The Waterfront Cafe
Last inspected: Aug 28, 2025
95
Score
The Waterfront Cafe appears in inspection records 18 times, starting in 2010. The newest entry in the record is dated Aug 28, 2025. Low risk indicates the latest report didn't flag anything that would worry the average customer.
Violation counts have been trending down, averaging around two violations across recent inspections versus roughly five violations before.
Looking across the full record, “food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean” is the recurring theme, flagged six times.
Among Chicago restaurants, the typical score is 81; The Waterfront Cafe is comfortably above that bar. There isn't much in the file that would give a customer pause.
18
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Aug 28, 2025
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DEAD FLYING INSECTS IN PREP AREA ON WINDOWSILL AND ON FLOOR UNDER AND NEXT TO THREE-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE, DETAIL CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.
38
95
Jul 12, 2024
Routine
1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 6 violations
No bare hand contact with rte food or a pre-approved alternative procedure properly allowed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED POOR HYGIENIC PRACTICES OF BARE HAND CONTACT WITH READY TO EAT FOODS. COOK OBSERVED WITH BAR HANDS HANDLING FOODS SUCH AS READY TO EAT TOMATOES, BREADS, VEGETABLES. INSTRUCTED TO WASH HANDS AND WEAR GLOVES FOR ALL READY TO EAT FOOD ITEMS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 CITATION ISSUED.
9
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FLOOR UNDER THE ICE MACHINE WITH DIRT AND FOOD DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE VALID ALLERGEN CERTIFICATES OR PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL THE CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS.
58
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: NOTED THE COOK NOT WEARING A BEARD RESTRAINT WHILE PREPARING FOODS. MUST PROVIDE.
40
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 IN THE OUTDOOR STORAGE SHED MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOORS.
45
70
Jul 13, 2020
Routine
No violations found.
100
Aug 23, 2019
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Aug 15, 2019
Routine
2 major violations.
View 2 violations
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION WAS NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT ON 7/31/2018. INSPECTION NUMBER 2200341. VIOLATION 51. NO VISIBLE BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE LOCATED AT WATER LINE OF ICE MACHINE. INSTALL OR KNOW THE LOCATION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
60
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THAT ESTABLISHMENT DID NOT HAVE SANITIZING SOLUTION EFFECTIVE FOR NOROVIRUS. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION.7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED TODAY.
5
82
Jul 31, 2018
Routine
1 major violation. 11 minor violations.
View 12 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: NO WRITTEN POLICY AVAILABLE FOR EMPLOYEES TO RESPOND TO A VOMITING OR DIARRHEAL EVENT. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: NO LABEL PROVIDED AT REFILLED FOOD BOTTLES,INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LABELS WITH COMMON NAME OF THE FOOD
37
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: REAR EXIT SITE SCREEN DOOR TO THE PARK WITH AN UNSEALED MESH TO DOOR FRAME MUST REPAIR TO PROTECT AGAINST THE ENTRY OF INSECTS.
38
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: NEED TO INSTALL A SPLASH GUARD BETWEEN THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AND ONE COMPARTMENT WERE PRODUCE/FRUITS AREA WASHED(RIGHT SITE OF THE UNIT)SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH,CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE
39
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: TORN RUBBER GASKET INSIDE THE DOOR OF SALAD REACH-IN COOLER. REPAIR/REPLACE
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: WATER BOTTLES USED FOR CUSTOMERS,MOUTH ARE TOO SMALL TO BE ABLE TO CLEAN ,PROVIDE BOTTLES WITH A LARGE MOUTH
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: GREASE AT INTERIOR OF COOKING EQUIPMENT,CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
49
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: PORTABLE FANS IN PREP AREA MUST BE KEPT CLEANED(DUST BUILD-UP)
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: NO VISIBLE BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE LOCATED AT WATER LINE OF ICE MACHINE.INSTALL OR KNOW THE LOCATION
51
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXCESS WATER LEAKING FROM WINDOW AIR CONDITION ON GROUND(DIRT AND WOOD CHIPS) OF OUTDOOR REFUSE AREA, FORMING STAGNATE WATER(FLYING INSECTS ACTIVITY),An outdoor storage surface for REFUSE, recyclables, and returnables shall be constructed of nonabsorbent material such as concrete or asphalt and shall be SMOOTH, durable, and sloped to drain.
54
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: DEBRIS ON FLOOR THROUGHOUT ESPECIALLY UNDER THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK,ALONG BASE BOARD WALLS AND CORNERS.EXCESS STAGNATE/DIRTY WATER UNDER THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK ,REMOVE KEEP FLOOR DRY
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: BROKEN WALL UNDER THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AND BOTH ONE COMPARTMENT SINKS REPAIR WITH A SMOOTH CLEANABLE SURFACE. BROKEN CAULKING AROUND THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AND BETWEEN WALL AND MENTIONED UNIT,REMOVE ,CLEAN AND RE-APPLY WITH A SMOOTH CLEANABLE SURFACE
55
52
Jun 9, 2017
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: EXTERIOR NORTH SIDE OF CABINET UNDER THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK SURFACE IS POROUS NOT CLEANABLE. NEED TO REPAIR.SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH,CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE.RUSTY SHELVES INSIDE THE TWO DOOR REACH-IN COOLER BY THE EXPOSED HAND SINK NEED TO BE REPAIRED/REPLACE. WATER BOTTLES USED FOR COSTUMERS WITH SMALL MOUTH,INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LARGE MOUTH WATER BOTTLES OR BOTTLE BRUSH TO BE ABLE TO WASH RINSE AND SANITIZE.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: HOLES ON WALLS UNDER THREE COMPARTMENT SINK,AND NORTH WALL BY THE WHITE CHEST FREEZER.NEED TO SEAL AND MAINTAIN.SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH,CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE
35
90
May 31, 2017
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Hands washed and cleaned, good hygienic practices; no bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods.
Inspector notes: POOR HYGIENIC PRACTICES. OBSERVED WAITER STROKING/PLAYING WITH HIS FRONT HAIR, AND TOUCHING HIS LIPS AT PREP/SERVING AREA, AWAITING FOR COOK TO FINISH HIS ORDER TO BE SERVED TO CUSTOMERS. WITHOUT HAND WASHING GRABBED CLEAN UTENSILS, FOOD AND DELIVERED TO CUSTOMERS SEATING OUTSIDE. NO HAND WASHING. INFORMATION ON HAND WASHING PROCEDURE GIVEN TO MANAGER. CRITICAL VIOLATION:7-38-010(A)
6
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: OUTER OPENINGS NOT RODENT/INSECT PROOF. FOUND REAR SCREEN DOOR WITH 2" OR BETTER GAP AT BOTTOM,1/2" TO 1" AT SIDE AND TOP OF THE MENTIONED DOOR.WINDOW BY THE HEATER DOOR AT SECOND FLOOR STORAGE AREA NOT PROTECTED .WINDOW POORLY REPAIRED WITH A PIECE OF WOOD,GAPS OF 1/2" ON EACH SIDE OF THE WOOD,NEED TO SEAL. MENTIONED DOOR AND WINDOW MUST BE COMPLETELY TIGHT FITTED TO FRAME.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR CAUSE. SERIOUS VIOLATION:7-38-020
18
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: EXTERIOR NORTH SIDE OF CABINET UNDER THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK SURFACE IS POROUS NOT CLEANABLE. NEED TO REPAIR.SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH,CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE.RUSTY SHELVES INSIDE THE TWO DOOR REACH-IN COOLER BY THE EXPOSED HAND SINK NEED TO BE REPAIRED/REPLACE. WATER BOTTLES USED FOR COSTUMERS WITH SMALL MOUTH,INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LARGE MOUTH WATER BOTTLES OR BOTTLE BRUSH TO BE ABLE TO WASH RINSE AND SANITIZE.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: GREASE AT INTERIOR OF DEEP FRYER, PIPES(THROUGHOUT),METAL SHELVES AND BOTTOM OF PRP TABLES.INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: GREASE,DUST AND GRIMES ON FLOOR THROUGHOUT THE PREMISES,SPECIALLY ALONG BASEBOARD WALLS,UNDER PIPES,CORNERS AND UNDER SHELVES.INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: HOLES ON WALLS UNDER THREE COMPARTMENT SINK,AND NORTH WALL BY THE WHITE CHEST FREEZER.NEED TO SEAL AND MAINTAIN.SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH,CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE.
35
74
Jul 25, 2016
Complaint
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 FOOD CONTAINERS NOT STORED PROPERLY. MUST STORE INVERTED.
31
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FOUND FLOORS NOT CLEAN AT STOREAGE AREAS. MUST SWEEP BEHIND REACH IN COOLLERS.
34
90
Jun 13, 2016
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 FOOD CONTAINERS NOT STORED PROPERLY. MUST STORE INVERTED.
31
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FOUND FLOORS NOT CLEAN AT STOREAGE AREAS. MUST SWEEP BEHIND REACH IN COOLLERS.
34
90
Aug 21, 2015
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Aug 11, 2015
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector notes: 3-DOOR PREP COOLER NOT MAINTAINED, AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE AT 59.2 F, FOUND TOFU, LOBSTER ROLLS, ETC. HELD INSIDE SAID COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN COOLER, AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE MUST BE 40 F OR BELOW. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A).
2
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: FOUND THE FOLLOWING POTENTAILLY HAZARDOUS FOODS HELD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE- HUMMUS BETWEEN 52.7 F AND 64.8 F, TOFU AT 52.7 F, LOBSTER ROLLS AT 54.0 F, COLESLAW AT 51.4 F, CHEESE 52.8 F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS MUST BE HELD AT 40 F OR BELOW IF HELD COLD. ALL OUT OF TEMPERATURE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS VOLUNTARILLY DISCARDED AT THIS TIME. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A).
3
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: NO THERMOMETER INSIDE REACH IN COOLER #2. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE WORKING THERMOMETER FOR COOLER.
40
86
Jul 25, 2014
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE INTERIOR LIGHT SHIELDS IN THE KITCHEN PREP AREA TO REMOVE DEAD INSECTS.
33
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST DEFROST THE INTERIOR OF ALL ICE BOX FREEZERS TO REMOVE EXCESSIVE FROST AND ICE BUILD-UP.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS AT ALL CORNERS IN THE SECOND FLOOR DRY STORAGE AREA TO REMOVE DEBRI.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED COLD WATER FAUCET HANDLE AT THE 3-COMP SINK IS DIFFUCULT TO CLOSE. MUST REPAIR.
38
82
Sep 24, 2013
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Sep 13, 2013
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: NOTED A SLIMY YELLOWISH SUBSTANCE ON THE INNER LINING OF ICE MACHINE DRIPPING ONTO THE ICE. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY HAD EMPLOYEES DISCARD ICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ICE MACHINE INCLUDING THE UPPER COMPARTMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MONITOR AT ALL TIMES. CITATION ISSUED FOR SERIOUS VIOLATION #7-38-005(A).
16
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: NOTED OVER 15 LARGE FLYING INSECTS ON FOOD CONTACT SURFACES, WALL AND CEILING AT THE KITCHEN FOOD PREP AND FRONT CUSTOMER SERVICE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS. RECOMMENDED TO CONTACT PEST CONTROL. CITATION ISSUED FOR SERIOUS VIOLATION #7-38-020
18
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: NOTED PREMISES USING MILK CRATES FOR ELEVATION ESPECIALLY ON SECOND FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER SHELVING FOR ELEVATION 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND 6" AWAY FROM WALL FOR BETTER PEST MONITORING.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: NOTED BROKEN LID ON INNER LINING OF GASKET AT LID ON CHEST FREEZER ON SECOND FLOOR (TAPPED). INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR. MUST ALSO DEFROST FREEZERS WITH HEAVY ICE BUILT UP ON SAME.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS ALONG WALL BASE AND UNDERNEATH HEAVY EQUIPMENT ESPECIALLY BY THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND ON SECOND FLOOR DRY STORAGE AREA. ALSO REPAIR UNFINISHED CORNER WALL UNDERNEATH 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: NOTED HOLE AT CORNER WALL BASE UNDERNEATH 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL AND MAINTAIN. MUST ALSO REPAIR AND CLEAN STAINED CEILING AT THE FOOD PREP AREA.
35
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: NOTED UNUSED DIRTY WASH CLOTHS STACKED ON WINDOW LEDGING BY THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL WASH CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION ESPECIALLY WHEN NOT IN USE.
43
70
Aug 1, 2012
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SLIGHT CALCIUM BUILD UP INSIDE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE.
33
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: ICE SCOOP IMPROPERLY STORED ON SHELF (BY ICE MACHINE). INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE CLEAN CONTAINER FOR ICE SCOOP.
43
90
Aug 23, 2010
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
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. Use dustless cleaning methods. above violation still remaining.
35
95
Aug 10, 2010
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. above had no current pest control invoice, also found doors not rodent prrofed(screens)had 1/4,to1/2 inch gaps on bottom sides of doors, shall be repair(outer openings not protected).citation issued#H000062810 with a court date of 9/16/2010, at 400 w superior in room #112 at 9:00am.
18
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. All utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each usage. non food contact surfaces of prep table shelving, cooler shelving not clean need cleaning.
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. floors under heavy equipment, cooking equipment need cleaning(corners).
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. Use dustless cleaning methods.walls the had exposed raw wood in 2nd floor shall be repair, damaged ceiling tiles in prep area shall be replaced.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: All rooms in which food or drink is prepared, or in which utensils are washed, shall be lighted so that a minimum of 50-foot candles of light is available on all work surfaces. Shielding to protect against broken glass falling into food shall be provided for all artificial lighting sources in preparation, service, and display facilities. light shields in prep area need detailed cleaning.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: The flow of air discharged from kitchen fans shall always be through a duct to a point above the roofline. 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. exhaust canopy not clean needs cleaning.
38
74
Frequently Asked Questions
When was The Waterfront Cafe last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at The Waterfront Cafe on file is from Aug 28, 2025. The public record contains 18 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at The Waterfront Cafe?
Across the inspection record, “food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at The Waterfront Cafe.
Has The Waterfront Cafe's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at The Waterfront Cafe have averaged around two violations per visit, down from roughly five earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at The Waterfront Cafe 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 Waterfront Cafe inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, The Waterfront Cafe is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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