Conditional

Stax Cafe

522 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60642

Restaurant ZIP 60642 Risk 1 (High)

Pass with Conditions · as of Jun 1, 2026

Stax Cafe was last inspected on June 1, 2026 with a result of “Pass w/ Conditions”. Inspectors found 6 violations, 1 of them critical.

Latest inspection

June 1, 2026 · Canvass

Conditional

Result: Pass w/ Conditions

1 critical5 general
  • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

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

    Inspector’s note: Observed handwashing sink in kitchen/prep area not accessible due to utensil (bowl/scoop) was in the handwashing sink. Instructed that sink must be accessible for handwashing only. Priority foundation violation. 7-38-030(c). Citation issued.

    Official wording (code 10)

    Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

  • 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

  • GeneralFood handling

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

    Inspector’s note: Observed food items stored in walk-in freezer and prep cooler uncovered. Instructed to provide food grade lids/covers.

    Official wording (code 39)

    Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display

  • GeneralFood handling

    Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.

    Inspector’s note: Observed wet wiping cloths on several prep area surfaces. Instructed to store properly in a sanitizing solution between usage.

    Official wording (code 41)

    Wiping cloths: properly used & stored

  • GeneralFood handling

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

    Inspector’s note: Observed plates not inverted. Instructed to invert plates after sanitizing and air drying.

    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: Observed no covered receptacle in the women washroom. Instructed to provide covered waste receptacle.

    Official wording (code 53)

    Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned

Inspection history

14 inspections on record

  1. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    1 critical1 general Show violations
    • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

      Staff were eating, drinking, or smoking where food is prepared.

      Inspector’s note: Employees open drinks placed on prep table, Instructed to keep away or with a lid.

      Official wording (code 6)

      Proper eating, tasting, drinking, or tobacco use

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

      Inspector’s note: Employees food stored with customers food, Instructed to designate a section for employees personal food.

      Official wording (code 56)

      Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

  2. Pass

    Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass

    No violations

  3. Fail

    Canvass · Fail

    3 general Show violations
    • GeneralPests

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed approx. 20 live small flying insects on the walls, ceiling, and boxes of stock in the rear food prep area, dish washing area, and coffee bar. Additional pest control service is needed to eliminate the pest activity. Priority foundation violation 7-38-020(a). Citation issued.

      Official wording (code 38)

      Insects, rodents, & animals not present

    • GeneralFood handling

      Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.

      Inspector’s note: Observed several wet wiping cloths stored on top of the prep tables and coolers. Management instructed to store them in a container of sanitizer when not in use.

      Official wording (code 41)

      Wiping cloths: properly used & stored

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Clean the interior of the deep fryers and dry storage shelves in the rear food prep area.

      Official wording (code 49)

      Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

  4. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    1 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 gasket on prep cooler opposite fryers. Instructed to repair or replace and maintain in good condition.

      Official wording (code 47)

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

  5. Conditional

    Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions

    1 critical Show violations
    • CriticalFood temperature

      Cold food was held above a safe temperature.

      Inspector’s note: Observed four trays of eggs in prep area at improper temperature of 71.7f. Instructed to discard approximately 2lbs of eggs at a cost of $10. All tcs foods must be held at 41f or below. Priority. 7-38-005. Citation issued.

      Official wording (code 22)

      Proper cold holding temperatures

  6. Pass

    Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass

    1 general1 paperwork Show violations
    • GeneralFood handling

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

      Inspector’s note: Found no common food names on containers taken out of original container. Must provide.

      Official wording (code 37)

      Food properly labeled; original container

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      Required allergen training was missing.

      Inspector’s note: Found manager without proof of allergen training. Instructed manager to provide proof of allergen training for all city of chicago food service managers.

      Official wording (code 58)

      Allergen training as required

  7. Fail

    Canvass Re-Inspection · Fail

    2 general1 paperwork Show violations
    • GeneralFood handling

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

      Inspector’s note: Found no common food names on containers taken out of original container. Must provide.

      Official wording (code 37)

      Food properly labeled; original container

    • GeneralPests

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

      Inspector’s note: Found 7 small flies in rear food preparation area, also noted 3 small flies in dishwashing area. Recommended contacting pest control. Must minimize small fly activity. Priority foundation .

      Official wording (code 38)

      Insects, rodents, & animals not present

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      Required allergen training was missing.

      Inspector’s note: Found manager without proof of allergen training. Instructed manager to provide proof of allergen training for all city of chicago food service managers.

      Official wording (code 58)

      Allergen training as required

  8. Fail

    Canvass · Fail

    4 critical2 general1 paperwork Show violations
    • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

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

      Inspector’s note: Found handwashing sink water temperature ranging from 68 f - 72 f. Instructed manager to provide a minnimum hot water temperature of 100f at all times. 7-38.030(c). Citation issued.

      Official wording (code 10)

      Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

    • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

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

      Inspector’s note: Found book bag stored in handwashing sink located in rear food preperation area. Insturcted manager to remove bag. Handwashing sinks must be used for handwashing purposes only. Priority foundation violation. 7-38.030(c). Citation consolidated.

      Official wording (code 10)

      Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

    • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed no handwashing cleanser at handwashing sink at front bar. All handwashing sinks must be equipped with hand cleaning liquid at all times. Instructed manager to provide. Priority foundation violation. 7-38-030-(c). Citation issued.

      Official wording (code 10)

      Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

    • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed no hand drying provision at handwashing sink in front food preparation area/ hot line. All handwashing sinks must be equipped with a hand drying provision at all times. Instructed manager to provide.corrected on site. Priority foundation violation. 7-38-030(c). Citation consalidated with above violation.

      Official wording (code 10)

      Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

    • GeneralFood handling

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

      Inspector’s note: Found no common food names on containers taken out of original container. Must provide.

      Official wording (code 37)

      Food properly labeled; original container

    • GeneralPests

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

      Inspector’s note: Found 7 small flies in rear food preparation area, also noted 3 small flies in dishwashing area. Recommended contacting pest control. Must minimize small fly activity. Priority foundation violation. 7-38-020(a). Citation issued.

      Official wording (code 38)

      Insects, rodents, & animals not present

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      Required allergen training was missing.

      Inspector’s note: Found manager without proof of allergen training. Instructed manager to provide proof of allergen training for all city of chicago food service managers.

      Official wording (code 58)

      Allergen training as required

  9. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    No violations

  10. Conditional

    Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass w/ Conditions

    2 critical3 general1 paperwork Show violations
    • CriticalFood temperature

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

      Inspector’s note: Must provide date markings to tcs/rte foods, prepared onsite and held in coolers over 24 hrs. Instructed to provide consume by dates and maintain. Priority foundation 7-38-005 no citation issued.

      Official wording (code 23)

      Proper date marking and disposition

    • CriticalFood handling

      No warning to customers about raw or undercooked food.

      Inspector’s note: Must provide a disclosure and reminder statement on menus regarding raw eggs. Instructed to maintain. Priority foundation 7-38-005 no citation issued. (refer to handout)

      Official wording (code 25)

      Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food

    • GeneralFood handling

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

      Inspector’s note: Must label food storage containers with common food names; flour, sugar, etc., when food has been removed from original packaging. Instructed to maintain.

      Official wording (code 37)

      Food properly labeled; original container

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

      Inspector’s note: Must install splash guards between hand sink and table top grill in prep area, also, between the hand sink and ice bin at front prep coffee station. Instructed to maintain.

      Official wording (code 47)

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

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

      Inspector’s note: Must detail clean grease and dust accumulation from hood filters in prep area. Instructed to maintain.

      Official wording (code 56)

      Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      Required allergen training was missing.

      Inspector’s note: Allergen certificates are required for all employees that have a city of chicago food sanitation license. Instructed to complete the online training and keep certificate onsite

      Official wording (code 58)

      Allergen training as required

  11. Fail

    Canvass · Fail

    2 critical4 general1 paperwork Show violations
    • CriticalFood temperature

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

      Inspector’s note: Must provide date markings to tcs/rte foods, prepared onsite and held in coolers over 24 hrs. Instructed to provide consume by dates and maintain. Priority foundation 7-38-005 no citation issued.

      Official wording (code 23)

      Proper date marking and disposition

    • CriticalFood handling

      No warning to customers about raw or undercooked food.

      Inspector’s note: Must provide a disclosure and reminder statement on menus regarding raw eggs. Instructed to maintain. Priority foundation 7-38-005 no citation issued. (refer to handout)

      Official wording (code 25)

      Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food

    • GeneralFood handling

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

      Inspector’s note: Must label food storage containers with common food names; flour, sugar, etc., when food has been removed from original packaging. Instructed to maintain.

      Official wording (code 37)

      Food properly labeled; original container

    • GeneralPests

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed 25 live small flies on walls and cooking equipment & utensils in the dish and dry storage areas. Instructed to remove flies, clean and sanitize the affected areas, and contact pest control provider for service. Priority foundation 7-38-020(a) citation issued.

      Official wording (code 38)

      Insects, rodents, & animals not present

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

      Inspector’s note: Must install splash guards between hand sink and table top grill in prep area, also, between the hand sink and ice bin at front prep coffee station. Instructed to maintain.

      Official wording (code 47)

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

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

      Inspector’s note: Must detail clean grease and dust accumulation from hood filters in prep area. Instructed to maintain.

      Official wording (code 56)

      Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      Required allergen training was missing.

      Inspector’s note: Allergen certificates are required for all employees that have a city of chicago food sanitation license. Instructed to complete the online training and keep certificate onsite.

      Official wording (code 58)

      Allergen training as required

  12. Pass

    License Re-Inspection · Pass

    No violations

  13. Fail

    License · Fail

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

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed front food prep/bar area open an accessible to the public. Instructed manager to provide and maintain a proper barriers to protect the food prep area on both sides from the customer.

More in ZIP 60642

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