Two Shades Cafe
Last inspected: Mar 31, 2026
78
Score
The health department has logged eight inspections at Two Shades Cafe, the earliest from 2021. The newest entry in the record is dated Mar 31, 2026. A low risk rating suggests inspectors haven't found much to be concerned about lately.
Performance has remained roughly level over recent inspections, averaging near six violations each time.
Across the inspection history, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded six times.
By comparison, the average Chicago facility scores 81, putting Two Shades Cafe on the weaker side. The record reflects steady performance over time.
8
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
5
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 31, 2026
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: PLASTIC LINING ON EXTERIOR SURFACE OF SMALL ICE MACHINE IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTD TO REMOVE PLASTIC LINING SO AS SUFACE TO BE SMOOTH, EVEN AND EASILY CLEANABLE
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: LEAK AT PIPE UNDER 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTD TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: BRICK WALLS IN TOILET ROOMS CRUMBLING CAUSING BRICK DEBRIS ON HANDWASH SINKS AND SURROUNDING SURFACE. INSTD TO SEAL BRICK/FINISH WALL SO AS TO BE SMOOTH, EVEN, NON POROUS AND EASILY CLEANABLE
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: WALLS SURROUNDING UTILITY SINK IN FRONT PREP AREA NOT CLEAN, EXCESSIVE DEBRIS. INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN SAME
55
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: FLY STRIP ATTACHED TO WALL NEAR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTD TO REMOVE, FLY STRIPS NOT PERMITTED IN PREP AREAS.
38
78
Feb 25, 2025
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: 2-102.13-OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS' CERTIFICATES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH THE IDPH FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENT.
57
95
Feb 18, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 4 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING SINKS NOT MAINTAINED WITH HOT WATER: IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF HOT WATER OBSERVED AT EMPLOYEE WASHROOM HANDSINK (50.1F). INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE HOT WATER AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS MUST BE AT LEAST 100FF. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
10
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: "OBSERVED NO CURRENT PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK ON THE PREMISES. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT A LICENSED PEST CONTROL COMPANY AND OPERATOR MUST PROVIDE AT LEAST 2 PEST INSPECTIONS A YEAR AND THE REPORTS MUST BE MAINTAINED IN THE LOG BOOK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A CURRENT PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK AND PEST INSPECTION REPORTS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(C). CITATION ISSUED."
38
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED, HANDLED AND SERVED, SUCH AS (SANDWICHES, FRIED EGGS ETC) MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT #2589942 ON 2/23/24 WERE NOT CORRECTED: #40 OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE NOT WEARING A HAIR RESTRAINT WHILE PREPARING FOOD. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD-HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS WHILE PREPARING FOOD. #51-OBSERVED BROKEN BACKFLOW PREVENTER DEVICE ON THE FRONT PREP MOP SINK. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL TO ENSURE THE DEVICE CAN BE LOCATED, SERVICED, AND MAINTAINED. #53-OBSERVED MISSING COVERED RECEPTACLE IN EMPLOYEE/CUSTOMER RESTROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
60
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FACILITY WITHOUT A CHEMICAL TEST KIT FOR SANITIZER OR FOR WARE WASHING AREA. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE A TEST KIT THAT ACCURATELY MEASURES THE CONCENTRATION IN MG/L OF SANITIZING SOLUTION MUST BE PROVIDED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
48
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH VALID CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE.
1
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WET WIPING CLOTHS ON SEVERAL PREP SURFACE AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION OF EQUIPMENT & FOOD. MUST MAINTAIN
41
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CLUTTER STORED ON FLOOR IN FRONT STORAGE CLOSET AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNUSED ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS' CERTIFICATES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH THE IDPH FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENT.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.
58
45
Feb 23, 2024
Routine
4 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED READY-TO-EAT, TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY (TCS) FOODS (FRIED EGGS AND SANDWICHES ) NOT DATE MARKED TO INDICATE THE PRODUCT'S NAME AND DATE IN WHICH THE FOOD MUST BE SOLD, DISCARDED OR CONSUMED WITHIN 7 DAYS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER LABELS FOR DATE MARKING AND DISCARD DATE FOR REFRIGERATED, READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOODS HELD OVER 24HRS PLACED IN ALL COLD-HOLDING UNITS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
23
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OUTSIDE DUMPSTER WITH LIDS NOT CLOSED DUE TO TRASH OVERFLOWING. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN TO ENSURE TIGHT FITTING LIDS. THE MANAGER CLEANED OVERFLOWING TRASH FROM THE GROUND DURING THE INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-020(B). CITATION ISSUED.
54
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED, HANDLED AND SERVED, SUCH AS (SANDWICHES, FRIED EGGS ETC) MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS IN THE FRONT COUNTER PREP AREA HANDSINK AND REAR DISHWASHING PREP AREA HANDSINK. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT PAPER TOWELS MUST BE AVAILABLE AT HAND SINKS AT ALL TIMES. THE FOOD HANDLER OBTAINED PAPER TOWELS FOR THE HAND SINK DURING THE INSPECTION PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
10
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH VALID CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE.
1
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES NOT WEARING A HAIR RESTRAINT WHILE PREPARING FOOD. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINTS WHILE PREPARING FOOD.
40
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BROKEN BACKFLOW PREVENTER DEVICE ON THE FRONT PREP MOP SINK. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL TO ENSURE THE DEVICE CAN BE LOCATED, SERVICED, AND MAINTAINED.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING COVERED RECEPTACLE IN EMPLOYEE/CUSTOMER RESTROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP, FOOD DEBRIS, AND DIRT ON THE FLOOR UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS, AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP, DISHWASHING, AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS, AND ALL CORNERS IN ALL AREAS.
55
52
Mar 27, 2023
Routine
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS WERE PREPARED AND SERVED (EGGS). INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A PERSON ON SITE WITH AN ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED. THE FOOD MANAGER ARRIVED AT THE END OF THE INSPECTION.
2
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGERS MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATES ON SITE.
58
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HEAVY DIRT BUILD UP ON THE FLOOR MAT USED IN THE FRONT PREP AREA. MUST DETAIL CLEAN FLOOR MAT AND MAINTAIN.
55
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: FOUND HEAVY DEBRIS BUILD UP INSIDE THE MICROWAVE. FOUND HEAVY ICE BUILD UP INSIDE THE 2-DOOR TRUE FREEZER IN THE FRONT PREP AREA. MUST DETAIL CLEAN MICROWAVE, DEFROST AND REMOVE ICE FROM FREEZER, AND MAINTAIN.
49
78
May 11, 2022
Routine
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE AT 47.3F INSIDE OF PREP COOLER. PROPER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE MUST BE AT 41.0F OR BELOW INSIDE OF A COLD HOLDING UNIT. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
33
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MILK AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE AT 50.3F. ALSO OBSERVED OPENED CONTAINER OF ALMOND MILK FOUND AT 48.4F, OPENED CONTAINER OF SOY MILK FOUND AT 49.7F, OPENED CONTAINER OF COCONUT MILK FOUND AT 50.1F, HALF AND HALF FOUND AT 50.3F. PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE MUST BE AT 41.0F OR BELOW INSIDE OF A COLD HOLDING UNIT. FOOD HAS BEEN DISCARDED AND DENATURED. FOOD WEIGHING APPROXIMATELY 50 LBS AT A COST OF $150.00. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
22
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS WERE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED (EGGS). INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A PERSON ON SITE WITH AN ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
Summary report displayed and visible to the public
Inspector notes: SUMMARY REPORT NOT POSTED FROM PREVIOUS INSPECTION ON 10/4/2021, REPORT #2534269. INSTRUCTED TO POST RECENT SUMMARY REPORT VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-42-010(b). CITATION ISSUED.
61
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: NO PERSON IN CHARGE ON SITE DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
1
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN PINK SLIME BUILD UP INSIDE OF ICE MACHINE.
16
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PACKAGED DESSERTS FOR CUSTOMER SELF SERVICE WITHOUT A LABEL IN FRONT COOLER. Identity (name of food), Net Quantity of Contents, Ingredient List, Major Food Allergens, Business Name and Address, Nutrition Facts (if applicable).
37
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES FOR CURRENT EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE.
57
47
Oct 4, 2021
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Sep 16, 2021
License
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: NOTED SNEEZE GUARD TOO LOW AT FRONT COUNTER WHERE ESPRESSO MACHINE IS STORED. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A SNEEZE GUARD TO ACT AS A BARRIER FROM CUSTOMERS TO ALLOW FOR PROTECTION OF FOOD PRODUCTS. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005.
39
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HOT WATER ABOVE 120F AT MEN'S WASHBOWL SINK. MUST PROVIDE HOT WATER BETWEEN 100-120F AT THE HANDWASHING SINKS. WATER WAS CORRECTED DURING INSPECTION AND REFLECTS 101F. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C).
10
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FACILITY WITHOUT A CHEMICAL TEST KIT FOR SANITIZER OR FOR WAREWASHING AREA. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE A TEST KIT THAT ACCURATELY MEASURES THE CONCENTRATION IN MG/L OF SANITIZING SOLUTION MUST BE PROVIDED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005.
48
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LOW SPLASHGUARD BETWEEN FRONT EXPOSED HANDSINK AND CUSTOMER COUNTER SEATING. MUST INSTALL A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SPLASHGUARD TO AID IN PREVENTING CONTAMINATION.
39
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF ICE BUILDUP IN 2-DOOR REACH IN FREEZER IN FRONT COFFEE PREP AREA. MUST REMOVE EXCESS ICE, DETAIL CLEAN, AND MAINTAIN.
49
Sewage & waste water properly disposed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 3-COMPARTMENT WAREWASHING SINK WITHOUT APPROVED GREASE TRAP LOCATED IN REAR PREP AREA. ALL SINKS IN WHICH FOOD, UTENSILS, AND EQUIPMENT ARE WASHED SHALL BE CONNECTED TO ALSO HAVE A CATCH-BASIN OR BE EQUIPPED WITH AN APPROVED GREASE INTERCEPTOR. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO OBTAIN, INSTALL AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
52
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXPOSED BRICK WALLS IN THE FRONT COFFEE PREP AREA/LOBBY FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO COVER AS WALLS SHOULD BE SEALED, SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
55
58
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Two Shades Cafe last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Two Shades Cafe on file is from Mar 31, 2026. The public record contains eight inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Two Shades Cafe?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at Two Shades Cafe.
Has Two Shades Cafe's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Two Shades Cafe have averaged around six violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Two Shades 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 Two Shades Cafe inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Two Shades Cafe is inspected around two times per year on average.
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