Lotus Cafe & Banh Mi Sandwiches
Last inspected: Jul 9, 2025
100
Score
Lotus Cafe & Banh Mi Sandwiches has been inspected 18 times since 2012. The most recent visit was on Jul 9, 2025. A low risk tier reflects an inspection that turned up minimal issues.
Recent visits have produced comparable findings, with counts hovering near two violations per visit.
Looking across the full record, “walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code” is the recurring theme, flagged six times.
The city-wide average for Chicago sits at 81, putting Lotus Cafe & Banh Mi Sandwiches on the better side of that line. Taken together, the history is a positive one.
18
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jul 9, 2025
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jul 1, 2025
Routine
2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRTY DISHES IN THE LEFT COMPARTMENT OF THE 2-COMPARTMENT SINK AND SANITIZER (200 PPM QAC) IN THE RIGHT COMPARTMENT OF THE 2-COMPARTMENT SINK. THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK MUST BE USED TO WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE ALL UTENSILS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED.
48
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE OR REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU FOR FOODS THAT ARE SERVED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED (SUNNY SIDE UP EGGS AS A SIDE AND ON SUNNY SIDE BEEF SANDWICH). MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DISCLOSE OR DESCRIBE WHICH FOODS CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED AND LINK THOSE ITEMS TO A REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU BOARD AND ORDERING KIOSK. MUST ADD THE FOLLOWING SENTENCE BEFORE THE REMINDER STATEMENT:"THESE FOODS CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED OR MAY CONTAIN RAW OR UNDERCOOKED INGREDIENTS." PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
25
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: THE COLD WATER HANDLE FOR THE EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK NEXT TO THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IS NOT OPERATIONAL. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR THE HANDLE.
51
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SEVERAL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES WITHOUT A VALID FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST SHOW VALID PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
57
74
Apr 8, 2024
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Apr 1, 2024
Routine
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION FROM REPORT #2574147 ON 4/12/23 WAS NOT CORRECTED: 47 -NOTED THE LEFT DOOR ON THE 2-DOOR PREP COOLER LOCATED IN THE FRONT PREP AREA BROKEN. MUST REPAIR/REATTACH THE DOOR TO THE COOLER AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090.
60
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING HANDWASH SIGN AT FRONT PREP HANDSINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
10
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE FOR PROPER DISPOSAL OF SANITARY NAPKINS IN THE WOMENS WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE.
53
82
Apr 12, 2023
Routine
2 critical violations. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: FOUND COLD TCS FOODS AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES INSIDE THE 2-DOOR PREP COOLER ACROSS FROM THE GRILL. FOUND COOKED TOFU AND COOKED NOODLES AT TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 54F TO 55F. INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD AND DENATURE SAID TCS FOODS AND ALWAYS MAINTAIN ALL COLD-HOLDING TCS FOODS AT OR BELOW 41F. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. REFER TO VIOLATION #21 FOR CITATION. FOOD DISCARDED.
22
Proper hot holding temperatures
Inspector notes: FOUND HOT TCS FOOD AT IMPROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURE; OBSERVED COOKED RICE INSIDE A HOT HOLDING UNIT AT 128F. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL HOT-HOLDING FOODS MUST BE AT 135F OR ABOVE AT ALL TIMES. FOOD DISCARDED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
21
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: NOTED THE LEFT DOOR ON THE 2-DOOR PREP COOLER LOCATED IN THE FRONT PREP AREA BROKEN. MUST REPAIR/REATTACH THE DOOR TO THE COOLER AND MAINTAIN.
47
70
May 2, 2022
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO LABEL BULK FOOD CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME TO PROPERLY IDENTIFY.
37
95
Feb 18, 2020
Routine
2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: THE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY WRITTEN BY THE ESTABLISHMENT DOES NOT HAVE ALL REQUIRED INFORMATION AND THERE IS NO VERIFCATION OF EMPLOYEES SIGNING FORMS OR OTHER VERIFICATION OF TRAINING; MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 ISSUED.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: FOUND A PROCEDURE ON PREMISES BUT NO SUPPLIES AS REQUIRED. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL REQUIRED NECESSARY SUPPLIES MUST BE OBTAINED AND MAINTAINED ON PREMISES FOR VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL INCIDENTS. ADDITIONAL TIME GRANTED TO OBTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
5
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE EXTERIOR SURFACES OF THE COOKING EQUIPMENT WHERE NEEDED TO REMOVE GREASE.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOOR AROUND AND UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT. CLEAN CEILING VENTILATION FANS IN BOTH WASHROOMS TO REMOVE DUST BUILD UP.
55
74
Jan 11, 2019
Routine
3 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: NO CHEMICAL TEST STRIPS ON SITE TO PROPERLY MEASURE SANITIZER FOR 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. MANAGER QUICKLY OBTAIN STRIPS FROM ANOTHER LOCATION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
48
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY PROVIDED ON THE PREMISES. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: 2-501.11 NO CLEAN-UP PROCEDURE ON PREMISES FOR VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A CLEAN-UP PROCEDURE AND SUPPLIES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: RUBBER GASKETS IN POOR REPAIR ON REACH IN COOLERS. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: ALL NON FOOD SHELVES FOR STORAGE AND CUSTOMER SPACES IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS AND BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: LEAK AT PTRAP AT HAND SINK AT FRONT COUNTER NEAR ICE MACHINE. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FLOORS AND WALLS IN DINING AREA AND REAR PREP AREA IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD AND DEBRIS. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: LIGHTS IN REAR PREP AREA IN NEED OF REPLACING AND SHEILDS CORRECTED. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: PA 100-0367 THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER DID NOT HAVE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING. MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING
58
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: All WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE STORED IN A CLEAN SANITIZING SOLUTION. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
41
50
May 15, 2018
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST PAINT OR STAIN RAW WOOD STORAGE SHELVES IN REAR STORAGE AREA.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN DRIED FOOD DEBRIS FROM FLOORS UNDER HEAVY EQUIPMENT AND IN CORNERS THROUGHOUT BOTH PREP AREAS.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR PEELING PAINT ON WALLS THROUGHOUT DINING AREA, SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. ALSO, CLEAN DUST ACCUMULATION FROM CEILING VENTS THROUGHOUT PREMISES.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR DETACHED LIGHT SHIELD IN REAR PREP AREA. ALSO, REPLACE BURNED OUT LIGHTS IN SAID AREA.
36
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EMPLOYEE PREPARING FOOD WITHOUT A HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED TO WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS AT ALL TIMES WHILE PREPARING FOOD.
42
78
Jul 7, 2017
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED COOLER GASKETS, IN FRONT SERVICE AREA WITH FOOD AND DEBRIS. ALSO OBSERVED RIGHT COOLER GASKET IN NEED OF REPAIR. INSTRD MANAGER TO CLEAN, REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED INDUSTRIAL FOOD PEELER IN REAR STORAGE AREA WITH EXCESSIVE FOOD DEBRIS ON EXTERIOR AREAS. INSTRCD MANAGER TO CLEAN, MAINTAIN AND COVER DUE TO STORAGE IN REAR AREA.
33
90
Oct 18, 2016
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: SMALL DRY STORAGE CONTAINERS NOT LABELED. INSTD TO PROPERLY LABEL.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MISSING DOOR HANDLE ON UPRIGHT 2 DOOR COOLER. REPLACE HANDLE.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: INTERIOR OF HOOD AND FILTERS WITH EXCESSIVE GREASE ACCUMULATION. INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: 3-COMPARTMENT SINK SLOW DRAINING. INSTD TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
38
82
Mar 2, 2016
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Feb 25, 2016
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Adequate number, convenient, accessible, designed, and maintained
Inspector notes: FRONT EXPOSED HANDSINK NOT MAINTAINED, PLUMBING DISCONNECTED UNDERNEATH, WATER DRAINING INTO BUCKET. INSTD TO REPAIR SAME AND UTILIZE REAR EXPOSED HANDSINK UNTIL REPAIRED. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030 CRITICAL.
11
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: FRONT DOUBLE ENTRANCE DOORS NOT RODENT PROOF, APPROX 1 INCH GAP NOTED AT BOTTOM INBETWEEN DOORS. INSTD TO RODENT PROOF DOORS SO AS TO BE TIGHT FITTING. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020 SERIOUS.
18
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOOR IN CORNERS AND ALONG WALLBASE NEED DETAILED CLEANING, FREE OF DEBRIS.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MISSING OUTLET COVER AT WALL IN DINING ROOM, LARGE HOLE. INSTD TO REPAIR HOLE/PROVIDE OUTLET COVER.
35
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: MISSING METAL STEM THERMOMETER FOR FOOD HANDLERS. PROVIDE SAME.
40
78
Feb 19, 2015
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: Any food handler working in the City of Chicago, unless that person has a valid Food Service Sanitation Manager Certificate is required to meet the food handler training requirement. If someone working in a facility that is not a food handler on a regular basis, but fills in as a food handler when needed, they too must have food handler training.
45
95
Feb 9, 2015
Routine
10 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: POTENTIALLY HAZRDOUS FOODS HELD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES. SPRING ROLLS-60.5F, SHRIMP SPRING ROLLS-51.1F, FRIED TOFU-57.7F, PORK EGG ROLLS-70-3F, AND REFRIGERATED TOFU-60.4F. ALL POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS MUST STORED AND/OR HELD AT 40 DEGREES OR BELOW COLD, HELD AT 140 DEGREES OR ABOVE HOT, AND/OR COOLED IN SHALLOW CONTAINERS WITHIN 6 HOURS(140-70F IN 2 HOURS AND FROM 70-40F IN 4 HOURS) UNDER REFRIGERATION OF 40 DEGREES 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: IMPROPER PEST CONTROL NOTED ON PREMISES. 25 MICE DROPPINGS FOUND ON FLOOR INSIDE HOT WATER TANK CLOSET ADJACENT TO REAR FOOD PREP AREA. MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AFFECTED AREAS, SEAL UP ALL OPENINGS FOUND AND ALLOW PEST CONTROL TECHNICIAN ACCESS TO SERVICE AREA. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
18
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NO CERTIFIED MGR. ON PREMISES AT THE START OF THEIS INVESITIGATION WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS WERE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED(SPRING EGG ROLLS, STEAK SANWICHES, TOFU). SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012(A)
21
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: ALL COOKED AND/OR PREPARED FOODS STORED IN COOLERS MUST BE PROPERLY LABELED AND DATED IF HELD OVER 24 HOURS.
30
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF SMALL TOASTER OVEN IN FRONT PREP AREA.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS THROUGHOUT ALL FOOD PREP, STORAGE CLOSET, AND STORAGE AREAS ALONG ALL BASES OF THE WALLS, IN CORNERS, UNDERNEATH AND BEHIND ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT(DIRT, DEBRIS, DROPPINGS).
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: CLEAN DIRT BUILD-UP FROM CEILING TILES IN REAR FOOD PREP AREA. CLEAN ALL DEBRIS AND DIRT FROM ALL LIGHT SHIELDS THROUGHOUT. CLEAN AND/OR PAINT EXTERIOR OF DOOR TO HOT WATER TANK CLOSET. CLEAN ALL DUST BUILD-UP FROM ALL CEILING VENTS. CLEAN GREASY BUILD-UP FROM HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN FRONT FOOD PREP AREA. CLEAN BOTTOM INTERIOR SHELF OF PLASTIC STORAGE BIN IN REAR OUTSIDE HALLWAY WHERE CORNSTARCH IS STORED.
35
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: ALL EMPLOYEES,REGARDLESS OF TITLE, HANDLING OPEN FOODS MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS.
42
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: ICE SCOOP IMPROPERLY STORED INSIDE LARGE ICE MACHINE IN REAR, MUST STORE IN A CLEAN CONTAINER.
43
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: Any food handler working in the City of Chicago, unless that person has a valid Food Service Sanitation Manager Certificate is required to meet the food handler training requirement. If someone working in a facility that is not a food handler on a regular basis, but fills in as a food handler when needed, they too must have food handler training.
45
61
Aug 25, 2014
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: MUST PROPERLY LABEL ALL COOKED FOOD ITEMS.
30
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT AND COOLERS. ALSO DETAIL CLEAN THE HOOD ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES AND SINKS. DETAIL CLEAN THE EXTERIOR OF GARBAGE CANS IN PREP AREAS. MUST REMOVE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE FLOORS UNDER THE COOKING EQUIPMENT, UNDER SINKS, ALONG WALLS AND THROUGHOUT PREMISES.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN WALLS AND THE DOOR TO THE HOT WATER TANK CLOSET ADJACENT TO THE MAIN PREP AREA. MUST REMOVE EXCESSIVE FOOD SPILLS.
35
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE SANITARY CONTAINERS TO PROPERLY STORE ALL ICE DISPENSING UTENSILS.
43
78
Aug 9, 2013
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: LABEL BULK STORAGE CONTAINER IN KITCHEN WITH NAME OF PRODUCT INSIDE.
30
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: SMALL SECTION OF DOOR SWEEP ON REAR KITCHEN DOOR LEADING TO COMMON AREA FOR NEIGHBORING BUSINESSES TO GET TO DISPOSAL AREA IS LOOSE; REATTACH. NO LIGHT VISIBLE AT THIS TIME AT BOTTOM OF DOOR.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR LEAKS AT PIPE UNDERNEATH THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN KITCHEN. PIPE LEAKING IN TWO PLACES.
38
86
Sep 17, 2012
License
No violations found.
100
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Lotus Cafe & Banh Mi Sandwiches last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Lotus Cafe & Banh Mi Sandwiches on file is from Jul 9, 2025. The public record contains 18 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Lotus Cafe & Banh Mi Sandwiches?
Across the inspection record, “walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at Lotus Cafe & Banh Mi Sandwiches.
Has Lotus Cafe & Banh Mi Sandwiches' inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Lotus Cafe & Banh Mi Sandwiches have averaged around two violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Lotus Cafe & Banh Mi Sandwiches 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 Lotus Cafe & Banh Mi Sandwiches inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Lotus Cafe & Banh Mi Sandwiches is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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