Stax Cafe
522 N MILWAUKEE AVE, Chicago, IL 60642 · Cook County
Establishment
- Type
- Restaurant (retail food serving meals) (Restaurant)
- Inspected by
- Chicago Department of Public Health
- License / ID
- 2595673
- Status
- Risk 1 (High)
- Official record
- Chicago Department of Public Health inspection reports
Year by year
| Year | Inspections | Violations | Serious |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 6 | 0 |
| 2025 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| 2024 | 2 | 3 | 0 |
| 2023 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 2022 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 2021 | 3 | 12 | 0 |
| 2020 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | 2 | 13 | 0 |
| 2018 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
Inspections
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Jun 1, 2026 Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions — Risk 1 (High)
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Not serious
Priority Foundation
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED HANDWASHING SINK IN KITCHEN/PREP AREA NOT ACCESSIBLE DUE TO UTENSIL (BOWL/SCOOP) WAS IN THE HANDWASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED THAT SINK MUST BE ACCESSIBLE FOR HANDWASHING ONLY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
-
Severity not stated
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
OBSERVED FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE COMMON NAME OF FOODS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
-
Severity not stated
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED IN WALK-IN FREEZER AND PREP COOLER UNCOVERED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOOD GRADE LIDS/COVERS.
-
Severity not stated
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
OBSERVED WET WIPING CLOTHS ON SEVERAL PREP AREA SURFACES. INSTRUCTED TO STORE PROPERLY IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USAGE.
-
Severity not stated
UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
OBSERVED PLATES NOT INVERTED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT PLATES AFTER SANITIZING AND AIR DRYING.
-
Severity not stated
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE IN THE WOMEN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE.
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Not serious
Priority Foundation
-
Jul 15, 2025 Canvass · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
-
Severity not stated
PROPER EATING, TASTING, DRINKING, OR TOBACCO USE
Employees open drinks placed on prep table, Instructed to keep away or with a lid.
-
Severity not stated
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
Employees food stored with customers food, Instructed to designate a section for employees personal food.
-
Severity not stated
-
Jul 12, 2024 Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
Result: Pass.
-
Jul 5, 2024 Canvass · Fail — Risk 1 (High)
-
Not serious
Priority Foundation
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
OBSERVED APPROX. 20 LIVE SMALL FLYING INSECTS ON THE WALLS, CEILING, AND BOXES OF STOCK IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA, DISH WASHING AREA, AND COFFEE BAR. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
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Severity not stated
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
OBSERVED SEVERAL WET WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON TOP OF THE PREP TABLES AND COOLERS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO STORE THEM IN A CONTAINER OF SANITIZER WHEN NOT IN USE.
-
Severity not stated
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE DEEP FRYERS AND DRY STORAGE SHELVES IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA.
-
Not serious
Priority Foundation
-
Apr 21, 2023 Canvass · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
-
Severity not stated
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED TORN GASKET ON PREP COOLER OPPOSITE FRYERS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
-
Severity not stated
-
Jan 21, 2022 Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions — Risk 1 (High)
-
Serious
Priority
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
OBSERVED FOUR TRAYS OF EGGS IN PREP AREA AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF 71.7F. INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD APPROXIMATELY 2LBS OF EGGS AT A COST OF $10. ALL TCS FOODS MUST BE HELD AT 41F OR BELOW. PRIORITY. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
-
Serious
Priority
-
May 10, 2021 Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
-
Severity not stated
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
FOUND NO COMMON FOOD NAMES ON CONTAINERS TAKEN OUT OF ORIGINAL CONTAINER. MUST PROVIDE.
-
Severity not stated
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
FOUND MANAGER WITHOUT PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS.
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Severity not stated
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Apr 29, 2021 Canvass Re-Inspection · Fail — Risk 1 (High)
-
Severity not stated
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
FOUND NO COMMON FOOD NAMES ON CONTAINERS TAKEN OUT OF ORIGINAL CONTAINER. MUST PROVIDE.
-
Not serious
Priority Foundation
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
FOUND 7 SMALL FLIES IN REAR FOOD PREPARATION AREA, ALSO NOTED 3 SMALL FLIES IN DISHWASHING AREA. RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL. MUST MINIMIZE SMALL FLY ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION .
-
Severity not stated
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
FOUND MANAGER WITHOUT PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS.
-
Severity not stated
-
Apr 27, 2021 Canvass · Fail — Risk 1 (High)
-
Severity not stated
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
FOUND HANDWASHING SINK WATER TEMPERATURE RANGING FROM 68 F - 72 F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE A MINNIMUM HOT WATER TEMPERATURE OF 100F AT ALL TIMES. 7-38.030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
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Not serious
Priority Foundation
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
FOUND BOOK BAG STORED IN HANDWASHING SINK LOCATED IN REAR FOOD PREPERATION AREA. INSTURCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE BAG. HANDWASHING SINKS MUST BE USED FOR HANDWASHING PURPOSES ONLY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38.030(C). CITATION CONSOLIDATED.
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Not serious
Priority Foundation
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING CLEANSER AT HANDWASHING SINK AT FRONT BAR. ALL HANDWASHING SINKS MUST BE EQUIPPED WITH HAND CLEANING LIQUID AT ALL TIMES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-030-(C). CITATION ISSUED.
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Not serious
Priority Foundation
Corrected on site
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED NO HAND DRYING PROVISION AT HANDWASHING SINK IN FRONT FOOD PREPARATION AREA/ HOT LINE. ALL HANDWASHING SINKS MUST BE EQUIPPED WITH A HAND DRYING PROVISION AT ALL TIMES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.CORRECTED ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-030(C). CITATION CONSALIDATED WITH ABOVE VIOLATION.
-
Severity not stated
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
FOUND NO COMMON FOOD NAMES ON CONTAINERS TAKEN OUT OF ORIGINAL CONTAINER. MUST PROVIDE.
-
Not serious
Priority Foundation
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
FOUND 7 SMALL FLIES IN REAR FOOD PREPARATION AREA, ALSO NOTED 3 SMALL FLIES IN DISHWASHING AREA. RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL. MUST MINIMIZE SMALL FLY ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
-
Severity not stated
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
FOUND MANAGER WITHOUT PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS.
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Severity not stated
-
Apr 23, 2020 Canvass · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
Result: Pass.
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Jun 7, 2019 Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass w/ Conditions — Risk 1 (High)
-
Not serious
Priority Foundation
PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
MUST PROVIDE DATE MARKINGS TO TCS/RTE FOODS, PREPARED ONSITE AND HELD IN COOLERS OVER 24 HRS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CONSUME BY DATES AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
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Not serious
Priority Foundation
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
MUST PROVIDE A DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER STATEMENT ON MENUS REGARDING RAW EGGS. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED. (REFER TO HANDOUT)
-
Severity not stated
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WITH COMMON FOOD NAMES; FLOUR, SUGAR, ETC., WHEN FOOD HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM ORIGINAL PACKAGING. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
-
Severity not stated
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
MUST INSTALL SPLASH GUARDS BETWEEN HAND SINK AND TABLE TOP GRILL IN PREP AREA, ALSO, BETWEEN THE HAND SINK AND ICE BIN AT FRONT PREP COFFEE STATION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
-
Severity not stated
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
MUST DETAIL CLEAN GREASE AND DUST ACCUMULATION FROM HOOD FILTERS IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
-
Severity not stated
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
ALLERGEN CERTIFICATES ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION LICENSE. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETE THE ONLINE TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ONSITE
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Not serious
Priority Foundation
-
May 20, 2019 Canvass · Fail — Risk 1 (High)
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Not serious
Priority Foundation
PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
MUST PROVIDE DATE MARKINGS TO TCS/RTE FOODS, PREPARED ONSITE AND HELD IN COOLERS OVER 24 HRS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CONSUME BY DATES AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
-
Not serious
Priority Foundation
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
MUST PROVIDE A DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER STATEMENT ON MENUS REGARDING RAW EGGS. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED. (REFER TO HANDOUT)
-
Severity not stated
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WITH COMMON FOOD NAMES; FLOUR, SUGAR, ETC., WHEN FOOD HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM ORIGINAL PACKAGING. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
-
Not serious
Priority Foundation
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
OBSERVED 25 LIVE SMALL FLIES ON WALLS AND COOKING EQUIPMENT & UTENSILS IN THE DISH AND DRY STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE FLIES, CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE AFFECTED AREAS, AND CONTACT PEST CONTROL PROVIDER FOR SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED.
-
Severity not stated
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
MUST INSTALL SPLASH GUARDS BETWEEN HAND SINK AND TABLE TOP GRILL IN PREP AREA, ALSO, BETWEEN THE HAND SINK AND ICE BIN AT FRONT PREP COFFEE STATION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
-
Severity not stated
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
MUST DETAIL CLEAN GREASE AND DUST ACCUMULATION FROM HOOD FILTERS IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
-
Severity not stated
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
ALLERGEN CERTIFICATES ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION LICENSE. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETE THE ONLINE TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ONSITE.
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Not serious
Priority Foundation
-
Jun 21, 2018 License Re-Inspection · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
Result: Pass.
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Jun 14, 2018 License · Fail — Risk 1 (High)
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Not serious
Serious (Chicago's middle tier)
FOOD PROTECTED DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY, SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION
OBSERVED FRONT FOOD PREP/BAR AREA OPEN AN ACCESSIBLE TO THE PUBLIC. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN A PROPER BARRIERS TO PROTECT THE FOOD PREP AREA ON BOTH SIDES FROM THE CUSTOMER.
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Not serious
Serious (Chicago's middle tier)
Source: Chicago Department of Public Health. History last read Oct 1, 2026. Violation text is the inspector's wording. “Serious” is the source's own top tier. About this data.