The Spoke and Bird — Cafe Society
Last inspected: Jul 28, 2025
61
Score
The Spoke and Bird — Cafe Society appears in inspection records 14 times, starting in 2014. Inspectors last stopped by on Jul 28, 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.
Across the inspection history, “food properly labeled” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded eight times.
The Spoke and Bird — Cafe Society's latest score of 61 falls below the Chicago average of 81. On the whole, the file is mixed but not concerning.
14
Inspections
3
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jul 28, 2025
Routine
3 critical violations. 1 minor violation.
View 4 violations
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: NOTED IMPROPER COLD-HOLD TEMPERATURES OF 50.2F, 49.5F, AND 55.4F AT THREE PREP COOLERS IN KITCHEN. INFORMED ALL REFRIGERATOR UNITS SHALL MAINTAIN A PROPER TEMPERATURE OF 41F AND BELOW. REFRIGERATOR UNITS MUST NOT BE USED UNTIL REINSPECTED BY CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH (CDPH). PRIORITY VIOLATION # 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED."
33
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HAND SINK AND THREE COMPARTMENT SINK INSTALLED ON FOOD TRAILER ON SIDE OF RESTAURANT WITH NO AVAILABLE WATER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT THIS AREA CAN ONLY BE USED FOR PRE-PACKAGED ITEMS AND STORAGE. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030. CITATION ISSUED.
51
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TCS AND RAW FOODS HELD AT IMPROPER INTERNAL TEMPERATURES IN THREE PREP COLD HOLDING UNITS, SUCH AS 10 LBS OF RAW GROUND BEEF AT 49.2F, 5LBS OF SHREDDED CHEESE AT 49.8F AND 3LBS OF SLICED TOMATOES 47.4F. MANAGER DISCARDED AND DENATURED A TOTAL 18LBS AT $150. ALL COLD TCS FOOD MUST MAINTAIN 41F OR BELOW. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.
22
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE COMMON NAME OF FOODS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
37
61
Jun 4, 2024
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: WIPING CLOTHS NOT PROPERLY STORED WHEN NOT IN USE. INSTRUCTED PIC TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION (MUST BE AT THE REQUIRED PPM) WHEN NOT IN USE.
41
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: THE GREASE TRAP UNDER THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IS RUSTY AND WITH CHIPPED PAINT. INSTRUCTED PIC TO REMOVE RUST AND REPAINT GREASE TRAP TO MAINTAIN A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FLOOR DRAINS AND FLOORS UNDER THE SINKS, COOKING/COOLING EQUIPMENT WITH A BUILD UP OF FOOD, DIRT AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED PIC TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FLOORS AND FLOOR DRAINS.
55
86
Sep 19, 2023
Reinspection
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED YOGURT PARFAITS AND PRE-PACKAGED JUICE IN GRAB AND GO COOLER WITH NO LABEL TO VERIFY ORIGIN. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO LABEL ALL GRAB AND GO PRODUCTS WITH BUSINESS NAME, ADDRESS AND INGREDIENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE
37
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SPILLAGE AND GRIME ON BOTTOM OF TWO DOOR REACH-IN COOLER IN STORAGE ROOM NEXT TO ENTRY DOOR. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BUILD UP OF GRIME, SPILLAGE, AND FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOORS BEHIND EQUIPMENT AND IN CORNERS OF ALL AREAS (KITCHEN, DISH, DRY STORAGE). INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
86
Sep 11, 2023
Complaint
2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ALL FAUCET KNOBS TO BE MISSING FROM THREE COMPARTMENT SINK, NO HOT AND COLD OR MIXING FIXTURE. (SINK IS BEING TURNED ON USING VICE GRIPS). INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR SINK WITH PROPER FIXTURES AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED.
48
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HANDSINK NEXT TO THREE COMPARTMENT SINK TO BE INACESSIBLE (FILLED WITH BOTTLES). INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO MAINTAIN ALL SINKS TO BE ACCESSIBLE FOR PROPER HANDWASHING. (ITEMS REMOVED DURING INSPECTION) PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
10
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED YOGURT PARFAITS AND PRE-PACKAGED JUICE IN GRAB AND GO COOLER WITH NO LABEL TO VERIFY ORIGIN. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO LABEL ALL GRAB AND GO PRODUCTS WITH BUSINESS NAME, ADDRESS AND INGREDIENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
37
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SPILLAGE AND GRIME ON BOTTOM OF TWO DOOR REACH-IN COOLER IN STORAGE ROOM NEXT TO ENTRY DOOR. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BUILD UP OF GRIME, SPILLAGE, AND FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOORS BEHIND EQUIPMENT AND IN CORNERS OF ALL AREAS (KITCHEN, DISH, DRY STORAGE). INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Approved thawing methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HAM STEAKS BEING THAWED IN 1-COMPARTMENT SINK IN STANDING WATER. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT THAWING MUST TAKE PLACE EITHER UNDER REFRIGERATION OR COLD RUNNING WATER AT ALL TIMES.
35
67
Jun 24, 2022
Complaint
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: ALL FOOD ITEMS IN BULK FOOD CONTAINERS IN NEED OF PROPER LABELING AND DATING. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
37
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: SPONGES MUST BE CHANGED FREQUANTLY. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
41
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FLOORS IN NEED OF CLEANING IN CORNERS AND AROUND EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: AIR VENTS ABOVE THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
82
Mar 2, 2021
Reinspection
1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: 3-602.11(B:5) OBSERVED PREPACKAGED FOODS (PEANUT BUTTER, JAMS, BREADS, GRITS, DESSERTS ETC.) WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING ALLERGEN WARNINGS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
37
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: 6-301.14 OBSERVED HAND WASHING SIGNS ARE NEEDED AT THE HAND WASHING SINK IN THE FOOD PREP AREA AND IN THE TOILET ROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
10
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: 4-602.11(B-E) OBSERVED A BROWN SUBSTANCE INSIDE OF THE ICE MACHINE LOCATED BY THE ICE MAKER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
16
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: 3-601.11 OBSERVED PREPACKAGED FOODS (PEANUT BUTTER, JAMS, BREADS, GRITS, DESSERTS ETC.) FOR SALE WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE BUSINESS NAME, ADDRESS AND INGREDIENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
37
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: 5-204.12 UNABLE TO LOCATE THE BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON THE ICE MACHINE AND COFFE MACHINES. INSTRUCTED TO LOCATE.
51
74
Feb 22, 2021
Routine
2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: 3-602.11(B:5) OBSERVED PREPACKAGED FOODS (PEANUT BUTTER, JAMS, BREADS, GRITS, DESSERTS ETC.) WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING ALLERGEN WARNINGS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
37
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: 5-501.15 OBSERVED OUTSIDE DUMPSTER OVERFLOWING WITH GARBAGE AND NOT MAINTAINED. INSTRUCTED TO NEVER ALLOW OUTSIDE DUMPSTER TO OVERFLOW WITH GARBAGE AND ALWAYS MAKE SURE THE OUTSIDE DUMPSTER LID STAYS TIGHT FITTING AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020(B).
54
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: 6-301.14 OBSERVED HAND WASHING SIGNS ARE NEEDED AT THE HAND WASHING SINK IN THE FOOD PREP AREA AND IN THE TOILET ROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
10
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: 4-602.11(B-E) OBSERVED A BROWN SUBSTANCE INSIDE OF THE ICE MACHINE LOCATED BY THE ICE MAKER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
16
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: 3-601.11 OBSERVED PREPACKAGED FOODS (PEANUT BUTTER, JAMS, BREADS, GRITS, DESSERTS ETC.) FOR SALE WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE BUSINESS NAME, ADDRESS AND INGREDIENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
37
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: 5-204.12 UNABLE TO LOCATE THE BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON THE ICE MACHINE AND COFFE MACHINES. INSTRUCTED TO LOCATE.
51
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: 2-102.13 OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.
58
64
Jul 9, 2019
Routine
No violations found.
100
Jul 6, 2018
Complaint
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: FOUND 1 REACH IN COOLER WITH NO THERMOMETER VISIBLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
36
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ONE EMPLOYEE IN REP AREA THAT IS IN NEED OF A BEARD GUARD. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAUNTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
40
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FOUND DUST ON AIR VENT ABOVE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
55
82
Nov 16, 2017
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOOR OF FOOD DEBRIS IN PREP AREA. REPAIR LOOSE COVING AT WALL BETWEEN COLD PREP STATION AND STOVE.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LEAK AT HANDLE OF TOILET NEXT TO WASHBOWL. MUST REPAIR.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: REMOVE CLUTTER IN UTILITY CLOSET, ORGANIZE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
41
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER WITHOUT PROPER HAIR RESTRAINT. MUST PROVIDE.
42
78
Mar 9, 2017
Complaint
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: REMOVE EXCESS WATER AT BOTTOM OF PREP COOLER, CLEAN/SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOOR THROUGHOUT KITCHEN PREP AREA OF FOOD SPILLS.
34
90
Aug 18, 2016
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: THERMOMETER NEEDED FOR COOLER IN STORAGE AREA WHERE MILK IS STORED; PROVIDE A THERMOMETER.
40
95
Apr 13, 2015
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: REUSABLE GLASS WATER BOTTLES WITH NARROW OPENING. INSTRUCTED TO DISCONTINUE USING.
31
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: SNEEZE GUARD INADEQUATE AT FRONT PREP AREA, INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL.
32
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLERS REQUIRMENTS NOT MET
45
86
Apr 24, 2014
License
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN INTERIOR BOTTOM OF FRYER IN KITCHEN TO REMOVE GREASE OBSERVED INSIDE.
33
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: PROVIDE AN INTERNAL THEMOMETER FOR TWO DOOR REFRIGERATION UNIT ACROSS FROM GRILL.
40
90
Frequently Asked Questions
When was The Spoke and Bird — Cafe Society last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at The Spoke and Bird — Cafe Society on file is from Jul 28, 2025. The public record contains 14 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at The Spoke and Bird — Cafe Society?
Across the inspection record, “food properly labeled” has been cited eight times, more than any other issue at The Spoke and Bird — Cafe Society.
Has The Spoke and Bird — Cafe Society's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at The Spoke and Bird — Cafe Society have averaged around four violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at The Spoke and Bird — Cafe Society 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 Spoke and Bird — Cafe Society inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, The Spoke and Bird — Cafe Society is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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