Truenorth Cafe
Last inspected: Sep 5, 2025
95
Score
Truenorth Cafe has been inspected 18 times since 2018. Inspectors last stopped by on Sep 5, 2025. A low risk rating suggests inspectors haven't found much to be concerned about lately.
Things have been moving in the right direction, with the rolling count dropping from around six violations to closer to two violations per visit.
Across the inspection history, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded 14 times.
Compared to the broader Chicago restaurant scene, where the average is 81, this is a stronger showing. Overall, the inspection record reads well.
18
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Sep 5, 2025
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN FRONT COFFEE PREP, DINING, REAR PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE ALL DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN ALL AREAS.
55
95
Sep 3, 2025
Reinspection
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Previous priority foundation violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2622495 ON 8-20-25:38-OBSERVED OVER 80 MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED ON FLOOR ALONG WALLS AND CORNER NEAR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK, SHELVING UNITS, PREP COOLERS, ON ELECTRICAL OUTLETS, ON THERMOSTAT AND INSIDE BOTTOM COMPARTMENTS OF PREP AND UNUSED DISPLAY COOLERS, AND EQUIPMENT IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. OBSERVED SEVERAL FLYING INSECTS IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALL AN EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS. 60-PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2617460 ON 5-14-25:55- OBSERVED DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN FRONT COFFEE PREP, DINING, REAR PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE ALL DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN ALL AREAS. OBSERVED DEBRIS ON FLOOR ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS, DUST BUILDUP ON FIXTURES, PIPING AND ELECTRICAL OUTLETS ALONG WALLS IN PREP AND DINING AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY 7-42-090
59
90
Aug 28, 2025
Reinspection
4 major violations.
View 4 violations
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH VALID CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DESIGNATE PERSON IN CHARGE DURING ALL HOURS OF OPERATION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION
1
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE OR VALID CERTIFICATE POSTED WHEN TCS FOOD PREPARED AND SERVED. A CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AND VALID CERTIFICATE POSTED AT ALL TIMES TCS FOOD PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.
2
Previous priority foundation violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2622495 ON 8-20-25:38-OBSERVED OVER 100 MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED ON FLOOR ALONG WALLS AND CORNER NEAR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK, FIRE EXTINGUISHERS, SHELVING UNITS, PREP COOLERS, ON THERMOSTAT AND INSIDE BOTTOM COMPARTMENTS OF PREP AND UNUSED DISPLAY COOLERS, ON ELECTRICAL OUTLETS AND EQUIPMENT IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. OBSERVED NUMEROUS FLYING INSECTS IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALL AN EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS. 60-PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2617460 ON 5-14-25:38-OBSERVED 1/4" GAP UNDER FRONT OVERHEAD DOOR AND ENTRANCE DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS ON DOORS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.40- OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS.51-OBSERVED LEAKING FAUCETS ON 3-COMPARTMENT AND PREP SINKS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.55- OBSERVED DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN FRONT COFFEE PREP, DINING, REAR PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE ALL DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN ALL AREAS. OBSERVED MISSING CEILING TILES IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.OBSERVED DEBRIS ON FLOOR ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS, DUST BUILDUP ON FIXTURES, PIPING AND ELECTRICAL OUTLETS ALONG WALLS IN PREP AND DINING AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED
59
Summary report displayed and visible to the public
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY FROM 8-20-25 NOT POSTED AND VISIBLE TO CUSTOMERS. INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY SHALL BE POSTED IN PLAIN VIEW OF CUSTOMERS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-010(B) CITATION ISSUED
61
67
Aug 20, 2025
Complaint
2 major violations.
View 2 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OVER 100 MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED ON FLOOR ALONG WALLS AND CORNER NEAR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK, FIRE EXTINGUISHERS, SHELVING UNITS, PREP COOLERS, ON THERMOSTAT AND INSIDE BOTTOM COMPARTMENTS OF PREP AND UNUSED DISPLAY COOLERS, ON ELECTRICAL OUTLETS AND EQUIPMENT IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. OBSERVED NUMEROUS FLYING INSECTS IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALL AN EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED
38
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2617460 ON 5-14-25:38-OBSERVED 1/4" GAP UNDER FRONT OVERHEAD DOOR AND ENTRANCE DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS ON DOORS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.40- OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS.51-OBSERVED LEAKING FAUCETS ON 3-COMPARTMENT AND PREP SINKS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.55- OBSERVED DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN FRONT COFFEE PREP, DINING, REAR PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE ALL DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN ALL AREAS. OBSERVED MISSING CEILING TILES IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.OBSERVED DEBRIS ON FLOOR ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS, DUST BUILDUP ON FIXTURES, PIPING AND ELECTRICAL OUTLETS ALONG WALLS IN PREP AND DINING AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED
60
82
May 14, 2025
Reinspection
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 1/4" GAP UNDER FRONT OVERHEAD DOOR AND ENTRANCE DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS ON DOORS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.
38
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS.
40
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LEAKING FAUCETS ON 3-COMPARTMENT AND PREP SINKS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN FRONT COFFEE PREP, DINING, REAR PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE ALL DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN ALL AREAS. OBSERVED MISSING CEILING TILES IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DEBRIS ON FLOOR ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS, DUST BUILDUP ON FIXTURES, PIPING AND ELECTRICAL OUTLETS ALONG WALLS IN PREP AND DINING AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
78
May 6, 2025
Complaint
1 major violation. 10 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OVER 100 MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED INSIDE PREP COOLERS ON COMPRESSOR THERMOSTAT, INNER SURGACES OF ALL COOLERS, ON FLOOR UNDER USED AND UNUSED DISPLAY COOLERS, ALONG WALLS BEHIND UNUSED TWO-DOOR COOLER AND SHELVING UNITS IN DINING AREA, ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS BEHIND PREP COOLERS, 3-COMPARTMENT SINK, PREP SINK IN REAR PREP AREA, ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS IN COFFEE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALL AN EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED
38
Proper eating, tasting, drinking, or tobacco use
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MANAGER EATING IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE DESIGNATED AREA FOR EMPLOYEE MEALS.
6
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 1/4" GAP UNDER FRONT OVERHEAD DOOR AND ENTRANCE DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS ON DOORS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.
38
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS.
40
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE INTERIOR PANEL OF THE ICE MACHINE AND MAINTAIN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE COLD WATER FAUCET KNOB MISSING AT THE MOP SINK IN THE UTILITY CLOSET; INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
51
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LEAKING FAUCETS ON 3-COMPARTMENT AND PREP SINKS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE IN NORTH UNISEX WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE COVERED RECEPTACLES IN ALL WOMEN AND UNISEX WASHROOMS.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN FRONT COFFEE PREP, DINING, REAR PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE ALL DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN ALL AREAS.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DEBRIS ON FLOOR ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS, DUST BUILDUP ON FIXTURES, PIPING AND ELECTRICAL OUTLETS ALONG WALLS IN PREP AND DINING AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXPIRED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES FOR FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS; INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN VALID FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES.
58
55
Feb 13, 2025
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE INTERIOR PANEL OF THE ICE MACHINE AND MAINTAIN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE COLD WATER FAUCET KNOB MISSING AT THE MOP SINK IN THE UTILITY CLOSET; INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
51
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXPIRED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES FOR FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS; INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN VALID FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES.
58
86
Mar 8, 2024
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR HAS A 1/2 INCH GAP AT THE BOTTOM; INSTRUCTED TO RODENT PROOF DOOR BY PROVIDING A STRIP AT THE BOTTOM TO AVOID POSSIBLE RODENT ENTRY.
38
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE COLD WATER FAUCET KNOB MISSING AT THE MOP SINK IN THE UTILITY CLOSET; INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE LIGHT SWITCH COVER MISSING ON THE LIGHT SWITCH IN THE UTILITY CLOSET; INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A COVER.
55
86
Nov 29, 2023
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE FOR PROPER DISPOSAL OF SANITARY NAPKINS IN ALL-GENDER WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE.
53
95
Aug 8, 2022
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE RUBBER GASKET ON THE BOTTOM OF THE PREP COOL (LAST DOOR)IN POOR REPAIR. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE HAND SINK IN THE REAR KITCHEN WITH A LEAK AT THE BASE OF THE HOT WATER KNOB. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FLOORS NEED CLEANING IN THE KITCHEN BEHIND THE 2-DOOR & PREP COOLER TO REMOVE SPILL AND DEBRIS.
55
86
Jun 7, 2021
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE INTERIOR PANEL OF THE ICE MACHINE AND MAINTAIN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A LEAK FROM THE FAUCET NECK OF THE ONE COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE PREP AREA; REPAIR LEAK. OBSERVED A LEAK FROM THE HOT WATER FAUCET KNOB AT THE EXPOSED HAND SINK IN THE FRONT COFFEE PREP AREA; REPAIR LEAK.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE FLOOR DRAIN AT THE THREE COMP SINK AND MAINTAIN. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE FLOORS AROUND, UNDER AND BEHIND KITCHEN EQUIPMENT AND ICE MACHINE IN FRONT PREP AREA.
55
86
Jul 16, 2020
Complaint
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON PREMISES AT TIME OF INSPECTION. MUST PROVIDE PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012.
2
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LITTER AND DEBRIS ON FLOOR UNDER SHELVING IN OUT SIDE STORAGE AREA. MUST REMOVE WATER ON FLOOR OF SAME AREA AND DETAIL CLEAN FLOOR.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: REMOVE CLUTTER AND UNUSED EQUIPMENT IN OUTSIDE STORAGE AREA. ORGANIZE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
55
82
Feb 7, 2020
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS.
40
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FAUCET LEAKING ON 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
90
Jan 29, 2020
Routine
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 15 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TOFU(55.4F-56.8F) AND SLICED TOMATOES (54.7F) STORED AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE IN COLD HOLD UNIT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DISCARD. ALL COLD TCS FOOD SHALL MAINTAIN 41F OR BELOW DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY AND SERVICE. PRIORITY CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005
22
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: OBSERVED COLD HOLD UNIT NOT MAINTAINING PROPER TEMPERATURE 49.3F INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN 41F OR BELOW. COLD HOLD UNIT IS TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION AND MUST NOT BE USED UNTIL REINSPECTED BY CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH. PRIORITY CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.
33
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO DATE MARKING ON CHINESE TOFU SALAD AND SPICY STIR-FRY TOFU SALAD DISPLAYED FOR SALE IN REACH-IN COOLER. ALL REFRIGERATED READY TO EAT TCS FOOD HELD MORE THAN 24 HOURS SHALL BE CLEARLY MARKED WITH DATE BY WHICH FOOD IS TO BE SOLD, CONSUMED, OR DISCARDED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005
23
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER AVAILABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE METAL STEM THERMOMETER FOR INTERNAL TEMPERATURES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005
36
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED BLACK SUBSTANCE ON INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005
16
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS.
40
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES STORED ON FLOOR IN OUTSIDE GARAGE STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES OFF FLOOR.
45
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED STOPPERS LEAKING AND IN POOR REPAIR UNDER 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. OBSERVED ICE BUILDUP IN REAR REACH-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUST, DIRT, FOOD DEBRIS ON COOLERS, FREEZERS, PREP TABLES, COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FAUCET LEAKING ON FRONT HAND WASHING SINK AND 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DAMAGED FLOOR TILES NEAR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND OPENINGS IN CEILING TILES IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR/REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED DUST, DIRT AND DEBRIS ON FLOOR UNDER FRONT COUNTER, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN REAR PREP, DISH WASHING AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED UNUSED ARTICLES IN EQUIPMENT IN OUTSIDE STORAGE AND BASEMENT AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNUSED EQUIPMENT TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO LIGHT SHIELD IN UTENSIL STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
56
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO LIGHT IN WALK-IN COOLER IN OUTSIDE STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING AND MAINTAIN.
56
33
Apr 11, 2019
Complaint
2 major violations.
View 2 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: NO PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA EVENTS. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
5
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER PROVIDED ON THE MENU. MUST PROVIDE. INSTRUCTED TO DISCLOSE WHICH FOODS ARE SERVED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED AND LINK IT TO A REMINDER STATEMENT THAT EATING RAW OR UNDERCOOKED FOODS CAN INCREASE YOUR RISK OF FOODBORNE ILLNESS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
25
82
Apr 4, 2019
Routine
6 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OVER 25 RAT DROPPINGS ON FLOOR IN CORNER AND ALONG WALLS IN BASEMENT AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALL AN EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(a).
38
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: NO PROOF OF VALID OR ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012.
2
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO POLICY IN PLACE FOR EMPLOYEE HEALTH. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010.
3
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: NOTED HOT WATER TEMPERATURE (140 F) AT FRONT HAND SINK BEHIND SERVICE COUNTER EXCEEDING MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE. MUST REPAIR. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(c).
10
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: NO PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA EVENTS. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
5
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER PROVIDED ON THE MENU. MUST PROVIDE. INSTRUCTED TO DISCLOSE WHICH FOODS ARE SERVED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED AND LINK IT TO A REMINDER STATEMENT THAT EATING RAW OR UNDERCOOKED FOODS CAN INCREASE YOUR RISK OF FOODBORNE ILLNESS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
25
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: NO PERSON IN CHARGE.
1
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN ADEQUATE CHEMICAL SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
41
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: REPLACE MISSING CEILING PANELS AT REAR PREP AREA.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING.
58
43
Mar 16, 2018
Reinspection
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: LABEL ALL BULK CONTAINERS IN PREP AREA.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: REPAIR BROKEN DOOR ON BOTTOM DRAWER COOLER.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: : CLEAN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF ALL COOLERS, COMPRESSOR UNITS, ELECTRICAL OUTLETS, PREP TABLES, COOKING EQUIPMENT.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOOR DRAIN UNDER 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. CLEAN FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP, STORAGE, AND BASEMENT AREAS.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: CLEAN LIGHT SHIELDS IN REAR PREP AREA. SEAL ALL BRICK WALLS IN FRONT PREP AREA.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: SECURE REAR EXPOSED SINK TO WALL IN REAR PREP AREA.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: REMOVE ALL UNUSED EQUIPMENT IN BASEMENT TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
41
70
Mar 13, 2018
License
8 minor violations.
View 8 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 OVER 20 RAT DROPPINGS ON FLOOR IN CORNER AND ALONG WALLS IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALL AN EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020
18
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: LABEL ALL BULK CONTAINERS IN PREP AREA.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: REPAIR BROKEN DOOR ON BOTTOM DRAWER COOLER.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF ALL COOLERS, COMPRESSOR UNITS, ELECTRICAL OUTLETS, PREP TABLES, COOKING EQUIPMENT.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOOR DRAIN UNDER 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. CLEAN FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP, STORAGE, AND BASEMENT AREAS.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: CLEAN LIGHT SHIELDS IN REAR PREP AREA.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: SECURE REAR EXPOSED SINK TO WALL IN REAR PREP AREA.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: REMOVE ALL UNUSED EQUIPMENT IN BASEMENT TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
41
67
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Truenorth Cafe last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Truenorth Cafe on file is from Sep 5, 2025. The public record contains 18 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Truenorth Cafe?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited 14 times, more than any other issue at Truenorth Cafe.
Has Truenorth Cafe's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Truenorth Cafe have averaged around two violations per visit, down from roughly six earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Truenorth 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 Truenorth Cafe inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Truenorth Cafe is inspected around two times per year on average.
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