Casa Cafe

Food wasn’t labeled or wasn’t in its original container.

Inspector’s note: 3-302.12 all bulk food storage containers in need of labeling for proper identification. Instructed to add identifiers and maintain

Food wasn’t protected from contamination during prep, storage, or display.

Inspector’s note: 3-303.12 observed build up in the interior of the ice machine and on the bases of the blenders. Instructed to detail, clean, and maintain

Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.

Inspector’s note: 3-304.14 all wiping cloths when not in use must be stored in a clean sanitizing solution. Instructed to detail, clean, and maintain

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: 4-601.11(c) the following are in need of cleaning to remove all grease and food buildup: all cooking equipment, all prep tables, all storage shelves, and all areas where items are being stored. Instructed to detail, clean, and maintain

Sewage or wastewater wasn’t disposed of properly.

Inspector’s note: 5-403.12 floor in basement has wastewater pooling around the mop sink. Instructed to remove all standing water and maintain clear and dry

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: 6-201.11 floors and walls in front prep area and in 3 comp sink area in need of detail cleaning to remove all food splatter, food build up, and all standing water. Instructed to detail, clean, and maintain

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: 6-304.11 mechanical ventilation in need of detail cleaning to remove all grease, and dust build up. Instructed to detail, clean, and maintain

Food wasn’t labeled or wasn’t in its original container.

Inspector’s note: All bulf food storage containers in need of labeling for proper identification. Instructed to add identifiers and maintain

Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.

Inspector’s note: Observed 20-30 flies in basement mop area, 3 compartment sink area and rear dining area. Last pest receipt is from 12-28-25 instructed to have service to eliminate fly activity. Priority foundation violation 7-38-020(a) citation issued

Food wasn’t protected from contamination during prep, storage, or display.

Inspector’s note: Observed build up at interior of ice machine and on bases of blenders. Instructed to detail clean and maintain

Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.

Inspector’s note: All wiping cloths when not in use must be stored in a clean sanitizing solution. Instructed to detail clean and maintain

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: The following in need of cleaning to remove all grease and food build up: all cooking equipment, all prep tables, all storage shelves, and all areas where items are being stored. Instructed to detail clean and maintain

Sewage or wastewater wasn’t disposed of properly.

Inspector’s note: Floor in basement has wastewater pooling around mop sink. Instructed to remove all standing water and maintain clear and dry

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Floors and walls in front prep area and in 3 comp sink area in need of detail cleaning to remove all food splatter, food build up and all standing water. Instructed to detail clean and maintain

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Mechanical ventilation in need of detail cleaning to remove all grease, and dust build up. Instructed to detail clean and maintain

In-use utensils weren’t stored properly.

Inspector’s note: Ice scoop stored on top of the ice machine. Instructed to remove, wash, rinse, sanitize and store ice scoop in a clean bin/container or in the ice handle up. Maintain same.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: The interior of the fryer with charred debris, grease and dirt. Instructed to clean and maintain fryer.

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: Leak at the middle faucet on the 3-compartment sink. Instructed to fix and maintain good plumbing.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Water stained ceiling tile above prep table across from the 3-compartment sink. Instructed to replace and maintain.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Floors under the cooking/cooling equipment, sinks, and in the walk in cooler/freezer with food, dirt and debris. Instructed to clean and maintain floors.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed dirt and food debris and splatter on shelving and on the sides of the equipment in the front food service area. Instructed to clean and maintain all as a means of preventing possible pest and or insect activity.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed the floor in the basement with a build up of dirt and food debris under the shelving along the wall. Also observed dirt and food debris build up on the floor along the side of the pizza oven as well as under the shelving units along the walls. Instructed to clean and maintain all areas.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Observed a heavy build up of grease on the hood ventilation sysyem and the filters over the hot line cooking service area. Instructed to clean and maintain as a means of preventing possible contamination of foods being cooked in the area.

Food wasn’t protected from contamination during prep, storage, or display.

Inspector’s note: Observed food items stored on floor in walk-in cooler and walk-in freezer. Instructed manager to elevate all food items six inches off floor.

In-use utensils weren’t stored properly.

Inspector’s note: Observed small plate used for dispensing cooked rice in prep area. Instructed manager to provide long handle dispensing utensils to prevent contamination.

Single-use items weren’t stored or used properly.

Inspector’s note: Observed single service articles and utensils not inverted in prep area. Instructed manager to invert all take out containers, spoons, and forks to prevent contamination.

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: Observed milk crates used as shelving units in walk-in cooler, walk-in freezer, basement prep and storage areas. Instructed manager to provide adequate shelving for storage.

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: Observed walk-in freezer door not closing properly and only one stopper for 3-comparment sink. Instructed manager to repair walk-in freezer door and provide adequate stoppers.

Toilet rooms weren’t built, stocked, or cleaned properly.

Inspector’s note: Observed no covered waste receptacle in front women washroom. Instructed manager to provide.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed food debris and spills on floor under all equipment, along walls and in all corners in prep area. Instructed manager to clean and maintain.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed mop heads not properly stored in dish washing and basement areas. Instructed manager to properly hang mops to prevent insect breeding

Single-use items weren’t stored or used properly.

Inspector’s note: 4-502.13 observed facility re-using single service containers for food storage. Instructed to only use food grade containers or food grade plastic bags for all food storage.

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: 5-205.15 observed a minor leak at the faucet of the 3 compartment sink. Instructed to repair.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: 6-501.114 observed minor clutter in the basement. Instructed to organize and remove any unnecessary items.

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: Observed grocery bags being used to store food. Informed that bags must be food grade bags and instructed to obtain to use in place of grocery bags. Also observed foil covering shelves in front service area by coffee station. Insructed to remove, clean and maintain.

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: Observed freezer door with damaged door. (sharp edges) instructed to repair and maintain in good working order.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed the sides of the cooking equipment and refrigeration units with a build up of dust, dirt and food debris. Instructed to clean and maintain.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed the inside opening to the three door prep cooler with a build up of food debris and stains as well as the inside bottom area of the cooler. Instructed to clean, sanitize and maintain.

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: Observed hand washing sink near the dish washing area with a leak at the drain pipe and coming loose from wall. Instructed to repair leak and seal sink to wall and maintain.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed the walls and floors in the food service area, dish washing area and basement with a build up of dirt and food debris and grease. Instructed to clean and maintain as a means of preventing pest and insect harboring.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed unused items (desk)milk crates being used to store items on top of (must provide proper shelving) and clutter in basement toilet room. Instructed to remove desk and other clutter..

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: 5-204.12 unable to locate the back flow prevention device on the ice machine located in the basement. Instructed to locate.

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: Observed the front freezer with excessive ice, instructed to defrost and clean.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed the ceiling in the dish area several water damaged ceiling tiles, instructed to replace, also clean ceiling light shield over dish sink.

Food wasn’t labeled or wasn’t in its original container.

Inspector’s note: Must label food storage containers and food grade bags in front and basement prep areas with common food names. Instructed to maintain.

Food wasn’t protected from contamination during prep, storage, or display.

Inspector’s note: Observed food not covered and food stored on floors in walk in coolers and freezer in basement,and also in the 1-door upright cooler behind the front service counter. Instructed to maintain.

Staff personal cleanliness was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Must wear hair restraints all times while preparing food in prep areas. Instructed to maintain.

Clean utensils, equipment, or linens weren’t stored and handled properly.

Inspector’s note: Observed multi use utensil being stored improperly on the lower shelve of the prep table behind the front counter. Instructed to invert to prevent contamination, and maintain.

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: Must repair broken interior panel and lock on walk in freezer door in basement. Repair the cracked glass sliding lid on the ice cream cooler in the front prep area. Remove rust storage shelves in walk-in freezer, surface must be smooth and easily cleanable. Instructed to maintain.

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: Must discontinue using grocery bags to store food in all prep and walk in coolers, and in walk in freezer. Instructed to use food grade bags instead and maintain

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: Must repair leaky faucet on 3-comp sink in prep area. Instructed to maintain.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Must detail clean water and debris from floors throughout basement prep, and managers office in basement. Instructed to maintain.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Must remove clutter from above large oven in front prep area, in manager office in basement, also, behind small ice cream freezer in basement, dish washing area, and under stairs near rear exit door in basement. Instructed to organize or remove and maintain.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Must replace burned out light in kitchen hood, and reach in cooler in front prep. Instructed to maintain.

* inspection report summary displayed and visible to all customers

Inspector’s note: No inspection report summary was displayed and visible to customers. Management was given a copy of today's inspection report summary and was instructed to post it in view of all customers. Serious violation 7-42-010b.

Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Observed cooked rice, frozen beef and other foods stored in plastic grocery bags in the cooler and walk-in freezer. Management instructed to use only food grade storage bags or containers. Repair the cracked plastic lid for the display freezer at the front counter.

Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

Inspector’s note: Repair the holes in the ceiling drywall in the basement.

Food handler requirements met

Inspector’s note: All food handling employees must show proof of food handler training. Must provide.

Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed

Inspector’s note: Observed potentially hazarous foods (beef) out of the original containers being stored in grocery bags. Instructed to provide food grade storage bags for all potentially hazardous foods that are out of the original packaging.

Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles

Inspector’s note: Observed plate being used as a scoop and stored inside of a container with beef located in the 2 door refrigerator. Instructed to properly store utensils and maintain. Observed plates not inverted at the front prep area. Instructed to invert plates and maintain.

Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Observed crates being used as shelving in basement. Instructed to remove crates and provide adequate shevling and maintain.

Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

Inspector’s note: Observed floors with accumulated dirt and food debris under 3 compartment sink and under oven. Instructed to clean all and maintain.

Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Observed hot water pressure needs to be increased in the 2nd men's washroom located in the banquet area. Instructed to repair and maintain.

Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored

Inspector’s note: Observed clutter (old equipment, boxes) along the wall being stored on the floor in the basement. Instructed to remove unneccessary clutter and elevate everything at least 6 inches and maintain.

Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed

Inspector’s note: Observed potentially hazardous foods (beef) wrapped in plastic located in the walk in cooler and walk in freezer, held for over 24 hours, without label containing product name and date. Instructed to label all foods that are out of the original packaging and maintain

Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

Inspector’s note: Observed accumulated dirt debris under the stove located in the food prep area. Instructed to clean and maintain.

Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

Inspector’s note: Observed accumulated grease debris on the vents above the cooking equipment. Observed accumulated dust on the vent located in the washrooms. Instructed to clean all and maintain.

Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles

Inspector’s note: Invert multi-use utensils, forks, spoons, knives on front counter to protect from contamination.

Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Remove grocery bags and properly store food in food storage bags or containers. Remove milk/pop crates and provide adequate shelving in basement storage areas.

Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

Inspector’s note: Clean interior of ice machine in basement.

Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

Inspector’s note: Remove excess water off floor in basement.

Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

Inspector’s note: Replace stained ceiling tiles in prep area, clean vents inside ventilation hood(dust buildup).

Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Install an exposed hand sink in basement prep area.

Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored

Inspector’s note: Elevate all stock off floor in walk-in cooler and walk-in freezer. Store mop heads upright to prevent insect breeding.

Food handler requirements met

Inspector’s note: Provide food handler certificates for employees.

Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Gaskets on doors at the 3 door food prep cooler are loose-must repair/replace and maintain at all times.

Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

Inspector’s note: Exterior surfaces of the grease trap beneath the 3 compartment sink,hood/filters above the cooking equipments require a detail cleaning to remove grease build-up.

Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded

Inspector’s note: (1)light bulb inside the walk-in-cooler must be shielded or provide a shatter-proof light bulb.

Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters

Inspector’s note: No self closing device at mens toilet room-must provide,maintain at all times.

Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous

Inspector’s note: No thermometers visible inside the food prep coolers at cookline-must provide and maintain at all times.

Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

Inspector’s note: Clean exterior surfaces and interior bottom of fryer in cooking area.

Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

Inspector’s note: Some water on floor by ice machine in basement; remove water. Hose attached to machine was not draining into floor drain; hose was positioned away from drain. (cdi) elevate all food items from floor of walk-in freezer.

Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles

Inspector’s note: The sharpening steel in the knife holder is rusty; clean, rinse and sanitize so it is smooth and sanitary.

Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

Inspector’s note: The rear outer wall of the walk-in cooler is moldy, repair or replace the moldy section of wall.

Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

Inspector’s note: All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. THE WALKIN COOLER DOOR GASKET IS IN POOR REPAIR IT IS RIPPED AND TORN. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE SAME.

Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

Inspector’s note: All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. THR REACH IN FREEZER THICK WITH ICE BUILDUP THAT IS LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO DEFROST AND CLEAN SAME. CLEAN THE HOOD ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT HAS SOME GREASE BUILDUP.

Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

Inspector’s note: The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. CLEAN THE FLOOR IN THE BASEMENT ALONG THE WALLS AND IN THE CORNERS.

Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

Inspector’s note: All utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each usage. THE REACHIN FREEZER LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT IS THICK WITH ICE BUILDUP. INSTRUCTED TO DEFROST AND CLEAN. THE TOP, SIDES, FRONT AND INSIDE THE LARGE OVEN NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN SAME.

Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

Inspector’s note: The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. SOME CEILING TILES ABOVE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK ARE STAINED. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE SAME.

Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded

Inspector’s note: Shielding to protect against broken glass falling into food shall be provided for all artificial lighting sources in preparation, service, and display facilities. SOME LIGHT SHIELDS IN THE PREP AREA NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN SAME.

Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous

Inspector’s note: All food establishments that display, prepare, or store potentially hazardous foods shall have calibrated metal stem thermometers, provided and conspicuous, for refrigerated and hot food units. NO THERMOMETERS IN THE WALKIN COOLER LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT AND NONE IN THE REACHIN COOLER IST FLOOR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SAME.

Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation

Inspector’s note: Must provide barriers(doors) separating food prep/service areas from dining area- no citation issued

* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served

Inspector’s note: Provide valid city of chicago food sanitation certificate at next visit- no citation issued

Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Paint interior and exterior of deep freezer in basement.

Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

Inspector’s note: Finish sealing baseboards in rear section of basement by door leading to apartments. Attach wall coving (baseboards) to lower sections of walls in basement washroom.

Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Remove threads from faucet attached to mop sink in basement.