Conditional

Gold Coast Deli & Cafe

754 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654

Restaurant ZIP 60654 Risk 1 (High)

Pass with Conditions · as of May 28, 2026

Gold Coast Deli & Cafe was last inspected on May 28, 2026 with a result of “Pass w/ Conditions”. Inspectors found 7 violations.

Latest inspection

May 28, 2026 · Short Form Complaint

Conditional

Result: Pass w/ Conditions

3 general4 paperwork
  • GeneralFood handling

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

    Inspector’s note: Observed shelf over panini press lined with aluminium foil. Instructed to remove and maintain smooth, cleanable surfaces throughout facility.

    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 both handles on top 2 door roll top cooler in prep area are broken. Instructed to repair or replace and maintain in good condition.

    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 leak at water pipe behind ice machine. Instructed to repair or replace and maintain in good condition.

    Official wording (code 51)

    Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

  • PaperworkManagement & training

    No manager on duty held a City of Chicago food sanitation certificate.

    Inspector’s note: Observed no certified manager on site while tcs items such as bagel sandwiches were prepared. Instructed to maintain an employee holding a valid city of chicago foodservice manager certificate on site at all times. Priority foundation violation 7-38-012. Citation issued.

    Official wording (code 2)

    City of chicago food service sanitation certificate

  • PaperworkManagement & training

    Not all food employees had food-handler training.

    Inspector’s note: Observed 1 of 6 employees with food handler training. Instructed all employees must complete food handler training and maintain records thereof onsite at all times.

    Official wording (code 57)

    All food employees have food handler training

  • PaperworkManagement & training

    Required allergen training was missing.

    Inspector’s note: Observed no allergen training certificates on site at time of inspection. Instructed all employees holding city of chicago foodservice manager certificate must complete allergen training and maintain records thereof on site at all times.

    Official wording (code 58)

    Allergen training as required

  • PaperworkFood handling

    The inspection summary report wasn’t posted for the public.

    Inspector’s note: Observed no summary posted for public view from previous inspection #2634733 dated 4/9/2026. Left new summary and instructed to post for public view. Priority foundation violation 7-42-010(b). Citation issued.

    Official wording (code 61)

    Summary report displayed and visible to the public

Inspection history

10 inspections on record

  1. Conditional

    Complaint · Pass w/ Conditions

    5 general3 paperwork Show violations
    • GeneralFood temperature

      Thermometers were missing or inaccurate.

      Inspector’s note: Observed broken thermometers inside 1 prep cooler and deli cooler. Instructed to repair or replace and maintain working thermometers inside coolers.

      Official wording (code 36)

      Thermometers provided & accurate

    • GeneralFood handling

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed shelf over panini press lined with aluminium foil. Instructed to remove and maintain smooth, cleanable surfaces throughout facility.

      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 both handles on top 2 door roll top cooler in prep area are broken. Instructed to repair or replace and maintain in good condition.

      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 the following plumbing issues at 3 compartment sink: leak coming from faucet and slow draining. Instructed to repair both issues or replace equipment as necessary and maintain in good condition.

      Official wording (code 51)

      Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Observed boxes of dry goods stored on floor and inside utility sink in mop closet. Instructed to organize and store all items at least 6 inches off floor.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      No manager on duty held a City of Chicago food sanitation certificate.

      Inspector’s note: Observed no certified manager on site while tcs items such as bagel sandwiches were prepared. Instructed to maintain an employee holding a valid city of chicago foodservice manager certificate on site at all times. Priority foundation violation 7-38-012. Citation issued.

      Official wording (code 2)

      City of chicago food service sanitation certificate

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      Not all food employees had food-handler training.

      Inspector’s note: Observed 1 of 6 employees with food handler training. Instructed all employees must complete food handler training and maintain records thereof onsite at all times.

      Official wording (code 57)

      All food employees have food handler training

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      Required allergen training was missing.

      Inspector’s note: Observed no allergen training certificates on site at time of inspection. Instructed all employees holding city of chicago foodservice manager certificate must complete allergen training and maintain records thereof on site at all times.

      Official wording (code 58)

      Allergen training as required

  2. Conditional

    Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions

    2 general3 paperwork Show violations
    • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed both handles on top 2 door roll top cooler in prep area are broken. Instructed to repair or replace and maintain in good condition.

      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 the following plumbing issues at 3 compartment sink: leak coming from faucet and slow draining. Instructed to repair both issues or replace equipment as necessary and maintain in good condition.

      Official wording (code 51)

      Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      No manager on duty held a City of Chicago food sanitation certificate.

      Inspector’s note: Observed no certified manager on site from 8:35-10:20am while tcs items such as eggs were prepared. Instructed to maintain an employee holding a valid city of chicago foodservice manager certificate onsite at all times. Priority foundation violation 7-38-012. Citation issued.

      Official wording (code 2)

      City of chicago food service sanitation certificate

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      Not all food employees had food-handler training.

      Inspector’s note: Observed 1 of 6 employees with food handler training. Instructed all employees must complete food handler training and maintain records thereof onsite at all times.

      Official wording (code 57)

      All food employees have food handler training

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      Required allergen training was missing.

      Inspector’s note: Observed no allergen training certificates on site at time of inspection. Instructed all employees holding city of chicago foodservice manager certificate must complete allergen training and maintain records thereof on site at all times.

      Official wording (code 58)

      Allergen training as required

  3. Pass

    Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass

    4 general Show violations
    • GeneralHygiene & sanitation

      Staff personal cleanliness was inadequate.

      Inspector’s note: 2-402.11: observed food handler not wearing hair restraint while preparing food. Instructed food employees shall wear hair restraints that are designed and worn to effectively keep their hair from contacting exposed food, clean equipment, utensils and unwrapped single service and single use items.

      Official wording (code 40)

      Personal cleanliness

    • 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 stored on floor in utility closet. Instructed to provide adequate shelving to elevate all food and nonfood 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

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: 6-501.11: observed damaged floor tiles in front of three compartment sink and in front of deli display cooler. Instructed to smoothly repair or replace all damaged floor tiles for ease of cleanability. Observed openings in ceiling in utility closet. Instructed to smoothly repair holes in ceiling in utility closet for ease of cleanability. Observed peeling paint around caulk of handwashing sink in washroom. Instructed to remove peeling paint around handwashing sink in washroom and repaint said area.

      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 soiled floor inside cabinet underneath handwashing sink in prep area. Instructed to clean floor underneath handwashing sink in prep area.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

  4. Conditional

    Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions

    3 critical5 general1 paperwork Show violations
    • CriticalManagement & training

      No one in charge was present who knew the food-safety rules.

      Inspector’s note: Observed no person in charge with a valid city of chicago food service sanitation certificate. Instructed a person in charge with a valid city of chicago food service sanitation certificate must be on premises during all hours of operation. Priority foundation violation

      Official wording (code 1)

      Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties

    • CriticalFood temperature

      Cold food was held above a safe temperature.

      Inspector’s note: Observed cold tcs foods, held at improper temperatures ranging between 46.8-50.2f. Observed cold tcs foods, 6 gallons of milk(46.8-49.5f) and heavy cream(50.2f) 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 $40 weighing 46lbs. 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 two door cold holding unit in prep area used to hold cold tcs foods at improper ambient temperature of 54.0f. Instructed all cold holding units must be maintained at 41f or below. Corrected on site held for inspection tag placed on small two door cold holding unit in prep area. Priority violation 7-38-005 citation issued

      Official wording (code 33)

      Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control

    • GeneralFood temperature

      Thermometers were missing or inaccurate.

      Inspector’s note: Observed no internal ambient air thermometer in two three door cold holding units. Instructed to provide at least one internal ambient air thermometer in a conspicuous and easily-viewable location in all cold-holding equipment and maintain at all times.

      Official wording (code 36)

      Thermometers provided & accurate

    • GeneralHygiene & sanitation

      Staff personal cleanliness was inadequate.

      Inspector’s note: Observed food handler not wearing hair restraint while preparing food. Instructed food employees shall wear hair restraints that are designed and worn to effectively keep their hair from contacting exposed food, clean equipment, utensils and unwrapped single service and single use items.

      Official wording (code 40)

      Personal cleanliness

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed boxes stored on floor in utility closet. Instructed to provide adequate shelving to elevate all food and nonfood 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

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Observed damaged floor tiles in front of three compartment sink and in front of deli display cooler. Instructed to smoothly repair or replace all damaged floor tiles for ease of cleanability. Observed openings in ceiling in utility closet. Instructed to smoothly repair holes in ceiling in utility closet for ease of cleanability. Observed peeling paint around caulk of handwashing sink in washroom. Instructed to remove peeling paint around handwashing sink in washroom and repaint said area.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Observed soiled floor inside cabinet underneath handwashing sink in prep area. Instructed to clean floor underneath handwashing sink in prep area.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      No manager on duty held a City of Chicago food sanitation certificate.

      Inspector’s note: Observed no person in charge with a valid city of chicago food service sanitation certificate. Instructed a person in charge with a valid city of chicago food service sanitation certificate must be on premises during all hours of operation. Priority foundation violation. 7-38-012 citation issued.

      Official wording (code 2)

      City of chicago food service sanitation certificate

  5. Conditional

    Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions

    2 critical3 general1 paperwork Show violations
    • CriticalManagement & training

      No one in charge was present who knew the food-safety rules.

      Inspector’s note: Observed no person-in-charge with city of chicago certified manager certificate on-site at start of inspection. Person-in-charge arrived on-site during inspection with no certified manager certificate. Instructed to maintain person-in-charge with city of chicago certified manager training and original certificate on-site at all times. Priority foundation violation.

      Official wording (code 1)

      Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties

    • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed main prep area handwashing sink in poor repair and unable to provide hot or cold water. Instructed to repair or replace handwashing sink and associated plumbing fixtures and maintain all handwashing sinks available for convenient use by food employees at all times. Person-in-charge repaired handwashing sink to provide hot and cold water on-site at time of inspection. Priority foundation violation. 7-38-030(c) citation issued.

      Official wording (code 10)

      Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

    • GeneralFood temperature

      Thermometers were missing or inaccurate.

      Inspector’s note: Observed no internal ambient air thermometer at the deli cooler. Instructed to provide at least one internal ambient air thermometer in a conspicuous and easily-viewable location in all cold-holding equipment and maintain at all times.

      Official wording (code 36)

      Thermometers provided & accurate

    • GeneralFood handling

      Single-use items weren’t stored or used properly.

      Inspector’s note: Observed single-service articles (to-go containers, lids) stored uncovered/not inverted at the deli cooler area. Instructed to store single-service articles covered or inverted to prevent contamination and maintain.

      Official wording (code 45)

      Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Observed nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment (griddle, microwave, slicer) to be soiled with dried food debris. Instructed to clean nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment at adequate frequency to prevent build up of soil and maintain.

      Official wording (code 49)

      Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      No manager on duty held a City of Chicago food sanitation certificate.

      Inspector’s note: Observed no food employee with city of chicago certified manager certificate on-site while tcs foods are handled (raw eggs, deli meats, sandwiches) at time of inspection. Instructed to maintain at least one food employee with city of chicago certified manager training and original certificate on-site at all times in which food is handled or prepared. Priority foundation violation. 7-38-012 citation issued.

      Official wording (code 2)

      City of chicago food service sanitation certificate

  6. Conditional

    Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions

    3 general1 paperwork Show violations
    • GeneralFood handling

      Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.

      Inspector’s note: Observed wiping cloths stored on top of front counter. Must properly store wiping cloths in a sanitizig 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: Additional water pressure needed in the hand washing sink located in prep/dish area. Must repair and maintain.

      Official wording (code 51)

      Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

    • GeneralRepeat violation

      A previously cited basic violation still wasn’t fixed.

      Inspector’s note: Previous core violation not corrected from report#2563401 on 09/09/22. Violation #58 observed no allergen training on site at time of inspection. Instructed all employees holding city of chicago foodservice manager certificate must complete allergen training and maintain records thereof on site at all times. Priority foundation violation 7-42-090. Citation issued.

      Official wording (code 60)

      Previous core violation corrected

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      No manager on duty held a City of Chicago food sanitation certificate.

      Inspector’s note: Observed no city of chicago certified food manager on site while tcs foods are beng prepared and served such as soups, sandwiches, italian beef etc. Instructed above that city of chicago certified foodservice manager has to be on site at all times tcs foods are prepared and served. Priority foundation violation 7-38-012. Citation issued.

      Official wording (code 2)

      City of chicago food service sanitation certificate

  7. Conditional

    License Re-Inspection · 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: Observed no verifiable employee health policy on site at time of inspection. Left template and instructed to maintain copies of employee health policy signed by all employees on site at all times. Priority foundation violation 7-38-010. 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: Observed no kit and procedure for responding to vomit and diarrhea on site at time of inspection. Left one pager and instructed to maintain procedure and kit with all necessary items including a sanitizer rated as effective against norovirus on site at all times. Priority foundation violation 7-38-005. No citation issued.

      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: Observed no handwashing signage at both exposed handwashing sink in prep area and washbowl sink in bathroom. Instructed to provide.

      Official wording (code 10)

      Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

    • GeneralFood handling

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed no barrier between customers and prep area ends several feet before end of prep area. See comments. Instructed to correct.

      Official wording (code 39)

      Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

      Inspector’s note: Observed mechanical ventilation in bathroom does not work. Instructed to correct and maintain in good condition.

      Official wording (code 56)

      Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

      Inspector’s note: Observed heavy build up of dust on vent in bathroom. Instructed to clean and maintain in good condition.

      Official wording (code 56)

      Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      Required allergen training was missing.

      Inspector’s note: Observed no allergen training on site at time of inspection. Instructed all employees holding city of chicago foodservice manager certificate must complete allergen training and maintain records thereof on site at all times.

      Official wording (code 58)

      Allergen training as required

  8. Fail

    License · Fail

    4 critical3 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 verifiable employee health policy on site at time of inspection. Left template and instructed to maintain copies of employee health policy signed by all employees on site at all times. Priority foundation violation 7-38-010. 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: Observed no kit and procedure for responding to vomit and diarrhea on site at time of inspection. Left one pager and instructed to maintain procedure and kit with all necessary items including a sanitizer rated as effective against norovirus on site at all times. Priority foundation violation 7-38-005. No citation issued.

      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: Observed no handwashing signage at both exposed handwashing sink in prep area and washbowl sink in bathroom. Instructed to provide.

      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 washbowl sink in toilet room maintaining improper maximum temperature of 85.2f. Instructed to repair sink so that it is capable of delivering hot running water under pressure between 100-120f. Priority violation 7-38-030(c). No citation issued.

      Official wording (code 10)

      Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

    • GeneralFood handling

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed no barrier between customers and prep area ends several feet before end of prep area. See comments. Instructed to correct.

      Official wording (code 39)

      Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

      Inspector’s note: Observed mechanical ventilation in bathroom does not work. Instructed to correct and maintain in good condition.

      Official wording (code 56)

      Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

      Inspector’s note: Observed heavy build up of dust on vent in bathroom. Instructed to clean and maintain in good condition.

      Official wording (code 56)

      Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      Required allergen training was missing.

      Inspector’s note: Observed no allergen training on site at time of inspection. Instructed all employees holding city of chicago foodservice manager certificate must complete allergen training and maintain records thereof on site at all times.

      Official wording (code 58)

      Allergen training as required

  9. Not Ready

    License · Not Ready

    No violations

More in ZIP 60654

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