Stax Cafe
Last inspected: Feb 18, 2026
74
Score
Inspectors have visited Stax Cafe 26 times, with records going back to 2010. On Feb 18, 2026, the health department conducted the most recent visit. Medium risk typically reflects a handful of issues that inspectors wrote up but didn't deem critical.
Violation counts have held steady across recent visits, averaging around three violations each.
When inspectors have written things up, “insects, rodents, & animals not present” has been the most frequent reason, cited seven times.
Compared to other Chicago restaurants (averaging 81), there's room to close the gap. Taken together, the history looks like that of a busy facility working through the usual inspection cycle.
26
Inspections
1
Critical latest
0
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 18, 2026
Routine
1 critical violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: THE FOLLOWING TCS FOODS BEING STORED UNREFRIGERATED IN MAIN PREP AREA: LARGE CONTAINER OF PAR COOKED POTATOES ON COUNTER IN PREP AREA AT IMPROPER HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 65.9F. LARGE BAG OF SPINACH ON COUNTER AT IMPROPER HOLDING TEMPERATURE 55.6F. ALL DISCARDED AND DENATURED AT THIS TIME. APPROX 10LBS $20 VALUE. INSTD TO MAINTAIN COLD FOODS AT 41F OR BELOW AT ALL TIMES. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005 PRIORITY
22
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: RUSTY SURFACES ON WIRE RACKS IN WALK IN COOLER. INSTD TO REMOVE RUST AND MAINTAIN
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: EXPOSED INSULATION ON VENT SYSTEM ABOVE WAREWASHING UNIT. INSTD TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SURFACE SMOOTH, EVEN, AND EASILY CLEANABLE
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: DIM LIGHT IN WALK IN COOLER. INSTD TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING AND MAINTAIN
56
74
Apr 16, 2025
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Apr 9, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LOW-TEMPERATURE WAREWASHING MACHINE LOCATED IN THE KITCHEN'S DISH AREA NOT PROPERLY SANITIZING. THE SANITIZING RESIDUAL CONCENTRATION WAS OBSERVED AT 0PPM AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE OF REPAIR TO MEET SANITIZING REQUIREMENTS OF 50-100PPM. DISH MACHINE WAS REPAIRED DURING INSPECTION TO 50PPM. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED.
16
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF RODENT ACTIVITY ON THE PREMISES. OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 60 RAT DROPPINGS ON THE BASEMENT FLOOR STORAGE AREA ALONG PERIMETER WALLS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS FROM ALL AFFECTED AREAS. ADVICE MANAGER TO OBTAIN ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
38
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE COMMON NAME OF FOODS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
37
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES NOT INVERTED AND SERVICE AREA AND STORED ON FLOOR IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INVERT AND ELEVATE ALL SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES OFF FLOOR.
45
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.
58
67
Mar 5, 2024
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING HANDWASH SIGNAGE AT ALL FOUR EXPOSED SINKS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
10
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MILK CRATES BEING USED AS SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE SHELVING 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND PROVIDES FLOOR ACCESSIBILITY TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FACILITY CLEANING.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DAMAGED FAUCET AT ONE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP, FOOD DEBRIS, AND DIRT ON FLOOR UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP, DISH WASHING, STORAGE AND BASEMENT AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN ALL AREAS.
55
82
Mar 13, 2023
Routine
3 critical violations. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: FOUND COLD TCS FOODS AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES IN THE 2-DOOR PREP COOLER LOCATED ON THE COOKS LINE. OBSERVED THREE CONTAINERS OF COOKED SAUSAGE AT TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 47F TO 52F. INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD AND DENATURE SAID TCS FOOD AND MAINTAIN ALL COLD-HOLDING TCS FOODS AT OR BELOW 41F. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED. FOOD DISCARDED.
22
Hot & cold water available; adequate pressure
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HOT WATER AVAILABLE AT ANY PLUMBING FIXTURE. OBSERVED WATER TEMPERATURES AT 87F-91F THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PROVIDE A SUFFICIENT SUPPLY THAT MEETS PEAK HOT WATER DEMANDS THROUGHOUT THE ESTABLISHMENT (MINIMUM 110F AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND BETWEEN 100-120F AT ALL HANDWASHING SINKS). PRIORITY 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED. PLUMBER ARRIVED ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION AND REPAIRED THE HOT WATER TANK - HOT WATER IS NOW AT 110F AT THE THREE-COMPARTMENT SINKS, AND 100-110F AT THE HANDWASH SINKS.
50
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: FOUND THE LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE NOT SANITIZING; CHLORINE READING AT 0 PPM. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED. EMPLOYEE CHANGED THE EMPTY SANITIZER CONTAINER FOR A NEW ONE AND THE DISH MACHINE IS NOW SANITIZING AT 100 PPM.
16
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: FOUND BULK FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WITHOUT LABELS. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL BULK FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME AND MAINTAIN.
37
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN THE WOMEN'S WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DAMAGED INSULATION FALLING OFF THE CEILING ABOVE THE DISH ROOM THREE-COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
55
55
Jun 13, 2022
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jun 9, 2022
Routine
3 critical violations. 3 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 7 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DICED HAM AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE AT 47.5F. ALSO OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING TCS FOODS AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE. PICO DE GALLO FOUND AT 45.8F, POBLANO FOUND AT 45.6F, CHORIZO FOUND AT 46.4F, SLICED CHEESE FOUND AT 47.1F, CHOCOLATE MILK FOUND AT 48.0F, RICOTA FOUND AT 48.3F, EGGS FOUND AT 44.7F, SHREDDED BEEF FOUND AT 49.2F, SAUSAGE FOUND AT 48.5F, BEEF PATTIES FOUND AT 50.1F, STEAK FOUND AT 50.3F AND SPINACH FOUND AT 46.3F. TCS FOODS MUST BE HELD AT 41.0F OR BELOW. FOOD HAS BEEN DISCARDED AND DENATURED. FOOD WEIGHING APPROXIMATELY 200 LBS AT A COST OF $600.00. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. SEE ABOVE FOR CITATION.
22
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE INSIDE OF WALK IN COOLER AT 46.4F. PROPER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE MUST BE 41.0F OR BELOW INSIDE OF A COLD HOLDING UNIT. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
33
Proper hot holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BACON AT IMPROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURE AT 98.2F. PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURE MUST BE AT 135.0F OR ABOVE. FOOD HAS BEEN DISCARDED AND DENATURED. FOOD WEIGHING APPROXIMATELY 10 LBS AT A COST OF $20.00. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
21
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: NO PERSON IN CHARGE DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
1
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED (EGGS, SANDWICHES). INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A PERSON IN CHARGE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HAND WASHING SINK NOT ACCESSIBLE FOR EMPLOYEES TO WASH HANDS IN DISH WASHING ROOM. HOT AND COLD WATER WAS TURNED OFF AT HAND SINK IN DISH ROOM WHERE EMPLOYEES COULD NOT WASH HANDS. ALSO, FOUND HAND SINK AT BAR NOT ACCESSIBLE. HOT WATER WAS TURNED OFF AT HAND SINK AT BAR MAKING IT INACCESSIBLE FOR EMPLOYEES TO WASH HANDS. EMPLOYEE THEN TURNED ON HOT WATER. HAND WASHING SINKS MUST BE ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
10
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WATER SPRAYING FROM COLD FAUCET HANDLE AT HAND SINK AT BAR WHEN WATER IS RUNNING. MUST REPAIR.
51
45
Sep 21, 2021
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WET WIPING CLOTHS ON SEVERAL PREP SURFACE AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION OF EQUIPMENT & FOOD. MUST MAINTAIN
41
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE 2-DOOR PREP COOLER IN FRONT OF BURNER STOVE ON HOT SERVICE LINE. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
47
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: NOTED DIM LIGHTING IN WALK-IN COOLER UNIT. INSTRUCTED TO INCREASE/IMPROVE LIGHTING INTENSITY TO ENSURE VISIBILITY INSIDE REAR OF UNIT. MUST MAINTAIN.
56
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: NOTED SPLASHGUARD NEEDED IN THE FOLLOWING PREP AREAS: BASEMENT HANDSINK WHERE STORAGE RACK OF CLEAN BINS ARE LOCATED TO THE LEFT OF THE SINK AND BETWEEN COFFEE/JUICE BAR HANDSINK AND DRAINBOARD OF 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST INSTALL A WASHABLE SPLASHGUARD AT BOTH MENTIONED AREAS.
39
82
Jan 23, 2020
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE INTERIOR BOTTOM OF THE FRYER TO REMOVE GREASE OBSERVED.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A LEAK FROM THE FAUCET AT THE EXPOSED HAND SINK IN THE DISHWASHING AREA AND A LEAK FROM THE PIPE UNDERNEATH THE HAND SINK BEHIND THE BAR; CORRECTED ON SITE.
51
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LIGHT DUST IN THE VENT SYSTEM ABOVE THE DISH WASHING MACHINE; CLEAN VENT TO REMOVE DUST OBSERVED.
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING AND HAVE CERTIFICATES ON PREMISES.
58
82
Jan 25, 2019
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jan 14, 2019
Routine
4 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 20-22 FRUIT FLIES IN BASEMENT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS. CONTACT PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED
38
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: MUST POST CONSUMER ADVISORY FOR ALL CUSTOMERS TO SEE. MAY POST ON WALL OR ON MENU. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITIATION ISSUED.
25
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY PROVIDED ON THE PREMISES. 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: 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 properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: ALL FOOD CONTAINERS MUST BE MARKED WITH PRODUCT NAMES AT ALL TIMES. FLOUR, SUGAR, ETC... CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
37
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: ALL WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE STORED IN A CLEAN SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
41
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: ALL CUTTING BOARDS ARE WORN WITH DISCOLORING. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE ALL CUTTING BOARDS.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: LEAKS AT 1 COMP SPRAYER SINK FAUCET, LEAK AT ECOLAB SANITIZER CONECTION, LEAK AT 2 COMP PREP SINK FAUCET. LEAK AT P-TRAPS IN BASEMNT PIPE. MUST CORRECT ALL LEAKS AND MAINTAIN DRY.
51
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: ALL HEATING VENTS, AIR VENTS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL DUST BUILD UP. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
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
50
Apr 16, 2018
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: MUST LABEL ALL FOOD CONTAINERS IN REAR PREP AND BASEMENT STORAGE AREAS, WHEN FOOD HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM ITS ORIGINAL PACKAGING.
30
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: MUST INVERT MULTI-USE UTENSILS STORED ON A COUNTER IN THE SERVER STATION TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION.
31
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST INSTALL SPLASH GUARD AT HAND SINK ADJACENT TO FRONT PREP AREA WHERE CONDIMENTS AND SYRUP ARE STORED, OR REMOVE ITEMS STORED ON THAT COUNTER. REPLACE CUTTING BOARDS THROUGHOUT FRONT PREP AREA. DISCONTINUE USING MILK CRATES FOR STORAGE RACKS THROUGHOUT PREP, DISH ROOM AND WALK IN COOLER, PROVIDE CORRECT RACKS FOR FOOD AND EQUIPMENT STORAGE.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS FROM INTERIOR CONTACT SURFACES OF PREP COOLERS. ALSO, CLEAN INTERIOR PANEL AND HOSES ON ICE MACHINE IN BASEMENT.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS FROM FLOORS IN FRONT PREP UNDER HEAVY EQUIPMENT, IN DISH ROOM, AND THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST SEAL OPENING IN WALL AROUND THE BACK-FLOW DEVICE IN THE MOP CLOSET.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR LEAKY PIPES UNDERNEATH 3-COMP SINK AND EXPOSED HAND SINK AT COFFEE/JUICE BAR. ALSO, REPAIR LEAKY FAUCET ON 3-COMP SINK IN DISH ROOM.
38
70
Jun 16, 2017
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jun 8, 2017
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Outside garbage waste grease and storage area; clean, rodent proof, all containers covered
Inspector notes: OUTSIDE GARBAGE CONTAINERS NOT RODENT PROOF, LIDS NOT PROPERLY CLOSING, (BENT) INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND BETTER MAINTAIN, SERIOUS VIOLATION: 7-38-020
19
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: DURING INSPECTION OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE, MUST OBTAIN CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE, AND MANAGER MUST ON DUTY WITH A CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE, POSTED OR AVAILABLE, WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE COOKED AND SERVED, FOODS BEING COOKED AND SERVED AT THIS TIME OF INSPECTION, (EGGS, BACON AND HAM, ETC.,) INSTRUCTED TO ENROLL IN A CLASS WITH PROOF OF ENROLLMENT OR ACTUAL CERTIFICATE MUST BE AVAILABLE, AND A CERTIFIED MANAGER MUST BE ON DUTY AT ALL TIMES FOODS ARE COOKED, SERVED AND PREPARED, SERIOUS VIOLATION: 7-38-012
21
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INTERIOR OF COOKING FRYERS FIRST FLOOR PREP NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN DAILY,
33
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: PIPES BROKEN UNDER EXPOSED HAND SINK IN DISH AREA, ADDITIONAL SINK NEAR BY, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR,
38
82
Dec 13, 2016
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Dec 6, 2016
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: LIVE SMALL FLIES (OVER 40) NOTED ON WALLS AND CEILINGS IN BASEMENT AREA, DISHMACHINE AREA, AND NEAR UTILITY SINK. INSTD TO ELIMINATE FLIES, CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS. INSTD TO HAVE UPDATED PEST CONTROL SERVICE. VIOLATION 7-38-020 SERIOUS.
18
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: EXTERIOR OF DIISHMACHINE WITH CALCIUM/LIME BUILD-UP. INSTD TO DE LIME AND MAINTAIN.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOOR DRAINS UNDER DISHMACHINE NOT CLEAN, EXCESSIVE DEBRIS. INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: WALL BEAM IN 1ST FLOOR PREP AREA AND WALL NEAR UTILITY,IN POOR REPAIR, LOOSE COVERING AND BASE. INSTD TO REPAIR SAME. CEILING ABOVE ICE MACHINE IN BASEMENT WATER DAMAGED. INSTD TO REPAIR.
35
82
Feb 9, 2016
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Hands washed and cleaned, good hygienic practices; no bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods.
Inspector notes: OBSERVED POOR HYGENIC PRACTICES BY FOOD HANDLER, EATING IN PREP AREA WHILE PREPARING AND PLATING FOOD FOR CUSTOMERS. SAME FOOD HANDLER WEARING ONE GLOVE AND USING OTHER BARE HAND TO PLATE READY TO EAT FOOD (MUFFIN) FOR CUSTOMER. INSTD TO EAT/DRINK IN DESIGNATED AREAS, NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH READY TO EAT FOODS, AND WASH HANDS WHEN CHANGING TASKS, AND AS OFTEN AS NECESSARY. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-010A CRITICAL
6
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: COLD WATER FAUCET HANDLE LOOSE AT BASEMENT EXPOSED HANDSINK. INSTD TO REPAIR SAME.
38
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: WIPING CLOTHS IMPROPERLY STORED. INSTD TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION AT ALL TIMES. ALSO CLEAN DRY CLOTHS IMPROPERLY STORED. INSTD TO STORE PROPERLY.
43
86
Aug 4, 2015
Suspected Food Poisoning
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: HOLLANDAISE SAUCE FOUND AT 109 DEGREES ON TOP OF SHELF ABOVE GRILL IN FOOD PREP AREA. CUT TOMATOES FOUND SITTING ON PREP TABLE IN DEEP 1/4 PAN WITH 1/4 OF THE PAN IN AN ICE BATH AND THE PRODUCT AT 51.1F. ALL POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS MUST BE STORED/HELD AT 40 DEGREES OR BELOW COLD OR AT 140 DEGREES OR ABOVE HOT UNTIL SERVED. PRODUCT DISCARDED. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A).
3
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: CLEAN COBB WEBS FROM WALLS AND IN CORNERS IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA AND IN STORAGE CLOSET UNDERNEATH THE STAIRS IN FRONT PREP AREA IN BASEMENT. RE-PAINT SECTIONS OF WALLS WHERE PAINT IS CHIPPING.
35
90
Jul 28, 2015
Routine
9 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector notes: THE FOLLOWING PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATIONS NOTED ON REPOR T# 1502086 DATED 11-2-14NOT CORRECTED: -32-MUST PROVIDE A COVER FOR THE ICE BIN BEHIND THE COFFEE PREP AREA. -33-MUST DETAIL CLEAN ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT AND REMOVE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS. MUST ALSO DETAIL CLEAN THE INTERIOR TOP PANEL OF THE ICE MACHINE.-41-MUST PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREAS. STORE ALL ITEMS 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR. (REMOVE MILK CRATES). NON COMPLIANT VIOLATION 7-42-090.
29
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: SEE VIOLATION 29.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: SEE VIOLATION #29.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS THROUGHOUT ALL SECTIONS OF THE BASEMENT ALONG THE BASES OF THE WALLS, IN CORNERS, UNDERNEATH AND BEHIND ALLK HEAVY EQUIPMENT(DEBRIS AND DIRT NOTICED).
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: CLEAN COBB WEBS FROM WALLS AND IN CORNERS IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA AND IN STORAGE CLOSET UNDERNEATH THE STAIRS IN FRONT PREP AREA IN BASEMENT.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: PROVIDE WORKING VENTILATION IN WOMEN'S WASHROOM.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: SEE VIOLATION #29.
41
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: ALL EMPLOYEES PREPARING AND HANDLING OPEN FOODS MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS.
42
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: ICE DISPENSING UTENSILS IMPROPERLY STORED INSIDE ICE BIN IN COFFEE STATION AREA, AND ON TOP OF LARGE ICE MACHINE IN BASEMENT PREP AREA. ALL ICE SCOOPS OR ICE DISPENSING UTENSILS MUST BE PROPERLY STORED PROTECTED FROM CONTAMINATION.
43
64
Nov 20, 2014
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE A COVER FOR THE ICE BIN BEHIND THE COFFEE PREP AREA.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT AND REMOVE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS. MUST ALSO DETAIL CLEAN THE INTERIOR TOP PANEL OF THE ICE MACHINE.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE FLOORS UNDER THE COOK LINE AND IN THE DISH WASHING AREA.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN WALLS IN PREP AREAS AND DISHWASHING AREAS.
35
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREAS. STORE ALL ITEMS 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR. (REMOVE MILK CRATES)
41
78
Mar 13, 2014
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF FRYERS AND THE HOOD ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS IN FRONT PREP AREA.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR BROKEN HOT WATER HANDLE AT HAND SINK IN THE COFFEE PREP AREA.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE MILK CRATES IN BASEMENT BEING USED TO STORE ITEMS. MUST PROVIDE PROPER SHELVING AND STORE ITEMS 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR.
41
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: PROPERLY STORE WASH CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
43
78
Feb 27, 2013
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: NOTED RUBBER GASKET AROUND DOOR OF SERVICE COOLER IN POOR REPAIR. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS NEED CLEANING UNDER 1 COMP SINK IN DISH WASHING ROOM TO REMOVE DEBRIS.
34
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE THERMOMETERS IN SERVICE COOLERS AT PREP LINE AND COFFEE STATION COOLER.
40
86
Mar 13, 2012
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: A certified food service manager must be present in all establishments at which potentially hazardous food is prepared or served.DURING INSPECTION OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE OR CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE POSTED. MUST OBTAIN CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-012 SERIOUS H000076803 17 COURT DATE 4/19/12 11AM RM 112 400 W SUPERIOR CHGO., IL. SEE BACK OF CITATION FOR PRE-PAYMENT INFORMATION.
21
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: All food not stored in the original container shall be stored in properly labeled containers.MUST LABEL ALL FOOD NOT STORED IN ORIGINAL CONTAINERS AT ALL TIMES.
30
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned.MUST SEAL RAW WOOD DOOR FRAME AND PANEL BEHIND ELECTRICAL BOX OR PAINT SO IT IS SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
35
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: All food establishments that display, prepare, or store potentially hazardous foods shall have calibrated metal stem thermometers, provided and conspicuous, for refrigerated and hot food units.MUST PROVIDE THERMOMETER AT ALL COOLERS AND REFRIGERATORS AT ALL TIMES.
40
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST PROPERLY STORE WASH CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION AT ALL TIMES.
43
78
Jun 1, 2011
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. THE ICE MACHINE HAS A LITTLE BUILDUP INSIDE OF THE MACHINE, HAVE THE MACHINE SANITIZED AND PROPERLY MAINTAINED.
33
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: Between uses and during storage ice dispensing utensils and ice receptacles shall be stored in a way that protects them from contamination. THE ICE SCOOP HOLDER IS DUSTY; WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE THE HOLDER.
43
90
Jul 14, 2010
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jul 9, 2010
License
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Sanitizing rinse for equipment and utensils: clean, proper temperature, concentration, exposure time
Inspector notes: Equipment and utensils should get proper exposure to the sanitizing solution during the rinse cycle. Bactericidal treatment shall consist of exposure of all dish and utensil surfaces to a rinse of clean water at a temperature of not less than 180F. THE DISHMACHINE HAS NO SANITIZING RINSE.
8
Adequate number, convenient, accessible, designed, and maintained
Inspector notes: Adequate and convenient toilet facilities shall be provided. They should be properly designed, maintained, and accessible to employees at all times. INSTALL A HANDSINK IN THE BASEMENT PREP AREA.
11
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. iNSTALL COVING IN THE BASEMENT PREP AREA, CLEAN OUT THE BASEMENT STORAGE AND ORGANIZE CLUTTER AND SEAL THE BASEMENT STAIRS SO THEY CAN BE CLEANED.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. SEAL THE RAW WOOD BEHIND THE HOT LINE.
35
82
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Stax Cafe last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Stax Cafe on file is from Feb 18, 2026. The public record contains 26 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Stax Cafe?
Across the inspection record, “insects, rodents, & animals not present” has been cited seven times, more than any other issue at Stax Cafe.
Has Stax Cafe's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Stax Cafe have averaged around three violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Stax Cafe means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.
How often is Stax Cafe inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Stax Cafe is inspected around two times per year on average.
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