Lyfe Kitchen
Last inspected: Jan 8, 2025
95
Score
Lyfe Kitchen has been inspected 16 times since 2015. The most recent report on file is from Jan 8, 2025. Low risk indicates the latest report didn't flag anything that would worry the average customer.
Violation counts have been trending down, averaging around three violations across recent inspections versus roughly five violations before.
Looking across the full record, “food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable” is the recurring theme, flagged six times.
Among Chicago restaurants, the typical score is 81; Lyfe Kitchen is comfortably above that bar. The full picture is one of consistent compliance.
16
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 8, 2025
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TORN DOOR GASKET AND BROKEN PLASTIC CURTAIN WALK-IN COOLER AND EWALK-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN
47
95
Dec 30, 2024
Routine
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MENU WITH A FOOTNOTE REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU NOTED MISSING DISCLOSURE BY ASTERICKS FOR RELATED MENU ITEMS. INSTRUCTED TO IDENTIFY SUCH FOODS (EX: AHI TUNA POKE BOWL AND BURGERS ON MENU). INSTRUCTED TO IDENTIFY SUCH FOODS BY ASTERISKING THEM TO A FOOT NOTE THAT STATES: "ITEMS CAN BE SERVED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED OR CONTAIN UNDERCOOKED INGREDIENTS"(REFER TO ONLINE CDPH CONSUMER ADVISORY GUIDE). PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
25
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TORN DOOR GASKET AND BROKEN PLASTIC CURTAIN WALK-IN COOLER AND EWALK-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN
47
86
Feb 16, 2024
Reinspection
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: 6-202.15: OBSERVED OPENING IN MIDDLE OF DOUBLE ENTRANCE DOORS ON EASTSIDE OF ONTARIO. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRANCE.
38
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: 5-205.15: OBSERVED HANDSINK NOT WORKING IN MEN'S WASHROOM RIGHT SIDE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SAID HANDSINK IN MEN'S WASHROOM. NOTE THERE IS ANOTHER HANDSINK IN WASHROOM.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.12: OBSERVED FOOD AND DEBRIS UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT IN BARISTA AREA AND UNDERNEATH COLD AND HOT HOLDING UNITS ACROSS FROM COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN SAID AREAS AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: 6-303.11: OBSERVED NON WORKING LIGHT BULBS IN HOOD. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE ALL NON WORKING LIGHT BULBS IN HOOD AND MAINTAIN.
56
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: 6-501.14: OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON FILTERS IN HOOD AND IN HOOD ABOVE DISH MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
78
Feb 14, 2024
Complaint
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 12 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER MINIMUM WATER TEMPERATURE AT HANDWASHING SINKS IN WASHROOMS ON SECOND FLOOR. OBSERVED IMPROPER MINIMUM WATER TEMPERATURES IN WOMEN'S WASHROOM HANDWASHING SINKS(LEFT SIDE 93.6F AND RIGHT SIDE 93.0F) AND MEN'S HANDWASHING SINK LEFT SIDE 94.5F. INSTRUCTED A HANDWASHING SINK SHALL BE EQUIPPED TO PROVIDE WATER AT A TEMPERATURE OF AT LEAST 100F THROUGH A MIXING VALVE OR COMBINATION FAUCET. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.
10
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER TURNED OFF TO FAUCET ON LEFT OF THREE COMPARTMENT SINK USED TO FILL WASH COMPARTMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR/RESTORE HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER TO WASH COMPARTMENT OF THREE COMPARTMENT SINK SO THAT WASH COMPARTMENT CAN BE FILLED. INSTRUCTED A SINK WITH AT LEAST THREE COMPARTMENTS SHALL BE PROVIDED FOR MANUALLY WASHING, RINISING AND SANITIZING EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-025 CITATION ISSUED.
48
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT #2575513 DATED 05/08/2023. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED. OBSERVED ONE OF TWO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS WITHOUT ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN ON SITE FOR REVIEW.
60
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LID IN HANDWASHING SINK OF DISHROOM ON 1ST FLOOR. INSTRUCTED HANDWASHING SINKS SHALL BE ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIMES FOR EMPLOYEE USE. CORRECTED ON SITE, LID REMOVED FROM SAID HANDWASHING SINK. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.
10
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SPLASH GUARD ON RIGHT SIDE OF HANDWASHING SINK IN BARISTA AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL SPLASH GUARD ON RIGHT SIDE OF HANDWASHING SINK IN BARISTA AREA TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
39
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SMALL CUPS USED TO DISPENSE NUTS STORED IN CONTAINER ON TOP OF NUTS IN 1ST FLOOR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO STORE DISPENSING UTENSILS WITH THEIR HANDLES ABOVE THE TOP OF THE FOOD WITHIN THE CONTAINER OF EQUIPMENT THAT CAN BE CLOSED.
43
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HANDSINKS NOT WORKING IN MEN'S WASHROOM RIGHT SIDE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SAID HANDSINK IN MEN'S WASHROOM. NOTE THERE IS ANOTHER HANDSINK IN WASHROOM.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD AND DEBRIS UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT IN BARISTA AREA AND UNDERNEATH COLD AND HOT HOLDING UNITS ACROSS FROM COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN SAID AREAS AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON CEILING IN DISHROOM ON 1ST FLOOR AND IN AREAS OF 1ST FLOOR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN SAID AREAS AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NON WORKING LIGHT BULBS IN HOOD. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE ALL NON WORKING LIGHT BULBS IN HOOD AND MAINTAIN.
56
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON FILTERS IN HOOD AND IN HOOD ABOVE DISH MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THREE LARGE WHITE CONTAINERS UNDERNEATH PREP AREA ON 2ND FLOOR NOT LABELED WITH COMMON NAME. INSTRUCTED ALL FOOD, CONDIMENTS AND SPICES NOT IN ORIGINAL CONTAINERS SHALL BE LABELED WITH COMMON NAME.
37
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OPENING IN MIDDLE OF DOUBLE ENTRANCE DOORS ON EASTSIDE OF ONTARIO. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRANCE.
38
43
May 8, 2023
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PAPERTOWEL AVAILABLE AT HANDSINK IN IN USE DISH WASHING AREA DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES FOR PROPER HANDWASHING. PIC PROVIDED. PRORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-030 (c). CITATION ISSUED
10
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CAULKING ON DISH WASHING EQUIPMENT DISCOLORED WITH MOLKD LIKE BUILDUP AND IN DISREPAIR. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL PROPERLY AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WALK IN FREEZER FLOORS AND FLOORS THROUGHOUT ALL PREP AREAS IN NEED OF TRASH AND DRIED FOOD DEBRIS REMOVAL. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ONE OF TWO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS WITHOUT ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. INSRRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN ON SITE FOR REVIEW.
58
82
Oct 11, 2022
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Oct 4, 2022
Complaint
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: Inadequate hands washing facilities in employees/customers restroom. not working faucets noted at men's restroom, faucet runs for few seconds and stops . Instructed to provide good working faucets to allow proper hands washing. Priority foundation violation 7-38-030(c)
10
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: Bulk food containers not properly labeled. instructed to label and maintain
37
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: damaged insulation on walk-in cooler cooling lines, instructed to insulate to prevent condensation.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: Heavy dust build-up noted on walk-in cooler fan covers, kitchen ceiling vents. instructed to clean and maintain.
55
78
Feb 17, 2022
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: Bulk food containers not properly labeled. instructed to label and maintain.
37
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: food handler not wearing hair restraint, instructed to wear.
40
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: sanitizer bucket kept too close to open food items/ prep table. instructed to keep away.
41
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: disposable spoons are used in food preparation, instructed to use proper utensils.
47
82
Jan 26, 2021
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.12 OBSERVED ACCUMULATED DEBRIS ON THE FLOORS LOCATED IN THE 2ND FLOOR FOOD PREP AREA UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND IN THE DRY STORAGE ROOM. OBSERVED A BROWNISG SUBSTANCE ON THE WALLS BEHIND AND UNDER THE DISH MACHINE ON THE 1ST FLOOR DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALL.
55
95
Jan 16, 2020
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jan 9, 2020
Routine
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: FOUND 8 LIVE COCKROACHES IN DISH MACHINE ROOM UNDER HAND SINK AND MACHINE, INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE INSECTS ACTIVITY IN ALL AFFECTED AREAS, PEST CONTROL SERVICE RECOMMENDED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A)
38
Toxic substances properly identified, stored, & used
Inspector notes: EMPLOYEES CLOTHING, BAGS AND PERSONAL ITEMS STORED IN FOOD/CONTAINER STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO STORE SEPARATELY
28
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: IN USE UTENSILS STORED IN STANDING WATER, INSTRUCTED TO STORE IN A DRY CLEAN CONTAINER.
43
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: NO LIGHTS IN WALK-IN FREEZER, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
56
78
Jan 4, 2019
Routine
2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#: 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE PROPER LABELS FOR DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION OF REFRIGERATED, READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOODS HELD OVER 24HRS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#: 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
23
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A 1/4" GAP ALONG THE BOTTOM AND SIDES OF THE SIDE AND MAIN ENTRANCE DOORS. MUST PROVIDE TIGHT FITTING SEAL AT ALL OUTER OPENINGS TO PREVENT THE ENTRY OF PESTS.
38
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED STAINS AND DEEP BLACK GROVES ON THE CUTTING BOARDS THROUGHOUT THE 1ST FLOOR PREP AREA. MUST REPLACE OR RESURFACE AND MAINTAIN.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE WALL CAULKING BY THE DISHWASHING MACHINE IN POOR REPAIR. MUST RECAULK AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED AN EXCESS ACCUMULATION OF GRIME AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILDUP ON THE DISHMACHINE EXHAUST VENTILATION. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
67
Jan 4, 2018
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: 1ST FLOOR PREP AREA CUTTING BOARD SURFACES WITH DARK PITS ALSO QB REACH IN COOLER DOOR RUBBER GASKETS RIPPED. MUST REPLACE/REPAIR CUTTING BOARDS AND DAMAGED COOLER DOOR GASKETS AT 1ST FLOOR PREP AREA.
32
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 TILES AND CEILING VENTILATION ABOVE DISHWASH AREA. MUST CLEAN CEILING TILES AND CEILING VENTILATION COVERS.
35
86
Jan 20, 2017
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: DAMAGED INSULATION ON WALK-IN COOLER COOLING LINE, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR TO PREVENT CONDENSATION.
32
95
Mar 2, 2016
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: LABEL BULK FOOD ITEMS STORED ON THE 2ND FLOOR AND MAINTAIN.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN THE INTERIOR SURFACE OF THE ICE MACHINE, REPAIR THE SOAP DISPENSER ON THE 2ND FLOOR HAND SINK, AND REMOVE DUST ACCUMULATION ON THE FAN VENT COVER IN THE WALK-IN COOLER.
32
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SLOW DRAINING HAND SINK IN THE REAR PREP AREA ON THE 1ST FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR SINK AND MAINTAIN TO PREVENT FUTURE WASTE WATER BACKUPS.
38
86
Mar 17, 2015
License
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN/SANITIZE ALL COUNTER TOPS AND FOOD CONTACT SURFACES IN PREP AREA AND DINING TABLES OF ANY DUST BUILD UP.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: ALL FLOOR DRAINS NEED TO BE SEALED TO PREVENT SEEPAGE.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: SEAL OPENING INTO WALL NEXT TO SELF-SERVE WATER STATION.
35
86
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Lyfe Kitchen last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Lyfe Kitchen on file is from Jan 8, 2025. The public record contains 16 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Lyfe Kitchen?
Across the inspection record, “food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at Lyfe Kitchen.
Has Lyfe Kitchen's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Lyfe Kitchen have averaged around three violations per visit, down from roughly five earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Lyfe Kitchen 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 Lyfe Kitchen inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Lyfe Kitchen is inspected around two times per year on average.
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