Litttle Branch Cafe

1251 S Prairie Ave, Chicago, IL 60605
Café / Breakfast
Last inspected: Jun 15, 2015
100
Score
Low Risk

Inspectors have visited Litttle Branch Cafe eight times, with records going back to 2012. The latest inspection on file is from Jun 15, 2015. When a facility lands in the low risk tier, it usually means nothing alarming showed up at the most recent visit. Litttle Branch Cafe's record stops at Jun 15, 2015, more than two years back, so current conditions may differ.

Recent inspections have turned up roughly the same number of issues each time, hovering near four violations per visit.

The pattern that stands out is “food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean”, which has been cited five times.

That puts the facility ahead of the local pack: the average Chicago restaurant scores 81. Overall, the inspection record reads well.

8
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jun 15, 2015
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
May 27, 2015
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 2 DOOR PREP COOLER INSIDE OF THE REAR PREP AREA AT AN INTERNAL TEMPERATURE OF 50.6F WITH POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS (SALMON, BLACK BEAN BURGER, EGGS, HAM, CHEESE, PICO DE GALLO, CREAM CHEESE, YOGURT, CRAB CAKES) INSIDE. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN AN INTERNAL COOLER TEMPERATURE OF 40.0F OR BELOW. EQUIPMENT TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A)
2
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES (3LBS OF SALMON AT 47.4F-60.3F, 2LBS OF BLACK BEAN BURGER AT 50.8F, 10LBS OF EGGS AT 54.7F, 2LBS OF HAM AT 50.3F, 5LBS OF CHEESE AT 51.7F, 2LBS OF PICO DE GALLO AT 55.1F, 2 LBS OF CREAM CHEESE AT 47.5F, 2LBS OF PROSCIUTTO AT 51.7F, 4LBS OF YOGURT AT 48.3F AND 2LBS OF CRAB CAKES AT 48.5F) INSIDE OF THE 2 DOOR PREP COOLER IN THE REAR PREP AREA. MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AND DENATURED APPROXIMATELY 34LBS OF FOOD VALUED AT APPROXIMATELY $521. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COLD POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD ITEMS AT 40.0F OR BELOW. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A)
3
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 2 SMALL ROACHES NEXT TO THE 1 DOOR PREP COOLERS ACROSS FROM THE MOP SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020
18
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUST ON THE LID OF THE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE LID OF THE ICE MACHINE.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SEVERAL DEAD ROACHES ON THE FLOOR BEHIND THE KICK PLATE OF THE TWO 1 DOOR PREP COOLERS ACROSS FROM THE MOP SINK AND UNDER THE FRONT MILK CHEST COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FLOOR.
34
78
Nov 25, 2014
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN THE FOLLOWING: INTERIOR OF ALL REACH IN COOLERS, STORAGE SHELVES AT FRONT AND ALL CABINETS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS IN BATHROOM IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING, FLOORS AT FRONT COFFEE AREA IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING, AND FLOORS IN REAR AREA MUST CE CLEANED TO REMOVE ALL 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 FRONT PREP AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPLATTER AND DUST BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALLN TIMES.
35
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: DOOR JAM IN BATHROOM IN NEED OF REPAIR. WOOD MISSING.
35
Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters
Inspector notes: TOILET ROOM IN NEED OF CLEANING. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
37
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: ALL UNNECESSARY ARTICLES IN FRONT BAR AREA MUST BE REMOVED. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
41
74
Feb 27, 2014
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: REPAIR MISSING AND DAMAGED GASKETS IN THE REACH-IN COOLERS BY THE FRONT SERVICE AREA AND THE KITCHEN PREP AREA.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED COFFEE DEBRIS ON THE DRY FOOD STORAGE SHELVES IN THE FRONT SERVICE AREA. DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL SHELVING UNITS THROUGHOUT FACILITY. DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE INTERIOR SURFACES OF THE FRONT SERVICE DRINK COOLERS.
33
90
Feb 25, 2014
Complaint
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Sanitizing rinse for equipment and utensils: clean, proper temperature, concentration, exposure time
Inspector notes: FOUND LOW TEMPERATURE DISH WASHING MACHINE IN USE AND UNABLE TO ADEQUATELY SANITZE (0PPM-CHLORINE) AT TIME OF INSPECTION. MANAGER CONTACTED MECHANIC AND UNIT WAS SERVICED AND PROPERLY SANITIZING (200PPM) BY END OF INSPECTION. OBSERVED EMPLOYEE AT FRONT SERVICE AREA NOT PROPERLY WASH, RINSE, AND SANITIZING AT TIME OF INSPECTION. EMPLOYEE WAS ONLY RINSING UTENSILS PRIOR TO RE-USING THEM. ALL EMPLOYEES INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY WASH, RINSE, AND SANITIZE ALL SOILED DISHES BEFORE RE-USE. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030
8
Water source: safe, hot & cold under city pressure
Inspector notes: NO HOT RUNNING WATER UNDER CITY PRESSURE AT THE MEN'S AND WOMEN'S EMPLOYEE/CUSTOMER WASHROOM HANDSINKS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HOT RUNNING WATER UNDER CITY PRESSURE AT ALL HANDSINKS. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030
9
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector notes: FOUND PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED AND/OR MAINTAINED FROM REPORT#1114822, DATED MAY 15, 2013. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN THE FOLLOWING #34 MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS UNDER/AROUND ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT. MUST ELEVATE STOCK ITEMS IN FRONT PREP AREA ATLEAST 6" OFF THE FLOOR. #35 MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN PIPES ABOVE PREP AND THE WALLS AROUND SINKS AND COOKING EQUIPMENT. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-090.
29
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: REPAIR MISSING AND DAMAGED GASKETS IN THE REACH-IN COOLERS BY THE FRONT SERVICE AREA AND THE KITCHEN PREP AREA.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED COFFEE DEBRIS ON THE DRY FOOD STORAGE SHELVES IN THE FRONT SERVICE AREA. DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL SHELVING UNITS THROUGHOUT FACILITY. DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE INTERIOR SURFACES OF THE FRONT SERVICE DRINK COOLERS.
33
78
May 15, 2013
Routine
9 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Adequate number, convenient, accessible, designed, and maintained
Inspector notes: FOUND REAR PREP EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK NOT ACCESSIBLE-DIRTY DISHES IN SINK. INSTRUCTED TO KEEP HAND SINK ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIMES. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030
11
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: MUST DATE/LABEL POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS IN ALL COOLERS THAT HAVE BEEN PREPARED/COOKED, REMOVE FROM ITS ORIGINAL PACKAGING, ETC.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REATTACH THE PARTITIONER TO THE REAR EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK.
32
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST SAND OR REPLACE CUTTING BOARD IN REAR PREP AREA WITH DEEP DARK GROOVES.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE CAN OPENER AND KNIFE RACK.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS UNDER/AROUND ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT. MUST ELEVATE STOCK ITEMS IN FRONT PREP AREA ATLEAST 6" OFF THE FLOOR.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN PIPES ABOVE PREP AND THE WALLS AROUND SINKS AND COOKING EQUIPMENT.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST FIX THE LEAK AT THE BASE OF THE FAUCET ON THE 3-COMP.
38
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT IN FRONT PREP AREA.
42
64
May 30, 2012
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
May 29, 2012
License
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: OBSERVED INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE WITH A BLACK SUBSTANCE BUILD UP.ICE IS NOT PROTECTED DURING STORAGE. INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE MUST BE CLEANED AND SANITIZED PRIOR TO USAGE. ICE MACHINE HAS BEEN TAGGED.CITATION ISSUED.
16
Outside garbage waste grease and storage area; clean, rodent proof, all containers covered
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OUTSIDE GARBAGE AREA WHICH IS SHARED WITH CONDO BLDG. WITH OVERFLOWING GARBAGE CONTAINERS NOT MAINTAINED. OUTSIDE GARBAGE AREA MUST BE MAINTAINED AT ALL TIMES.CITATION ISSUED.
19
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: MUST PROPERLY STORE SAMPLE SPOONS FOR GELATO WITH THE HANDLES UP TO PROTECT FROM CONTAMINATION UNTIL USED.
31
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL SINK STOPPER AT THE 3COMP SINK. MUST INSTALL A SPLASH GUARD AT THE REAR EXPOSED SINK NEXT TO THE PREP SINK. MUST REPAINT RUSTY GREASE TRAP BOX UNDER 3COMP SINK. MUST PROVIDE SANITIZING TEST STRIPS FOR DISHWASHING MACHINE AT REAR PREP AREA.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST DECLUTTER AND BETTER ORGANIZE BAR AREA. REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES SUCH AS EXCESS PAPER AND OFFICE SUPPLIES FROM THE BACK OF THE BAR SITTING AREA. ALL ITEMS MUST BE 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR.
41
78

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Litttle Branch Cafe last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Litttle Branch Cafe on file is from Jun 15, 2015. The public record contains eight inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Litttle Branch Cafe?

Across the inspection record, “food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Litttle Branch Cafe.

Has Litttle Branch Cafe's inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Litttle Branch Cafe have averaged around four violations per visit across the recent record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at Litttle 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.