Tesfa Ethiopian Cuisine

Year by year

Inspections

1. Sep 26, 2025 Canvass · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
   • Severity not stated

     SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED

     OBSERVED FACILITY REUSING SINGLE USE THANK YOU BAGS TO STORE RAW MEAT IN THE REACH-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO NOT REUSE SINGLE USE BAGS AND TO STORE FOOD ITEMS IN FOOD GRADE BAGS OR CONTAINERS.

2. Dec 2, 2024 Complaint Re-Inspection · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
   • Severity not stated

     TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

     6-501.19 OBSERVED BASEMENT RESTROOM DOOR TO NOT BE SELF-CLOSING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SELF-CLOSING DEVICE FOR DOOR.

3. Nov 22, 2024 Complaint · Fail — Risk 1 (High)
   • Not serious Priority Foundation

     INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

     OBSERVED MORE THAN 10 LIVE COCKROACHES IN BETWEEN EQUIPMENT AND STORAGE RACKS IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: PREP AREA, FRONT BAR AREA, REAR STORAGE AREA, AND BASEMENT. ALSO OBSERVED MORE THAN 25 MOUSE DROPPINGS IN PREP AREA IN LOWER MECHANICAL COMPONENT OF STEAMER, ON TOP OF DISHWASHER, IN BETWEEN FREEZER AND WALL AND THROUGHOUT REAR STORAGE AREA IN BETWEEN STORED EQUIPMENT. RECOMMEND CONTACTING PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE, DETAIL CLEAN, SANITIZE, AND MAINTAIN AFFECTED AREAS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED

   • Severity not stated

     INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

     OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 25 DEAD ROACHES IN BEWTEEN EQUIPMENT AND IN STORAGE AREAS IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: LOWER MECHANICAL COMPONENT OF STEAMER, IN BETWEEN EQUIPMENT IN PREP AREA, REAR STORAGE AREA, AND BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE, DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

   • Severity not stated

     PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

     OBSERVED HANDSINK IN PREP AREA TO BE SLOW DRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

   • Severity not stated

     TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

     OBSERVED BASEMENT RESTROOM DOOR TO NOT BE SELF-CLOSING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SELF-CLOSING DEVICE FOR DOOR.

4. Aug 9, 2024 Canvass · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
   • Severity not stated

     ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

     INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HAND SINK BEHIND THE (2) BAR AND INSIDE BASEMENT EMPLOYEE WASHROOM.

   • Severity not stated

     FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

     INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR (BOTTOM) SURFACES OF ICE MACHINE WITH BUILD-UP IN THE BASEMENT.

   • Severity not stated

     FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

     INSTRUCTED TO LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS IDENTIFIED WITH COMMON NAME (FLOUR, SALT ETC).

   • Severity not stated

     INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

     INSTRUCTED TO RODENT PROOF BOTTOM OF REAR EXIT DOOR.

   • Severity not stated

     NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

     INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN STORAGE RACKS WITH MOLD LIKE BUILD-UP INSIDE BASEMENT LIQUOR WALK-IN COOLER AND INSIDE THE MAIN WALK-IN COOLER.

   • Severity not stated

     TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

     BASEMENT (EMPLOYEE) TOILET ROOM DOOR MUST BE SELF CLOSING. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL SELF CLOSING DEVICE.

   • Severity not stated

     TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

     BASEMENT (EMPLOYEE) TOILET ROOM RECEPTACLE MUST BE COVERED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LID/COVER FOR TRASH BIN.

   • Severity not stated

     PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

     INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN WALLS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN THE BASEMENT.

   • Severity not stated

     ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

     OBSERVED FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.

   • Severity not stated

     ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

     CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT CURRENT ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT, ANY PERSON WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH CURRENT ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.

5. May 2, 2023 Canvass · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
   • Severity not stated

     ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

     OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT THE EXPOSED HANDSINK, LOCATED BEHIND THE FRONT BAR. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE FOR ALL HANDSINKS AND MAINTAIN.

   • Severity not stated

     FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

     OBSERVED MULTIPLE CUTTING BOARDS WITH DEEP SCRATCHES AND STAINS ON PREP TABLES IN THE REAR PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO RESURFACE/REPLACE CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN THEM.

   • Severity not stated

     PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

     OBSERVED MULTIPLE HOLES AROUND PIPING IN THE CEILING, LOCATED IN THE REAR PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO SMOOTHLY SEAL HOLES AND MAINTAIN THEM.

   • Severity not stated

     PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

     OBSERVED LOOSE DEBRIS, DIRT, AND DUST BUILDUP ON THE FLOORS AND CORNERS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO DETAIL CLEANING AND INCREASED THE CLEANING FREQUENCY OF FLOORS. MUST MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

   • Severity not stated

     ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

     OBSERVED ONE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT ALLERGEN AWARENESS TRAINING. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ENSURE ANY INDIVIDUAL THAT HAS A CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGERS CERTIFICATE COMPLETES ALLERGEN AWARENESS TRAINING AND KEEPS THE CERTIFICATE ON THE PREMISES.

6. Jul 6, 2022 Canvass · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
   • Severity not stated

     NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

     OBSERVED ACCUMULATED DUST BUILD-UP ON PREP AREAS COOLERS CONDENSERS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN COOLERS AND CONDENSERS IN PREP AREAS.

   • Severity not stated

     NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

     OBSERVED ICE BUILD UP ON FOOD WALK IN COOLER FAN CONDENSER. MUST REMOVE ICE BUILD UP AND MAINTAIN.

   • Severity not stated

     PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

     BAR HANDWASH SINK LEAKING BY DRAIN PIPE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SAID SINK.

   • Severity not stated

     ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

     OBSERVED ONE CEILING LIGHT COVER CRACKED AT 1ST FLOOR PREP AREA. MUST REPLACE DAMAGED CEILING LIGHT COVER.

7. Jun 28, 2021 Canvass · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
   • Severity not stated

     FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

     BROKEN RUBBER GASKET INSIDE REACH-IN COOLERS IN THE KITCHEN. REPAIR/REPLACE

   • Severity not stated

     FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

     MUST NOT USE MILK CRATES AS A MEANS OF ELEVATION FOR STORED ITEMS.

   • Severity not stated

     NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

     GREASE BUILD-UP INSIDE THE CABINET UNDER THE DEEP FRYERS, CLEAN AND MAINTAIN

   • Severity not stated

     PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

     LEAKING MECHANICAL DRAIN AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK BY THE LOW TEMP DISH MACHINE IN THE KITCHEN, ALSO FAUCET AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IS LEAKING(SAME UNIT AND SAME AREA), REPAIR CAUSE

8. Oct 2, 2020 Canvass · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
   • Severity not stated

     INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

     NOTED EXIT DOOR AT THE ROOFTOP BAR OF BUILDING NOT RODENT PROOF WITH GAP AT THE BOTTOM OF DOOR (ABOUT 1/4 INCH) AND SIDE DOOR ENTRANCE INTO THE BAR AREA OFF THE BROADWAY ENTRANCE. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL GAPS TO PREVENT ENTRY POINTS FOR PESTS.

   • Severity not stated

     IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED

     NOTED SERVING PLATES ON SHELVES AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT ALL SERVING PLATES TO PREVENT DUST ACCUMULATION.

   • Severity not stated

     FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

     NOTED ICE SCOOPS STORED ON TOP OF ICE STORAGE CONTAINERS AT THE BAR AND BASEMENT FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND PROVIDE AN ICE SCOOP HOLDERS.

   • Severity not stated

     TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

     NOTED WASH ROOMS ON PREMISE WITH GARBAGE RECEPTACLES AND NO LIDS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TRASH CANS WITH LIDS AT ALL WOMEN WASH ROOMS AND UNISEX WASH ROOMS.

   • Severity not stated

     PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

     NOTED A HOLE ON FLOOR OF THE ROOF TOP BAR UNDERNEATH SINKS BEHIND THE BAR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

9. May 22, 2019 Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions — Risk 1 (High)
   • Not serious Priority Foundation

     CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

     BOTH THE REMINDER OF: [ * “CONSUMING RAW OR UNDERCOOKED MEATS, POULTRY, SEAFOOD, SHELLFISH, OR EGGS MAY INCREASE YOUR RISK OF FOODBORNE ILLNESS " ] AND THE DISCLOSURE OF AN ASTERISK IS NEEDED ON MENUS TO INDICATE THE REMINDER AND IDENTIFY THE ITEMS OF RISK. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED

   • Severity not stated

     FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

     OBSERVED CAULKING BEHIND MENS WASHROOMS SINKS IN DISREPAIR. MUST REACAULK AND MAINTAIN.

   • Severity not stated

     NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

     OBSERVED WALL IN BASEMENT PREP AREA BEHIND PREP TABLE WITH FOOD DEBRIS. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN WALL.

   • Severity not stated

     PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

     OBSERVED NO BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON WATER LINE OF COFFEE MACHINE. MUST INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.

   • Severity not stated

     PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

     OBSERVED ROOFTOP BAR NOT OPEN FOR THE SEASON WITH NO HOT WATER TO 4 COMPARTMENT SINK BEHIND BAR. MUST RESTORE HOT WATER TO SINK PRIOR TO OPENING ROOFTOP BAR TO PUBLIC.

   • Severity not stated

     PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

     OBSERVED WALLS BEHIND WOMENS FAUCETS IN WASHROOMS WITH PEELING CHIPPING PAINT. RESTORE TO A SMOOTH EASILY CLEANABLE CONDITION.

   • Severity not stated

     PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

     OBSERVED OLD EQUIPMENT INCLUDING OVEN AND SMOKER IN REAR EXITWAY LEADING TO GARBAGE AREA. ITEMS MUST BE REMOVED FROM PREMISES.

   • Severity not stated

     PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

     OBSERVED FLOOR DRAIN COVER MISSING ON FLOOR DRAIN BEHIND BAR ON 1 ST FLOOR. REPLACE COVER AND MAINTAIN

   • Severity not stated

     ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

     OBSERVED NO APPROVED ALLERGEN TRAINING IN ACCORDANCE WITH PA 100-0367 ON SITE. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSONS WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITIATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN

10. Mar 7, 2018 Canvass · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
    • Not serious Minor

      FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

      NOTED A SLIGHT DISCOLORATION INSIDE THE UPPER COMPARTMENT OF ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.....NOTED SLIGHT SLIMY SUBSTANCE INSIDE THE SODA GUN HOLDER AT THE BAR. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.

    • Not serious Minor

      WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

      NOTED DUSTY FANS CEILING AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

    • Not serious Minor

      VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

      NOTED A SLOW WATER DRAIN AT THE BAR HAND WASH SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

    • Not serious Minor

      PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED

      NOTED CLUTTER ON WALL BY STAIRWAY LEADING TO BASEMENT FOOD STORAGE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, ORGANIZE AND/OR REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ARTICLES TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST.

11. Apr 12, 2017 Canvass · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
    • Not serious Minor

      FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED

      ALL BULK FOOD CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED.

    • Not serious Minor

      PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED

      UNUSED EQUIPMENT MUST BE REMOVED FROM THE OUTDOOR WALKWAY TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORING.

    • Not serious Minor

      APPROPRIATE METHOD OF HANDLING OF FOOD (ICE) HAIR RESTRAINTS AND CLEAN APPAREL WORN

      ICE SCOOP MUST BE STORED IN A CLEAN CONTAINER, NOT ON TOP OF THE MACHINE.

12. Jun 1, 2016 Canvass · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
    • Not serious Minor

      FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

      CLEAN FLOOR INSIDE THE SUMP PUMP CLOSET AND FLOOR UNDER THE STAIR IN THE BASEMENT AND MAINTAIN.

    • Not serious Minor

      WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

      SEAL ALL GAP AROUND THE PIPES/CONDUITS THRU-OUT THE KITCHEN/PREP AREA AND MAINTAIN.

    • Not serious Minor

      LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED

      BURNED OUT LIGHT BULB ON THE HOOD/CANOPY IN THE COOK LINE. MUST REPLACE LIGHT BULB AND MAINTAIN.

13. Jun 30, 2015 Complaint · Pass w/ Conditions — Risk 1 (High)
    • Serious Critical

      POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE

      OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES: FOUND A LARGE CONTAINER OF RAW CHICKEN AT 56.0F IN THE WALK-IN COOLER, FOUND A CONTAINER OF BLUE CHEESE AT 49.8F, A CONTAINER OF DICED CHICKEN AT 49.7F, AND A CONTAINER OF HARDBOILED EGGS AT 49.1F INSIDE OF THE COLD-HOLDING UNIT FOR SALAD PREP, AND A CONTAINER OF COLESLAW INSIDE OF THE REFRIGERATOR AT 49.9F. MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED 40# OF FOOD WORTH $175. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A

14. Apr 15, 2015 License Re-Inspection · Pass — Risk 1 (High)

    Result: Pass.

15. Apr 9, 2015 License · Fail — Risk 1 (High)
    • Serious Critical

      FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE

      FOUND THE WALK-IN COOLER LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT UNABLE TO MAINTAIN THE PROPER TEMPERATURE OF 40F OR LOWER AT TIME OF INSPECTION. WALK-IN COOLER WAS TURNED OFF AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION BECAUSE THE MANAGER IS REPLACING THE COMPRESSOR. WALK-IN COOLER MUST MAINTAIN A TEMPERATURE OF 40F OR LESS AT ALL TIMES. FACILITY WILL NOT PASS LICENSE UNTIL WALLK-IN COOLER IS FIXED BECAUSE OF THE LACK OF REFRIGERATION ONSITE. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A

    • Not serious Minor

      FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

      FOUND CONSTRUCTION DEBRIS ON THE FLOOR UNDER THE CONVENTIONAL OVEN. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.