Health Inspection Report
LE CAFE GRILL in CHICAGO, IL Failed Its Health Inspection on 08/14/25
CHICAGO, IL
Published: August 21, 2025
CHICAGO, IL - Health department officials identified compliance issues at LE CAFE GRILL in an inspection dated 08/14/2025.
Located at 1889-1891 N WINNEBAGO AVE in the Logan Square area, the establishment serves the local community. The Logan Square neighborhood maintains numerous food service establishments that undergo regular health monitoring.
The inspection identified 3 distinct violations requiring correction. These findings represent specific conditions observed during the inspection that must be addressed to meet health code requirements.
The first violation concerned temperature control. Inspectors documented: 2. City of Chicago Food Service Sanitation Certificate - Comments: Observed Facility Without a Verifiable City of Chicago Food Service Sanitation Certificate Posted Onsite for Food Employees. Informed Person in Charge City of Chicago Original Food Service Certificate Must Be Posted Along with the Certified Manager on Site When Time and Temperature Control for Safety(tcs) Foods Are Stored. Priority Foundation Violation #7-38-012. Citation Issued.. The FDA Food Code requires cold foods to be held at 41°F or below and hot foods at 135°F or above to prevent bacterial growth in the "danger zone." For more information, see FDA guidelines on temperature control. The CDC reports that temperature abuse is a factor in many foodborne illness outbreaks.
The second violation involved sanitization. Inspectors documented: 16. Food-contact Surfaces: Cleaned & Sanitized - Comments: Observe Ice Machine Located in the Rear Prep Area with a Build-up of Black Slime Substance, Dripping Onto Ice Cubes Stored Below the Ice Bin.ice Is Used for Human Consumption. Instructed to Clean, Sanitize, and Maintain. Priority Foundation Violation #7-38-005.citation Issued. FDA sanitation guidelines require regular cleaning and sanitizing of all food contact surfaces to prevent cross-contamination and bacterial growth. For more information, see FDA sanitation standards. Cross-contamination from improperly sanitized equipment is a common cause of foodborne illness.
The third violation related to food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: 25. Consumer Advisory Provided for Raw/undercooked Food - Comments: Observed Menu Paper and Online with a Footnote Reminder Statement on the Menu and Missing Disclosure By Astericks for Related Menu Items. Instructed to Provide Both. Violations of health codes can increase the risk of foodborne illness.
Health code violations require prompt correction to maintain operating permits. The health department typically conducts re-inspections to verify that identified issues have been properly addressed.
This inspection data is provided by Chicago Department of Public Health. The establishment had violations identified during the 08/14/2025 inspection. Conditions may have changed since this inspection. For current compliance status, consult the Chicago Department of Public Health. For more information about restaurant inspection regulations in this area, visit the Chicago Food Service Sanitation Rules. Learn more about food safety at FDA.gov and CDC.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was this inspection conducted?
This inspection was conducted on August 21, 2025.
Who conducted this inspection?
Chicago Department of Public Health
What violations were found during this inspection?
The following violations were documented: NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE MICROWAVE, DEEP FRYER AND PREP COOLERS.; PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: REPAIR THE LEAKING FAUCET IN THE CUSTOMER WASHROOM.; SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED - Comments: REPAIR THE LEAK FROM THE DRAIN LINE LOCATED ABOVE THE DOORWAY TO THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: CLEAN THE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON THE WALLS OF THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA.; ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: CLEAN THE BUILDUP OF GREASE ON THE VENTILATION HOOD FILTERS.; ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITHOUT A VALID FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST SHOW VALID PROOF OF TRAINING.; ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING..
Why are these violations concerning?
The CDC reports that temperature abuse is a factor in many foodborne illness outbreaks. Cross-contamination from improperly sanitized equipment is a common cause of foodborne illness.