Polish Paczki Cafe
Last inspected: Mar 12, 2025
82
Score
Public records show 12 inspections at Polish Paczki Cafe stretching back to 2018. The latest inspection on file is from Mar 12, 2025. A low risk rating suggests inspectors haven't found much to be concerned about lately.
Recent inspections have turned up roughly the same number of issues each time, hovering near five violations per visit.
Across the inspection history, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded nine times.
Among Chicago restaurants, this is a fairly standard result. The file should reassure diners considering a visit.
12
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
4
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 12, 2025
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: NOTED FOOD CONTAINERS STORED ON FLOOR INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER. MUST PROVIDE PROPER, RAISED SHELVING TO STORE FOOD CONTAINERS 6" OFF FLOOR.
39
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: NOTED TORN RUBBER GASKET INSIDE THE 3 DOOR REFRIGERATION UNIT AT THE KITCHEN PREP. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN AND/OR REPLACE.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: NOTED HEAVY CLUTTER ESTABLISHMENT ON SHELVES AND FLOORS BY THE WALK IN COOLER AND AT THE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN, ORGANIZE AND REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY OR UNUSED ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: NOTED EMPLOYEE BELONGINGS ON SHELVES AT THE DRY STORAGE AREA AND PREP AREA WITH FOOD ITEMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A DESIGNATED AREA FOR EMPLOYEES TO STORE THEIR BELONGINGS.
56
82
Mar 13, 2024
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: NOTED BULK FOOD ITEMS STORED INSIDE CONTAINERS AT THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP/DRY STORAGE NOT PROPERLY LABELED. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL BULK AND WORKING FOOD INGREDIENT CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH CONTENTS NAME.
37
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: FOOD CONTAINERS STORED ON FLOOR IN PREP, STORAGE AND WALK-IN COOLER. MUST PROVIDE PROPER, RAISED SHELVING TO STORE FOOD CONTAINERS 6" OFF FLOOR.
39
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: NOTED SERVING PLATES ON SHELVES AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT ALL SERVING PLATES TO PREVENT DUST ACCUMULATION.
43
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: NOTED CARDBOARD BOXES USED TO LINE SHELVES. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL CARDBOARD BOXES TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: NOTED LEAKING FAUCETS AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND THE HANDWASHING SINK BY THE DRESSING ROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: NOTED SPRAYER AT THE PREP SINK HANGING BELOW THE RIM OF THE SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE DEVICE TO HOLD THE SPRAYER ABOVE THE WATER RIM OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: NOTED CARDBOARD BOXES USED TO LINE FLOORS AT THE FFRYER AND INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND CLEAN FLOORS.
55
70
Jul 21, 2023
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: 6-501.19--OBSERVED UNISEX WASHROOM NOT SELF CLOSING LOCATED AT FRONT DINING AREA.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN A SELF CLOSING DOOR DEVICE AT WASHROOM DOOR.
53
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: 2-102.13--OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE.INSTRUCTED TO SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES.
57
90
Jul 13, 2023
Routine
1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT#2565132 DATED:10/11/2022 #37--OBSERVED PREPACKAGED CAKES AND COOKIES NEED PROPER LABELING INCLUDING NAME OF PRODUCT, INGREDIENT LIST AND NAME AND ADDRESS WHERE PRODUCT WAS MADE. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT NOTED VIOLATION AND MAINTAIN BY 7/20/2023. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090,CITATION ISSUED
60
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WATER LEAK AT DRAIN PIPE UNDERNEATH THE HAND SINK LOCATED NEXT TO THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AREA.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR PLUMBING LEAK AND TO MAINTAIN.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED UNISEX WASHROOM NOT SELF CLOSING LOCATED AT FRONT DINING AREA.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN A SELF CLOSING DOOR DEVICE AT WASHROOM DOOR.
53
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ACCUMULATION OF DUSTS ON CEILING VENTILATION COVER INSIDE UNISEX WASHROOM LOCATED AT FRONT DINING AREA.
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE.INSTRUCTED TO SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES.
57
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HAND SINK LOCATED DIRECTLY OUTSIDE THE REAR EMPLOYEE WASHROOMS.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
10
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED STORAGE RACKS WITH DRIED-UP MOLD LIKE BUILD-UP INSIDE THE WALK-IN-COOLER.INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
67
Oct 11, 2022
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED COOLER FOUND AT 50F. COOLER DID NOT CONTAIN TIME/TEMPERAURE CONTROLLED FOODS AT TIME OF INSPECTION. COOLER WAS TAGGED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
22
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PREPACKAGED CAKES AND COOKIES NEED PROPER LABELING INCLUDING NAME OF PRODUCT, INGREDIENT LIST AND NAME AND ADDRESS WHERE PRODUCT WAS MADE.
37
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TORN GASKETS ON 2 DOOR DOOR STAND UP REFRIGERATOR IN CENTER OF KITHCEN TO THE RIGHT OF COOKING AREA. REPLACE TORN GASKETS AND MAINTAIN.
47
78
Nov 30, 2021
Suspected Food Poisoning
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS IDENTIFIED WITH COMMON NAME (FLOUR, SUGAR, SALT ETC).
37
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REPAINT RUSTY METAL RACKS INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN STORAGE RACKS WITH MOLDLIKE BUILD-UP INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER.
49
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN REAR OUTSIDE GARBAGE AREA. NOTED SOME LITTER/DRIED LEAVES ON GROUND.
54
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CONDENSER FAN COVER AND WALLS WITH DUST AND MOLDLIKE BUILDUP INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: FOUND EXPIRED APPROVED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE IN ACCORDANCE WITH PA 100-0367 ON SITE. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSON WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH CURRENT ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.
58
74
May 18, 2021
Reinspection
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Summary report displayed and visible to the public
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SUMMARY POSTED FROM RECENT INSPECTION FOR PUBLIC VIEW. LEFT NEW SUMMARY AND INSTRUCTED TO POST FOR PUBLIC VIEW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-010(B). NO CITATION ISSUED.
61
90
May 11, 2021
Routine
4 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CHLORINE SANITIZER TESTING DEVICES ON SITE WHILE CHLORINE WAS BEING USED AS A SANITIZER IN 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
48
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO IRREVERSIBLE THERMOMETERS ON SITE FOR DETERMINING FINAL SANITIZATION TEMPERATURE OF HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
48
Summary report displayed and visible to the public
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SUMMARY POSTED FROM RECENT INSPECTION FOR PUBLIC VIEW. LEFT NEW SUMMARY AND INSTRUCTED TO POST FOR PUBLIC VIEW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-010(B). NO CITATION ISSUED.
61
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RINSE GAUGE ON HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE NOT WORKING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
48
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK LOCATED IN REAR FOOD PREP AREA NEAR 2 EMPLOYEE WASHROOMS.
10
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLES IN BOTH UNISEX EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BUILD UP OF FOOD DEBRIS, DIRT, AND GRIME ON EXTERIOR OF HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
55
58
Feb 18, 2020
Routine
1 major violation. 8 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL AND DATE READY TO EAT TCS FOODS HELD OVER 24 HOURS INSIDE COOLERS. MUST IDENTIFY PRODUCT SHELF LIFE OR "CONSUME BY" DATING (7 DAYS FROM PREPARATION DATE). PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
23
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CONDENSER FAN COVER WITH DUST AND MOLD LIKE ACCUMULATION INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER.
55
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE INSIDE ALL COOLERS.
36
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE FOIL LINER ON SHELVES AND UNDERNEATH COOKING EQUIPMENT.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT (MIXERS, STOVE, FRYERS ETC) WITH GREASE ACCUMULATION IN PREP/COOKING AREA.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN REAR PREP/COOKING AREA, AND IN REAR STORAGE AREA.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES IN REAR STORAGE AREA. USABLE (FOOD AND NON FOOD) ITEMS MUST BE STORED 6" OFF THE FLOOR FOR EASY ACCESS ON CLEANING. NO MILK CRATES.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: NOTED UN VENTED (2) OVEN IN REAR PREP/COOKING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER VENTILATION OR SPECS.
56
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT EVERY HAND SINK.
10
61
Mar 5, 2019
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WORK BENCHES,REFRIGERATOR DOORS,RANGES,MIXERS ENCRUSTED WITH FLOUR/DOUGH AND BURN'T GREASE.AT REAR FOOD PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. CORE VIOLATION
16
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SPASHED GREASY VENTILLATION HOOD AT HOT LINE AREA.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN VENTILLATION HOOD AT HOT LINE AREA. CORE VIOLATION
56
90
Sep 6, 2018
Reinspection
2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: 2-102.14(A) OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY.INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY.PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012(A).
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: 2-501.11 OBSERVED NO CLEAN UP POLICY FOR VOMITING OR DIARRHEAL EVENTS.INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE CLEAN UP POLICY.PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
5
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: 5-203.13(A) NO UTILITY SERVICE SINK.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE/INSTALL A UTILITY SERVICE SINK WITH A VISIBLE BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE AND HOT/COLD RUNNING WATER AND MAINTAIN.
51
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: 2-102.13 ALL EMPLOYEES MUST COMPLETE A FOOD HANDLER'S TRAINING. MUST PROVIDE CERTIFICATES.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: PA 100-0367 NO ALLERGEN TRAINING/CERTIFICATE AVAILABLE ON SITE.INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN.
58
70
Sep 4, 2018
License
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: 5-202.13 NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE AT WATERLINE FOR COFFEE EXPRESSO UNIT. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN A VISIBLE BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE FOR COFFEE EXPRESSO UNIT AT FRONT SERVICE COUNTER.PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C).
51
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: 3-306.11 INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE BARRIER TO ENTRYWAY FROM CONSUMER SERVICE AREA INTO THE FRONT PREP AREA. BARRIER PROVIDED MUST NOT ALLOW MORE THAN A 36" OPENING IN THE ENTRYWAY INTO THE FOOD PREP AREA. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005.
39
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: 2-102.14(A) OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY.INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY.PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012(A).
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: 2-501.11 OBSERVED NO CLEAN UP POLICY FOR VOMITING OR DIARRHEAL EVENTS.INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE CLEAN UP POLICY.PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
5
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: PA 100-0367 NO ALLERGEN TRAINING/CERTIFICATE AVAILABLE ON SITE.INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION
58
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: 5-203.13(A) NO UTILITY SERVICE SINK.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE/INSTALL A UTILITY SERVICE SINK WITH A VISIBLE BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE AND HOT/COLD RUNNING WATER AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.114 OBSERVED UNUSED STOVE EQUIPMENT IN REAR NEAR THE LARGE OVEN AREA.INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE UNNECESSARY ITEMS AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-201.16(A) OBSERVED NOTICEABLE OPENINGS ON EAST CEILING AT REAR PREP/DISHWASHING AREAS AROUND ELECTRICAL PIPES.INSTRUCTED TO SEAL OPENINGS WHERE NOTED TO MANAGEMENT AND MAINTAIN.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: 2-102.13 ALL EMPLOYEES MUST COMPLETE A FOOD HANDLER'S TRAINING. MUST PROVIDE CERTIFICATES.
57
45
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Polish Paczki Cafe last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Polish Paczki Cafe on file is from Mar 12, 2025. The public record contains 12 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Polish Paczki Cafe?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited nine times, more than any other issue at Polish Paczki Cafe.
Has Polish Paczki Cafe's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Polish Paczki Cafe have averaged around five violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Polish Paczki 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 Polish Paczki Cafe inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Polish Paczki Cafe is inspected around two times per year on average.
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