Zizi's Cafe
Last inspected: Jun 27, 2025
86
Score
Going back to 2012, Zizi's Cafe has 16 inspections in the public record. The latest inspection on file is from Jun 27, 2025. Diners can read the low risk label as a sign that recent inspections have gone well.
Things have been moving in the right direction, with the rolling count dropping from around eight violations to closer to two violations per visit.
Looking across the full record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” is the recurring theme, flagged eight times.
Zizi's Cafe's latest score of 86 sits above the Chicago average of 81. The record reflects steady performance over time.
16
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jun 27, 2025
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSREVED NO THERMOMETER PRESENT IN THE THREE (3) DOOR GLASS COOLER LOCATED IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER TO MEASURE AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF COOLER. PLACED IN COOLER BY END OF INSPECTION.
36
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FLOORING BEHIND THE FRYER VERTICAL ROTISSERIE TO BE HEAVILY SOILED WITH BLACK DEBRIS AND GREASE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FREE OF EXCESSIVE TRASH AND GREASE BUILD UP.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MOPS STORED SUBMERGED IN WATER IN MOP BUCKETS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INVERT/HANG ALL MOPS TO ALLOW FOR DRY STORAGE IN BETWEEN USE.
55
86
Jul 12, 2024
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jul 5, 2024
Routine
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: THE FOLLOWING PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION FROM REPORT #256970 DATED ON 01/17/23 NOT CORRECTED-#49 ACCUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON WALLS, UTILITY CONNECTIONS AND EQUIPMENT SURFACES BEHIND COOKING LINE. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN BY DATE OF REINSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090.
60
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: REAR PREP AREA HANDWASH SINK PIPE WALL CAULK NOT ATTACHED TO WALL. MUST RECAULK REAR PREP AREA HANDWASH SINK TO WALL.
55
86
Jan 17, 2023
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: PLASTIC UTENSILS USED FOR CUSTOMERS MUST BE INVERT AT FRONT BAR AREA
43
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD BOXES AS FOOD CONTAINERS. SURFACE MUST SMOOTH,CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT MATERIAL.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST NOT USE MILK CRATES AS A MEANS OF ELEVATION FOR STORED ITEMS.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: ACCUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON WALLS, UTILITY CONNECTIONS AND EQUIPMENT SURFACES BEHIND COOKING LINE.MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD AS LINER FOR SHELVING IN THE INSIDE COOLERS. MUST BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE SURFACE.
49
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RUST AT SCREW AT INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE/PANEL. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE REPLACE SAID SCREW. ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN UNIT.
16
74
Aug 10, 2022
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: NOTED ASSORTED FOOD ITEMS INSIDE REFRIGERATION UNITS STORED INSIDE GROCERY BAGS. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL FOOD ITEMS INSIDE APPROVED FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: NOTED RUSTY SHELVES INSIDE 2 DOOR REFRIGERATION UNITS AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN, REPAINT WITH NON TOXIC FOOD GRADE PAINT AND/OR REPLACE
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG WALL BASE AND UNDERNEARTH EQUIPMENT ESPECIALLY AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA AND REAR DISH WASHING/PREP AREA.
55
86
Feb 22, 2021
Routine
1 major violation. 13 minor violations.
View 14 violations
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PREPARED READY TO EAT FOODS SUCH COOKED GYRO MEAT, ASSORTED PREPARED COOKED MEATS, PREPARED SALADS, SOUPS AND COOKED VEGETABLES NOT PROPERLY DATE LABELED WITH AN EXPIRATION DATE. NOTED NO DATES. INSTRUCTED ALL PREPARED READY TO EAT TCS FOODS HELD LONGER THAN 24 HOURS MUST BE PROPERLY DATE LABELED WITH AN EXPIRATION DATE NO LONGER THAN 7 DAYS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
23
Proper eating, tasting, drinking, or tobacco use
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OWNER DRINKING COFFEE IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. MUST NOT CONSUME FOOD/BEVERAGE IN FOOD PREPARATION AREAS.
6
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: ALL BULK FOOD CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH THE PRODUCT COMMON NAME.
37
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE HELD IN A CONTAINER WITH A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USE.
41
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: ALL TO GO CONTAINERS MUST BE STORED INVERTED TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
44
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: ALL STORED ITEMS THROUGHOUT THE FRONT COUNTER/PREP AREA MUST BE ELEVATED OFF THE FLOOR.
45
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: GLASS DOOR OF THE REAR PRODUCE PREP COOLER SHATTERED.-----CRACKED/BROKEN PLASTIC LIDS FOR BULK FOOD CONTAINERS. MUST REPLACE ALL.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST NOT USE PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS AS FOOD CONTAINERS THROUGHOUT COOLERS. MUST USE FOOD GRADE PLASTIC DISPOSABLE BAGS OR WASHABLE CONTAINERS.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST NOT USE TAPE AS A MEANS OF REPAIR FOR THE REAR PREP REFRIGERATION DOOR HANDLE. MUST REPLACE HANDLE OR REPAIR WITH MATERIAL THAT IS SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA NOTED WITH EXCESSIVE FOOD DEBRIS AND DIRT. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: NOTED DIRTY FLOOR UNDER THE FRONT PREP AREA HAND WASHING SINK. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.----WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. MUST REPLACE.----BLACKENED, MOLDY WALL CAULKING AT THE REAR PREP THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REPLACE.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: SLEEPING QUARTERS NOTED IN THE REAR FOOD PREPARATION AREA NOT COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM THE AREA. MUST BE COMPLETELY SEPARATED WITH SOLID WALLS AND/OR DOOR FROM THE FOOD STORAGE/PREPARATION AREA.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: ALL UNNECESSARY ITEMS THROUGHOUT THE REAR PREP AREA SUCH AS CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL, MUST BE REMOVED FROM THE PREMISES ALL OTHER ITEMS MUST BE ELEVATED AND ORGANIZED.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: MISSING LIGHT SHIELDS THROUGHOUT THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. MUST REPLACE.
56
47
May 2, 2019
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: NOTED TORN RUBBER GASKET INSIDE THE DOOR OF 2 DOOR REFRIGERATION UNIT AT THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL REPAIR AND MAINTAIN AND/OR REPLACE.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT, ESPECIALLY THE SHELVES INSIDE THE ALL REFRIGERATION UNITS AT THE REAR PREP AREA WITH OLD FOOD DEBRIS, ROTTEN VEGETABLE LEAVES AND DIRT.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: NOTED MISSING LIGHTING AND LIGHT BULBS INSIDE THE REFRIGERATION UNITS AT THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LIGHTING WITH SHATTER PROOF BULBS.
56
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: NOTED HEAVY DIRT AND GREASE ACCUMULATION INSIDE, ON PIPES/CONDUITS AND ON EDGES OF THE EXHAUST HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN HOOD, FILTERS AND PIPES/CONDUITS
56
82
Aug 13, 2018
Routine
3 critical violations.
View 3 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: 2-102.14(A)(A)FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-012A. MUST OBTAIN.
3
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: 3-501.17 FOUND READY TO EAT FOODS INSIDE REACH IN COOLERS WITH NO SEVEN DAY CONSUME BY DATE. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. MUST LABEL PREPARED READY TO EAT FOODS HELD FOR MORE THAN 24HOURS.
23
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: PA100-0367 FOUND CITY OF CHICAGO SANIATIOM MANAGER WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING. PRIORITY VIOLATION. MUST OBTAIN.
58
64
Jan 25, 2018
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: FOUND BULK FOOD NOT LABELED.(FLOUR, SUGAR, ETC.) MUST LABEL.
30
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: FOUND NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES AT MOP SINK FAUCET. MUST PROVIDE.
38
90
Jun 12, 2017
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN READABLE LABLES ON BULK DRY INGREDIENTS.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPLACE CRACKED PLASTIC LID FOR SPICE CONTAINER IN REAR PREP AREA.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS FROM POTATO SLICER. MUST CLEAN RESIDUE FROM EXTERIOR SIDES AND LID OF SPICE CONTAINER.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED COVING DETACHING FROM THE WALL BELOW THE OVEN. MUST REPAIR.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST REPLACE WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES IN FRONT PREP AREA ABOVE PREP TOP COOLER.
35
78
Jun 27, 2016
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: ALL BULK FOOD CONTAINERS MUST CLEAN.
30
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: THE FOLLOWING EQUIPMENT NEEDS CLEANING: INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF THE DISH MACHINE AND THE FRONT BREAD PREP DRAWER COOLER. EXTERIOR OF THE REAR TALL REACH-IN COOLERS (2) DIRTY. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS THROUGHOUT THE FRONT COFFEE/SODA STATION AND UNDER THE DISH/THREE COMPARTMENT SINK DIRTY. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: PEELING PLASTER AT THE WALL AT THE FRONT PREP EXPOSED HAND SINK.MUST REPAIR. WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES IN THE MENS WASHROOM AND THE REAR PREP AREA. MUST REPLACE.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: EXTREMELY SLOW DRAIN AT THE REAR EXPOSED HAND SINK. MUST REPAIR. NO COLD WATER AT THE UTILITY MOP SINK. HOT WATER ONLY. MUST PROVIDE BOTH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER AT MOP SINK.
38
78
Oct 23, 2015
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SLIGHT CALCIUM BUILD UP INSIDE ICE MACHINE AND AT SODA MACHINE ICE CHUTE. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE AND SODA MACHINE ICE CHUTE AREA.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS/DUST ON WALL BEHIND AND AROUND ICE MACHINE. MUST CLEAN ALL WALLS AND MAINTAIN.
35
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED MANAGER ALL COOLERS MUST HAVE THERMOMETERS.
40
86
Aug 27, 2014
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD(ICE) NOT PROTECTED FROM CONTAMINATION DURING STORAGE.INSIDE OF ICE MACHINE OBSERVED BLACK AND BROWN SLIMY SUBSTANCE ON THE INTERIOR CONTACT SURFACES OF THE ICE MACHINE. ICE IS BEING USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMTION. MUST TURN OFF ICE MACHINE REMOVE ICE AND HAVE INTERIOR SURFACES CLEANED AND SANITIZED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-005(A)
16
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: RUSTY FOOD STORAGE SHELVING INSIDE 2-DOOR REACH-IN REFRIGERATOR. MUST REPAINT/REPLACE
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN WALL BEHIND DISHMACHINE AND 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR AREA. WATER DAMAGE CEILING TILES IN REAR FOOD PREP AREA ABOVE MIXER AND REAR STORAGE AREA ABOVE 2-DOOR FREEZER. MUST REPAIR/REPLACE.
35
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EMPLOYEE IN FOOD PREPARATION AREA SERVING FOOD WITHOUT WEARING A HAIR RESTRAINTS. INSTRUCTED TO WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS AT ALL TIMES FOOD IS PREPARED AND SERVED
42
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: ICE SCOOPS STORED ON TOP OF ICE MACHINE. MUST PROPERLY STORE IN A CLEAN CONTAINER
43
78
Nov 4, 2013
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE THE SOFT SERVE MACHINE BEHIND THE FRONT PREP AREA,HAS A OUT OF ORDER SIGN ON MACHINE
41
95
Oct 28, 2013
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Outside garbage waste grease and storage area; clean, rodent proof, all containers covered
Inspector notes: THE OUTSIDE GARBAGE DUMPSTERS ARE OVERFLOWING,PREVENTING IID CLOSURE,THIS IS A FOOD SOURCE FOR RODENTS AND OTHER PEST,SERIOUS VIOLATION,7-38020,CITATION ISSUED
19
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: MUST LABEL BULK FOOD CONTAINERS IN THR REAR PREP AREA
30
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN INTERIOR OF THE REACH-IN FREEZER IN THE REAR PREP AREA AND REMOVE STAINES FROM THE CUTTING BOARED AT THE FRONT PREP AREA,MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZE
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE FLOORS IN THE REAR PREP AREA ALONG WALL BASE AND CORNERS
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE WALL IN THE REAR PREP AREA NEXT TO THE LARGE MIXER
35
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE THE SOFT SERVE MACHINE BEHIND THE FRONT PREP AREA,HAS A OUT OF ORDER SIGN ON MACHINE
41
74
Apr 26, 2012
License
No violations found.
100
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Zizi's Cafe last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Zizi's Cafe on file is from Jun 27, 2025. The public record contains 16 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Zizi's Cafe?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited eight times, more than any other issue at Zizi's Cafe.
Has Zizi's Cafe's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Zizi's Cafe have averaged around two violations per visit, down from roughly eight earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Zizi's 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 Zizi's Cafe inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Zizi's Cafe is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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