Pass

Cafe El Meson

4631 S Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60632

Restaurant ZIP 60632 Risk 1 (High)

Passed · as of Oct 2, 2026

Cafe El Meson was last inspected on October 2, 2026 with a result of “Pass”. Inspectors found 6 violations.

Latest inspection

October 2, 2026 · Canvass Re-Inspection

Pass

Result: Pass

6 general
  • GeneralFood handling

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

    Inspector’s note: 3-307.11: observed faucet used for obtaining water to rinse equipment attached to water line of handwashing sink. Instructed person in charge to remove faucet used for obtaining water from handwashing sink to prevent contamination of equipment used for making beverages instructed person in charge to utilize three compartment sink to obtain water.

    Official wording (code 39)

    Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display

  • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

    Inspector’s note: 4-101.19: observed boxes and containers stored on floor in utility closet. Instructed to provide adequate shelving units to elevate all food and non food items at least six inches off of floor for ease of cleanability.

    Official wording (code 47)

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

  • GeneralFacility upkeep

    Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

    Inspector’s note: 5-204.12: unable to locate backflow prevention device on ice machine. Instructed to install backflow prevention device on ice machine so that it shall be located so that it may be serviced and maintained.

    Official wording (code 51)

    Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

  • GeneralFacility upkeep

    Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

    Inspector’s note: 6-501.11: observed damaged wall behind handwashing sink in first floor washroom. Instructed to smoothly repair wall behind handwashing sink in first floor washroom for ease of cleanability.

    Official wording (code 55)

    Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

  • GeneralFacility upkeep

    Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

    Inspector’s note: 6-501.12: observed splashes on wall above and to the right of three compartment sink. Observed buildup on exterior of grease trap near floor. Observed equipment on floor underneath three compartment sink and prep table across from three compartment sink. Instructed to clean in said areas and maintain

    Official wording (code 55)

    Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

  • GeneralFacility upkeep

    Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

    Inspector’s note: 6-501.14: observed dust buildup on ceiling vent cover in second floor washroom. Instructed to clean ceiling vent cover in second floor washroom and maintain.

    Official wording (code 56)

    Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

Inspection history

9 inspections on record

  1. Conditional

    Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions

    2 critical6 general Show violations
    • CriticalFood temperature

      Cold food was held above a safe temperature.

      Inspector’s note: Observed cold tcs foods, held at improper temperatures ranging between 51.3-66.7f. Observed cold tcs foods, turkey(51.3f), ham(55.9f), garlic in oil(66.7f),sliced tomatoes(62.6), spinach(62.6f) and mayo(62.8-63.1f) held at improper temperature. Instructed all cold tcs food must be held at 41f or below. Corrected on site manager voluntarily discarded and denatured food valued at $10 weighing 7lbs priority violation 7-38-005 citation issued

      Official wording (code 22)

      Proper cold holding temperatures

    • CriticalFood temperature

      Not enough equipment, or the wrong method, to cool and hold food at safe temperatures.

      Inspector’s note: Observed small three door cold holding unit at improper ambient temperature of 63.9f. Instructed all cold holding units must be maintained at 41f or below. Corrected on site held for inspection tag placed on small three door cold holding unit. Priority violation 7-38-005 citation issued

      Official wording (code 33)

      Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control

    • GeneralFood handling

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed faucet used for obtaining water to rinse equipment attached to water line of handwashing sink. Instructed person in charge to remove faucet used for obtaining water from handwashing sink to prevent contamination of equipment used for making beverages instructed person in charge to utilize three compartment sink to obtain water.

      Official wording (code 39)

      Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed boxes and containers stored on floor in utility closet. Instructed to provide adequate shelving units to elevate all food and non food items at least six inches off of floor for ease of cleanability.

      Official wording (code 47)

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

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

      Inspector’s note: Unable to locate backflow prevention device on ice machine. Instructed to install backflow prevention device on ice machine so that it shall be located so that it may be serviced and maintained.

      Official wording (code 51)

      Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Observed damaged wall behind handwashing sink in first floor washroom. Instructed to smoothly repair wall behind handwashing sink in first floor washroom for ease of cleanability.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Observed splashes on wall above and to the right of three compartment sink. Observed buildup on exterior of grease trap near floor. Observed equipment on floor underneath three compartment sink and prep table across from three compartment sink. Instructed to clean in said areas and maintain.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

      Inspector’s note: Observed dust buildup on ceiling vent cover in second floor washroom. Instructed to clean ceiling vent cover in second floor washroom and maintain.

      Official wording (code 56)

      Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

  2. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    4 general Show violations
    • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed torn door gasket inside of refrigerator. Instructed to replace.

      Official wording (code 47)

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

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

      Inspector’s note: Observed no backflow preventer device on ice machine. Instructed to install to ensure device can be located, serviced, and maintained.

      Official wording (code 51)

      Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Observed unused convection oven in storage area next to back door. Instructed to remove all unnecessary items, organize, 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 grease and food debris on back wall under countertop where fryers are stored. Instructed to increase cleaning frequency to minimize buildup of grease and maintain.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

  3. Pass

    Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass

    2 general Show violations
    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

      Inspector’s note: 4-602.13 observed build-up of food residue in refrigerator and back of dish area. Instructed person in charge to clean 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: 6-201.11 observed wall between kitchen and front prep area with damaged and peeling paint. Instructed person in charge to repair and maintain.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

  4. Fail

    Canvass · Fail

    1 critical2 general Show violations
    • CriticalFood handling

      Surfaces that touch food weren’t cleaned and sanitized.

      Inspector’s note: Observed build-up of mold-like substance on interior of ice machine (ice used for human consumption). Instructed the person in charge to discard, clean, and maintain. Priority foundation #7-38-005. Citation issued.

      Official wording (code 16)

      Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Observed build-up of food residue in refrigerator and back of dish area. Instructed person in charge to clean 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: Observed wall between kitchen and front prep area with damaged and peeling paint. Instructed person in charge to repair and maintain.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

  5. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    5 general1 paperwork Show violations
    • GeneralFood handling

      Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.

      Inspector’s note: Observed wet wiping cloths stored on the handwashing sinks and cutting boards in the food prep area. Instructed to store wiping cloths in proper sanitizing solution when not in use.

      Official wording (code 41)

      Wiping cloths: properly used & stored

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

      Inspector’s note: Three compartment sink stoppers unable to properly hold water. Instructed provide or replace sink stoppers.

      Official wording (code 51)

      Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

      Inspector’s note: No backflow device for ice machine in the food prep area. Instructed to provide.

      Official wording (code 51)

      Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed no lids on the trashcans in the restrooms. Instructed to provide.

      Official wording (code 53)

      Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Observed spilled food debris on the floors in between shelving and cooking equipment in the back rear storage area. Instructed to clean and manintain.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      Required allergen training was missing.

      Inspector’s note: All certified food protection managers must provide allergen awareness training.

      Official wording (code 58)

      Allergen training as required

  6. Conditional

    Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions

    3 critical3 general Show violations
    • CriticalManagement & training

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

      Inspector’s note: No employee health policy in place. Instd to provide and maintain verifiable employee health policy. 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: No procedure in place for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events. Instd to provide and maintain. 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: Missing handwash signage at handwash sinks. Instd to provide and maintain.

      Official wording (code 10)

      Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

      Inspector’s note: Cutting board at prep cooler stained with deep, dark grooves, instd to replace cutting board and maintain same.

      Official wording (code 47)

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

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Missing outlet cover at outlet next to upright cooler. Instd to replace maintain.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Floor along wallbase and in corners in prep area need detailed cleaning, free of debris.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

  7. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    2 general Show violations
    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed the interior of the two toaster ovens, and drip trays not clean, instructed to clean and sanitize. Also clean and sanitize cutting boards.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed the three compartment sink basins not large enough for complete submersion of large baking pans,plastic containers, and bus pans, instructed to provide 3 compartment sink large enough for complete submersion of the largest piece of equipment.

  8. Pass

    License · Pass

    1 general Show violations
    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Wall in prep area with chipped, peeling paint. Instd to remove peeling paint. Wall outlet cover missing in prep area. Provide same.

More in ZIP 60632

Source: Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) open data, refreshed hourly. Last inspection 5 weeks ago. Always confirm with the official record.