Vista Cafe
Last inspected: Feb 25, 2025
95
Score
Inspectors have visited Vista Cafe 18 times, with records going back to 2011. The latest inspection on file is from Feb 25, 2025. Low risk indicates the latest report didn't flag anything that would worry the average customer.
Things have been moving in the right direction, with the rolling count dropping from around four violations to closer to two violations per visit.
When inspectors have written things up, “food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean” has been the most frequent reason, cited eight times.
Compared to the broader Chicago restaurant scene, where the average is 81, this is a stronger showing. The full picture is one of consistent compliance.
18
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 25, 2025
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST HANG MOPS TO ALL TO DRY PROPERLY WHEN NOT IN USE.
55
95
Apr 15, 2024
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FOOD DEBRIS AND GREASE BUILD UP NOTED ON THE FLOORS. MUST DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS THROUGHOUT KITCHEN AREA UNDER EQUIPMENT AND ALONG WALL BASES.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: NO ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE FOR CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGER. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGERS MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ON SITE.
58
90
Aug 4, 2023
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: Ice bin cover at soft drink dispenser not clean, syrup spills noted, instructed to clean and maintain.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: Floor behind cooking equipment not clean along wall base. grease build-up and food debris noted, instructed to clean and maintain.
55
90
Jul 13, 2022
Routine
1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PREPARED TCS FOOD ITEMS (COOKED POTATOES) IN WALK IN COOLER WITHOUT LABEL. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE DISCARD DATE LABELS (NOT TO EXCEED 7 DAYS) ON ALL FOODS PREPARED ON SITE AND HELD FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS AND MAINTAIN. MANAGER CORRECTED ON SITE PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
23
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS, SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
39
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CARDBOARD USED AS LINER IN WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL CARDBOARD FROM FLOOR. ALL FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BROKEN FREEZER DOOR HANDLE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE.
47
74
May 26, 2021
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: EXPOSED RAW WOOD WALL BEHIND PREP TABLE, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SMOOTH EASY TO CLEAN SURFACE.
55
95
Feb 11, 2020
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: FOUND TCS COLD FOODS; HAM, EGGS, DICED TOMATOES, STORED ON COUNTER IN PREP AREA. TEMPERATURES RANGED FROM 50F TO 53F. MANAGER VOLUTARILLY DISCARDED AND DENATURED FOOD, INSTRUCTED TO KEEP COLD TCS FOODS AT 41F OR BELOW. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED. $30
22
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: FOUND TCS FOODS (RAW CHICKEN AND COOKED RICE) 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 DATE MARKINGS AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
23
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: FOUND NO SIGNAGE AT HANDWASHING SINK IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO POST HAND WASHING ONLY SIGN AT HAND SINK, AND MAINTAIN.
10
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EMPLOYEES PREPARING FOOD IN PREP AREA WITH OUT A HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED TO WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS AT ALL TIMES WHEN PREPARING FOOD. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
40
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: FOUND FOOD GREASE AND DEBRIS ON GRILL, BURNER, FRYER, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AS YOU GO AND MAINTAIN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: FOUND LEAK COMING FROM BOTTOM OF ICE MACHINE, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FOUND FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOOR IN PREP AREA, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
61
Sep 24, 2019
Routine
5 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Summary report displayed and visible to the public
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PREMISES WITHOUT A POSTED SUMMARY REPORT IN A LOCATION THAT IS VISIBLE TO CONSUMERS. INSTRUCTED TO POST. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-42-010(b). CITATION ISSUED.
61
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO ESTABLISH AN APPROPRIATE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AND MAINTAIN WITH VERIFIABLE SIGNED COPIES ON SITE FOR ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN PROCEDURES OR SUPPLIES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING OR DIARRHEAL EVENTS. SUPPLIES MUST INCLUDE ADEQUATE SANITIZER THAT ELIMINATES NOROVIRUS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO PROVIDE CLEAN UP POLICY AND SUPPLIES TO PROPERLY HANDLE BODILY FLUID SPILLS ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED READY-TO-EAT, TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY (TCS) FOODS (DELI MEAT) 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. NO CITATION ISSUED.
23
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. QUATERNARY AMMONIUM TEST STRIPES PROVIDED DURING INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
48
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ICE SCOPE BEING STORED INSIDE ICE BIN. INSTRUCTED ON HOW TO PROPERLY STORE ICE SCOOP BETWEEN USES.
43
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MOP IN A POSITION THAT DOES NOT ALLOW TO DRY PROPERLY AND PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE. MUST STORE MOP AFTER USE IN A MOUNTED POSITION THAT ALLOWS FOR AIR-DRYING WITHOUT SOILING AND PEST HARBORAGING.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSONS WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH COMPLETION OF TRAINING. MUST PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION.
58
52
Jun 1, 2018
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Adequate number, convenient, accessible, designed, and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSTRUCTED HAND WASH SINK, FOUND A JUG OF ONE GALLON DISH SOAP AND 4 INCH PAN STORED IN HAND SINK, INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO KEEP HAND WASH SINK FREE FROM ANY OBSTRUCTION AT ALL TIMES. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030.
11
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: INTERIOR WALLS OF WALK-IN WITH CHIPPED PAINT AND CREVICES, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND REMOVE CHIPPED PAINT. RAW WOOD BEHIND PREP TABLE, INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A SMOOTH EASY TO CLEAN SURFACE.
35
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLERS REQUIREMENT NOT MET, INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL FOOD HANDLERS OBTAIN IL FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATE.
45
86
Dec 5, 2017
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SOME POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS (SLICED TOMATOES) OUT OF THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING AND HELD FOR OVER 24 HOURS NOT LABELED WITH PRODUCT NAME AND DATE LOCATED INSIDE OF THE WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS THAT ARE OUT OF THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING AND HELD FOR OVER 24 HOURS AND MAINTAIN.
30
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FLOORS AROUND GREASE TRAP AND UNDER FRYER WITH ACCUMULATED GREASE AND DIRT DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SINK STOPPERS FOR EACH COMPARTMENT OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SINK STOPPERS AND MAINTAIN.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER LOCATED INSIDE OF THE TWO DOOR REFRIGERATOR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
40
82
May 2, 2017
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PEELING PAINT AND RAW WOOD EXPOSED ON THE SHELVES OF THE WALK IN COOLER, UNDER PREP TABLE LOCATED NEXT TO THE COOKING EQUIPMENT, AND ON SHELVE ABOVE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE PEELING PAINT AND MAKE ALL SAID SURFACES SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE AND MAINTAIN.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED INTERIOR OF FRYER WITH EXCESSIVE ACCUMULATED GREASE, FOOD AND DIRT DEBRIS. OBSERVED BOTTOM OF FLAT TOP GRILL WITH ACCUMULATED DEBRIS. OBSERVED ICE MACHINE WITH A MINOR BROWNISH SUBSTANCE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALL SAID AREAS AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FLOORS THRU OUT ENTIRE FACILITY WITH ACCUMULATED DIRT AND FOOD DEBRIS LOCATED UNDER ALL PREP TABLES, FRYER, UNDER ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT, REFRIGERATION AND INSIDE OF THE WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALONG ALL WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS AND MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PEELING PAINT ON THE CEILING AND WALLS OF THE WALK IN COOLER. OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE DEBRIS ON THE WALLS BEHIND THE FRYER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALL AND MAINTAIN.
35
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SOME CLUTTER OUTSIDE OF THE WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO ELEVATE EVERYTHING AT LEAST 6 INCHES AND MAINTAIN.
41
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATES NOT AVAILABLE FOR ALL EMPLOYEES (2 MALE). INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
45
74
Nov 29, 2016
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Reach in freezer door cover in state of disrepair(broken), shall be repaired/replaced.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Non food contact surfaces of ice machine not clean, need detailed cleaning(crevices). front counter shelving not clean, need detailed cleaning(crevices).
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Floors in walk in cooler under shelving/racks not clean, need detailed cleaning(corners).
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Damaged/stained ceiling tiles in rear kitchen area, shall be repaired/replaced.
35
82
Feb 19, 2016
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: Found food items not properly dated in walk in cooler, must properly date food items in walk in cooler.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Walk in cooler shelving/racks that had exposed raw wood/peeling paint, and rust, shall be repaired/replaced.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Walk in cooler shelving/racks not clean, need detailed cleaning(crevices).
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Floors under cooking equipment, prep table not clean, need detailed cleaning(corners).
34
82
Feb 5, 2015
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: EXTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE AND INTERIOR,EXTERIOR OF DEEP FRYERS AND COOKING EQUIPMENT OF DEBRIS AND GREASE BUILD UP.MUST DETAIL CLEAN/MAINTAIN.
33
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: NO LIGHT SHIELD INSIDE WALK IN COOLER.MUST INSTALL
36
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: NO PROOF OF NEW FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES FOR EMPLOYEES.MUST PROVIDE BY NEXT ROUTINE INSPECTION.
45
86
May 19, 2014
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: LOWER SHELF UNDER MEAT SLICER NOT CLEAN, GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS NOTED INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MISSING TILES UNDER 3-COMP SINK CAUSING WATER TO POOL, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR FLOOR AND GROUT ALL TILES UNDER SINK.
34
90
Sep 18, 2013
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR INTERIOR LINER OF THE LARGE ICE BOX FREEZER.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZE FLOOR AT COOKING LINE TO REMOVE FOOD DEBRI AND CLEAN ALL CORNERS TO REMOVE GRIME.
34
90
Jul 27, 2012
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: ICE BUILD-UP ON BACK OF COOLING UNIT IN WALK-IN COOLER, INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN.
33
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: PREP TABLE AND COUNTER TOPS NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: bBROKEN FLOOR TILES UNDER HAND SINK, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR. FOOD DEBRIS NOTED UNDER PREP LINE, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
34
86
Apr 12, 2011
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: refer to previous report for description
34
95
Apr 4, 2011
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector notes: A separate and distinct offense shall be deemed to have been committed for each Minor violation that is not corrected upon re-inspection by the health authority. PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT #197414 DATED 05-03-10 NOT CORRECTED VIOL # 33: GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS UNDER PREP AND GYROS COUNTER. #38: LEAKY PIPE UNDER 3 COMP AND HAND SINK. INSTRUCTED MGR TO CORRECT VIOLATIONS WITHIN GIVEN TIME FRAME.
29
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: All food not stored in the original container shall be stored in properly labeled containers. BAGS OF FOAM FOOD TRYS STORED ON FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO STORE OFF FLOOR
30
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. FOOD DEBRIS AND DIRT BUILD UP NOTED ON STORAGE SHELF, METAL METAL PIPE AND WOOD PANEL NEXT TO HAND SINK.
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. FLOOR NOT CLEAN UNDER COOKING AREA, PREP TABLES AND 3COMP SINK, GREASE, FOOD DEBRIS AND STANDING WATER OBSERVED, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
34
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: Only employees must dispense ice for consumer use with scoops, tongs, or other ice dispensing utensils. Customers must dispense ice through appropriate automatic self-service ice dispensing equipment. ICE SCOOP STORED INSIDE ICE BIN. INSTRUCTED TO STORE ONS A CLEAN SURFACE.
42
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: Between uses and during storage ice dispensing utensils and ice receptacles shall be stored in a way that protects them from contamination. WET WASH CLOTH LEFT ON TOP OF FREEZER CHEST TO DRY, INSTRUCTED TO STORE PROPERLY
43
74
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Vista Cafe last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Vista Cafe on file is from Feb 25, 2025. The public record contains 18 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Vista Cafe?
Across the inspection record, “food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean” has been cited eight times, more than any other issue at Vista Cafe.
Has Vista Cafe's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Vista Cafe have averaged around two violations per visit, down from roughly four earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Vista 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 Vista Cafe inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Vista Cafe is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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