Pho Cafe
Last inspected: May 27, 2025
100
Score
Pho Cafe has been inspected 10 times since 2018. On May 27, 2025, the health department conducted the most recent visit. A low risk tier reflects an inspection that turned up minimal issues.
Inspection results have stayed in a similar range over the last few visits, averaging around four violations each.
“Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” comes up most often, recorded 10 times in the inspection record.
Pho Cafe's latest score of 100 sits above the Chicago average of 81. The full picture is one of consistent compliance.
10
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
May 27, 2025
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
May 20, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TCS FOODS HELD AT IMPROPER INTERNAL TEMPERATURES IN THE WALK-IN COOLER SUCH AS 10LBS OF EGG ROLL FILLING (PORK, CARROTS, NOODLES, BLACK FUNGUS) AT 50.0F. MANAGER DISCARDED AND DENATURED A TOTAL 10LBS AT $100. ALL COLD TCS FOOD MUST MAINTAIN 41F OR BELOW. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.
22
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF RODENT ACTIVITY ON THE PREMISES. OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 50 MOUSE DROPPINGS IN THE WALL CORNERS BEHIND AND UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT IN KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS FROM ALL AFFECTED AREAS. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
38
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CARDBOARD USED AS LINER ON FOOD PREP EQUIPMENT AND TABLES. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LOOSE DEBRIS, DIRT AND DUST BUILDUP ON THE FLOORS AND CORNERS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND INCREASE CLEANING FREQUENCY OF FLOORS. MUST MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.
58
67
Apr 3, 2024
Reinspection
8 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: 6-301.14: OBSERVED HANDWASHING SINKS ON SITE MISSING HANDWASHING SIGNAGE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
10
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: 6-501.112: OBSERVED DEAD ROACHES ON THE FLOORS AND SURFACES THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. OBSERVED DEAD ROACHES ON THE FLOORS UNDER ALL COOKING, WASHING, AND SHELVING UNITS EQUIPMENT IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA AND THE FRONT SERVER STATION. OBSERVED DEAD ROACHES INSIDE OF THE SINGLE PREP COOLER ACROSS FROM THE HANDWASHING SINK IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA AND INSIDE A CABINET WITH A PLASTIC DOOR IN THE BEVERAGE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL DEAD ROACHES, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AFFECTED AREAS AND MAINTAIN.
38
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: 6-202.15: OBSERVED THE REAR EXIT DOOR LEADING TO THE OUTDOOR DUMPSTER NOT RODENT PROOF AT THE BOTTOM. INSTRUCTED TO RODENT PROOF SAID DOOR AND MAINTAIN.
38
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: 3-305.11: OBSERVED TWO BIG BOWLS OF COOKED NOODLES STORED ON THE DRAINBOARD RIGHT NEXT THE TO LOW TEMEPERATURE DISHWASHING MACHINE DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO RELOCATED TO PREVENT CONTAMINATING FOOD AND MAINTAIN.
39
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: 3-305.12: OBSERVED A TRAY WITH 4-5 WHOLE PINEAPPLES STORED ON THE FLOOR UNDER A SHELVING UNIT IN THE REAR FOOD PREP/DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REFRAIN FROM STORING FOOD ON THE FLOOR AND ATLEAST 6 INCHES FROM THE FLOOR AND MAINTAIN.
39
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A WHITE/YELLOWISH COLOR MATERIAL THAT LOOKS SEEMS TO BE CAULK INSIDE WHAT LOOKS LIKE IT USED TO BE A TWO COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATED NEXT TO THE LOW TEMPERATURE DISHWASHING MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO USE FOOD GRADE MATERIALS IN MENTIONED SINK AND MAINTAIN.
47
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: 4-301.12: OBSERVED ONE OF THE WALLS OF THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK MISSING, MAKING THE SINK LOOK LIKE A TWO COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE MISSING WALL AND MAINTAIN.
48
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CLUTTER AND FOOD ITEMS BEING ELEVATED WITH BUCKETS IN THE CORNER NEAR THE FREEZER UNITS ACROSS FROM THE REAR EXIT DOOR, IN THE REAR PREP/DISWHASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CLUTTER, REMOVE BUCKETS AND PROVIDE PROPER ELEVATING UNITS IN MENTIONED AREA.
55
67
Dec 14, 2020
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FOLLOWING: INTERIOR BOTTOM OF FRYERS TO REMOVE GREASE, EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, BOTTOMS OF PREP TABLES AND SURFACE AREA UNDER GRILL TO REMOVE GREASE AND FOOD PARTICLES.
49
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: FOUND THE TRASH RECEPTACLE IN THE WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM WITH NO LID. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A TRASH RECEPTACLE WITH A LID.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FLOORS UNDER AND AROUND COOKING AND OTHER KITCHEN EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING. ALSO THE WALLS AROUND AND BEHIND VARIOUS KITCHEN EQUIPMENT NEED CLEANING; CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS AND WALLS. ALSO OBSERVED DUST ON THE WALL VENT OUTSIDE OF BOTH WASHROOMS; CLEAN VENT TO REMOVE DUST OBSERVED.
55
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLERS NOT WEARING A HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL EMPLOYEES WEARING A HAIR RESTRAINT WHEN IN THE FOOD PREP AREAS.
40
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: FOUND THE WIPING CLOTHS NOT PROPERLY STORED WHEN NOT IN USE. INSTRUCTED TO KEEP IN SANITIZING SOLUTION (MUST BE AT THE REQUIRED PPM)WHEN NOT IN USE.
41
78
Oct 29, 2019
Reinspection
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: PROCEDURE ON PREMISES AND SOME SUPPLIES (PAPER TOWELS, CLEANING AGENT, GLOVES). MUST OBTAIN THE PROPER SANITIZER TO KILL NOROVIRUS AND FACE MASKS. ADDITIONAL TIME GRANTED TO OBTAIN SUPPLIES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010.
5
90
Oct 22, 2019
Complaint
2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF PEST ACTIVITY ON PREMISES. FOUND 80 OR MORE MOUSE DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR BY THE DISHMACHINE, BY THE ICE MACHINE AND BY THE TWO DOOR FREEZER IN THE REAR OF THE KITCHEN. MUST CLEAN ALL AFFECTED AREAS AND HAVE PEST CONTROL COMPANY SERVICE PRIOR TO REINSPECTION NEXT WEEK. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A) ISSUED.
38
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: PROCEDURE ON PREMISES AND SOME SUPPLIES (PAPER TOWELS, CLEANING AGENT, GLOVES). MUST OBTAIN THE PROPER SANITIZER TO KILL NOROVIRUS AND FACE MASKS. ADDITIONAL TIME GRANTED TO OBTAIN SUPPLIES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010.
5
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: SOME FOOD HANDLERS OBSERVED NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS; MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES WHILE HANDLING FOODS.
40
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN THE INTERIOR PANEL OF THE ICE MACHINE AND MAINTAIN IN THE KITCHEN AREA.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN THE FLOORS AROUND UNDER AND BEHIND KITCHEN EQUIPMENT. MUST CLEAN THE WALLS AROUND AND BEHIND VARIOUS KITCHEN EQUIPMENT WHERE NEEDED. CLEAN THE LIGHT SHIELD IN THE KITCHEN ABOVE THE PREP TABLE TO REMOVE DUST OBSERVED ON THE SHIELD.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST SEAL ALL HOLES ALONG THE WALLBASE AROUND AND BEHIND EQUIPMENT WHERE NEEDED IN THE KITCHEN AREA.
55
67
Apr 8, 2019
Reinspection
2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: 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 ISSUED.
5
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM OCTOBER 22, 2018. THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER DID NOT HAVE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING. MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 ISSUED. INSTRUCTED THE PIC THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING.
60
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FOLLOWING: INTERIOR BOTTOM OF FRYERS TO REMOVE GREASE, EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, BOTTOMS OF PREP TABLES AND SURFACE AREA UNDER GRILL TO REMOVE GREASE AND FOOD PARTICLES.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FLOORS UNDER AND AROUND COOKING AND OTHER KITCHEN EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING. ALSO THE WALLS AROUND AND BEHIND VARIOUS KITCHEN EQUIPMENT NEED CLEANING; CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS AND WALLS. ALSO OBSERVED DUST ON THE WALL VENT OUTSIDE OF BOTH WASHROOMS; CLEAN VENT TO REMOVE DUST OBSERVED.
55
74
Mar 29, 2019
Routine
5 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM OCTOBER 22, 2018. THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER DID NOT HAVE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING. MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 ISSUED. INSTRUCTED THE PIC THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING.
60
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES AS REQUIRED; MUST PROVIDE. INSTRUCTED THE PIC TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION OF EMPLOYEES RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT ANY ILLNESS TRANSMISSIBLE THROUGH FOOD. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 ISSUED.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: 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 ISSUED.
5
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RODENT DROPPINGS ON PREMISES. FOUND 100 OR MORE MOUSE DROPPINGS ON PREMISES ON THE FLOOR BY THE PREP TABLE, UNDER THE THREE COMP SINK AND DISHMACHINE, ON A REAR PREP TABLE (BOTTOM) UNDER THE UTILITY SINK AND BY THE ICE MACHINE. OBSERVED A DEAD RODENT IN THE FRONT BEVERAGE AREA BETWEEN THE COUNTERS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALL AFFECTED AREAS AND HAVE PEST CONTROL COMPANY SERVICE PRIOR TO REINSPECTION NEXT WEEK. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A) ISSUED.
38
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: NO CHEMICAL SANITIZER READING. FOUND NO CHEMICAL SANITIZER READING AT THE LOW TEMPERATURE DISHMACHINE AS REQUIRED. INSTRUCTED THE PIC THAT THE SANITIZER READING FOR THE LOW TEMP DISHMACHINE WITH A CHLORINE SANITIZER MUST READ AT 100 PPM AND IS CURRENTLY READING AT 0 PPM. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 ISSUED. MACHINE TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION AT THIS TIME MUST NOT USE UNTIL REINSPECTED BY CDPH. INSTRUCTED TO MANUALLY WASH RINSE AND SANITIZE AT THREE COMP SINK.
48
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FOLLOWING: INTERIOR BOTTOM OF FRYERS TO REMOVE GREASE, EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, BOTTOMS OF PREP TABLES AND SURFACE AREA UNDER GRILL TO REMOVE GREASE AND FOOD PARTICLES.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: FOUND A LEAK AT THE PIPE UNDER THE THREE COMP SINK AND THE ONE COMP SINK; MUST REPAIR BOTH LEAKS.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FLOORS UNDER AND AROUND COOKING AND OTHER KITCHEN EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING. ALSO THE WALLS AROUND AND BEHIND VARIOUS KITCHEN EQUIPMENT NEED CLEANING; CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS AND WALLS. ALSO OBSERVED DUST ON THE WALL VENT OUTSIDE OF BOTH WASHROOMS; CLEAN VENT TO REMOVE DUST OBSERVED.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE WALL COVING AT THE BASE OF THE WALL UNDERNEATH THE DISHMACHINE IN POOR REPAIR; MUST REATTACH WALL COVING WHERE NEEDED.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: BUMPED UP TO VIOLATION 60.
58
47
Oct 22, 2018
Complaint
2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: TO HAVE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. NO 2-201.11 NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY PROVIDED ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED 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: CUTTING BOARDS IN NEED OF REPLACING WHERE WORN AND DISCOLORED WITH DEEP CUTS. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-601.11B ALL FOOD CONTACT SURFACES IN PREP AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS AND BUILD UP. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FLOORS UNDER AND AROUND ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS AND GREASE BUILD UP. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: WALLS THROUGHOUT IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPLATTERS. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
55
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
64
Mar 7, 2018
License
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: CUTTING BOARDS IN NEED OF REPLACING. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
32
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: LIGHT SHIELDS IN NEED OF CLEANING OR REPLACING. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
36
90
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Pho Cafe last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Pho Cafe on file is from May 27, 2025. The public record contains 10 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Pho Cafe?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited 10 times, more than any other issue at Pho Cafe.
Has Pho Cafe's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Pho Cafe have averaged around four violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Pho 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 Pho Cafe inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Pho Cafe is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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