Lucy's Cafe
Last inspected: Apr 23, 2025
86
Score
Going back to 2016, Lucy's Cafe has 13 inspections in the public record. The newest entry in the record is dated Apr 23, 2025. When a facility lands in the low risk tier, it usually means nothing alarming showed up at the most recent visit.
Violation counts have been trending down, averaging around four violations across recent inspections versus roughly seven violations before.
Looking across the full record, “food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable” is the recurring theme, flagged 12 times.
Restaurants in Chicago average 81, so Lucy's Cafe is doing better than most peers. Overall, the inspection record reads well.
13
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 23, 2025
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MULTIPLE CUTTING BOARDS WITH DEEP SCRATCHES AND STAINS ON PREP SURFACES THROUGHOUT REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO RESURFACE/REPLACE CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RUSTY STORAGE RACKS IN WALK-IN COOLER IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE RUST AND MAINTAIN.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED DIRT ON FLOORS ALONG WALLS THROUGHOUT PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN FLOORS AND ALONG WALLS AND MAINTAIN.
55
86
Nov 14, 2024
Reinspection
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK LOCATED IN FRONT COFFEE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
10
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TORN GASKET ON 2 DOOR PREP COOLER LOCATED IN FRONT COFFEE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAITNAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED UNUSED FREEZER IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE FROM PREMISES.
55
86
Nov 7, 2024
Routine
2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Summary report displayed and visible to the public
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SUMMARY POSTED FOR PUBLIC VIEW FROM PREVIOUS INSPECTION #2584188 DATED 10/27/2023. LEFT NEW SUMMARY AND INSTRUCTED TO POST FOR PUBLIC VIEW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-010(B). CITATION ISSUED.
61
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING REPEAT CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2584188 DATED 10/27/2024: #16 " INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR SURFACES OF ICE MACHINE WITH MINIMAL CALCIUM BUILD-UP." #57 "SOME FOOD HANDLERS WITH EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CURRENT CERTIFICATE FOR EACH EMPLOYEE." #58 " FOUND EXPIRED APPROVED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE ON SITE. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSON WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH THE CURRENT ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION." INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND COME INTO COMPLIANCE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
60
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK LOCATED IN FRONT COFFEE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
10
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TORN GASKET ON 2 DOOR PREP COOLER LOCATED IN FRONT COFFEE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAITNAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED UNUSED FREEZER IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE FROM PREMISES.
55
70
Oct 27, 2023
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 12 minor violations.
View 15 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: FOUND LOW TEMPERATURE DISH WASHING MACHINE AT IMPROPER FINAL SANITIZING RINSE AT 0 PPM CHLORINE CONCENTRATION. (DISH MACHINE NOT IN USED AT THIS TIME) INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO FIX AND MAINTAIN. A MECHANICAL DISHWASHING MACHINES SHOULD PROVIDE A FINAL SANITIZING RINSE OF EITHER 50 ? 100 PPM CHLORINE (FOR CHEMICAL SANITIZING MACHINE) OR 180F FINAL RINSE (FOR HOT WATER SANITIZING MACHINE). DISHMACHINE TAGGED ?HELD FOR INSPECTION?. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE UNTIL REPAIRED (SEE COMMENTS BELOW). PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-025
16
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: PERSON IN CHARGE DOES NOT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.
1
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS ( HOT AND COLD SANDWICHES, DAIRY, SOUPS, SALADS, SOY CHICKEN ETC) ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE, A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES WHEN HANDLING TCS FOODS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED
2
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT (STOVE, OVER, GRILL, FRYER ETC), KITCHEN HOOD AND PIPINGS WITH GREASE AND DUST ACCUMULATION IN FRONT PREP/COOKING AREA.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR STRIPPED (HOT) FAUCET HANDLE AT HANDSINK IN REAR PREP/COOKING AREA.
51
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LEAVES AND DEBRIS ON GROUND UNDER, AROUND AND BEHIND GARBAGE DUMPSTER IN REAR OUTSIDE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN GROUND AND MAINTAIN.
54
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: NOTED FLOOR TILES IN POOR REPAIR (LOOSE WITH MISSING GROUT). INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MUST REGROUT IN REAR DISHWASHING AREA.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN WALL AROUND FRONT PREP/COOKING AREA WITH DRIED FOOD SPILLAGE.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. MUST REORGANIZE AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE. FOOD AND NON FOOD ITEMS STORED IN REAR STORAGE ROOM MUST BE STORED 6" OFF THE FLOOR FOR EASY ACCESS ON CLEANING.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: SOME FOOD HANDLERS WITH EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CURRENT CERTIFICATE FOR EACH EMPLOYEE.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: FOUND EXPIRED APPROVED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE ON SITE. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSON WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH THE CURRENT ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.
58
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR SURFACES OF ICE MACHINE WITH MINIMAL CALCIUM BUILD-UP.
16
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE INSIDE PREP COOLER IN FRONT PREP/COOKING AREA.
36
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, REPAINT OR REPLACE RUSTY METAL RACKS INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER AND IN REAR STORAGE AREA.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR SURFACES OF UNUSED COOLER IN FRONT AND IN REAR PREP/COOKING AREA.
47
39
Jul 15, 2022
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jul 8, 2022
Routine
2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE DURING THE INSPECTION WHILE THE TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS (EGGS,RICE ETC.) ARE PREPARED AND SERVED TO CUSTOMERS.INSTRUCTED A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES FOODS WHILE (TCS FOODS) ARE BEING HANDLED PREPARED AND SERVED.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012,CITATION ISSUED.
2
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENUS. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO DISCLOSE WHICH FOODS CAN BE ORDERED "RAW" OR UNDER COOKED AND LINK THOSE FOODS WITH AN ASTERISK (*) TO A REMINDER STATEMENT THAT STATES THAT EATING RAW OR UNDER COOKED FOODS CAN INCREASE YOUR RISK OF FOOD BORNE ILLNESS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
25
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED STAINED CUTTING BOARDS ON TOP OF PREP LINE COOLERS AT MAIN FRONT PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE OR REPLACE THE CUTTING BOARDS.
47
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE PROVIDED IN THE EMPLOYEE UNISEX WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
53
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LIGHT BULB INSIDE THE WALK-IN-COOLER NOT SHIELDED.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A LIGHT SHIELD FOR MENTIONED LIGHT BULB OR PROVIDE A SHATTER-PROOF LIGHT BULB.
56
70
Feb 17, 2021
Reinspection
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO ESTABLISH AN APPROPRIATE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AND MAINTAIN WITH VERIFIABLE SIGNED COPIES ON SITE FOR ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BROKEN HANDLE OF THE 2 DOOR PREP COOLER LOCATED NEAR THE DISH AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE/REPAIR.
47
86
Feb 10, 2021
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LOW TEMPERATURE DISHMACHINE NOT MAINTAINED, SANITIZING AT 0 PPM CHLORINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN LOW TEMPERATURE DISHMACHINE. TAGGED MACHINE. DISCUSSED WITH MANAGER THAT THE DISHMACHINE MUST SANITIZE AT 100 PPM CHLORINE. MUST TEMPORARILY WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE MULTI-USE UTENSILS IN 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-025.
16
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO ESTABLISH AN APPROPRIATE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AND MAINTAIN WITH VERIFIABLE SIGNED COPIES ON SITE FOR ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BROKEN HANDLE OF THE 2 DOOR PREP COOLER LOCATED NEAR THE DISH AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE/REPAIR.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS AND SPILLS ON THE FLOORS AND SURFACES THROUGHOUT THE KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN UNDER ALL SHELVING UNITS, INTERIOR OF PREP COOLERS, HOT-HOLDING UNITS, PREP TABLES AND DEEP FRYERS TO REMOVE SPILLS, FOOD DEBRIS, DIRT BUILDUP AND/OR GREASE. MUST MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
55
70
Jul 18, 2019
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LOW TEMPERATURE DISHMACHINE NOT MAINTAINED, SANITIZING AT 0 PPM CHLORINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN LOW TEMPERATURE DISHMACHINE. SAID DISHMACHINE MUST SANITIZE AT 100 PPM CHLORINE. MUST TEMPORARILY WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE MULTI-USE UTENSILS IN 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-025.
16
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: FRONT PREP AREA 2-DOOR REACH IN COOLER DOOR SEAL RIPPED. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN DOOR SEAL.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: FRONT PREP AREA HANDWASH BOWL PIPE DRAINING SLOWLY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER SAID HANDWASH BOWL PIPE MUST DRAIN QUICKLY.
51
78
Aug 10, 2018
Routine
2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY NOT AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME. INSTRUCTED TO IMPLEMENT AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY, AND MAINTAIN POLICY ON-SITE. FOR MORE INFORMATION REGARDING POLICY GO TO WWW.CITYOFCHICAGO.ORG/HEALTH. PRIORITY FOUNDATION, 7-38-012(A) NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: FOUND NO PROCEDURE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO IMPLEMENT AN APPROPRIATE PROCEDURE, WITH NECESSARY SUPPLIES, AND TO MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE RIPPED GASKETS AROUND THE REFRIGERATION UNITS AT THE FRONT PREPARATION AREA NEAR THE REGISTER, TO PROVIDE A TIGHT FITTING SEAL AT ALL TIMES.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE INTERIOR MICROWAVE TO REMOVE FOOD DEBRIS BUILDUP AND MAINTAIN.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE CEILING TILES AND CEILING VENTS ABOVE THE DISHWASHING AREA, ELECTRIC LINES OVER PREP AREA, OUTSIDE OF THE HOOD VENT, DRY FOOD STORAGE RACKS ATTACHED TO THE WALL, AND WALLS IN THE PREP AREA TO REMOVE DUST DEBRIS BUILDUP.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: PERSON IN CHARGE HAS NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. CORE VIOLATION PA100-0367. NO CITATION ISSUED.
58
67
Nov 13, 2017
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SLIGHT CALCIUM BUILD UP INSIDE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE AND MAINTAIN.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUST BUILD UP ON CEILING VENTILATION COVER AND SURROUNDING CEILING TILES AT REAR PREP AREA. MUST CLEAN CEILING VENTILATION COVERS AND CEILING TILES.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: EMPLOYEES WASHROOM HANDWASH BOWL HOT WATER LINE LEAKING, NO HANDWASH BOWL AT DISHWASH AREA ALSO REAR PREP AREA HANDWASH BOWL DRAINING SLOWLY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE/INSTALL A HANDWASH BOWL WITH RUNNING HOT/COLD WATER AT DISHWASH AREA, MUST REPLACE LEAKING HOT WATER LINE IN EMPLOYEES WASHROOM HANDWASH BOWL ALSO MUST REAR PREP AREA HANDWASH BOWL MUST DRAIN QUICKLY.
38
86
Jan 4, 2017
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUST BUILD UP ON CEILING TILES/LIGHT COVERS ABOVE REAR PREP AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CEILING TILES/LIGHT COVERS.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: FLAT TOP GRILL NOT ALL THE WAY UNDERNEATH VENTILATION HOOD. INSTRUCTED MANAGER ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT MUST BE COMPLETELY UNDERNEATH VENTILATION HOOD.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: NO THERMOMETERS INSIDE REACH IN COOLERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE THERMOMETERS FOR ALL COOLERS.
40
86
Jul 29, 2016
License
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE INTERIOR PANEL AT THE SIDES INSIDE THE ICE MACHINE AT THE COFFEE SERVICE STATION.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST REGROUT FLOOR IN THE KITCHEN AREA AND IN FRONT OF THE 3-COMP SINK AREA AND DISH MACHINE SO AS TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST REPLACE MISSING WALL COVING AT THE SMALL HALLWAY LEADING TO THE SMALL EMPLOYEE STORAGE/ CHANGING ROOM AND AT THE WALL UNDER THE 3-COMP SINK. MUST SEAL/ REPAIR HOLES AT WALL ON THE LEFT SIDE AT THE STAIRCASE LEADING TO THE BASEMENT AREA AT THE FRONT OF THE RESTAURANT. MUST REPLACE BROKEN/MISSING CEILING TILE INSIDE THE EMPLOYEE CHANGING ROOM.
35
86
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Lucy's Cafe last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Lucy's Cafe on file is from Apr 23, 2025. The public record contains 13 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Lucy's Cafe?
Across the inspection record, “food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable” has been cited 12 times, more than any other issue at Lucy's Cafe.
Has Lucy's Cafe's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Lucy's Cafe have averaged around four violations per visit, down from roughly seven earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Lucy's 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 Lucy's Cafe inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Lucy's Cafe is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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