Yolk Cafe
Last inspected: Jan 28, 2026
82
Score
Inspectors have visited Yolk Cafe 25 times, with records going back to 2010. The newest entry in the record is dated Jan 28, 2026. Diners can read the low risk label as a sign that recent inspections have gone well.
Recent inspections have found fewer violations than earlier ones, averaging around four violations lately and about eight violations before that.
Looking across the full record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” is the recurring theme, flagged 17 times.
Yolk Cafe's latest score is in line with the Chicago average of 81. Overall, the inspection record reads well.
25
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
4
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 28, 2026
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 1/4 INCH GAP AT EAST SIDE EMERGENCY EXIT DOOR SWEEP. MUST RODENT PROOF SAID DOOR AND MAINTAIN.
38
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: GRILL REACH IN COOLERS DOOR RUBBER GASKETS AND MILK REACH IN COOLER DOOR RUBBER GASKETS RIPPED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST REPLACE ALL DAMAGED COOLERS DOOR RUBBER GASKETS AND MAINTAIN.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: BACKFLOW LEAKING UNDER DISHWASH 3-COMPARMENT SINK. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FLOOR TILES WITH LOW GROUT AT DISHWASH AREA. MUST REGROUT ALL FLOOR TILES IN NEED AND MAINTAIN.
55
82
Jan 2, 2025
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS PREPPING FOOD WITHOUT HAIR RESTRAINTS. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT.
40
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF THE MICROWAVE NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS, AND DIRT ON FLOOR UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT, ICE MACHINE, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP, DISH WASHING, STORAGE AND NEAR BOX SODA CONNECTIONS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN ALL AREAS. OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON FAN IN WALK-IN COOLER, AND WALL VENTS IN THROUGHOUT PREMIS AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL FANS, WALL VENTS.
55
86
Jun 10, 2024
Reinspection
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: NOTED DIRTY WIPING CLOTHS ON PREP TABLES AT FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS. NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED PROPERLY TO STORE ALL WASHCLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION ESPECIALLY WHEN NOT IN USE
41
Sewage & waste water properly disposed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ICE MACHINE EXPELLING WATER ON TO FLOOR IN REAR PREP, INSTRUCTED TO HAVE EXPELLING WATER BE ROUTED INTO FLOOR DRAIN AND MAINTAIN.
52
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXCESSIVE FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOOR UNDER SODA SYRUP CONNECTION, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FOUND BROKEN FLOOR TILES IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: REAR PREP ACROSS FROM ICE MACHINE, BY ENTRENCE OF WALK IN COOLER AND KITCHEN LINE AREA ALSO NOTED MISSING GROUT IN REAR PREP AND FRONT PREP AND NEAR THE KITCHEN LINE HANDWASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE ALL BROKEN TILES, REGROUT MENTIONED ABOVE AREAS AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: HEAVY DUST BUILD UP NOTED ON CEILING VENTS ABOVE FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS AND REAR DRY FOOD STORAGE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING PROTECTIVE SHIELD ON LIGHTS IN REAR PREP, INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN.
56
74
Jun 3, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 11 minor violations.
View 14 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: FOUND TCS FOOD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE: 30# LIQUID EGG RANGING TEMP OF 58.6-F TO 53.4; 1# OF DICED TOMATO AT TEMP OF 50.8F, MENTIONED PRODUCTS WERE IN COLD HOLD UNIT ON FRONT PREP. FOOD DISCARDED AND DENATURED BY EMPLOYEE. 31 POUNDS, $115.00 VALUE PRIORITY VIOLATION:7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
22
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED INSPECTION#: 2582573 DATED 9/29/23 #49. OBSERVED ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT LOCATED IN PREP AREA WITH ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS AND RESIDUE ON ALL SURFACES, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN ORDER TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE. #55. OBSERVED MISSING CEILING TILES THROUGHOUT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO ENCLOSE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION:7-42-090, CITATION ISSUED
60
Summary report displayed and visible to the public
Inspector notes: NO PREVIOUS INSPECTION SUMMARY REPORT POSTED ON SITE FROM INSPECTION#:2582573 DATED 9/29/23. NEW SUMMARY REPORT GIVEN AND POSTED PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION: 7-42-010(B), CITATION ISSUED
61
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: NOTED CARDBOARD BOXES USED TO LINE SHELVES IN DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL CARDBOARD BOXES TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: SEE VIOLATION #60
49
Sewage & waste water properly disposed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ICE MACHINE EXPELLING WATER ON TO FLOOR IN REAR PREP, INSTRUCTED TO HAVE EXPELLING WATER BE ROUTED INTO FLOOR DRAIN AND MAINTAIN.
52
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: FEMALE RESTROOM LACKS COVERED RECEPTACLES FOR DISPOSAL OF FEMININE HYGIENE PRODUCTS. PROVIDE TRASH RECEPTACLE IN RESTROOM AND MAINTAIN.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: HEAVY DUST BUILD UP NOTED ON CEILING VENTS ABOVE FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS AND REAR DRY FOOD STORAGE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FOUND BROKEN FLOOR TILES IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: REAR PREP ACROSS FROM ICE MACHINE, BY ENTRENCE OF WALK IN COOLER AND KITCHEN LINE AREA ALSO NOTED MISSING GROUT IN REAR PREP AND FRONT PREP AND NEAR THE KITCHEN LINE HANDWASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE ALL BROKEN TILES, REGROUT MENTIONED ABOVE AREAS AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXCESSIVE FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOOR UNDER SODA SYRUP CONNECTION, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: SEE VIOLATION# 60
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING PROTECTIVE SHIELD ON LIGHTS IN REAR PREP, INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN.
56
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: NOTED DIRTY WIPING CLOTHS ON PREP TABLES AT FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS. NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED PROPERLY TO STORE ALL WASHCLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION ESPECIALLY WHEN NOT IN USE
41
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DEAD ROACHES ON TOP OF ICE MACHINE; BEHIND SCOOP, INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE DEAD ROACHES CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
38
41
Sep 29, 2023
Routine
2 critical violations. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 6 DRAWER COOLING UNIT LOCATED IN PREP AREA NOT AT PROPER TEMPERATURE DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. NOTED TEMPERATURE OF UNIT @ 51F. SAID UNIT WAS STORING TCS FOODS AT THIS TIME. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO DICONTINUE USE AND REPAIR TO 41F OR BELOW AS REQUIRED BY CODE. MUST MAINTAIN. PRIORITY VIOLATION.#7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.UNIT TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION. ALL TCS FOOD WAS DISCARDED.
33
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING COLD HELD TCS ITEMS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. APPROXIMATELY 5.5 LBS COOKED HAM, @ 55.0F, 4 LBS SLICED TOMATO @49.8F, 4 LBS SLICED CANTALOUPE @55.0F, 3 LBS LEAFY GREEN MIX @51.0F,3 LBS CHICKEN BREAST @50.0F. ALL SAID ITEMS WERE STORED INSIDE COLD HOLD UNIT AS WELL AS 6 DRAWER COOLING UNIT IN PREP AREA UNDER GRILL. INSTRUCTED TO HOLD COLD TCS FOODS @ 41F OR BELOW AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY VIOLATION. #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED. PIC DISCARDED ALL SAID ITEMS VOLUNTARILY DURING THIS TIME.
22
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS WITH DEEP CUTS AND DARK GROOVES THROUGHOUT PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT LOCATED IN PREP AREA WITH ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS AND RESIDUE ON ALL SURFACES, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN ORDER TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXCESSIVE FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOORS IN REAR PREP AREA UNDERNEATH ICE MACHINE AND 3 DOOR FREEZERS AND UNDER STORAGE RACKS. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE, CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING CEILING TILES THROUGHOUT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO ENCLOSE.
55
61
Jun 21, 2022
Complaint
2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: Obstructed hand wash sink at front cook line, found utensils placed in hand sink basin. instructed to keep hand wash sinks free from any obstruction. Priority foundation violation 7-38-030(c)
10
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: No hand soap provided at rear prep/dishwashing room. Instructed to provide hand soap to all hand wash sinks. priority foundation violation 7-38-030(c).
10
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: Damaged insulation at walk-in cooler cooling lines, Instructed to replace to prevent condensation.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: Heavy dust build up noted on ceiling vents above front prep area and rear dry food storage. instructed to clean and maintain.
55
74
Aug 13, 2021
Suspected Food Poisoning
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: FOUND BLACK MOLD-LIKE BUILDUP ON THE DISH RACKS THAT GO INTO THE LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE. MUST CLEAN RACKS OR REPLACE.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FOUND BROKEN FLOOR TILES IN KITCHEN LINE AREA AND TILES MISSING GROUT NEAR THE KITCHEN LINE HANDWASHING SINK. MUST REPAIR/REPACE.
55
90
Aug 2, 2021
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FOUND BROKEN FLOOR TILES IN KITCHEN LINE AREA AND TILES MISSING GROUT NEAR THE KITCHEN LINE HANDWASHING SINK. FOUND 4 MISSING CEILING TILES IN DRY STORAGE AREA. MUST REPAIR/REPACE.
55
95
Jul 29, 2021
Reinspection
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Previous priority foundation violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION FROM 7/22/2021 REPORT #2523086 NOT CORRECTED: VIOLATION #25 (3-603.11) OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY FOR RAW OR UNDERCOOKED FOODS. INSTRUCTED TO IDENTIFY SUCH FOODS BY ASTERISKING THEM TO A FOOT NOTE THAT STATES: "ITEMS CAN BE SERVED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED OR CONTAIN UNDERCOOKED INGREDIENTS" AND ADD A STATEMENT THAT SAYS: "CONSUMING RAW OR UNDERCOOKED ANIMAL PRODUCTS MAY INCREASE YOUR RISK OF FOOD BORNE ILLNESS, ESPECIALLY IF YOU HAVE MEDICAL CONDITIONS". MUST CORRECT PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATIONS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
59
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FOUND BROKEN FLOOR TILES IN KITCHEN LINE AREA AND TILES MISSING GROUT NEAR THE KITCHEN LINE HANDWASHING SINK. FOUND 4 MISSING CEILING TILES IN DRY STORAGE AREA. MUST REPAIR/REPACE.
55
86
Jul 22, 2021
Routine
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: FOUND COLD TCS FOODS AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES IN WALK-IN COOLER. MILK, SOUR CREAM, HEAVY WHIPPING CREAM, WHIPPED CREAM, BLUE CHEESE, EGGS, EGG WHITES, BASIL PESTO, CUT TOMATOES, SALSA, HAM, TURKEY, AND PORK AND TURKEY SAUSAGES FOUND AT TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 48F TO 54F. INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD AND DENATURE SAID TCS FOODS AND ALWAYS MAINTAIN ALL COLD HOLDING TCS FOODS AT OR BELOW 41F. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
22
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WALK-IN COOLER AT AN IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 50.2 F DURING THE INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD ALL TCS FOODS AND DO NOT USE WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT WALK-IN COOLER MUST MAINTAIN A PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 41F OR BELOW AT ALL TIMES. WALK-IN COOLER TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION BY THE CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND MAY NOT BE USED UNTIL RE-INSPECTED BY CDPH AND MAINTAINING A PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 41F OR BELOW. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005.
33
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY FOR RAW OR UNDERCOOKED FOODS. INSTRUCTED TO IDENTIFY SUCH FOODS BY ASTERISKING THEM TO A FOOT NOTE THAT STATES: "ITEMS CAN BE SERVED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED OR CONTAIN UNDERCOOKED INGREDIENTS" AND ADD A STATEMENT THAT SAYS: "CONSUMING RAW OR UNDERCOOKED ANIMAL PRODUCTS MAY INCREASE YOUR RISK OF FOOD BORNE ILLNESS, ESPECIALLY IF YOU HAVE MEDICAL CONDITIONS". PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
25
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: CLEAN PACKAGED LINENS STORED DIRECTLY ON FLOOR IN MANAGERS OFFICE. MUST ELEVATE OFF FLOOR.
44
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FOUND BROKEN FLOOR TILES IN KITCHEN LINE AREA AND TILES MISSING GROUT NEAR THE KITCHEN LINE HANDWASHING SINK. FOUND 4 MISSING CEILING TILES IN DRY STORAGE AREA. MUST REPAIR/REPACE.
55
61
Mar 10, 2020
Routine
1 critical violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: FOUND SEVERAL TCS FOODS STORED AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE. 1 LBS OF SLICED HAM AT 60.3F, 3 LBS OF DICED SAUSAGE A62.3F AND 1 LBS OF HOLLANDAISE SAUCE( EGG YOLK AND BUTTER)AT 61.2F THAT FOOD ITEMS SOTRED IN ICE FILLED CONTAINER NEAR STOVE AT PREP LINE. INSTRUCTED TO KEEP SUCH FOODS AT 41F OR LOWER PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005.FOODS DISCARDED VALUED AT $10.00.
22
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: EMPLOYEES CLOTHING STORED AT DISPOSABLE FOOD CONTAINERS SHELVES, INSTRUCTED TO KEEP AWAY.
56
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: CLEAR LIQUID BOTTLES IN PREP AREA NOT LABELED, INSTRUCTED TO LABEL.
37
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: WEAK HOT WATER PRESSURE AT ONE OF THE MEN'S ROOM FAUCETS, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE HOT WATER PRESSURE.
55
74
Jan 22, 2019
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jan 14, 2019
Routine
3 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: NO VOMITOUS AND DIARRHEAL INCIDENT CLEAN UP POLICY AND KIT ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#: 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A PINK/BLACK SLIMY SUBSTANCE ON THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. MUST REMOVE SUBSTANCE, DETAIL CLEAN, SANITIZE, AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#: 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
16
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE PROPER LABELS FOR DATE MARKING THE CREATION AND DISPOSITION DATE OF ALL REFRIGERATED, READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOODS HELD OVER 24HRS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#: 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED
23
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A SLIGHT LEAK IN THE FAUCET OF HANDWASH SINK IN THE REAR PREP AREA. OBSERVED A SLIGHT LEAK IN THE PIPE UNDERNEATH THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SOME BURNT OUT LIGHT BULBS IN THE WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
56
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED AN ACCUMULATION OF DIRT/DEBRIS BUILDUP ON THE TOILET ROOMS' EXHAUST VENTILATIONS AND THE KITCHEN EXHAUST VENTILATION. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
64
Apr 3, 2018
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: 3-COMPARTMENT SINK MISSING ONE STOPPER. MUST PROVIDE STOPPER AND MAINTAIN.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ON SHELF RACK ADJACENT TO 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST CLEAN SHELF RACK AND MAINTAIN.
33
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ONE CEILING LIGHT COVER DAMAGED/NOT TIGHT FITTED ABOVE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST REPLACE DAMAGED CEILING LIGHT COVER, LIGHT COVER MUST BE TIGHT FITTED.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: DISHWASH AREA HANDWASH BOWL DRAIN PIPE LEAKING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SINK.
38
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ICE SCOOP IMPROPERLY STORED ON ICE MACHINE. INSRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE CLEAN CONTAINER FOR ICE SCOOP.
43
78
Feb 14, 2017
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: BULK FOOD CONTAINERS NOT LABELED. DISPOSABLE ALUMINIUM TRAYS NOT STORED PROPERLY, INSTRUCTED TO INVERT TO PREVENT DUST COLLECTION.
30
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: GLASS BOTTLES WITH NARROW OPENING ( LIKE WINE BOTTLE ) ARE USED FOR REUSABLE WATER SERVICE FOR CUSTOMERS, MGR STATED THEY JUST GET WASHED IN DISH MACHINE, INSTTRUCTED TO DISCONTINUE USAGE OR WASH PROEPRLY WHERE INTERIOR COULD BE WASHED AND SANITIZED PROEPRLY.
31
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: DISPOSABLE PLASTIC TUBS USED AS A MULTI-USE UTENSILS, BROKEN EDGES, LOOSE NYLON ON TIPS, LABEL PAINT RUBBING OFF, INSTRUCTED TO DISCONTINUE USING SUCH CONTAINERS.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OPEN EMPLOYEE DRINKS ABOVE CLEAN UTENSILS, INSTRUCTED TO KEEP AWAY.
33
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: CEILING LIGHT FIXTURE MISSING A SHIELD NEAR DISH MACHINE, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: FRONT KITCHEN HAND WASH SINK FAUCET NOT SHUTTING OFF, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
38
74
May 4, 2016
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: REPLACE OR RESURFACE THE RUSTED FOOD STORAGE SHELVES IN THE REACH-IN COOLERS BEHIND THE FRONT COUNTER AND MAINTAIN.
32
95
Apr 25, 2016
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 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 A 1/4 INCH GAP AT THE BOTTOM OF THE NORTH ENTRANCE DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE RIPPED DOOR TRIM TO PROPERLY SEAL THE ENTRANCE DOOR AND PREVENT PEST/RODENT INTRUSION. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020
18
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: MUST LABEL BULK FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS IN THE REAR PREP AND MAINTAIN.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: REPLACE OR RESURFACE THE RUSTED FOOD STORAGE SHELVES IN THE REACH-IN COOLERS BEHIND THE FRONT COUNTER AND MAINTAIN.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE FLOORS UNDER THE DRY FOOD STORAGE RACK IN THE KITCHEN AND MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE DUST AND GREASE BUILDUP ON THE CEILING VENT REGISTERS OVER THE FOOD LINE AND MAINTAIN.
35
78
Mar 25, 2015
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOOR IN PREP AREA OF FOOD SPILLS, AND ALONG WALL, AT CORNERS UNDER SHELVING IN WALK-IN COOLER.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: LEAK AT FAUCET OF 1-COMP SINK IN REAR PREP AREA. MUST REPAIR.
38
90
Sep 5, 2014
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARODUS FOODS (CHICKEN, DICED AVOCADO, CHORIZO AND SAUSAGE) AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES OF 46.5F-92.4F INSIDE OF THE WALK IN COOLER AND ON THE COUNTER TOP IN THE FRONT PREP AREA. MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED 50LBS OF FOOD VALUED AT $145. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS COLD FOODS AT 40.0F OR BELOW AND HOT POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT 140.0F OR ABOVE. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A)
3
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BULK FOOD CONTAINERS UNBLABELED IN THE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL BULK FOOD ITEMS.
30
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE INTERIOR TOP OF THE ICE MACHINE WITH ACCUMULATED DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE.
33
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BLOWN LIGHT BULBS UNDER THE HOOD AND INSIDE OF THE WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ADEQUATE LIGHTING.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING PLUMBING LEAKING: 3 COMPARTMENT SINK FAUCET BASE AND THE PLUMBING UNDER THE LEFT AND RIGHT BASIN OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN ALL PLUMBING.
38
78
Dec 26, 2013
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS STORED AT IMPROPER TEMPERATRUES. OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING FOODS STORED IN A CONTAINER OF ICE ON THE PREP LINE: SOUR CREAM AT 48.2F, SALSA AT 45.8F, EGG WHITES AT 46.4F, SCRAMBLED EGGS AT 51.0F. OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING FOODS INSIDE OF THE LINE PREP COOLER: CHEESE AT 47.3F. OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING FOODS INSIDE OF THE WALK-IN COOLER: CHORIZO AT 44.2F, SAUSAGE AT 43.5F, GOAT CHEESE AT 44.2F, HAM AT 43.7F. MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED 30# OF FOOD WORTH $65. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A.
3
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: FOOD NOT PROTECTED FROM CONTAMINATION DURING STORAGE. OBSERVED CONTAINERS OF EGG WHITES AND SCRAMBLED EGGS STORED ON A WIRE STORAGE RACK AT THE END OF THE COOK'S PREP LINE WHERE THE PUBLIC WALKS BY TO BE SEATED IN THE DINING ROOM. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOODS MUST BE PROTECTED AT ALL TIMES. MANAGEMENT REMOVED THE EGGS FROM THE STORAGE RACK AND STORED THEM IN THE LINE PREP COOLER. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-005A.
16
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED AN ICE SCOOP STORED IN THE ICE BIN. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO STORE ALL ICE SCOOPS OUTSIDE OF THE ICE BIN IN A CLEAN CONTAINER. WET WIPING CLOTHS WERE STORED ON TOP OF THE PREP TABLES AND PREP COOLERS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO STORE ALL WET WIPING CLOTHS IN A BUCKET OF SANITIZER WHEN NOT IN USE.
43
86
Mar 6, 2013
Suspected Food Poisoning
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS STORED AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES. OBSERVED EGG YOLKS AT 61.3-72.5F, EGG WHITES AT 55.4F, SHELL EGGS AT 58.8-73.4F, HAM AT 63.6F, CHORIZO AT 59.1F, GROUND BEEF AT 45.7F, AND CHICKEN AT 46.4F. MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED 20# OF FOOD WORTH $60. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A.
3
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED KNIVES STORED IMPROPERLY UNDER THE SERVICE COUNTER WITH THE EDGES STORED IN BETWEEN THE SHEET METAL. MANAGEMENT REMOVED AND SANITIZED THE KNIVES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO STORE KNIVES PROPERLY WITH A KNIFE RACK.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: REPAIR THE BROKEN BASEBOARD TILE UNDER THE REAR EXPOSED HANDSINK.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: REPAIR THE LEAK UNDER THE MIDDLE COMPARTMENT OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.
38
82
Apr 25, 2012
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
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. DUSTY FAN COVER ON COOLING IN WALK-IN FAN COVER, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
95
Jun 29, 2011
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: CUTTING BOARDS WITH DEE/DARK GROOVES MUST BE REPLACED; ALL BARE WOODEN DOORS MUST BE RE-SEALED. All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair.
32
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: ALL MILK CRATES USED FOR DRY/COLD STORAGE RACKS MUST BE REPLACED WITH REGULAR SHELVINGS, FOR EASY ACCESS TO CLEANING/PEST MONITORING. All parts of the food establishment and all parts of the property used in connection with the operation of the establishment shall be kept neat and clean and should not produce any offensive odors.
41
90
Jun 22, 2011
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Adequate number, convenient, accessible, properly designed and installed
Inspector notes: NOTED WATER PROFUSELY LEAKING AT THE PIPE UNDER HANDSINK AT FRONT PREP/COOK'S LINE AREA (7-38-030)-MUST FIX & MAINTAIN (INADEQUATE PLUMBING). When toilet and lavatory facilities are provided for the patrons of food establishments, such facilities shall be adequate in number, convenient, accessible, properly designed, and installed according to the municipal code.
26
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: CUTTING BOARDS WITH DEEP/DARK GROOVES MUST BE REPLACED. ALL BARE WOODEN DOORS MUST BE RE-SEALED, TO MAKE EASILY CLEANABLE. All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS IN REAR PRE & DISHROOM AREA MUST BE KEPT DRY AT ALL TIMES. The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: THE FAUCET HEAD AT 3-COMP SINK IS BENT, LEAKING & TIED-UP WITH PLASTIC TO KEEP IN PLACE-MUST REPLACE & MAKE SURE THAT IT REACHES ALL 3-COMPARTMENTS ADEQUATELY. 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.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: ANY MILK CRATES USED FOR DRY/COLD STORAGE RACKS MUST BE REPLACED WITH REGULAR SHELVINGS, FOR EASY ACCESS TO CLEANING/PEST MONITORING. All parts of the food establishment and all parts of the property used in connection with the operation of the establishment shall be kept neat and clean and should not produce any offensive odors.
41
78
Aug 5, 2010
License
No violations found.
100
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Yolk Cafe last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Yolk Cafe on file is from Jan 28, 2026. The public record contains 25 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Yolk Cafe?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited 17 times, more than any other issue at Yolk Cafe.
Has Yolk Cafe's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Yolk Cafe have averaged around four violations per visit, down from roughly eight earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Yolk 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 Yolk Cafe inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Yolk Cafe is inspected around two times per year on average.
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