Cafe Society Inc.
205-209 E 18th St, Chicago, IL 60616
Restaurant ZIP 60616 Risk 1 (High)
Pass with Conditions · as of Jul 28, 2025
Cafe Society Inc. was last inspected on July 28, 2025 with a result of “Pass w/ Conditions”. Inspectors found 4 violations, 3 of them critical.
Latest inspection
July 28, 2025 · Canvass
Result: Pass w/ Conditions
3 critical1 general-
CriticalFood temperature
Cold food was held above a safe temperature.
Inspector’s note: Observed tcs and raw foods held at improper internal temperatures in three prep cold holding units, such as 10 lbs of raw ground beef at 49.2f, 5lbs of shredded cheese at 49.8f and 3lbs of sliced tomatoes 47.4f. Manager discarded and denatured a total 18lbs at $150. All cold tcs food must maintain 41f or below. Priority violation. Citation issued 7-38-005.
Official wording (code 22)
Proper cold holding temperatures
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CriticalFood temperature
Not enough equipment, or the wrong method, to cool and hold food at safe temperatures.
Inspector’s note: Noted improper cold-hold temperatures of 50.2f, 49.5f, and 55.4f at three prep coolers in kitchen. Informed all refrigerator units shall maintain a proper temperature of 41f and below. Refrigerator units must not be used until reinspected by chicago department of public health (cdph). Priority violation # 7-38-005. Citation issued."
Official wording (code 33)
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
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CriticalFacility upkeep
Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.
Inspector’s note: Observed hand sink and three compartment sink installed on food trailer on side of restaurant with no available water. Instructed manager that this area can only be used for pre-packaged items and storage. Priority violation 7-38-030. Citation issued.
Official wording (code 51)
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
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GeneralFood handling
Food wasn’t labeled or wasn’t in its original container.
Inspector’s note: Observed food storage containers without labels containing the common name of foods. Instructed to provide.
Official wording (code 37)
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspection history
14 inspections on record
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Pass
Canvass · Pass
3 general Show violations
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GeneralFood handling
Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.
Inspector’s note: Wiping cloths not properly stored when not in use. Instructed pic to store in sanitizing solution (must be at the required ppm) when not in use.
Official wording (code 41)
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.
Inspector’s note: The grease trap under the 3-compartment sink is rusty and with chipped paint. Instructed pic to remove rust and repaint grease trap to maintain a smooth and easily cleanable surface.
Official wording (code 47)
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: Observed the floor drains and floors under the sinks, cooking/cooling equipment with a build up of food, dirt and debris. Instructed pic to clean and maintain the floors and floor drains.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
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Pass
Complaint Re-Inspection · Pass
3 general Show violations
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GeneralFood handling
Food wasn’t labeled or wasn’t in its original container.
Inspector’s note: Observed yogurt parfaits and pre-packaged juice in grab and go cooler with no label to verify origin. Instructed person in charge to label all grab and go products with business name, address and ingredients. Instructed to provide
Official wording (code 37)
Food properly labeled; original container
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Equipment and surfaces were dirty.
Inspector’s note: Observed spillage and grime on bottom of two door reach-in cooler in storage room next to entry door. Instructed person in charge to clean and maintain.
Official wording (code 49)
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: Observed build up of grime, spillage, and food debris on floors behind equipment and in corners of all areas (kitchen, dish, dry storage). Instructed person in charge to detail clean and maintain.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
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Fail
Complaint · Fail
1 critical5 general Show violations
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CriticalHygiene & sanitation
Hand sinks were missing, blocked, or not stocked with soap and towels.
Inspector’s note: Observed handsink next to three compartment sink to be inacessible (filled with bottles). Instructed person in charge to maintain all sinks to be accessible for proper handwashing. (items removed during inspection) priority foundation #7-38-030(c). Citation issued.
Official wording (code 10)
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
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GeneralFood temperature
Frozen food was thawed the wrong way.
Inspector’s note: Observed ham steaks being thawed in 1-compartment sink in standing water. Instructed person in charge that thawing must take place either under refrigeration or cold running water at all times.
Official wording (code 35)
Approved thawing methods used
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GeneralFood handling
Food wasn’t labeled or wasn’t in its original container.
Inspector’s note: Observed yogurt parfaits and pre-packaged juice in grab and go cooler with no label to verify origin. Instructed person in charge to label all grab and go products with business name, address and ingredients. Instructed to provide.
Official wording (code 37)
Food properly labeled; original container
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Dishwashing equipment wasn’t set up, maintained, or used correctly.
Inspector’s note: Observed all faucet knobs to be missing from three compartment sink, no hot and cold or mixing fixture. (sink is being turned on using vice grips). Instructed person in charge to repair sink with proper fixtures and maintain. Priority foundation #7-38-025. Citation issued.
Official wording (code 48)
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Equipment and surfaces were dirty.
Inspector’s note: Observed spillage and grime on bottom of two door reach-in cooler in storage room next to entry door. Instructed person in charge to clean and maintain.
Official wording (code 49)
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: Observed build up of grime, spillage, and food debris on floors behind equipment and in corners of all areas (kitchen, dish, dry storage). Instructed person in charge to detail clean and maintain.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
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Pass
Complaint · Pass
4 general Show violations
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GeneralFood handling
Food wasn’t labeled or wasn’t in its original container.
Inspector’s note: All food items in bulk food containers in need of proper labeling and dating. Correct and maintain.
Official wording (code 37)
Food properly labeled; original container
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GeneralFood handling
Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.
Inspector’s note: Sponges must be changed frequantly. Instructed to correct and maintain.
Official wording (code 41)
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: Floors in need of cleaning in corners and around equipment. Instructed to clean and maintain.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.
Inspector’s note: Air vents above the 3 compartment sink in need of cleaning. Instructed to clean and maintain.
Official wording (code 56)
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
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Conditional
Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass w/ Conditions
2 critical3 general Show violations
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CriticalHygiene & sanitation
Hand sinks were missing, blocked, or not stocked with soap and towels.
Inspector’s note: 6-301.14 observed hand washing signs are needed at the hand washing sink in the food prep area and in the toilet rooms. Instructed to provide.
Official wording (code 10)
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
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CriticalFood handling
Surfaces that touch food weren’t cleaned and sanitized.
Inspector’s note: 4-602.11(b-e) observed a brown substance inside of the ice machine located by the ice maker. Instructed to clean and sanitize.
Official wording (code 16)
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
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GeneralFood handling
Food wasn’t labeled or wasn’t in its original container.
Inspector’s note: 3-601.11 observed prepackaged foods (peanut butter, jams, breads, grits, desserts etc.) for sale without labels containing the business name, address and ingredients. Instructed to provide.
Official wording (code 37)
Food properly labeled; original container
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GeneralFood handling
Food wasn’t labeled or wasn’t in its original container.
Inspector’s note: 3-602.11(b:5) observed prepackaged foods (peanut butter, jams, breads, grits, desserts etc.) without labels containing allergen warnings. Instructed to provide. Priority foundation 7-38-005.
Official wording (code 37)
Food properly labeled; original container
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GeneralFacility upkeep
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 and coffe machines. Instructed to locate.
Official wording (code 51)
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
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Fail
Canvass · Fail
2 critical4 general1 paperwork Show violations
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CriticalHygiene & sanitation
Hand sinks were missing, blocked, or not stocked with soap and towels.
Inspector’s note: 6-301.14 observed hand washing signs are needed at the hand washing sink in the food prep area and in the toilet rooms. Instructed to provide.
Official wording (code 10)
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
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CriticalFood handling
Surfaces that touch food weren’t cleaned and sanitized.
Inspector’s note: 4-602.11(b-e) observed a brown substance inside of the ice machine located by the ice maker. Instructed to clean and sanitize.
Official wording (code 16)
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
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GeneralFood handling
Food wasn’t labeled or wasn’t in its original container.
Inspector’s note: 3-601.11 observed prepackaged foods (peanut butter, jams, breads, grits, desserts etc.) for sale without labels containing the business name, address and ingredients. Instructed to provide.
Official wording (code 37)
Food properly labeled; original container
-
GeneralFood handling
Food wasn’t labeled or wasn’t in its original container.
Inspector’s note: 3-602.11(b:5) observed prepackaged foods (peanut butter, jams, breads, grits, desserts etc.) without labels containing allergen warnings. Instructed to provide. Priority foundation 7-38-005.
Official wording (code 37)
Food properly labeled; original container
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GeneralFacility upkeep
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 and coffe machines. Instructed to locate.
Official wording (code 51)
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Garbage wasn’t handled or stored properly.
Inspector’s note: 5-501.15 observed outside dumpster overflowing with garbage and not maintained. Instructed to never allow outside dumpster to overflow with garbage and always make sure the outside dumpster lid stays tight fitting at all times. Priority foundation. Citation issued 7-38-020(b).
Official wording (code 54)
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
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PaperworkManagement & training
Required allergen training was missing.
Inspector’s note: 2-102.13 observed no allergen training certificate on site. Instructed to meet requirement.
Official wording (code 58)
Allergen training as required
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Pass
Canvass · Pass
No violations
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Conditional
Complaint · Pass w/ Conditions
3 general Show violations
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GeneralFood temperature
Thermometers were missing or inaccurate.
Inspector’s note: Found 1 reach in cooler with no thermometer visible. Instructed manager to provide and maintain at all times. Priority foundation 7-38-005 no citation issued
Official wording (code 36)
Thermometers provided & accurate
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GeneralHygiene & sanitation
Staff personal cleanliness was inadequate.
Inspector’s note: Observed one employee in rep area that is in need of a beard guard. Instructed to provide and mauntain at all times.
Official wording (code 40)
Personal cleanliness
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: Found dust on air vent above 3 compartment sink. Instructed to clean and maintain at all times.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
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Pass
Canvass · Pass
5 general Show violations
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector’s note: Clean interior panel of ice machine.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector’s note: Clean floor of food debris in prep area. Repair loose coving at wall between cold prep station and stove.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector’s note: Observed leak at handle of toilet next to washbowl. Must repair.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector’s note: Remove clutter in utility closet, organize and maintain at all times.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector’s note: Observed food handler without proper hair restraint. Must provide.
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Pass
Complaint · Pass
2 general Show violations
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector’s note: Remove excess water at bottom of prep cooler, clean/sanitize and maintain at all times.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector’s note: Clean floor throughout kitchen prep area of food spills.
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Pass
Canvass · Pass
1 general Show violations
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector’s note: Thermometer needed for cooler in storage area where milk is stored; provide a thermometer.
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Pass
Canvass · Pass
3 general Show violations
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector’s note: Reusable glass water bottles with narrow opening. Instructed to discontinue using.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector’s note: Sneeze guard inadequate at front prep area, instructed to install.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Food handler requirements met
Inspector’s note: Food handlers requirments not met
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Pass
License · Pass
2 general Show violations
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector’s note: Clean interior bottom of fryer in kitchen to remove grease observed inside.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector’s note: Provide an internal themometer for two door refrigeration unit across from grill.
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More in ZIP 60616
Source: Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) open data, refreshed hourly. Last inspection 15 months ago. Always confirm with the official record.