Pho Cafe

Year by year

Inspections

1. May 18, 2026 Canvass · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
   • Severity not stated

     INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

     OBSERVED WORN DOOR SWEEPS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE REAR EXIT DOOR AND THE REAR OUTER EXIT DOOR; INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE BOTH DOOR SWEEPS TO AVOID POSSIBLE RODENT ENTRY.

   • Severity not stated

     NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

     INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE BOTTOM AREA OF THE FRYER AND AREA UNDER COOKING BURNERS NEXT TO THE FRYER AND MAINTAIN.

   • Severity not stated

     TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

     FOUND NO SELF CLOSING DEVICES ON THE WASHROOM DOORS; INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL ON BOTH DOORS.

2. May 27, 2025 Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass — Risk 1 (High)

   Result: Pass.

3. May 20, 2025 Canvass · Fail — Risk 1 (High)
   • Serious Priority

     PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

     OBSERVED TCS FOODS HELD AT IMPROPER INTERNAL TEMPERATURES IN THE WALK-IN COOLER SUCH AS 10LBS OF EGG ROLL FILLING (PORK, CARROTS, NOODLES, BLACK FUNGUS) AT 50.0F. MANAGER DISCARDED AND DENATURED A TOTAL 10LBS AT $100. ALL COLD TCS FOOD MUST MAINTAIN 41F OR BELOW. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.

   • Not serious Priority Foundation

     INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

     OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF RODENT ACTIVITY ON THE PREMISES. OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 50 MOUSE DROPPINGS IN THE WALL CORNERS BEHIND AND UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT IN KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS FROM ALL AFFECTED AREAS. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.

   • Severity not stated

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

     OBSERVED CARDBOARD USED AS LINER ON FOOD PREP EQUIPMENT AND TABLES. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.

   • Severity not stated

     PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

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

   • Severity not stated

     ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

     OBSERVED FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.

4. Apr 3, 2024 Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
   • Severity not stated

     ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

     6-301.14: OBSERVED HANDWASHING SINKS ON SITE MISSING HANDWASHING SIGNAGE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

   • Severity not stated

     INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

     6-501.112: OBSERVED DEAD ROACHES ON THE FLOORS AND SURFACES THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. OBSERVED DEAD ROACHES ON THE FLOORS UNDER ALL COOKING, WASHING, AND SHELVING UNITS EQUIPMENT IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA AND THE FRONT SERVER STATION. OBSERVED DEAD ROACHES INSIDE OF THE SINGLE PREP COOLER ACROSS FROM THE HANDWASHING SINK IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA AND INSIDE A CABINET WITH A PLASTIC DOOR IN THE BEVERAGE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL DEAD ROACHES, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AFFECTED AREAS AND MAINTAIN.

   • Severity not stated

     INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

     6-202.15: OBSERVED THE REAR EXIT DOOR LEADING TO THE OUTDOOR DUMPSTER NOT RODENT PROOF AT THE BOTTOM. INSTRUCTED TO RODENT PROOF SAID DOOR AND MAINTAIN.

   • Severity not stated

     CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

     3-305.11: OBSERVED TWO BIG BOWLS OF COOKED NOODLES STORED ON THE DRAINBOARD RIGHT NEXT THE TO LOW TEMEPERATURE DISHWASHING MACHINE DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO RELOCATED TO PREVENT CONTAMINATING FOOD AND MAINTAIN.

   • Severity not stated

     CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

     3-305.12: OBSERVED A TRAY WITH 4-5 WHOLE PINEAPPLES STORED ON THE FLOOR UNDER A SHELVING UNIT IN THE REAR FOOD PREP/DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REFRAIN FROM STORING FOOD ON THE FLOOR AND ATLEAST 6 INCHES FROM THE FLOOR AND MAINTAIN.

   • Severity not stated

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

     OBSERVED A WHITE/YELLOWISH COLOR MATERIAL THAT LOOKS SEEMS TO BE CAULK INSIDE WHAT LOOKS LIKE IT USED TO BE A TWO COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATED NEXT TO THE LOW TEMPERATURE DISHWASHING MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO USE FOOD GRADE MATERIALS IN MENTIONED SINK AND MAINTAIN.

   • Severity not stated

     WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

     4-301.12: OBSERVED ONE OF THE WALLS OF THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK MISSING, MAKING THE SINK LOOK LIKE A TWO COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE MISSING WALL AND MAINTAIN.

   • Severity not stated

     PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

     OBSERVED CLUTTER AND FOOD ITEMS BEING ELEVATED WITH BUCKETS IN THE CORNER NEAR THE FREEZER UNITS ACROSS FROM THE REAR EXIT DOOR, IN THE REAR PREP/DISWHASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CLUTTER, REMOVE BUCKETS AND PROVIDE PROPER ELEVATING UNITS IN MENTIONED AREA.

5. Dec 14, 2020 Canvass · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
   • Severity not stated

     PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

     FOOD HANDLERS NOT WEARING A HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL EMPLOYEES WEARING A HAIR RESTRAINT WHEN IN THE FOOD PREP AREAS.

   • Severity not stated

     WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

     FOUND THE WIPING CLOTHS NOT PROPERLY STORED WHEN NOT IN USE. INSTRUCTED TO KEEP IN SANITIZING SOLUTION (MUST BE AT THE REQUIRED PPM)WHEN NOT IN USE.

   • Severity not stated

     NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

     MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FOLLOWING: INTERIOR BOTTOM OF FRYERS TO REMOVE GREASE, EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, BOTTOMS OF PREP TABLES AND SURFACE AREA UNDER GRILL TO REMOVE GREASE AND FOOD PARTICLES.

   • Severity not stated

     TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

     FOUND THE TRASH RECEPTACLE IN THE WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM WITH NO LID. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A TRASH RECEPTACLE WITH A LID.

   • Severity not stated

     PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

     OBSERVED THE FLOORS UNDER AND AROUND COOKING AND OTHER KITCHEN EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING. ALSO THE WALLS AROUND AND BEHIND VARIOUS KITCHEN EQUIPMENT NEED CLEANING; CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS AND WALLS. ALSO OBSERVED DUST ON THE WALL VENT OUTSIDE OF BOTH WASHROOMS; CLEAN VENT TO REMOVE DUST OBSERVED.

6. Oct 29, 2019 Complaint Re-Inspection · Pass w/ Conditions — Risk 1 (High)
   • Not serious Priority Foundation

     PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

     PROCEDURE ON PREMISES AND SOME SUPPLIES (PAPER TOWELS, CLEANING AGENT, GLOVES). MUST OBTAIN THE PROPER SANITIZER TO KILL NOROVIRUS AND FACE MASKS. ADDITIONAL TIME GRANTED TO OBTAIN SUPPLIES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010.

7. Oct 22, 2019 Complaint · Fail — Risk 1 (High)
   • Not serious Priority Foundation

     PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

     PROCEDURE ON PREMISES AND SOME SUPPLIES (PAPER TOWELS, CLEANING AGENT, GLOVES). MUST OBTAIN THE PROPER SANITIZER TO KILL NOROVIRUS AND FACE MASKS. ADDITIONAL TIME GRANTED TO OBTAIN SUPPLIES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010.

   • Not serious Priority Foundation

     INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

     OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF PEST ACTIVITY ON PREMISES. FOUND 80 OR MORE MOUSE DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR BY THE DISHMACHINE, BY THE ICE MACHINE AND BY THE TWO DOOR FREEZER IN THE REAR OF THE KITCHEN. MUST CLEAN ALL AFFECTED AREAS AND HAVE PEST CONTROL COMPANY SERVICE PRIOR TO REINSPECTION NEXT WEEK. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A) ISSUED.

   • Severity not stated

     PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

     SOME FOOD HANDLERS OBSERVED NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS; MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES WHILE HANDLING FOODS.

   • Severity not stated

     NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

     MUST CLEAN THE INTERIOR PANEL OF THE ICE MACHINE AND MAINTAIN IN THE KITCHEN AREA.

   • Severity not stated

     PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

     MUST CLEAN THE FLOORS AROUND UNDER AND BEHIND KITCHEN EQUIPMENT. MUST CLEAN THE WALLS AROUND AND BEHIND VARIOUS KITCHEN EQUIPMENT WHERE NEEDED. CLEAN THE LIGHT SHIELD IN THE KITCHEN ABOVE THE PREP TABLE TO REMOVE DUST OBSERVED ON THE SHIELD.

   • Severity not stated

     PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

     MUST SEAL ALL HOLES ALONG THE WALLBASE AROUND AND BEHIND EQUIPMENT WHERE NEEDED IN THE KITCHEN AREA.

8. Apr 8, 2019 Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass w/ Conditions — Risk 1 (High)
   • Not serious Priority Foundation

     PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

     NO CLEAN-UP PROCEDURE ON PREMISES FOR VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A CLEAN-UP PROCEDURE AND SUPPLIES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 ISSUED.

   • Severity not stated

     NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

     MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FOLLOWING: INTERIOR BOTTOM OF FRYERS TO REMOVE GREASE, EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, BOTTOMS OF PREP TABLES AND SURFACE AREA UNDER GRILL TO REMOVE GREASE AND FOOD PARTICLES.

   • Severity not stated

     PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

     OBSERVED THE FLOORS UNDER AND AROUND COOKING AND OTHER KITCHEN EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING. ALSO THE WALLS AROUND AND BEHIND VARIOUS KITCHEN EQUIPMENT NEED CLEANING; CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS AND WALLS. ALSO OBSERVED DUST ON THE WALL VENT OUTSIDE OF BOTH WASHROOMS; CLEAN VENT TO REMOVE DUST OBSERVED.

   • Not serious Priority Foundation

     PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

     PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM OCTOBER 22, 2018. THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER DID NOT HAVE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING. MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 ISSUED. INSTRUCTED THE PIC THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING.

9. Mar 29, 2019 Canvass · Fail — Risk 1 (High)
   • Not serious Priority Foundation

     MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

     NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES AS REQUIRED; MUST PROVIDE. INSTRUCTED THE PIC TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION OF EMPLOYEES RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT ANY ILLNESS TRANSMISSIBLE THROUGH FOOD. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 ISSUED.

   • Not serious Priority Foundation

     PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

     NO CLEAN-UP PROCEDURE ON PREMISES FOR VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A CLEAN-UP PROCEDURE AND SUPPLIES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 ISSUED.

   • Not serious Priority Foundation

     INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

     OBSERVED RODENT DROPPINGS ON PREMISES. FOUND 100 OR MORE MOUSE DROPPINGS ON PREMISES ON THE FLOOR BY THE PREP TABLE, UNDER THE THREE COMP SINK AND DISHMACHINE, ON A REAR PREP TABLE (BOTTOM) UNDER THE UTILITY SINK AND BY THE ICE MACHINE. OBSERVED A DEAD RODENT IN THE FRONT BEVERAGE AREA BETWEEN THE COUNTERS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALL AFFECTED AREAS AND HAVE PEST CONTROL COMPANY SERVICE PRIOR TO REINSPECTION NEXT WEEK. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A) ISSUED.

   • Not serious Priority Foundation

     WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

     NO CHEMICAL SANITIZER READING. FOUND NO CHEMICAL SANITIZER READING AT THE LOW TEMPERATURE DISHMACHINE AS REQUIRED. INSTRUCTED THE PIC THAT THE SANITIZER READING FOR THE LOW TEMP DISHMACHINE WITH A CHLORINE SANITIZER MUST READ AT 100 PPM AND IS CURRENTLY READING AT 0 PPM. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 ISSUED. MACHINE TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION AT THIS TIME MUST NOT USE UNTIL REINSPECTED BY CDPH. INSTRUCTED TO MANUALLY WASH RINSE AND SANITIZE AT THREE COMP SINK.

   • Severity not stated

     NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

     MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FOLLOWING: INTERIOR BOTTOM OF FRYERS TO REMOVE GREASE, EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, BOTTOMS OF PREP TABLES AND SURFACE AREA UNDER GRILL TO REMOVE GREASE AND FOOD PARTICLES.

   • Severity not stated

     PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

     FOUND A LEAK AT THE PIPE UNDER THE THREE COMP SINK AND THE ONE COMP SINK; MUST REPAIR BOTH LEAKS.

   • Severity not stated

     PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

     OBSERVED THE FLOORS UNDER AND AROUND COOKING AND OTHER KITCHEN EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING. ALSO THE WALLS AROUND AND BEHIND VARIOUS KITCHEN EQUIPMENT NEED CLEANING; CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS AND WALLS. ALSO OBSERVED DUST ON THE WALL VENT OUTSIDE OF BOTH WASHROOMS; CLEAN VENT TO REMOVE DUST OBSERVED.

   • Severity not stated

     PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

     OBSERVED THE WALL COVING AT THE BASE OF THE WALL UNDERNEATH THE DISHMACHINE IN POOR REPAIR; MUST REATTACH WALL COVING WHERE NEEDED.

   • Severity not stated

     ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

     BUMPED UP TO VIOLATION 60.

   • Not serious Priority Foundation

     PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

     PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM OCTOBER 22, 2018. THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER DID NOT HAVE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING. MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 ISSUED. INSTRUCTED THE PIC THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING.

10. Oct 22, 2018 Complaint · Pass w/ Conditions — Risk 1 (High)
    • Not serious Priority Foundation

      MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

      TO HAVE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. NO 2-201.11 NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY PROVIDED ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED CITATION ISSUED.

    • Not serious Priority Foundation

      PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

      2-501.11 NO CLEAN-UP PROCEDURE ON PREMISES FOR VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A CLEAN-UP PROCEDURE AND SUPPLIES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.

    • Severity not stated

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

      CUTTING BOARDS IN NEED OF REPLACING WHERE WORN AND DISCOLORED WITH DEEP CUTS. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN

    • Severity not stated

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

      4-601.11B ALL FOOD CONTACT SURFACES IN PREP AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS AND BUILD UP. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN

    • Severity not stated

      PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

      FLOORS UNDER AND AROUND ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS AND GREASE BUILD UP. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

    • Severity not stated

      PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

      WALLS THROUGHOUT IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPLATTERS. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN

    • Severity not stated

      ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

      PA 100-0367 THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER DID NOT HAVE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING. MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING

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

      FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

      CUTTING BOARDS IN NEED OF REPLACING. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.

    • Not serious Minor

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

      LIGHT SHIELDS IN NEED OF CLEANING OR REPLACING. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.