The Common Cup
Last inspected: Nov 18, 2025
100
Score
Across the available record, The Common Cup has 18 inspections on file, the first dated 2011. Inspectors last stopped by on Nov 18, 2025. A low risk tier reflects an inspection that turned up minimal issues.
The trend has been favorable: violation counts have eased from around five violations to closer to zero violations per visit over the last few inspections.
Across the inspection history, “food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded seven times.
Restaurants in Chicago average 81, so The Common Cup is doing better than most peers. Taken together, the history is a positive one.
18
Inspections
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Critical latest
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Major latest
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Minor latest
Inspection History
Nov 18, 2025
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Nov 10, 2025
Routine
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PEST ACTIVITY WITH APPROX. 40 SMALL FLIES NOTED DURING INSPECTION. SMALL FLY ACTIVITY WAS NOTED THROUGHOUT PREMISES IN MAIN PREP AREA, IN REAR PREP/WAREWASHING AREA, RESTROOM, AND CLOSET WITH BOILER. INSTRUCTED TO CONSULT PEST CONTROL AS ADDITIONAL SERVICES ARE NEEDED TO MINIMIZE OR ELIMINATE ACTIVITY PRIOR TO RE-INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
38
90
Sep 17, 2021
License
No violations found.
100
May 15, 2020
Routine
4 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: NOTED PREMISE USING A HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH WASHER WITH GAUGE READING 181F; HOWEVER NOTED NO TEMPERATURE TEST STRIPS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND IRREVERSIBLE REGISTERING TEMPERATURE INDICATOR, STRIPS/STICKERS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED TODAY.
48
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: NOTED TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED FOR SAFETY FOOD ITEMS INSIDE WALK IN COOLER AND REFRIGERATION UNITS NOT PROPERLY LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL ALL READY TO EAT FOOD ITEMS WITH PRODUCT NAME AND USED BY DATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-005(A). NO CITATION ISSUED TODAY.
23
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: NOTED HAND WASH SINK AT THE DISH WASHING AREA INACCESSIBLE WITH TABLE STANDING IN FRONT OF SINK . INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL HAND WASH SINKS ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-030(C). NO CITATION ISSUED.
10
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NOTED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION FOLLOWING THE NEW CODE AND GUIDELINES. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE VERIFICATION OF POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE ONE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED TODAY
3
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: NOTED INNER LINING OF ICE MACHINE NOT CLEANED.INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.
16
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: NOTED NO SPLASH GUARD BETWEEN FRONT BAR EXPOSED HAND SINK AND THE COFFEE PREP TABLE. MUST INSTALL A WASHABLE SPLASH GUARD
39
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: NOTED ICE BUILD UP INSIDE THE UPRIGHT FREEZER SHELVES. INSTRUCTED TO DEFROST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
47
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: NOTED WASH ROOMS ON PREMISE WITH GARBAGE RECEPTACLES AND NO LIDS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TRASH CANS WITH LIDS AT ALL WOMEN WASH ROOMS AND UNISEX WASH ROOMS
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG WALL BASE AND UNDERNEATH SHELVING AT THE PREP AREAS.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: NOTED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ON DUTY WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.
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50
May 16, 2019
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
May 9, 2019
Routine
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BLACK SLIME SUBSTANCE AT INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE WATER RESERVOIR AND PANELS. ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN,SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN UNIT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION:7-38-005,CITATION ISSUED -
16
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: EXCESS DUST AND SPIDER WEBS ON FLOOR AND WALLS IN PREP/SERVING AREA.CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. BLACK SLIME SUBSTANCE AND BROKEN CAULKING AT HANDWASHING SINK AND OTHER SINKS,REMOVE /REPLACE.
55
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: BROKEN LID REPAIRED WITH EXCESS DUCT TAPES AT ICE MACHINE. REPLACE LID. DUCT TAPE IS PROHIBITED.SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: DUST BUILD-UP ON TOP THE LIDS OF GREASE TRAPS,CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
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78
Sep 10, 2018
Routine
3 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: 2-102.14(A)FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO ESTABLISH AN APPROPRIATE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING SYSTEM AND MAINTAIN WITH VERIFIABLE DOCUMENTS ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: 2-501.11 FOUND NO PROCEDURE/PLAN FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO DEVELOP AND MAINTAIN A PROCEDURE/PLAN AND TO MAINTAIN ANY APPROPRIATE SUPPLIES ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED
5
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: 3-501.17 (A) OBSERVED NO DATE MARKING SYSTEM IN PLACE. READY TO EAT AND OR TIME TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED FOODS PREPARED AND HELD IN A RETAIL FOOD ESTABLISHMENT FOR OVER 24 HOURS MUST HAVE A CLEARLY MARKED LABELING SYSTEM IN PLACE TO INDICATE THE DATE OR DAY BY WHICH THE FOOD SHALL BE CONSUMED ON PREMISES, SOLD, OR DISCARDED WHEN HELD AT A TEMPERATURE OF 41F OR LESS FOR A MAXIMUM OF 7 DAYS WITH THE DATE OF PREPARTION COUNTING AS DAY 1. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION NO CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005
23
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: 3-602.11 OBSERVED PREWRAPPED BAKERY ITEMS AND YOGURT PARFAITS PREPACKAGED. ALL ITEMS PREWRAPPED OR PREPACKAGED ON SITE MUST ADHERE TO LABELING GUIDELINES INCLUDING THE NAME OF PRODUCT, INGREDIENTS LIST AND NAME AND ADDRESS OF FACILITY WHERE ITEM WAS MADE.
37
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: 4-602.13 OBSERVED MOP SINK UNCLEAN. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN MOP SINK.
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Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.16 After use, mops shall be placed in a position that allows them to air-dry without soiling walls, EQUIPMENT, or supplies.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: PA 100 0367 OBSERVED NO APPROVED ALLERGEN TRAINING IN ACCORDANCE WITH PA 100-0367 ON SITE. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSONS WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING AND TO MAINTAIN.
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61
Dec 14, 2017
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE SPLASHED AND SHELVING UNDERNEATH COUNTER AREA WITH SYRUP STAINS.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO CLEAN EXTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE AND SHELVING UNDERNEATH COUNTER.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS AT WALLBASE UNDER OVEN ARE DIRTY/DUSTY AT DISHWASHING AREA.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO CLEAN THE FLOOR AT THIS AREA.
34
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: NOTED DIRT ON LIGHT SHIELDS AT DISHWASHING AREA.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO CLEAN LIGHT SHIELDS.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED VENTILATION HOOD WITH DRIED UP GREASE ON HOOD OVER OVENS AT REAR DISHWASHING AREA.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO CLEAN VENTILATION HOOD.
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82
Mar 28, 2017
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: NOTED FOOD PARTICULATES AT LEDGE OF OVEN.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO CLEAN OVEN.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: CEILING DIRTY NEXT TO HOOD OVER OVEN.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO CLEAN.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: NOTED CEILING VENT DIRTY AT REAR ADJACENT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AT REAR.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO CLEAN VENT.
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86
Nov 25, 2016
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: FOUND CAULK SURROUNDING DISHMACHINE DRAIN PAN IN POOR REPAIR. MUST REPLACE.
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95
Mar 25, 2016
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BROKEN DOOR GASKET ON COOLER ADJACENT TO THE DISHMACHINE IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRTY FLOORS IN REAR PREP UNDER HEAVY EQUIPMENT, AND UNDER 3-COMP SINK. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
34
90
Mar 18, 2016
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 25 RODENT DROPPINGS IN DIFFERENT AREAS; CORNERS OF THE FURNACE ROOM AND CORNERS OF SHOP OFFICE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE DROPPINGS, CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE AFFECTED AREA, CONTACT PEST PROVIDER FOR SERVICE, AND MAINTAIN. SERIOIUS VIOLATION 7-38-020
18
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BROKEN DOOR GASKET ON COOLER ADJACENT TO THE DISHMACHINE IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CALCIUM BUILD UP ON THE EXTERIOR OF THE DISHMACHINE. ALSO, CLEAN INTERIOR OF FREEZER LOCATED IN THE ROOM NEXT TO THE DEEP FREEZER OF FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRTY FLOORS IN REAR PREP UNDER HEAVY EQUIPMENT, AND UNDER 3-COMP SINK. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
34
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CLUTTER IN MANAGER'S OFFICE AND SHOP OFFICE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ITEMS SIX INCHES OFF FLOORS TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE AND MAINTAIN.
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78
Jul 9, 2015
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ICE SCOOP STORED INSIDE AN OPENED CONTAINER NO BASE,THE ICE SCOOP WHEN STORED TOUCHED THE BASE OF THE COUNTER TOP.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDED AN ENCLOSED CONTAINER FOR PROPER STORE ICE SCOOP TO MINIMIZE POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION FOUND A THERMOMETER WITHOUT CASE STORED BETWEEN THE WALL AND BLACK METAL RACK,INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE SANITIZE THERMOMETER AND PROVIDE CASE OR PROPERLY STORE IT,TO MINIMIZE POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION. GRAY TAPE AROUND THE OUTSIDE OF ICE MACHINE IS IN POOR REPAIR,BROKEN,AND UNABLE TO CLEAN.SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH,CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT MATERIAL.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXCESS FLOOR DEBRIS INSIDE THE FLOOR MOP SINK,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN DAILY AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE HAS A MINIMUM BUILD-UP,NEED TO DETAIL CLEAN PANELS AND KNOBS OF THE UNIT INCLUDED LID.
33
90
Jul 10, 2014
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: FOUND CONTAINERS AT DRYING RACK NOT STORE PROPERLY. MUST STORE INVERTED.
31
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: FOUND WALL WITH CHIPPING PAINT NEXT TO SANDWICH REACH IN COOLER.
35
90
May 24, 2013
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RAW WOOD PANELS UNDER THE SMALL COUNTER WERE DISH MACHINE IS INSTALLED, SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH, CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT MATERIAL,ALSO INSTRUCTED TO SEAL CRACKS AND CREVICES AT SAID AREA
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FLOOR DEBRIS INSIDE THE MOP SINK,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WATER LEAKING AT JOINT OF FAUCET AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINKS,INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
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86
Nov 16, 2011
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: MUST INVERT ALL CLEAN UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES THROUGHOUT FACILITY.
31
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: REPAIR PAINT PEELING ON WOOD SHELVES AT FRONT PREP AREA.
32
90
Nov 9, 2011
Complaint
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: All necessary control measures shall be used to effectively minimize or eliminate the presence of rodents, roaches, and other vermin and insects on the premises of all food establishments, in food-transporting vehicles, and in vending machines. NOTED EVIDENCE OF INSECT AND RODENT ACTIVITY ON FACILITY AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. OBSERVED FIVE (5)LIFE ROACHES IN CABINETS AT FRONT PREP / SERVING AREAS,AND THIRTY (30)MICE DROPPINGS ON FLOOR CORNERS AT REACH IN FREEZER ROOMS, REACH IN COOLERS ROOMS,FURNACE ROOMS,MOP SINK ROOM,AND IN OFFICE. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020 SERIOUS INSTRUCTED TO HAVE RODENT DROPPING FLOORS CLEANED AND SANITIZED WITH SANITIZER, AND HAVE PEST CONTROL COMPANY SERVICE FACILITY TO GET RID OF ROACHES AND RODENT ACTIVITY AND PROVIDE SERVICE REPORT BY REINSPECTION NEXT WEEK. SEAL HOLES ON FLOOR IN FURNACE ROOMS. REMOVE PLASTIC BAGS AND CARTON BOXES TO REDUCE BREEDING GROUNDS FOR ROACHES AT FRONT PREP / SERVING AREAS.
18
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: MUST INVERT ALL CLEAN UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES THROUGHOUT FACILITY.
31
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. REPAIR PAINT PEELING ON WOOD SHELVES AT FRONT PREP AREA.
32
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. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN DEBRIS AND STAINS ON MOP SINK,EXPOSE HAND WASH SINK IN KITCHEN.
33
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. MUST ELEVATE PRODUCTS AND FOOD UTENSILS 6" OFF THE FLOORS AT ALL TIMES.
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 OPENING WALL IN VACATED # 1 OFFICE ROOM.
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74
Apr 7, 2011
License
No violations found.
100
Frequently Asked Questions
When was The Common Cup last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at The Common Cup on file is from Nov 18, 2025. The public record contains 18 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at The Common Cup?
Across the inspection record, “food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed” has been cited seven times, more than any other issue at The Common Cup.
Has The Common Cup's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at The Common Cup have averaged around zero violations per visit, down from roughly five earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at The Common Cup 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 The Common Cup inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, The Common Cup is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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