RecordWell Data

Cafe Utjeha

5350 N LINCOLN AVE, Chicago, IL 60625 · Cook County

54cited violations
0serious tier
12inspections
18tier not stated

Establishment

Type
Restaurant (retail food serving meals) (Restaurant)
Inspected by
Chicago Department of Public Health
License / ID
1592606
Status
Risk 2 (Medium)
Official record
Chicago Department of Public Health inspection reports

Other public records for this business

Year by year

YearInspectionsViolationsSerious
20251110
2021100
2020160
2019150
2018150
2017240
2015110
2014130
2013170
2012170
2011150

Inspections

  1. Nov 26, 2025 Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions — Risk 2 (Medium)
    • Not serious Priority Foundation

      PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES

      THE PERSON IN CHARGE DOES NOT HAVE A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.

    • Not serious Priority Foundation

      CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

      NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED ON THE PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.

    • Severity not stated

      PROPER EATING, TASTING, DRINKING, OR TOBACCO USE

      NOTED EMPLOYEE EATING AND DRINKING IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. MUST NOT EAT IN THE FOOD PREP AREA AND ALL BEVERAGES MUST BE IN A COVERED CONTAINER.

    • Severity not stated

      FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

      SOME AREAS IN THE THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE IN NEED OF CLEANING.

    • Severity not stated

      CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

      MUST NOT STORE ANY UTENSILS, WATER PITCHERS, EQUIPMENT NEXT TO OR SURROUNDING THE PREP HAND WASHING SINK.

    • Severity not stated

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

      MUST PROVIDE A LID FOR THE ICE BIN IN THE FOOD PREP AREA.

    • Severity not stated

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

      TOP WOODEN PORTION OF THE WOOD COUNTER/PREP SURFACE IN PREP AREA IN POOR REPAIR WITH CHIPPING DAMAGED WOOD. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE TO BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.

    • Severity not stated

      NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

      NOTED PEELING PLASTIC ON THE TOP PORTION OF THE ICE MACHINE. MUST REMOVE TO BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.

    • Severity not stated

      PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

      NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE LOCATED ON THE UTILITY SERVICE SINK WITH A HOSE ATTACHED. MUST PROVIDE A VISIBLE BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED.

    • Severity not stated

      ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

      NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES FOR ALL EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE.

    • Severity not stated

      COMPLIANCE WITH CLEAN INDOOR AIR ORDINANCE

      NOTED FIVE, DIRTY WITH ASH, ASHTRAYS IN THE REAR ENCLOSED DINING ROOM OF THE ESTABLISHMENT. INSTRUCTED OWNER THERE IS NO SMOKING ALLOWED INSIDE RETAIL FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS. CITATION ISSUED 7-32-020 (C)

  2. May 11, 2021 Canvass · Pass — Risk 2 (Medium)

    Result: Pass.

  3. Jun 11, 2020 Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions — Risk 2 (Medium)
    • Not serious Priority Foundation

      CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

      NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE DURING THE INSPECTION WHILE THE TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS (MILK) HAS BEEN PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012.CITATION ISSUED

    • Not serious Priority Foundation

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

      MANAGER PROVIDED NO PROOF OF EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY THAT INCLUDES A SIGNED ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FROM EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7.38.010. NO CITATION ISSUED.

    • Not serious Priority Foundation

      THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

      OBSERVED NO PROBE THERMOMETER FOR TAKING FOOD TEMPERATURES.MUST PROVIDE.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED) 7-38-005

    • Severity not stated

      UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED

      MUST REMOVE SINGLE SERVICE FOOD UTENSILS AND CUPS STORED IN KITCHEN CABINETS UNDER HAND WASHING SINK

    • Severity not stated

      PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

      BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES NOT LOCATED CAPPUCCINO/ESPRESSO MACHINE. MUST INSTALL BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES OR AIR GAP BETWEEN THE WATER SUPPLY INLET AND THE UNIT SO IT MAY BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED

    • Severity not stated

      PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

      OBSERVED CARPET IN LADY'S BATHROOM.MUST REMOVE TO MAINTAIN EASY CLEANABLE SURFACES

  4. Jun 17, 2019 Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions — Risk 2 (Medium)
    • Not serious Priority Foundation

      PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

      OBSERVED NO CLEAN-UP OF VOMITING AND DIARRHEA PROCEDURE ON SITE DURING INSPECTION BUT NO COMPLETE CLEAN-UP KIT ON PREMISES DURING INSPECTION.MISSING MOP HEAD AND MASK. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE SAID PROCEDURE ALONG WITH REQUIRED EQUIPMENT FOR CLEAN-UP. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-005

    • Severity not stated

      PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

      BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES NOT LOCATED AT ICE MACHINE AND CAPPUCCINO/ESPRESSO MACHINE. MUST INSTALL BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES OR AIR GAP BETWEEN THE WATER SUPPLY INLET AND THE UNIT SO IT MAY BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED

    • Severity not stated

      PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

      MUST INSTALL PROPER DRAIN TO SEWAGE ON DRAIN ORIGINATED FROM COFFEE MACHINE

    • Severity not stated

      TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

      MUST PROVIDE TOILET ROOM RECEPTACLE WITH COVER FOR SANITARY NAPKINS IN LADY'S BATHROOM

    • Severity not stated

      PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

      MUST REPAIR WALLS BY REACH IN COOLER IN UTILITY ROOM

  5. Aug 21, 2018 Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions — Risk 2 (Medium)
    • Not serious Priority Foundation

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

      2-102.14(A)-NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POILICY. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-012(A) NO CITATION ISSUED.

    • Not serious Priority Foundation

      PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

      2-501.11- NO PROCEDURE FOR CLEANING AFTER AN EMPLOYEE OR A PATRON EXPERIENCES VOMITING AND/OR DIARRHEA. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.

    • Not serious Priority Foundation

      PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION

      3-501.17(C)A REFRIGERATED READY TO EAT TIME TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD MUST BE PROPERLY LABELED AND DATED AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.

    • Severity not stated

      WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

      3-304.14(D)-WIPING CLOTH FOR WIPING THE PREP TABLES, SERVING COUNTER,DINING TABLES MUST BE STORED ON A BUCKET WITH SANITIZING SOLUTION.

    • Severity not stated

      IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED

      3-304.12(E)- ICE SCOOP MUST BE STORED ON A SEPARATE CONTAINER HANDLED UP TO PREVENT POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.

  6. Jun 20, 2017 Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass — Risk 2 (Medium)
    • Not serious Minor

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

      NO GREASE TRAP BOX AT THE DISHWASHING 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN. NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE AT THE COFFEE EXPRESSO MACHINE AT PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A VISIBLE BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE AND MAINTAIN.

  7. Jun 13, 2017 Canvass · Fail — Risk 2 (Medium)
    • Not serious Serious (Chicago's middle tier)

      OUTSIDE GARBAGE WASTE GREASE AND STORAGE AREA; CLEAN, RODENT PROOF, ALL CONTAINERS COVERED

      OUTSIDE GARBAGE DUMPSTER NOT MAINTAINED HAS A BROKEN LID WITH APPROXIMATELY A 3"INCH HOLE AT CORNER OF LID OF SAID GARBAGE DUMPSTER.INSTRUCTED TO NOTIFY DISPOSAL COMPANY TO REPAIR/REPLACE LID OF SAID GARBAGE DUMPSTER AND MAINTAIN CONTAINER COVERED,RODENT PROOFED AT ALL TIMES.SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.

    • Not serious Minor

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

      NO GREASE TRAP BOX AT THE DISHWASHING 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN. NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE AT THE COFFEE EXPRESSO MACHINE AT PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A VISIBLE BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE AND MAINTAIN.

    • Not serious Minor

      REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

      NO THERMOMETER INSIDE THE REFRIGERATOR AT PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN A VISIBLE THERMOMETER.

  8. May 21, 2015 Canvass · Pass — Risk 2 (Medium)
    • Not serious Minor

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

      NO THREE SINK STOPPERS FOR THREE COMPARTMENT SINK, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE,

  9. Sep 9, 2014 Canvass · Pass — Risk 2 (Medium)
    • Not serious Minor

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

      FRONT STORAGE CABINETS AND UNDER COUNTER TOP EUQUIPMENT NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN NAD SANITIZE ALL FOOD CONTACT SURFACES.

    • Not serious Minor

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

      FLOOR ALONG WALL BASE AND BEHIND EQUIPMENT NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN DAILY.

    • Not serious Minor

      FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED

      ICE SCOOP NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO STORE IN SANITIZE HOLDER OR CONTAINER.

  10. Aug 26, 2013 Canvass · Pass — Risk 2 (Medium)
    • Not serious Minor

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

      FOOD DEBRIS AND DUST ON INTERIOR/EXTERIOR OF EQUIPMENT; INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN/SANITIZE; COOLERS, FREEZER, CABINETS, MOP SINK AND ICE MACHINE.

    • Not serious Minor

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

      DEBRIS/FOOD DEBRIS BUILD-UP ON FLOORS; INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS AT PREP AREA AND MOP/STORAGE CLOSET, UNDER, BEHIND EQUIPMENT AT CORNERS AND ALONG WALLS.

    • Not serious Minor

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

      OBSERVED LARGE OPENINGS ALONG NORTH WALLS BEHIND PREP AREA; INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR WALL/SEAL OPENINGS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.

    • Not serious Minor

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

      NO BACK FLOW PREVENTER ON MOP SINK, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE BACK FLOW PREVENTER OR CUT THREADS ON FAUCET.

    • Not serious Minor

      REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

      NO THERMOMETER FOR ONE DOOR PREP REACH IN COOLER, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A THERMOMETER.

    • Not serious Minor

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

      OBSERVED CLUTTER INSIDE MOP/STORAGE CLOSET; INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CLUTTER, CLEAN AND ORGANIZE TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE. ARTICLES MUST BE STORED OFF FLOOR, AWAY FROM WALLS.

    • Not serious Minor

      FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED

      ICE SCOOP IMPROPERLY STORED; INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORED IN AN APPROVED SANITIZER.

  11. Nov 20, 2012 Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions — Risk 2 (Medium)
    • Not serious Serious (Chicago's middle tier)

      CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED

      NO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE WHILE SERVING SMOOTHIES, TERAMISU, CHEESE CAKE,MILK,ICE CREAM,ETC. ONE CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFICATE POSTED ON THE WALL,BUT THE SAID PERSON IS NOT ON SITE. CITATION ISSUED SERIOUS 7-38-012.

    • Not serious Minor

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

      MUST DEFROST THE REACH IN COOLER AND REACH IN FREEZER WITH HEAVY ICE ACCUMULATED AND MAINTAIN.

    • Not serious Minor

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

      MUST CLEAN IN DETAIL THE FLOOR AROUND AND BEHIND THE WATER HEATER AND MAINTAIN.

    • Not serious Minor

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

      MUST SEAL ALL THE GAPS/CREVICES AROUND THE CONDUIT AND PIPES INSIDE THE STORAGE ROOM.

    • Not serious Minor

      REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

      MUST REPLACE BROKEN THERMOMETER INSIDE THE REACH IN COOLER BESIDE THE FRONT COUNTER. MUST PROVIDE VISIBLE THERMOMETER IN REACH IN COOLER BEHIND FRONT COUNTER, AND REACH IN FREEZER IN THE STORAGE ROOM.

    • Not serious Minor

      FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED

      ALL WASH CLOTHS USED FOR WIPING THE FRONT COUNTER, COOLERS, DINING TABLES, MUST BE STORED IN A BUCKET WITH SANITIZING SOLUTION.

    • Not serious Minor

      NO SMOKING REGULATIONS

      FOUND DISPOSABLE GLASS BEING USE AS AN ASTRAYS WITH CIGARETTE BUTTS INSIDE, IN ALL DINING TABLES IN THE PATIO. INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT ALL ASTRAYS SHALL BE REMOVED FROM ANY AREA WHERE SMOKING IS PROHIBITED. CITATION ISSUED 7-32-020(C). CLEAN INDOOR AIR ORDINANCE.

  12. Feb 16, 2011 Canvass · Pass — Risk 2 (Medium)
    • Not serious Minor

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

      All utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each usage. MUST CLEAN CABINETS THRU-OUT PREP AREA.

    • Not serious Minor

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

      The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. MUST CLEAN FLOORS THRU-OUT PREMISES, AT CORNERS AND ALONG WALLS.

    • Not serious Minor

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

      The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. MUST REPAIR EAST WALL INSIDE MENS WASHROOM.

    • Not serious Minor

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

      MUST CLEAN AND ORGANIZE MOP CLOSET TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.

    • Not serious Minor

      FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED

      Between uses and during storage ice dispensing utensils and ice receptacles shall be stored in a way that protects them from contamination.

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.