The Avondale Coffee Club
Last inspected: Dec 16, 2025
70
Score
Inspectors have visited The Avondale Coffee Club eight times, with records going back to 2018. The most recent visit was on Dec 16, 2025. Medium risk typically reflects a handful of issues that inspectors wrote up but didn't deem critical.
Recent visits have produced comparable findings, with counts hovering near five violations per visit.
When inspectors have written things up, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been the most frequent reason, cited seven times.
That's lower than the typical Chicago restaurant, which scores around 81. The full record sits in fairly typical territory for a working restaurant.
8
Inspections
0
Critical latest
2
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Dec 16, 2025
Routine
2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD EMPLOYEE ON-SITE WITH CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER TRAINING OR ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE ON-SITE WHILE TCS FOOD ITEMS (SANDWICHES, MILK BEVERAGES) ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN AT LEAST ONE FOOD EMPLOYEE WITH CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON-SITE DURING FOOD OPERATIONS AND MAINTAIN ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE ON-SITE, POSTED IN A CONSPICUOUS LOCATION, AND AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTOR REVIEW AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.
2
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK PROVIDED ON-SITE INCOMPLETE, MISSING ALL PEST CONTROL REPORTS FROM 2024 AND 2025 (ONLY REPORT PROVIDED DATED JUNE 2022). INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK WITH ALL PEST CONTROL SERVICE REPORTS AND ALL OTHER DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED BY THE LAW AND MAINTAIN ON-SITE AND AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTOR REVIEW AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-020(C) CITATION ISSUED.
38
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PERSON-IN-CHARGE WITHOUT CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON-SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN AT LEAST ONE PERSON-IN-CHARGE WITH CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON-SITE AND AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTOR REVIEW AT ALL TIMES OF FOOD OPERATIONS.
1
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MILK CRATES IN THE BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AREA USED TO ELEVATE UTENSILS AND FOOD CONTAINER BOXES. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE MILK CRATES AND REPLACE WITH ELEVATED EQUIPMENT THAT MAINTAINS FOOD AND UTENSILS AT LEAST 6" ABOVE THE FLOOR AND FACILITATES CLEANING BENEATH EQUIPMENT AND MAINTAIN.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FLOORS IN THE FURNACE CLOSET ROOM TO BE SOILED WITH DRIED FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS BENEATH EQUIPMENT AND OTHER PHYSICAL FACILITIES AT ADEQUATE FREQUECY TO PREVENT BUILD UP OF DRIED FOOD DEBRIS AND OTHER SOILS AND MAINTAIN.
55
70
Jul 17, 2025
Complaint
3 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND DRYING DEVICE OR PAPER TOWEL AVAILABLE AT HANDSINK IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. (CORRECTED ON SITE - EMPLOYEE PROVIDED) PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030 (C) CITATION ISSUED.
10
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 (MILK, DAIRY PRODUCTS ETC) ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE, A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES THAT TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY (TCS) FOOD ARE BEING HANDLED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED
2
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE INSIDE ALL COOLERS.
36
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: BUILDUP OF DUST AND DEBRIS ON FLOOR ALONG WALLS AND IN BETWEEN COOLING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BOXES STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE UNNECESSARY ITEMS AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING PEST HARBORAGE AND STORE 6" OFF THE FLOOR FOR EASY ACCESS ON CLEANING.
55
64
Dec 6, 2024
Routine
1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS CERTIFICATE POSTED. PREMISES SERVES TCS FOODS: MILK, CREAMER, ETC. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE THEY MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN, POST CERTIFICATE VISIBLE TO CUSTOMERS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT THE EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK IN THE FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HANDWASHING SINKS USED BY FOOD EMPLOYEES AND MAINTAIN.
10
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BULK FOOD CONTAINERS WITH NO LABELS WITH INGREDIENTS NAME ON SHELVING UNIT IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE LABELS FOR ALL FOOD CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS OUT OF ITS ORIGINAL PACKAGING AND MAINTAIN.
37
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BOXED SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES BEING STORED ON FLOOR ON IN LOWER LEVEL DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ELEVATE ALL ITEMS SIX INCHES FROM FLOOR AND MAINTAIN.
45
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRTY FLOOR DRAIN UNDERNEATH THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE REAR WAREWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN FLOOR DRAIN AND MAINTAIN.
55
74
Feb 25, 2022
Complaint
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER INSIDE THE WHITE MILK REFRIGERATOR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN A VISIBLE, ACCURATE THERMOMETER IN REFRIGERATION UNITS.
36
Miscellaneous / public health orders
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN RECORD DESCRIBING THE PROTOCOL FOR CHECKING PROOF OF VACCINATION IN PUBLIC PLACES.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AS REQUIRED.
64
Miscellaneous / public health orders
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO RECORDS OF EMPLOYEE VACCINATION STATUS OR WEEKLY TESTING PER PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER EXHIBIT A.
64
Miscellaneous / public health orders
Inspector notes: FOUND NO SIGNAGE REQUIRING MASKS. INSTRUCTED TO POST THE REQUIRED SIGNAGE. VIOLATION 2-112-340(COS).
64
Miscellaneous / public health orders
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SIGNAGE POSTED AT THE ACCESSIBLE ENTRANCE TO THE COVERED LOCATION AND AT LEAST ONE LOCATION INSIDE PREMISES THAT IS CONSPICOUSLY VISIBLE, INFORMING PATRONS OF THE FULL VACCINATION REQUIREMENT. INSTRUCTED TO POST SIGNAGE.VIOLATION 2-112-340 (COS).
64
78
Mar 9, 2021
Reinspection
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO ESTABLISH AN APPROPRIATE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AND MAINTAIN WITH VERIFIABLE SIGNED COPIES ON SITE FOR ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RAW, UNEVEN BRICK WALL SURFACES IN THE FOOD PREP AREA WHERE THE COFFEE EXPRESSO MACHINES, REFIGERATORS, ICE MACHINE ARE LOCATED. ALSO ABOVE AND BELOW THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE WALL SURFACE IN PREP/UTENSIL WASHING AREAS.
55
86
Feb 17, 2021
License
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FACILITY EQUIPMENT FOR COLD HOLDING IN DISREPAIR. OBSERVED MINI LEFT REFRIGERATOR IN FOOD PREP AREA TO BE AT IMPROPER AT 60F. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR OR REPLACE FOR PROPER COLD HOLDING OF 41 DEGREES F OR BELOW. TAGGED UNIT. PLEASE CONTACT CDPHFOOD@CITYOFCHICAGO.ORG PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
33
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO ESTABLISH AN APPROPRIATE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AND MAINTAIN WITH VERIFIABLE SIGNED COPIES ON SITE FOR ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO LABELS FOR BULK SUGAR STORAGE CONTAINER. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE ALL BULK AND WORKING FOOD INGREDIENT CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH CONTENTS NAME.
37
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: UNABLE TO LOCATE THE BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES ON WATER SUPPLY TO THE ICE MACHINE, COFFEE AND EXPRESSO MACHINES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES MUST BE LOCATED TO SERVICED AND MAINTAINED.
51
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: UNABLE TO VERIFY EXISTANCE OF GREASETRAP FOR UTENSIL WASHING SINK. MUST HAVE GREASETRAP INSTALLED AND ACCESSIBLE AT FUTURE INSPECTIONS.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RAW, UNEVEN BRICK WALL SURFACES IN THE FOOD PREP AREA WHERE THE COFFEE EXPRESSO MACHINES, REFIGERATORS, ICE MACHINE ARE LOCATED. ALSO ABOVE AND BELOW THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE WALL SURFACE IN PREP/UTENSIL WASHING AREAS.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN RECORDS AT ALL TIMES ONCE EMPLOYEES ARE HIRED.
57
61
Jul 25, 2019
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NONE OF THE FOOD HANDLERS WERE WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS. INSTRUCTED FOOD MANAGER THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS.
40
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SLIGHT BUILD UP INSIDE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NUMEROUS BOXES ON THE FLOOR. INFORMED MANAGER THAT BOXES NEED TO BE ELEVATED OFF THE FLOOR.
55
86
Oct 3, 2018
License
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: 2-102.14(N)- NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010 NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: 6-202.11- LIGHT BULBS INSIDE THE PASTRY AND DONUT CASE NOT SHIELDED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELD AND END CAPS AND MAINTAIN.
56
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: 4-202.18- VENTILATION IN ONE OF THE WASHROOM NOT WORKING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: 2-102.13(PA 100-0367)ALL EMPLOYEES HANDLING FOOD MUST TAKE THE TRAINING FOR FOOD HANDLER'S TRAINING TO GET THE CERTIFICATE.
57
78
Frequently Asked Questions
When was The Avondale Coffee Club last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at The Avondale Coffee Club on file is from Dec 16, 2025. The public record contains eight inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at The Avondale Coffee Club?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited seven times, more than any other issue at The Avondale Coffee Club.
Has The Avondale Coffee Club's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at The Avondale Coffee Club have averaged around five violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at The Avondale Coffee Club 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 The Avondale Coffee Club inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, The Avondale Coffee Club is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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