Chefs Sara's Cafe

No violations were recorded at this inspection.

1. Jan 22, 2026 No Entry

   Non-Inspection · No Entry

   No violations

2. Feb 27, 2025 Pass

   Canvass · Pass

   1 general1 paperwork Show violations

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Observed a leak from the ceiling by the office door; instructed to repair leak from ceiling.

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

   • PaperworkManagement & training

     Not all food employees had food-handler training.

     Inspector’s note: Instructed that all food handlers must obtain the required food handler training.

     Official wording (code 57)

     All food employees have food handler training

3. Feb 9, 2024 Pass

   Canvass · Pass

   3 general1 paperwork Show violations

   • GeneralHygiene & sanitation

     Staff personal cleanliness was inadequate.

     Inspector’s note: Food hanlders not wearing proper hair restraints; instructed that all food handlers must wear proper hair restraints while handling foods.

     Official wording (code 40)

     Personal cleanliness

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Observed dust on the ventilation fan on the ceiling in the washroom; instructed to clean. Instructed to clean the floors in corner areas and inside of the furnace closet in corner areas.

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Observed some water stained ceiling tiles in washroom; instructed to replace where needed.

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

   • PaperworkManagement & training

     Not all food employees had food-handler training.

     Inspector’s note: Instructed that all food handlers must obtain the required food handler training.

     Official wording (code 57)

     All food employees have food handler training

4. Oct 13, 2023 Pass

   Canvass · Pass

   3 general Show violations

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

     Inspector’s note: Water damage to counter around hand sink. Instructed to correct

     Official wording (code 47)

     Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

     Inspector’s note: All storage shelves in need of cleaning to remove all debris. Instructed to remove all equipment and clean shelves. Correct and maintain.

     Official wording (code 49)

     Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Walls in rear area in need of cleaning behind reach in cooler to remove all debris. Instructed to clean and maintain.

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

5. Jun 9, 2022 Pass

   Canvass · Pass

   2 general Show violations

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Floors need cleaning in the kitchen to remove debris.

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Floors in poor repair(cracks). Must be smooth and easliy cleanable.

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

6. Dec 8, 2021 Pass

   Complaint · Pass

   4 general Show violations

   • GeneralFood temperature

     Thermometers were missing or inaccurate.

     Inspector’s note: Observed no ambient air thermometers in refrigeration units. Instructed manager to provide to provide and maintain.

     Official wording (code 36)

     Thermometers provided & accurate

   • GeneralFood handling

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

     Inspector’s note: Observed utensils improperly stored. Instructed manager to invert multiuse utensils inside storage containers with handles in upright position to prevent contamination.

     Official wording (code 44)

     Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Observed clutter in rear storage area. Instructed manager to remove clutter to prevent pest harborage and maintain.

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Observed crumbs and food debris scattered throughout main prep area. Instructed manager to detail clean and remove food debris to prevent pest harborage.

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

7. Nov 26, 2021 Pass

   Canvass · Pass

   4 general1 paperwork Show violations

   • GeneralFood temperature

     Thermometers were missing or inaccurate.

     Inspector’s note: Observed no ambient air thermometers in refrigeration units. Instructed manager to provide to provide and maintain.

     Official wording (code 36)

     Thermometers provided & accurate

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Observed crumbs and food debris on shelving units in main prep area. Instructed manager to clean and maitain.

     Official wording (code 49)

     Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Observed clutter in rear storage area. Instructed manager to remove clutter to prevent pest harborage and maintain.

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Observed mop improperly stored. Instructed manager to store mop with head up to prevent insect breeding and maintain.

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

   • PaperworkManagement & training

     Required allergen training was missing.

     Inspector’s note: Observed food service sanitation manager without food allergen training certificate. Instructed to meet requirement.

     Official wording (code 58)

     Allergen training as required

8. Jun 17, 2020 Conditional

   Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions

   4 critical1 general1 paperwork Show violations

   • CriticalManagement & training

     Staff weren’t trained on, or didn’t follow, the rules for reporting illness.

     Inspector’s note: Observed no 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.

     Official wording (code 3)

     Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting

   • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

     Hand sinks were missing, blocked, or not stocked with soap and towels.

     Inspector’s note: Observed no hand washing sign at hand washing sink in food prep area. Instructed manager to provide.

     Official wording (code 10)

     Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

   • CriticalFood temperature

     Prepared food wasn’t date-marked, or was kept past its discard date.

     Inspector’s note: Observed time/temperature control for safety ready to eat foods (vegetable mix, salmon burger) out of the original packaging and held for over 24 hours without labels containing the discard dates of the tcs rte foods. Instructed to provide a label containing the discard dates for all tcs rte foods. Priority foundation 7-38-005.

     Official wording (code 23)

     Proper date marking and disposition

   • CriticalFood handling

     No warning to customers about raw or undercooked food.

     Inspector’s note: Observed no consumer advisory posted nor a disclosure and a reminder on the menu for all foods that can be ordered undercooked or raw (eggs). Instructed to post a consumer advisory and add a disclosure and a reminder on the menu for all foods that can be ordered undercooked or raw. Priority foundation 7-38-005.

     Official wording (code 25)

     Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Observed debris on shelving units in prep and storage areas. Instructed manager to clean and maintain.

     Official wording (code 49)

     Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

   • PaperworkManagement & training

     Required allergen training was missing.

     Inspector’s note: Observed no allergen training available. All certified managers must provide allergen training.

     Official wording (code 58)

     Allergen training as required

9. May 22, 2019 Conditional

   Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions

   5 critical3 general2 paperwork Show violations

   • CriticalManagement & training

     Staff weren’t trained on, or didn’t follow, the rules for reporting illness.

     Inspector’s note: 2-102.14(n) observed no 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.

     Official wording (code 3)

     Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting

   • CriticalManagement & training

     No written plan or kit for cleaning up vomit or diarrhea.

     Inspector’s note: 2-501.11 observed no written procedure nor adequate supplies (disposable face mask, disposable mop head, disposable latex gloves, adequate sanitizer *must eliminate norovirus*) on site for responding to vomit and diarrhea events that can potentially occur inside of the food establishment. Instructed to provide. Priority foundation 7-38-005.

     Official wording (code 5)

     Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events

   • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

     Hand sinks were missing, blocked, or not stocked with soap and towels.

     Inspector’s note: 6-301.14 observed no hand washing signs located at the food prep area and toilet room hand washing sinks. Instructed to provide.

     Official wording (code 10)

     Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

   • CriticalFood temperature

     Prepared food wasn’t date-marked, or was kept past its discard date.

     Inspector’s note: 3-501.17 observed time/temperature control for safety ready to eat foods (vegetable mix, salmon burger) out of the original packaging and held for over 24 hours without labels containing the discard dates of the tcs rte foods. Instructed to provide a label containing the discard dates for all tcs rte foods. Priority foundation 7-38-005.

     Official wording (code 23)

     Proper date marking and disposition

   • CriticalFood handling

     No warning to customers about raw or undercooked food.

     Inspector’s note: 3-603.11 observed no consumer advisory posted nor a disclosure and a reminder on the menu for all foods that can be ordered undercooked or raw (eggs). Instructed to post a consumer advisory and add a disclosure and a reminder on the menu for all foods that can be ordered undercooked or raw. Priority foundation 7-38-005.

     Official wording (code 25)

     Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food

   • GeneralFood temperature

     Thermometers were missing or inaccurate.

     Inspector’s note: 4-302.12 observed no food thermometer on site that measures the temperatures of hot and cold foods. Instructed to provide a food thermometer. Priority foundation 7-38-005.

     Official wording (code 36)

     Thermometers provided & accurate

   • GeneralFood handling

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

     Inspector’s note: 4-904.11 observed clean pans being stored on top of the grease trap under the 3 compartment sink. Instructed to properly store equipment in order to prevent any possible contamination.

     Official wording (code 44)

     Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

     Inspector’s note: 5-501.17 observed a closed receptacle is needed inside of the toilet room. Instructed to provide.

     Official wording (code 53)

     Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned

   • PaperworkManagement & training

     Not all food employees had food-handler training.

     Inspector’s note: 2-102.13 observed three food handlers (2 female, i male) without food handler's certificates. Instructed to meet requirement.

     Official wording (code 57)

     All food employees have food handler training

   • PaperworkManagement & training

     Required allergen training was missing.

     Inspector’s note: 2-102.13 observed the city of chicago food service sanitation manager without the required allergen training certificate. Instructed to meet requirement.

     Official wording (code 58)

     Allergen training as required

10. May 3, 2018 Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    1 general Show violations

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Clean floor in prep and storage areas along wall and in corner areas.

11. Jun 9, 2017 Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    1 general Show violations

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Must clean floors in the rear storage area,along wall base and corners

12. May 5, 2016 Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    2 general Show violations

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Floors need cleaning in the prep area along the wall base and in corners to remove debris.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Noted missing ceiling tiles in the toilet room. Must replace and maintain.

13. Sep 30, 2015 Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    1 general Show violations

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Clean floors in the prep area,along wall base and corners

14. Jun 25, 2013 Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    9 general Show violations

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Label all bulk containers and prepared salads. Post consumer advisory.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Store clean pots and pans off floor.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Provide adequate shelving for storage. Paint shelves under front counter.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Clean all shelves under front counter.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Floors need cleaning along walls near water heater. Elevate all stock off floor.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Clean all wall vents(dust buildup). Seal all openings in walls and ceilings around pipe fittings in dining, prep and storage areas. Seal openings along baseboards under 3-comp sink and in southwest corner in furnace room.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Remove shoes behind front counter and provide separate area for employee belongings.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Store mop head upright to prevent insect breeding.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored

      Inspector’s note: Store wash cloths in sanitizing solution. Provide long handle utensils for dispensing condiments, sugar, etc.

15. Sep 20, 2011 Pass

    License Re-Inspection · Pass

    No violations

16. Sep 19, 2011 Fail

    License · Fail

    2 general Show violations

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Found light fixtures not shielded at front preparation areas.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Found 2 coffee machines with no backflow prevention devices.