Jess Cafe

No violations were recorded at this inspection.

1. Jul 15, 2026 Pass

   Short Form Complaint · Pass

   No violations

2. May 5, 2026 Pass

   Complaint · Pass

   2 general Show violations

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Garbage wasn’t handled or stored properly.

     Inspector’s note: Observed minor grease spills on front of outside oil tank. Must clean and maintain.

     Official wording (code 54)

     Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Observed about 2 inch gap from bottom of toilet room door. Must repair.

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

3. Mar 30, 2026 Pass

   Canvass · Pass

   1 general Show violations

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Observed grease spills on floors under the cooking equipment at main prep line. Must clean and maintain.

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

4. Dec 22, 2025 Pass

   Complaint Re-Inspection · Pass

   No violations

5. Dec 16, 2025 Fail

   Complaint · Fail

   7 general Show violations

   • GeneralPests

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

     Inspector’s note: Observed live pest activity on the premises. Noted large roach and a cluster of approximately 40 small roaches on side of prep cooler. 2 large roaches in circuit breaker, approximately 7 large roaches in rear hood/filter system. Management instructed to clean affected areas. Additional pest control service is needed to eliminate the pest activity. 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: Noted microwave at cooksline and rear prep area not clean. Instructed to deep clean and maintain.

     Official wording (code 47)

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

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Dishwashing equipment wasn’t set up, maintained, or used correctly.

     Inspector’s note: Observed no irreversible test strips/testing device on site to adequately measure the utensil surface temperature (160f) after the final rinse for high temp dish machine. Instructed to provide. Priority foundation violation #7-38-005. Citation issued.

     Official wording (code 48)

     Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Dishwashing equipment wasn’t set up, maintained, or used correctly.

     Inspector’s note: Observed facility without a chemical test kit for chlorine sanitizer used in sanitizing buckets and at 3 compartment sink. Informed person in charge a test kit that accurately measures the concentration in mg/l of sanitizing solution must be provided. Priority foundation violation #7-38-005. Citation combined with above.

     Official wording (code 48)

     Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Observed grease buildup on cooking equipment, walls, surrounding floors and shelving units in the kitchen/prep areas. Instructed to deep clean by degreasing and sanitizing all surfaces

     Official wording (code 49)

     Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Observed an accumulation of food debris and black subtance on shelves in walk in cooler. Instructed to deep clean and maintain.

     Official wording (code 49)

     Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

     Inspector’s note: Observed cold water handle at cooksline handwash sink in disrepair. Noted handle stiff. Instructed to repair to ensure proper handwashing

     Official wording (code 51)

     Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

6. Oct 27, 2025 Pass

   Complaint · Pass

   No violations

7. Jun 4, 2025 Pass

   Complaint Re-Inspection · Pass

   No violations

8. May 28, 2025 Fail

   Complaint · Fail

   1 critical2 general Show violations

   • CriticalFood handling

     Surfaces that touch food weren’t cleaned and sanitized.

     Inspector’s note: Observed rear ice machine with a build-up of black and brown substance, dripping onto ice cubes stored below the ice bin.ice is used for human consumption. Instructed to remove ice, deep clean, sanitize, and maintain. Priority foundation violation #7-38-005.citation issued

     Official wording (code 16)

     Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized

   • GeneralPests

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

     Inspector’s note: Observed a 1/4" gap at the bottom of the kitchen rear exit door. Must provide a tight-fitting seal at all outer openings to prevent pests ' entry.

     Official wording (code 38)

     Insects, rodents, & animals not present

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Hot or cold water wasn’t available, or water pressure was too low.

     Inspector’s note: Observed a trickle of water at handsink in the front fruit smoothie prep area and low pressure at rear handsink next to rear exit door. Hot water is not at a sufficient capacity to meet the peak water demands. I informed the person in charge of the facility to repair and maintain. Priority foundation violation #7-38-030(c). Citation issued.

     Official wording (code 50)

     Hot & cold water available; adequate pressure

9. Apr 9, 2025 Pass

   Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass

   2 paperwork Show violations

   • PaperworkManagement & training

     Not all food employees had food-handler training.

     Inspector’s note: 2-102.13--observed expired food handler training certificates on site. Must provide current food handler training certificates.

     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 expired allergen training certificate. Must provide allergen training for all certified food managers.

     Official wording (code 58)

     Allergen training as required

10. Apr 2, 2025 Fail

    Canvass · Fail

    3 general2 paperwork Show violations

    • GeneralPests

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed over 100 mice droppings throughout kitchen prep area. Mice droppings were observed along walls and on top of grease trap under 3-compartment sink, inside of rear prep cooler by condensor unit, along walls under dry storage area, along walls by ice machine area in rear, along walls of the rear prep area and under 2-compartment sinks in main and rear prep areas. Instructed to eliminate all evidence of pest activity on premises. Instructed to clean and sanitize all affected areas. Priority foundation violation. 7-38-020(a). Citation issued.

      Official wording (code 38)

      Insects, rodents, & animals not present

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Observed grease spills on floor by grease trap and under cooking equipment in rear prep area. Must clean and maintain.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

      Inspector’s note: Observed numerous of personal cups in prep areas. Must store in designated area away from food prep and clean equipment/utensils.

      Official wording (code 56)

      Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      Not all food employees had food-handler training.

      Inspector’s note: Observed expired food handler training certificates on site. Must provide current food handler training certificates.

      Official wording (code 57)

      All food employees have food handler training

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      Required allergen training was missing.

      Inspector’s note: Observed expired allergen training certificate. Must provide allergen training for all certified food managers.

      Official wording (code 58)

      Allergen training as required

11. Nov 12, 2024 Pass

    Complaint Re-Inspection · Pass

    1 general Show violations

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

      Inspector’s note: 5-205.15--observed leak below hand washing sink in main prep area. Must repair.

      Official wording (code 51)

      Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

12. Nov 4, 2024 Fail

    Complaint · Fail

    4 general Show violations

    • GeneralPests

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

      Inspector’s note: OBSERVED OVER 50 MICE DROPPINGS THROUGHOUT ESTABLISHMENT. MICE DROPPINGS WERE FOUND ON FLOOR BY FRONT DRY STORAGE IN DINING AREA, SMOOTHIE BAR AND UNDER DISH MACHINE. MUST ELIMINATE ALL EVIDENCE OF PEST ACTIVITY ON PREMISES AND EFFECTIVELY CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-020(a). CITATION ISSUED.

      Official wording (code 38)

      Insects, rodents, & animals not present

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

      Inspector’s note: Observed leak below hand washing sink in main prep area. Must repair.

      Official wording (code 51)

      Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Observed wet floors throughout rear prep area. Must clean and maintain.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

      Inspector’s note: Observed shoes and jacket stored next to dry food storage items in rear kitchen prep. Must store personal items in designated area away from prep area.

      Official wording (code 56)

      Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

13. May 21, 2024 Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    2 critical2 general Show violations

    • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed open drinking cup on table next to clean plates in prep area. Must remove open cup from prep area. Employee removed cup.

      Official wording (code 6)

      Proper eating, tasting, drinking, or tobacco use

    • CriticalFood handling

      Surfaces that touch food weren’t cleaned and sanitized.

      Inspector’s note: Observed small black spots in ice machine in main kitchen area. Must clean and maintain.

      Official wording (code 16)

      Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

      Inspector’s note: Observed minor water leak at base of faucet at 3-compartment sink in kitchen prep area. Must repair.

      Official wording (code 51)

      Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Observed food spills on floors throughout kitchen and under cooking equipment. Instructed to clean.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

14. Sep 15, 2023 Pass

    Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass

    No violations

15. Sep 8, 2023 Fail

    Canvass · Fail

    2 critical5 general Show violations

    • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed inadequate hand drying provision in employee toilet room. Hand drying machine in employee toilet room is broken and no paper towels were provided during inspection. Must provide paper towels or adequate means to dry hands at hand washing sink at all times. Priority foundation violation. 7-38-030(c). Citation issued.

      Official wording (code 10)

      Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

    • CriticalFood handling

      Surfaces that touch food weren’t cleaned and sanitized.

      Inspector’s note: Observed black slime dripping directly on ice for human consumption inside of ice machine at bar. Instructed to clean, sanitize and maintain. Priority foundation violation. 7-38-005. Citation issued.

      Official wording (code 16)

      Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized

    • GeneralPests

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed numerous fly strips hanging from ceiling in main kitchen prep area. Must remove insect device from food prep areas.

      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: Observed dark stains and deep grooves at cutting board located at main prep line. Must detail clean or replace.

      Official wording (code 47)

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

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Dishwashing equipment wasn’t set up, maintained, or used correctly.

      Inspector’s note: OBSERVED DATA PLATE ON HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE FADED AND NOT READABLE. A WAREWASHING machine shall be provided with an easily accessible and readable data plate affixed to the machine by the manufacturer that indicates the machine’s design and operation specifications including the:(A) Temperatures required for washing, rinsing, and SANITIZING;(B) Pressure required for the fresh water SANITIZING rinse unless the machine is designed to use only a pumped SANITIZING rinse; and(C) Conveyor speed for conveyor machines or cycle time for stationary rack machines.

      Official wording (code 48)

      Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Dishwashing equipment wasn’t set up, maintained, or used correctly.

      Inspector’s note: Observed broken gages for wash tank and final rinse tank temperature at high temperature dish machine. Must repair. Priority foundation violation. 7-38-005. Citation issued.

      Official wording (code 48)

      Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Observed heavy grease on walls above 3-compartment sink and wet, dirty floors throughout kitchen. Must clean and maintain.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

16. Oct 17, 2022 Pass

    Complaint Re-Inspection · Pass

    1 general Show violations

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

      Inspector’s note: Found no backflow prevention device installed at ice machine front of premises.must provided where it can be located and serviced.

      Official wording (code 51)

      Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

17. Oct 6, 2022 Fail

    Complaint · Fail

    4 general Show violations

    • GeneralFood handling

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

      Inspector’s note: Found bulk food not labeled.(flour, starch,etc.) nust label.

      Official wording (code 37)

      Food properly labeled; original container

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Dishwashing equipment wasn’t set up, maintained, or used correctly.

      Inspector’s note: Found no irreversible measuring device for high temperature dishmachine. Priority foundation. Citation issued.7-38-005. Must provide.

      Official wording (code 48)

      Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

      Inspector’s note: Found no backflow prevention device installed at ice machine front of premises.must provided where it can be located and serviced.

      Official wording (code 51)

      Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Found rear storage room with clutter.must clean and organize.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

18. Aug 6, 2021 Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    8 general Show violations

    • GeneralPests

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed gap opening at rear side of screen door approx:1/4"inch.must pest proof said door to prevent pest entry.

      Official wording (code 38)

      Insects, rodents, & animals not present

    • GeneralFood handling

      Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.

      Inspector’s note: Instructed to properly store all washcloths in a sanitizing solution especially when not in use.

      Official wording (code 41)

      Wiping cloths: properly used & stored

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed a torn door gasket inside of the (fruit) 2 door stand-up cooler. Instructed management to replace the torn door gasket.

      Official wording (code 47)

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

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

      Inspector’s note: Instructed to transfer food products from an open original can container into food grade container for proper food storage.

      Official wording (code 47)

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

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Instructed to detail clean and maintain the exterior top of the dishmachine and exterior top of the ice maker,interior bottom compartments of the deep fryers and kitchen storage racks throughout the prep areas with food spillage.

      Official wording (code 49)

      Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Instructed to replace water stained ceiling tiles in customer dining room and provide missing ceiling tile in unisex customer washroom also, remove accumulations of dusts on the walls and ceilings at rear prep/storage area near the exit door.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Instructed to detail clean and organize the rear prep/storage areas and remove unnecessary articles due to potential pest harborage and elevate stock items off the floor at least 6" inches to facilitate cleaning.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

      Inspector’s note: Instructed to detail clean kitchen exhaust hood/filters to remove accumulation of hanging grease build-up and maintain.

      Official wording (code 56)

      Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

19. Mar 27, 2020 Conditional

    Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions

    2 critical5 general Show violations

    • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

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

      Inspector’s note: Instructed to provide hand washing signage at hand sink in front/rear prep area.

      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: Instructed to properly label and date ready to eat tcs foods held over 24 hours inside coolers. Must identify product shelf life or "consume by" dating (7 days from preparation date). Priority foundation violation 7-38-005 no citation issued

      Official wording (code 23)

      Proper date marking and disposition

    • GeneralFood handling

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

      Inspector’s note: Instructed to properly label food storage containers/bins identified with common name.

      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: Instructed to clean, repaint or replace metal racks with rust build-up inside walk-in cooler.

      Official wording (code 47)

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

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Instructed to clean and maintain exterior sides of cooking equipment with grease accumulation.

      Official wording (code 49)

      Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

      Inspector’s note: Instructed to repair loose faucet (hot) handle at handsink in rear prep/storage area.

      Official wording (code 51)

      Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Instructed to detail clean and maintain floors under and around cooking equipment with grease accumulation.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

20. Aug 30, 2019 Conditional

    Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions

    1 critical3 general Show violations

    • CriticalManagement & training

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed incomplete clean-up kit on site.instructed management to have a complete clean up kit by next by the next inspection. Priority foundation violation 7-38-005 no citation issued

      Official wording (code 5)

      Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Observed interior 0f walk-in freezer iced up instructed management to clean and sanitize interior of walk in freezer. Core violation

      Official wording (code 49)

      Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Sewage or wastewater wasn’t disposed of properly.

      Inspector’s note: Observed no grease trap at 3-compartment sink.instructed management to install a grease trap under 3-compartment sink. Core violation

      Official wording (code 52)

      Sewage & waste water properly disposed

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Observed floors at hot line dirty.instructed management to clean floors and management proceeded to clean floors.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

21. Oct 2, 2018 Conditional

    License · Pass w/ Conditions

    3 critical3 general1 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 (A) FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 (a) NO CITATION ISSUED

      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 found no procedure/plan for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events. Instructed to provide and maintain appropriate supplies. Priority foundation violation 7-38-005 no citation issued

      Official wording (code 5)

      Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events

    • CriticalFood temperature

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

      Inspector’s note: 3-501.17 instructed to provide proper label and date for tcs (time/temperature control for safety) foods inside coolers. Priority foundation violation 7-38-005 no citation issued

      Official wording (code 23)

      Proper date marking and disposition

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

      Inspector’s note: 4-602.13 instructed to clean and maintain shelves with grease and dried food accumulation behind 3 compartment sink in prep area.

      Official wording (code 49)

      Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: 6-201.13 instructed to install floor baseboard/coving along the walls behind ice machine.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: 6-501.11 instructed to seal metal sheet opening behind 3 compartment sink in prep/cooking area.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      Required allergen training was missing.

      Inspector’s note: Pa-100-0367 found no approved allergen training in accordance with pa 100-0367 on site. Instructed any person with city of chicago food service sanitation certificate to comply with allergen training.

      Official wording (code 58)

      Allergen training as required