Mariano Cafe
Last inspected: Jun 14, 2024
41
Score
Mariano Cafe has been inspected 15 times since 2015. The newest entry in the record is dated Jun 14, 2024. The high risk label is a heads-up that the most recent visit didn't go well.
Violation counts have ticked up lately, averaging around five violations per visit versus roughly two violations earlier in the record.
“Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing five times across the record.
Compared to other Chicago restaurants (averaging 81), there's room to close the gap. Diners may want to scan the inspection details before deciding to visit.
15
Inspections
2
Critical latest
3
Major latest
6
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jun 14, 2024
Routine
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TCS FOODS AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE SUCH AS 3 DOZEN OF EGGS RANGING BETWEEN 54-75.0F. TCS FOODS MUST BE HELD AT 41.0F OR BELOW INSIDE A COLD HOLDING UNIT. EMPLOYEE VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED FOOD. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED
22
No bare hand contact with rte food or a pre-approved alternative procedure properly allowed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER TOUCH READY-TO-EAT FOOD STEAK SANDWICH, BREAD WITH BARE HANDS AND ADD CUT TOMATOES AND CHEESE IN KITCHEN AT FOOD LINE. FOOD EMPLOYEES? MAY NOT CONTACT EXPOSED, READY-TO-EAT FOOD WITH THEIR BARE HANDS. MUST USE SUITABLE UTENSILS SUCH AS DELI TISSUE, SPATULAS, TONGS, SINGLE-USE GLOVES, OR DISPENSING EQUIPMENT. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.
9
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS AT EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN PAPER TOWELS AT ALL EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINKS AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION COMBINED WITH ABOVE VIOLATION.
10
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TCS FOOD STEAK SANDWICHES HELD FOR OVER 24 HOURS WITH OUT A DISCARD DATE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO PROVIDE DISCARD DATE FOR ANY TCS FOODS HELD FOR OVER 24 HOURS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
23
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK IN 1ST FLOOR PREP RENDERED INACCESSIBLE BY WIPING CLOTH AND HANDWASHING SINK IN BASEMENT RENDERED INACCESSIBLE BY CONTAINER, BRUSHES BEING PLACED INSIDE IT. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINKS OPEN AND ACCESSIBLE FOR HAND WASHING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
10
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SUGAR 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
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TORN GASKET IN THE 2 DOOR COOLER IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CUTTING BOARD IN THE KITCHEN COVERED DEEP GROOVES AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS, SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SOILED MOP HEADS NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO HANG MOP HEADS TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A HEAVY ACCUMULATION OF DIRT, DUST, GREASE, FOOD SPLATTER AND FOOD DEBRIS ON THE WALLS AND FLOORS ESPECIALLY ALONG THE HOT FOOD SERVICE LINE UNDER AND AROUND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND NON COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL AREAS.
55
41
May 30, 2023
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CHEESE AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE AT 52.1F INSIDE COOLER. ALSO OBSERVED TCS FOODS AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE SUCH AS SLICED HAM, SHELLED EGGS, SLICED TOMATOES AND DELI SANDWICHES WHICH WERE RANGING BETWEEN 45-58.0F. TCS FOODS MUST BE HELD AT 41.0F OR BELOW INSIDE A COLD HOLDING UNIT. EMPLOYEE VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED FOOD. FOOD WEIGHING APPROXIMATELY 100 LBS AT A COST OF $350.00. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
22
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WATER DRIPPING AT PIPE ON RIGHT SIDE BELOW 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REPAIR.
51
Sewage & waste water properly disposed
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN GREASE ON TOP OF OUTSIDE GREASE CONTAINER.
52
78
Jan 13, 2022
Routine
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TCS FOOD (COOKED PORK) HELD FOR OVER 24 HOURS WITH OUT A DISCARD DATE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO PROVIDE DISCARD DATE FOR ANY TCS FOODS HELD FOR OVER 24 HOURS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. FOOD DISCARDED. CITATION ISSUED.
23
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: FOUND HEAVY DUST BUILD UP ON UNISEX EMPLOYEE RESTROOM CEILING FAN VENT COVER. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
86
Aug 7, 2019
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE PREP COOLERS.
49
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING IN THE BASEMENT PREP AREA.
56
90
May 13, 2019
Routine
3 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO METAL STEM PROBE THERMOMETER ON THE PREMISES TO TAKE FOOD TEMPERATURES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A THERMOMETER TO TAKE HOT AND COLD FOOD TEMPERATURES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
36
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT 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: OBSERVED NO CLEAN UP PROCEDURE AND SUPPLIES ON THE PREMISES FOR VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE BOTH. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE PREP COOLER AND CHEST FREEZER.
49
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS OBTAIN AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE.
58
67
May 3, 2017
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Apr 25, 2017
Reinspection
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Previous serious violation corrected, 7-42-090
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS SERIOUS VIOLATION STILL NOT CORRECTED.STILL FINDING EVIDENCE OF APPX. 14 LIVE ROACHES CRAWLING ON FLOOR NEAR 3- COMPARTMENT SINK,GAP IN WALL BEHIND 3- COMPARTMENT SINK,ON LANDING NEAR 2- DOOR REACH IN COOLER,IN GAPS AND GASKETS OF 1ST FL. 3- DOOR COOLER AND BASEMENT 2- DOOR PREP COOLER.RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES AFTER 4/25/17.(CRITICAL 7-38-020)NO CITATION ISSUED.
14
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRI FROM GRILL TABLE,PREP TABLE,STOVE,EXTERIOR OF GARBAGE CANS,WHEEL BASES AND PIPES OF ALL EQUIPMENT.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRI FROM FLOOR IN 1ST FL. PREP AREA BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE GAPS AND OPENINGS AROUND WALLS IN BASEMENT AND 1ST FL. PREP AREA.MUST CLEAN GREASE FROM HOOD.
35
82
Apr 4, 2017
Reinspection
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Previous serious violation corrected, 7-42-090
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS SERIOUS VIOLATION FROM REPORT #2009284 NOT CORRECTED #18.STILL FINDING EVIDENCE OF APPX. 18- LIVE ROACHES CRAWLING ON FLOOR NEAR AND UNDER BOTH HOT WATER TANKS, CRAWLING ON EXTERIOR & INTERIOR OF BOTH HOT WATER TANKS IN BASEMENT ADJACENT TO PREP AREA AND ON WALL AND ON FLOOR UNDER FOOD STORAGE SHELF IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA.ALSO STILL FINDING EVIDENCE OF APPX 40 OR MORE RODENT DROPPINGS ON FLOOR UNDER,AROUND ,ALONG WALL BASES AND IN BETWEEN CLUTTER ON FLOOR IN ADJACENT ROOM IN BASEMENT AND LEDGE, ON UPPER FOOD STORAGE SHELVES.REAR EXIT DOOR STILL HAS A APPX. "1/2" GAP ALONG BOTTOM.MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS CLEAN SANITIZE AREAS.RODENT PROOF DOOR TO BE TIGHT FITTING.RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 4/4/17.(CRITICAL 7-42-090)
14
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKETS ON 2 & 3- DOOR PREP COOLER IN 1ST & BSMT PREP AREAS.MUST REMOVE RUST FROM INTERIOR OF COOLER IN 1ST FL. PREP AREA
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRI FROM GRILL TABLE,PREP TABLE,UNUSED PREP COOLER,EXTERIOR OF GARBAGE CANS,WINDOW EXHAUST FAN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRI FROM FLOOR IN 1ST FL. PREP AREA,BASEMENT,STORAGE AREA.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED AND BROKEN CONCRETE FLOOR ALONG WALL BASES IN FOOD STORAGE AREA IN BASEMENT
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE GAPS AND OPENINGS AROUND WALLS IN BASEMENT.MUST CLEAN DUST BUILD UP FROM WALLS IN DINING AREA
35
78
Mar 24, 2017
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX.3- LIVE ROACHES CRAWLING ON FLOOR NEAR HOT WATER TANK IN BASEMENT AND APPX. 40 OR MORE RODENT DROPPINGS ON FLOOR UNDER SHELVING UNITS IN BASEMENT.ALSO,APPX."3/4"GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF REAR DOOR.MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS,CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS.RODENT PROOF DOOR.RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 3/24/17.(SERIOUS 7-38-020)
18
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKETS ON 2 & 3- DOOR PREP COOLER IN 1ST & BSMT PREP AREAS.MUST REMOVE FOIL FROM TOP SHELF OF STOVE,RUST FROM INTERIOR OF COOLER IN 1ST FL. PREP AREA
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRI FROM GRILL TABLE,PREP TABLE,UNUSED PREP COOLER,EXTERIOR OF GARBAGE CANS,WINDOW EXHAUST FAN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRI FROM FLOOR IN 1ST FL. PREP AREA,BASEMENT,STORAGE AREA.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED FLOOR TILE NEAR 3- DOOR PREP COOLER 1ST FL. PREP AREA
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES .
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LEAKY FAUCET AT 3- COMP SINK.MUST PROVIDE SINK STOPPERS FOR 3- COMP SINK.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE THERMOMETER FOR COLD HOLDING UNITS.
40
70
Sep 30, 2016
Complaint
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOIL ALL OVER THE COOKING STOVE, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN. ALSO REMOVE RUSTY STORAGE SHELF NEXT TO STOVE.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBERVED BULK SUGAR CONTAINER ON COFFEE TABLE NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE. ALSO CLEAN/REMOVE GREASE FROM STORAG SHELF NEXT TO 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.
33
90
Apr 22, 2016
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO MANAGER ON PREMISES AT THIS TIME, WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZADROUS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. BEEF 189 *F ON STOVE TOP, AND HAM SANDWICHES IN COOLER 39*F AT THIS TIME. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ONE MANAGER WITH CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE PER SHIFT. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012a.
21
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE BOX FREEZER NOT MAINTAINED IN BASEMENT TOP BROKEN BEING HELD TOGETHER WITH STRING, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING NOT CLEAN, BASEMENT SLICER,PREP TABLE,1ST. FLOOR CUTTING BOARDS, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE. ALSO CLEAN INTERIOR OF FRONT 2 DOOR COOLER.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FLOOR UNDER AND AROUND EQUIPMENT, NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CEILING TILES FRONT DINING AREA WATER DAMAGED, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE. WALL MISSING OUTLET COVER/HOLE AROUND THIS OUTLET, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COVER/FILL HOLE.
35
Only authorized personnel in the food-prep area
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NON FOOD HANDLERS IN FOOD PREP AREA, ONLY FOOD WORKERS AUTHORIZED IN FOOD PREP AREAS.
44
74
Nov 17, 2015
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FOUND FLOORS NOT CLEAN AT MAIN KITCHEN AND BASEMENT. MUST SWEEP AND CLEAN
34
95
Nov 10, 2015
Complaint
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector notes: FOUND PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT DATED 2-24-15 REPORT # 1464772.FOUND NO DRAINBOARD AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. FOUND NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE AT COFFEE MACHINE.SERIOUS VIOLATION. 7-42-090.
29
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FOUND FLOORS NOT CLEAN AT MAIN KITCHEN AND BASEMENT. MUST SWEEP AND CLEAN.
34
90
Feb 24, 2015
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: FOUND NO DRAINBOARD AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. FOUND NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE AT COFFEE MACHINE.
38
95
Feb 23, 2015
License
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Outside garbage waste grease and storage area; clean, rodent proof, all containers covered
Inspector notes: FOUND NO OUTSIDE DUMPSTER. SERIOUS VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. (7-38-020)
19
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: FOUND NO DRAINBOARD AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. FOUND NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE AT COFFEE MACHINE. FOUND NO STOPPERS FOR 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.
38
90
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Mariano Cafe last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Mariano Cafe on file is from Jun 14, 2024. The public record contains 15 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Mariano Cafe?
Across the inspection record, “food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Mariano Cafe.
Has Mariano Cafe's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Mariano Cafe have averaged around five violations per visit, up from roughly two earlier in the record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Mariano Cafe means the most recent inspection flagged either critical violations or a substantial number of smaller ones. Diners may want to read the violation details before deciding to visit.
How often is Mariano Cafe inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Mariano Cafe is inspected around two times per year on average.
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