CAFE 53

Address: 1369 E 53RD ST, CHICAGO, IL 60615, Chicago, IL

Latest Inspection: Pass w/ Conditions on Apr 3, 2026

Facility Details

• Facility Type: Restaurant
• Risk: Risk 1 (High)
• Status: Independent

Inspection History (14 inspections)

• Pass w/ Conditions — Fri Apr 03 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) (Canvass) 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED HANDSINK IN PREP AREA NOT STOCKED WITH HAND SOAP. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT HAND SOAP MUST BE AVAILABLE AT HAN
• Pass — Tue Apr 29 2025 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) () 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT POP AND/OR MILK CRATES ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE FOR PROPER ELEVATION. MUST BE ABLE T
• Pass — Tue Dec 10 2024 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) () 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED THE REAR EXTERIOR DOOR NOT TIGHT FITTING AT THE BOTTOM (1/4" GAP). MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN TO PREVENT POSSIBLE ENTRY POINT FOR PESTS.
• Pass — Wed Mar 27 2024 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) () 45. SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED GROCERY BAGS BEING USED FOR FOOD STORAGE FOR SOME FOOD ITEMS; INSTRUCTED TO USE FOOD GRADE BAGS FOR FOOD STORAGE. |
• Pass w/ Conditions — Fri Aug 07 2020 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) () 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION
• Fail — Fri Jul 31 2020 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) () 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE TCS FOODS(BREAKFAST SANDWICHES,COFFEE, ESPRESSO) ARE BEING PREPARED, HANDLED AND SER
• Pass w/ Conditions — Fri Nov 04 2016 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) () 21. * CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED - Comments: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS(COFFEE, ESPRESSO
• Pass w/ Conditions — Thu Oct 29 2015 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) () 14. PREVIOUS SERIOUS VIOLATION CORRECTED, 7-42-090 - Comments: PREVIOUS SERIOUS VIOLATION FROM REPORT #1386509 10/22/15 #18 STILL FINDING FRONT DOOR FRAME NOT TIGHT FITTING.MANAGER IS ON SITE REPAIRIN
• Fail — Thu Oct 22 2015 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) () 2. FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE - Comments: OBSERVED REAR PREP COOLER AT 51.9F AND FRONT TABLE TOP MILK COOLER AT 49.0F. WITH POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS STORED INSIDE.A HELD FOR INSPECTI
• Pass — Thu Nov 07 2013 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) () 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: MUST PROPERLY SEAL AROUND THE WASH BOWL IN THE WOMENS WASHROOM. | 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPM
• Pass w/ Conditions — Thu Mar 29 2012 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) () 21. * CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED - Comments: A certified food service manager must be present in all establishments at which potentially h
• Pass — Fri Mar 25 2011 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) ()
• Fail — Thu Mar 24 2011 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) () 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED - Comments: The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kep
• Fail — Fri Mar 11 2011 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) () 2. FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE - Comments: GELATO FREEZER NOT ON AND OPERATING. MUST REPAIR AND HAVE ON AND OPERATING TO VERIFY THAT IT HOLDS THE PROPER TEMPERATURE. | 35. WALLS, CEIL

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