUCT NAME. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL FOODS AND SPICES WITH COMMON NAME THAT ARE OUT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS.
37
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.
58
90
Jun 28, 2024
Routine
2 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Hands clean & properly washed
Inspector notes: OWNER/MANAGER NOT PROPERLY WASHING HER HANDS IN THE REQUIRED DESIGNATED HAND WASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED NOT TO WASH HANDS IN THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. PROPERLY WASH HANDS WITH SOAP IN THE HAND WASHING SINK ONLY. MAINTAIN SAME. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010 VIOLATION CITATION ISSUED
8
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: REAR HAND WASHING SINK NOT ACCESSIBLE. DISH WASHING LIQUID AND UTENSILS STORED INSIDE. INSTRUCTED TO ALWAYS HAVE ALL HAND WASHING SINKS ACCESSIBLE AND PROPERLY STOCKED. MAINTAIN SAME. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(c) VIOLATION CITATION ISSUED
10
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: NO HANDWASHING SIGN POSTED AT THE DESIGNATED HANDWASHING SINK IN THE REAR PREP/DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AND MAINTAIN.
10
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: FEMALE FOOD HANDLERS/EMPLOYEES IN FRONT FOOD PREP AREA NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL FOOD HANDLERS/EMPLOYEES HANDLING FOOD AND IN THE FOOD PREP AREAS TO WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT. MAINTAIN SAME.
40
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: MULTI USE KNIVES NOT PROPERLY STORED WHEN NOT IN USE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE KNIVES IN A KNIFE RACK WHEN NOT IN USE. MAINTAIN SAME.
43
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: INTERIOR LOWER SURFACES OF ALL COOLERS/FREEZERS AND STORAGE RACKS IN REAR PREP AREA WITH FOOD, DIRT AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: WALLS BEHIND THE COOLERS/COOKING EQUIPMENT WITH FOOD/GREASE AND DIRT. FLOORS IN THE CORNERS AND UNDER/AROUND ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT WITH FOOD, DIRT AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN WALLS AND FLOORS THROUGHOUT.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: VENTILATION PANELS IN REAR PREP WITH GREASE AND DIRT BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLERS ON SITE WITH NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN CURRENT CERTIFICATES.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: CFM WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL CFMs OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN A VALID ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE.
58
55
Jun 13, 2023
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: 6-301.14 OBSERVED A HAND WASHING SIGN IS NEEDED AT THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA HAND WASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
10
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: 4-602.11(B-E) OBSERVED A MINOR SLIGHT BROWNISH SUBSTANCE IN THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE LOCATED BY THE ICE MAKER WHERE THE WATER FLOWS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
16
Approved thawing methods used
Inspector notes: 3-501.13 OBSERVED RAW BEEF THAWING AT ROOM TEMPERATURE IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA, AT THE TIME OF THE INSPECTION SAID PRODUCT WAS AT 34F. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY THAW ALL TCS FOODS UNDER COLD RUNNING WATER (NOT EXCEEDING 70F) OR IN A REFRIGERATION UNIT AT ALL TIMES. MANAGER PLACED SAID PRODUCT IN THE REFRIGERATOR DURING THE INSPECTION.
35
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: 2-402.11 OBSERVED THE FEMALE FOOD HANDLERS AT THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA PREPPING COFFEE AND SERVING ICE CREAM WITHOUT PROPER HAIR RESTRAINTS SUCH AS HAIR NETS OR BASEBALL CAPS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
40
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: 4-502.13 OBSERVED CARDBOARD BEING USED AS A SHELF LINER IN THE REAR DRY STORAGE AREA AND ON THE UNUSED FLAT TOP GRILL. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CARDBOARD AND ENSURE ALL SURFACES ARE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
45
78
Jul 15, 2022
Routine
2 critical violations. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DISH MACHINE NOT DISPENSING SANITIZER.CHLORINE SANITIZER CONCENTRATION MEASURED AT 0PPM AT DISH MACHINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR DISH MACHINE. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED.
16
Hands clean & properly washed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MANAGER WASH HANDS WITH GLOVES ON. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE GLOVES IN ORDER TO PROPERLY WASH HANDS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-010 CITATION ISSUED.
8
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED DEBRIS ON THE FLOORS BEHIND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND REFRIGERATION UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN.
55
70
Oct 18, 2021
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Oct 13, 2021
Reinspection
3 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Previous priority foundation violation corrected
Inspector notes: 8-404.13(B:3) OBSERVED PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT #2534401 DATED 10/06/21; 25-3-603.11 OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY POSTED NOR A DISCLOSURE (WITH FOOTNOTE) ON THE MENU FOR ALL ITEMS THAT CAN BE ORDERED UNDERCOOKED OR RAW (EGGS, BEEF). INSTRUCTED TO POST A CONSUMER ADVISORY AND ADD A DISCLOSURE (WITH FOOTNOTE) FOR ALL ITEMS THAT CAN BE ORDERED UNDERCOOKED OR RAW. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATIONS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-42-090.
59
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: 2-102.14(O) OBSERVED MANAGER UNABLE TO LOCATE THE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: 2-501.11 OBSERVED MANAGER UNABLE TO LOCATE THE VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEAN UP PROCEDURE AND SUPPLIES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
5
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: 5-204.12 UNABLE TO LOCATE THE BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON THE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO LOCATE.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.12 OBSERVED ACCUMULATED DEBRIS ON THE FLOORS BEHIND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND REFRIGERATION UNITS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
55
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: 6-301.14 OBSERVED HAND WASHING SIGNS ARE NEEDED AT THE FOOD PREP AREA HAND WASHING SINKS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
10
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: 4-502.13 OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE CONTAINERS (BUTTER CONTAINERS) BEING USED AS FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS. INSTRUCTED TO NOT RE-USE SINGLE SERVICE CONTAINERS AS FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS. OBSERVED CARDBOARD BEING REUSED AS A SHELF LINER FOR A PREP TABLE. INSTRUCTED TO NOT REUSE CARDBOARD.
45
61
Oct 6, 2021
Routine
3 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: 2-102.14(O) OBSERVED MANAGER UNABLE TO LOCATE THE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: 2-501.11 OBSERVED MANAGER UNABLE TO LOCATE THE VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEAN UP PROCEDURE AND SUPPLIES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
5
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: 3-603.11 OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY POSTED NOR A DISCLOSURE (WITH FOOTNOTE) ON THE MENU FOR ALL ITEMS THAT CAN BE ORDERED UNDERCOOKED OR RAW (EGGS, BEEF). INSTRUCTED TO POST A CONSUMER ADVISORY AND ADD A DISCLOSURE (WITH FOOTNOTE) FOR ALL ITEMS THAT CAN BE ORDERED UNDERCOOKED OR RAW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
25
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: 6-301.14 OBSERVED HANDWASHING SIGNS ARE NEEDED AT THE FOOD PREP AREA HANDWASHING SINKS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
10
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: 4-502.13 OBSERVED SINGLE-SERVICE CONTAINERS (BUTTER CONTAINERS) BEING USED AS FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS. INSTRUCTED NOT TO REUSE SINGLE SERVICE CONTAINERS AS FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS. OBSERVED CARDBOARD BEING REUSED AS A SHELF LINER FOR A PREP TABLE. INSTRUCTED NOT TO REUSE CARDBOARD.
45
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: 5-204.12 UNABLE TO LOCATE THE BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON THE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO LOCATE.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.12 OBSERVED ACCUMULATED DEBRIS ON THE FLOORS BEHIND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND REFRIGERATION UNITS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
55
61
Sep 12, 2019
Routine
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS (BEEF, CHICKEN, CHEESE, TOMATOES, EGGS, VARIETY OF COOKED VEGETABLES) AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES (TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 60F - 58F)LOCATED IN REACH IN COOLER ACROSS FROM GRIDDLE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD AND DENATURE ALL SAID TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS AND ALWAYS MAINTAIN ALL COLD HOLDING TCS FOODS AT 41F OR BELOW AT ALL TIMES. MANAGER DISCARDED ALL SAID TCS FOODS, COST OF ALL FOODS $250 AT 20 LBS. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
22
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: FOUND LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE IN USE SANITIZING SOLUTION AT 0 PPM. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN A CHLORINE BASED SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN 25 PPM - 100 PPM. LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE TAGGED AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE DISH MACHINE UNTIL IT IS INSPECTED BY THE CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED.
16
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BURGERS ON MENU. SAID ITEM CAN BE ORDERED UNDER COOKED. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO PROVIDE DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER FOR MENU ITEMS THAT CAN BE ORDERED UNDER COOKED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.7-38-005
25
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE FOR CAPPUCCINO AND COFFEE BREWER. A BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE MUST BE LOCATED, SO THAT IT MAY BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED. -
51
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: FOUND NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS.
58
61
Aug 21, 2018
Routine
5 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN PROCEDURE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING OR DIARRHEAL EVENTS THAT CAN POTENTIALLY OCCUR INSIDE THE FOOD ESTABLISHMENT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS (CHEESE) OUT OF THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING AND HELD FOR OVER 24 HOURS WITHOUT PROPER LABELS CONTAINING PRODUCT NAME AND DATE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LABELS FOR ALL TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS THAT ARE OUT OF THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING AND HELD FOR OVER 24 HOURS AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
23
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY POSTED NOR A REMINDER AND A DISCLOSURE ON THE MENU. INSTRUCTED TO POST A CONSUMER ADVISORY AND ADD A REMINDER AND A DISCLOSURE TO THE MENU AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
25
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO THERMOMETERS INSIDE OF THE REACH IN COOLERS, 2 DOOR PREP COOLER AND REFRIGERATOR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETERS AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
36
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS AT THE EXPOSED HAND SINKS LOCATED IN BOTH FOOD PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
10
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE VENTS WITH ACCUMULATED GREASE DEBRIS LOCATED ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE NOT VISIBLE ON THE ESPRESSO MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SPECIFICATIONS FOR ESPRESSO MACHINE OR MAKE BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE VISIBLE AND MAINTAIN.
51
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATES FOR ONE MALE AND ONE FEMALE EMPLOYEE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT AND MAINTAIN.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT THE REQUIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT AND MAINTAIN.
58
47
Sep 21, 2017
License
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: THE STORAGE RACK ABOVE THE HAND SINK AND COOKING EQUIPMENT USE TO STORE DISPOSABLE CUPS HAS A GREASY LIKE SUBSTANCE ON IT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: THE INTERIOR/EXTERIOR OF THE FLOOR DRAINS AND THE FLOORS IN THE CORNERS HAS FOOD AND DEBIS ON THEM. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FLOOR DRAINS AND FLOORS. MAINTAIN THE SAME.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: THE WALLS, CEILING AND VENTS IN THE FRONT FOOD PREPARATION AREA AND DINING AREA HAS DIRT/DUST BUILD UP ON THEM. ALSO, THE FILTERS ON THE VENTILATION AND THE WALLS BEHIND THE SINK AND COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE REAR PREP AREA HAS DIRT/FOOD STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALL.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: THERE IS A LEAK AT THE HOT WATER KNOB ON THE HAND WASHING SINK IN THE REAR FOOD PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED TO FIX. MAINTAIN SAME.
38
82
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Little Branch Cafe last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Little Branch Cafe on file is from Sep 17, 2025. The public record contains 10 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Little Branch Cafe?
Across the inspection record, “adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at Little Branch Cafe.
Has Little Branch Cafe's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Little Branch Cafe have averaged around six violations per visit, up from roughly three earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Little Branch 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 Little Branch Cafe inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Little Branch Cafe is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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