Oromo Cafe
Last inspected: Jun 16, 2025
37
Score
Going back to 2016, Oromo Cafe has 14 inspections in the public record. Oromo Cafe was last inspected on Jun 16, 2025. High risk usually means inspectors flagged either critical violations or a stack of smaller ones.
Things have been moving the wrong way, with the rolling count rising from around three violations to closer to six violations per visit.
“Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” comes up most often, recorded seven times in the inspection record.
That's lower than the typical Chicago restaurant, which scores around 81. This restaurant has more on its record than most do.
14
Inspections
1
Critical latest
4
Major latest
9
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jun 16, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 4 major violations. 9 minor violations.
View 14 violations
Proper hot holding temperatures
Inspector notes: NOTED APPROXIMATELY 1/2 LB TOTAL TCS GRILLED ONION AND ROASTED RED PEPPER HELD AT IMPROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES 0F 108.6F AND 101.3F ON THE SIDE OF THE STOVE. ALL DISCARDED. REVIEWED PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES AND METHODS OF HOLDING HOT. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
21
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: REAR PREP/DISH HAND WASHING SINK NOT ACCESSIBLE FOR USE. NOTED A CLEAN FOOD CONTAINER BEING STORED INSIDE THE SINK. PERSON IN CHARGE REMOVED. REVIEWED HAND WASHING SINKS ARE FOR HAND WASHING PURPOSES ONLY AND MUST BE ACCESSIBLE FOR USE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.
10
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM 5-20-24 REPORT #2594908 NOT CORRECTED. #37- OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS IN REAR STORAGE RACK WITHOUT A LABEL.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE COMMON NAME ON ALL BULK CONTAINERS TO PROPERLY IDENTIFY ITEM (SALT, SUGAR, FLOUR ETC).#56- OBSERVED BURNT-OUT LIGHT BULB AT KITCHEN EXHAUST HOOD.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ADEQUATE LIGHTING AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED. MANAGER CHANGED THE LIGHT BULB AND LABELED ALL FOOD CONTAINERS BY THE END OF THE INSPECTION.
60
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS WERE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.
2
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: THE PERSON IN CHARGE DURING THE INSPECTION DOES NOT HAVE A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION.
1
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: MUST NOT STORE CLEAN FOOD CONTAINERS DIRECTLY UNDER THE FRON PREP HAND SINK PAPER TOWEL DISPENSER, DIRECTLY ABOVE THE REAR PREP/DISH HAND SINK OR ABOVE THE WASH BASIN AT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
39
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: ICE MACHINES ICE SCOOP MUST BE HELD IN A CLEAN CONTAINER. NOT ON TOP OF THE MACHINE.
43
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: ALL CLEAN STORED FOOD CONTAINERS IE: MIXING BOWLS, MUST BE STORED INVERTED.
44
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: LOWER SHELVING OF THE REAR KITCHEN METAL PREP TABLE WITH DIRT AND FOOD DEBRIS.----INTERIOR OF THE UTILITY MOP SINK EXTREMELY DIRTY. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.
49
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST NOT USE CLOTH TOWELS A LINER FOR SHELVING INSIDE COOLERS.
49
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ITEMS AND CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL FROM THE OUTDOOR GARBAGE AREA TO PREVENT PEST HARBORING. GROUNDS MUST BE CLEAR OF ALL DEBRIS.
54
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: CEILING VENTILATION COVER IN THE EAST WASHROOM NOTED WITH EXCESSIVE DUST. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE UNUSED ICE MACHINE FROM THE OUTDOOR REAR WALKWAY TO THE OUT WASTE RECEPTACLES.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES.
58
37
May 20, 2024
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A SLIGHT DEBRIS ACCUMULATION ENCRUSTED ON THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE.MUST REMOVE DEBRIS, DETAIL CLEAN INSIDE ICE MACHINE/HAVE SERVICED AND MAINTAIN ICE MACHINE AT ALL TIMES .
16
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS IN REAR STORAGE RACK WITHOUT A LABEL.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE COMMON NAME ON ALL BULK CONTAINERS TO PROPERLY IDENTIFY ITEM (SALT, SUGAR, FLOUR ETC).
37
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BURNT-OUT LIGHT BULB AT KITCHEN EXHAUST HOOD.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ADEQUATE LIGHTING AT ALL TIMES.
56
86
Jun 6, 2023
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jun 2, 2023
Reinspection
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Previous priority foundation violation corrected
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED WITHIN SPECIFIED TIMEFRAME. REPORT #2576448 DATED MAY 26TH 2023 INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO PROVIDE IRREVERSIBLE TEMPERATURE INDICATOR FOR DISH MACHINE. OBSERVED NO IRREVERSIBLE TEMPERATURE INDICATOR FOR HOT WATER DISH MACHINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.
59
90
May 26, 2023
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 4 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HOT WATER DISH MACHINE NOT CONSISTENTLY MAINTAINING PROPER FINAL RINSE SANITIZING TEMPERATURES. MACHINE FINAL RINSE SANITIZING TEMPERATURE WOULD HIT 173 F BEFORE GOING DOWN TO A FINAL RINSE SANITIZING TEMPERATURE OF 153 F ON THE NEXT CYCLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE HOT WATER DISH MACHINE CONSISTENTLY REACHES A FINAL SANITIZING TEMPERATURE OF 165 F. DISH MACHINE TAGGED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-025 CITATION ISSUED.
16
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO IRREVERSIBLE TEMPERATURE INDICATOR FOR HOT WATER DISH MACHINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE EITHER DISH MACHINE THERMOMETER OR THERMAL TEST STRIPS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
48
Summary report displayed and visible to the public
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MOST RECENT INSPECTION SUMMARY REPORT NOT POSTED. FACILITY WAS INSPECTED ON SEPTEMBER 26TH 2022; FACILITY HAS SUMMARY POSTED FROM MAY 16TH 2022. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE THAT SUMMARY FROM MOST RECENT INSPECTION REPORT IS POSTED. PRINTED NEW SUMMARY FOR MANAGER TO POST. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-010(B) CITATION ISSUED.
61
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUST AND DEBRIS BUILD UP HOOD FILTERS ABOVE GRIDDLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN.
56
67
Sep 26, 2022
Complaint
2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
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: FOUND NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS (SOUPS, SALADS, SANDWICHES 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
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CEILING VENT COVER WITH DUST ACCUMULATION INSIDE BOTH WASHROOMS.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: NEW (4) EMPLOYEES HAVE 30 DAYS FROM HIRE TO OBTAIN PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER?S TRAINING CERTIFICATES.
57
74
May 16, 2022
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE INSIDE COOLERS.
36
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS UNDER AND AROUND 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR PREP AREA.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR SURFACES OF FLOOR DRAIN UNDERNEATH 3 COMPARTMENT SINK TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ITEMS (CONSTRUCTION DEBRIS) IN REAR OUTSIDE BY THE EXIT DOOR.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: FOUND INCOMPLETE APPROVED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSON WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.
58
78
Feb 1, 2021
Routine
No violations found.
100
Jun 12, 2020
Routine
2 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED READY TO EAT, TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS (LIQUID MILK MIXTURES, SLICED FRUITS)NOT PROPERLY DATED , STORED LONGER THAN 24 HOURS IN COOLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER DATE MARKING WITH DISPOSITION DATE FOR RTE FOODS PREPARED ON SITE AND HELD OVER 24 HOURS IN COLD HOLDING UNIT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-005
23
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: FACILITY USES HIGH TEMPERATURE SANITIZING DISH MACHINE AND DOESN'T HAVE PROPER TEMPERATURE MEASURING IRREVERSIBLE REGISTERING TEMPERATURE INDICATOR OR THERMOMETER THAT SHALL BE PROVIDED AND READILY ACCESSIBLE FOR MEASURING THE UTENSIL SURFACE TEMPERATURE DURING HOT WATER SANITATION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
48
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SEVERAL PLASTIC FOOD CONTAINERS WITH DRY PRODUCTS.(NUTS ) WITH OUT PROPER COMMON FOOD NAME MARKINGS.ALL BULK AND WORKING FOOD INGREDIENT CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH CONTENTS NAME.MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
37
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THAT EMPLOYEE WORE WATCHES ON HANDS WHILE WORKING WITH FOOD.MUST REMOVE ALL JEWELRY EXCEPT PLAIN WEDDING BAND FROM HANDS WHILE WORKING WITH EXPOSED FOOD
40
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: NOTED SOME USE OF MILK CRATES FOR ELEVATION AT THE KITCHEN AREA, DISHWASHING AREA AND DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE MILK CRATES FOR ELEVATION TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST. MUST PROVIDE APPROPRIATE SHELVING FOR STORAGE. ALL FOOD ITEMS MUST ALSO BE STORED 6" AWAY FROM THE WALL
47
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE TOILET ROOM RECEPTACLE WITH COVER FOR SANITARY NAPKINS IN BOTH UNISEX BATHROOM
53
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER'S TRAINING CERTIFICATION FROM EMPLOYEE. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL EMPLOYEE'S MUST COMPLY WITH FOOD HANDLER'S TRAINING IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FOOD HANDLING REGULATION ENFORCEMENT ACT.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: NOTED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ON DUTY WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.FACILITY HAVE SEVERAL MANAGERS AND ALL HAVE CERTIFICATION EXCEPT MANAGER ON DUTY. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.
58
61
Oct 28, 2019
Complaint
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: NO VISIBLE THERMOMETER IN TWO PREP COOLER. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
36
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: WIPING CLOTH FOR WIPING THE PREP TABLES, CHOPPING BOARD ,COOLERS MUST BE STORED ON BUCKET WITH SANITIZING SOLUTION IN BETWEEN USES.
41
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN BOTTOM SHELVE OF THE REACH IN FREEZER WITH FOOD CRUMBS AND MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FLOOR NOT CLEAN ALONG THE WALL BASE ALL CORNER ,UNDER AND BEHIND THE STOVE,PREP AREA AND DISH WASHING AREA. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: ALL CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN AN ALLERGEREN TRAINING CERTIFICATE.
58
78
Jun 23, 2017
Reinspection
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Observed exposed wood throughout front cabinet interior areas. Also, observed exposed wood paneling above mop sink, in utility/mop sink area. Instructed manager to seal all areas in front cabinet areas, as well as above the mop sink area, to ensure surfaces were smooth.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Observed flooring in rear prep area with debris and dirt along the floor base. Instructed manager to clean and maintain.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Observed hoods above stove range, with excessive dust. Instructed manager to clean and maintain.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Observed ice machine without back flow preventive device. Instructed manager to install and maintain.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: Observed clutter in rear utility/mop room, e.g. boxes, brooms, mops. Instructed manager to clean and maintain.
41
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: Observed staff with no food handlers card. Instructed manager to ensure that all staff have food handlers cards within 30 days of employment.
45
74
Jun 16, 2017
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: Observed black slimy residue in ice machine inner mechanical compartment. Instructed manager service, clean and maintain. Observed white and brown sugar in open container, on front counter with no lid. Instructed manager to provide cover to ensure that food is protected during storage at all times. Serious violation #7-38-005 (A)
16
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Observed exposed wood throughout front cabinet interior areas. Also, observed exposed wood paneling above mop sink, in utility/mop sink area. Instructed manager to seal all areas in front cabinet areas, as well as above the mop sink area, to ensure surfaces were smooth.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Observed flooring in rear prep area with debris and dirt along the floor base. Instructed manager to clean and maintain.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Observed hoods above stove range, with excessive dust. Instructed manager to clean and maintain.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Observed ice machine without back flow preventive device. Instructed manager to install and maintain.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: Observed clutter in rear utility/mop room, e.g. boxes, brooms, mops. Instructed manager to clean and maintain.
41
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: Observed staff with no food handlers card. Instructed manager to ensure that all staff have food handlers cards within 30 days of employment.
45
70
Dec 19, 2016
Complaint
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: FOUND NO CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION MANAGER ON PREMISES WHILE HANDLING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD. (HANDLES MILK,CHEESE,ETC.)SERIOUS VIOLATION. 7-38-020.
21
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS. MUST PROVIDE.
42
90
Jul 20, 2016
License
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Observed no drain board attached to or near the three compartment sink. Instructed facility to provide and maintain.
32
95
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Oromo Cafe last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Oromo Cafe on file is from Jun 16, 2025. The public record contains 14 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Oromo Cafe?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited seven times, more than any other issue at Oromo Cafe.
Has Oromo Cafe's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Oromo Cafe have averaged around six violations per visit, up from roughly three earlier in the record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Oromo 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 Oromo Cafe inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Oromo Cafe is inspected around two times per year on average.
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