The Perfect Cup
Last inspected: Nov 10, 2025
70
Score
Public records show 11 inspections at The Perfect Cup stretching back to 2010. The most recent visit was on Nov 10, 2025. Medium risk typically reflects a handful of issues that inspectors wrote up but didn't deem critical.
Recent inspections have turned up roughly the same number of issues each time, hovering near four violations per visit.
“Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean” comes up most often, recorded five times in the inspection record.
That's lower than the typical Chicago restaurant, which scores around 81. Nothing in the record is alarming, but there's room to improve.
11
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
7
Minor latest
Inspection History
Nov 10, 2025
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: NOTED EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE FOR EMPLOYEE ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE CURRENT FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES FOR ALL EMPLOYEES.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST HAVE PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES.
58
Proper eating, tasting, drinking, or tobacco use
Inspector notes: NOTED AN EMPLOYEES OPEN COFFEE CUP IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. MUST PROVIDE A CLOSED CONTAINER FOR BEVERAGES.
6
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: MUST NOT STORE DRY FOODS/BEVERAGES DIRECTLY UNDER WASTE WATER LINES IN THE BASEMENT.
39
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: PREP AREA WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE HELD IN A CONTAINER WITH A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USE.
41
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: ALL STORED ITEMS THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT MUST BE ORGANIZED AND ELEVATED FROM THE FLOORS.
45
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST NOT USE MILK CRATES AS A MEANS OF ELEVATION FOR STORED ITEMS IN THE BASEMENT.
47
70
Jun 30, 2021
Routine
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED ON THE PREMISES. PREMISES SERVES COFFEE AND SANDWICHES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER PRESENT AT ALL TIMES WHILE TCS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
90
May 8, 2020
Routine
1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: DURING INSPECTION OBSERVED TUNA SALAD MADE IN HOUSE TO BE DATE MARKED WITH MADE DATE.WHEN TCS FOOD STORED LONGER THAN 24 HOURS IN COOLERS INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER DATE MARKING WITH DISPOSITION DATE FOR RTE FOODS PREPARED ON SITE AND HELD OVER 24 HOURS IN COLD HOLDING UNIT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-005
23
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TORN RUBBER GASKET ON DOOR TO REACH UNDER PREP COOLER IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND/OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED USE DUCK TAPE FOR REPAIRS ON OUTSIDE OF FOOD EQUIPMENT. MUST USE PROPER EASY CLEANABLE MATERIALS FOR REPAIR
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CLEAN EXTERIOR OF ICE STORAGE VMACHINE.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SMALL WATER DRIP FROM 3 COMPARTMENT SINK(RIGHT SIDE COMPARTMENT)MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE TOILET ROOM RECEPTACLE WITH COVER FOR SANITARY NAPKINS IN UNISEX BATHROOMS
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR,CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CEILING IN HOLLOWAY TO BASEMENT WHERE EMPLOYEE CLOTHING STORED
55
67
Sep 20, 2018
Complaint
3 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: 2-501.11-NO PROCEDURE FOR CLEANING WHEN AN EMPLOYEE EXPERIENCES VOMITING AND/OR DIARRHEA. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-39-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: 3-501.17(C)- ALL REFRIGERATED TCS FOOD INSIDE THE REACH IN COOLER AND PREP COOLER MUST BE PROPERLY LABELED AND DATED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
23
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: 2-102.14(N)- NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.11- HOLE ON THE WALLS BEHIND UNDERNEATH THE 3 COMPT SINK. MUST SEAL HOLE AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-201.11- PEELING PAINT ON THE WALLS IN THE DINING AREA BY THE DINING TABLES. MUST SCRAPE PEELING PAINT AND REPAINT AND MAINTAIN. 6-201.11- MUST RE SEALED FLOOR THRU-OUT THE DINING AREAS AND PREP/DISHWASHING AREAS. FLOOR MUST BE SMOOTH EASILY CLEANABLE AND MAINTAIN. 6-201.11- ALL WALL BASE THRU-OUT THE DINING AREAS WITH ACCUMULATED DUST AND DIRT. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
67
Jan 11, 2017
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED INTERIORS OF MILK COOLER NOT CLEAN.INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN MILK COOLER IN DETAIL AND MAINTAIN.
33
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CUTTING BOARD AT PREP COOLER WITH DEEP CUTS,STAINS.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR/REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
32
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MECHANICAL VENTILATION INSIDE THE EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM NOT WORKING.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR VENTILATION AND MAINTAIN.
38
86
Dec 28, 2015
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: REMOVE DUSTS ACCUMULATIONS ON FAN BLADES IN CUSTOMER SEATING AREAS AND VENTILATION COVER INSIDE THE EMPLOYEES TOILET ROOM AND MAINTAIN.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE AT ICE MACHINE AND COFFEE EXPRESSO UNIT.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN VISIBLE.
38
90
Dec 18, 2015
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: FOOD (ICE) NOT PROTECTED DURING STORAGE INSIDE OF THE ICE MACHINE. OBSERVED BLACK SLIMY SUBSTANCE ON INTERIOR WATER COMPONENTS OF THE ICE MACHINE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO TURN OFF MACHINE, REMOVE ICE AND HAVE INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE CLEANED AND SANITIZED AND MAINTAINED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-005(A).
16
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: REMOVE DUSTS ACCUMULATIONS ON FAN BLADES IN CUSTOMER SEATING AREAS AND VENTILATION COVER INSIDE THE EMPLOYEES TOILET ROOM AND MAINTAIN.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE AT ICE MACHINE AND COFFEE EXPRESSO UNIT.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN VISIBLE.
38
86
Sep 17, 2014
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: FOODS INDIVIDUAL PACKAGED FOR SELL INSIDE COOLERS NOT LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL CONTAINERS WITH INGREDIENTS LISTED.
30
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: SINGLE AND MULTI USE UTENSILS NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT UTENSILS TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION BEFORE USE.
31
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INTERIOR ICE MACHINE PARTS NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL FOOD CONTACT SURFACES.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOOR BEHIND EQUIPMENT AND ALONG WALL BASE IN BASEMENT NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN DAILY.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: GREASE TRAP NOT MAINTAINED. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE WORN GASKET AT TOP OF TRAP TO PREVENT SEEPAGE.
38
78
Jul 10, 2013
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: PREP FOODS IN STORAGE COOLERS NOT LABELED; INSTRUCTED TO DATE/LABEL AND MAINTAIN.
30
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: FOOD DEBRIS AND DUST BUILD-UP ON EQUIPMENT; INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN/SANITIZE, FREEZERS, ICE MACHINE, COOKING EQUIPMENT AND MOP SINK.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: DEBRIS/FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOORS; MUST DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS, UNDER, BEHIND EQUIPMENT AT CORNERS AND ALONG WALLS AT PREP AREA AND BASEMENT.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: EXCESSIVE DUST BUILD-UP ON WALLS BEHIND EQUIPMENT, CEILING ATTACHMENTS AND VENT COVERS; INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
35
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: NO HAIR RESTRAINTS; INSTRUCTED FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS WHILE HANDLING/SERVING FOODS.
42
78
Oct 21, 2011
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
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. MUST REPLACE CUTTING BOARDS.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: All utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each usage. MUST CLEAN/SANITIZE; UPPER INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE AND TOASTER OVEN.
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 CLEAN FLOORS, UNDER, BEHIND EQUIPMENT, AT CORNERS AND ALONG WALLS THRU-OUT.
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. MUST CLEAN VENT COVERS IN WASHROOMS AND CEILING ATTACHMENTS.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health. MUST REPAIR LEACKING FAUCET AT THE EXPOSED SINK AT PREP AREA.
38
78
Aug 20, 2010
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 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. DETAIL CLEAN ALL EQUIPMENT IN 1ST FLOOR PREP AREA TO REMOVE ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS. REMOVE DUCT TAPE FROM CORNERS OF COOLER IN 1ST FLOOR PREP AREA AND REPLACE WITH A SMOOTH, NON-POUROUS EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.
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. ACCUMULATED DUST ON FLOOR NEXT TO ICE MACHINE AND DEBRIS SCATTERED THROUGHOUT PREMISES. DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS, ALONG WALLS, BEHIND AND UNDER HEAVY EQUIPMENT.
34
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: All parts of the food establishment and all parts of the property used in connection with the operation of the establishment shall be kept neat and clean and should not produce any offensive odors. REMOVE OR ORGANIZE CLUTTER, CHAIRS, BOXES ETC ON DAMEN SIDE OF BASEMENT AND THROUGHOUT. STORE ALL ITEMS 6" OFF OF THE FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS.
41
86
Frequently Asked Questions
When was The Perfect Cup last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at The Perfect Cup on file is from Nov 10, 2025. The public record contains 11 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at The Perfect Cup?
Across the inspection record, “food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at The Perfect Cup.
Has The Perfect Cup's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at The Perfect Cup have averaged around four violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at The Perfect Cup 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 Perfect Cup inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, The Perfect Cup is inspected about once every two years on average.
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