Canvass Re-Inspection
Apr 17, 2026
Pass
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Apr 17, 2026 · Original Source
Restaurant · Chicago, IL
Believe Cafe
3901 W Belmont Ave
Last inspected Apr 17, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗
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ImprovingThe latest inspection recorded fewer violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.
The full inspection history
7 inspectionsCanvass
Apr 10, 2026
Fail
6 recorded violations
notedCode 10Handwashing
Official wording
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGN OR POSTER NEAR HAND WASHING SINK IN THE UNISEX EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
In plain English
Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.
More about handwashing problemsnotedCode 40Employee health and hygiene
Official wording
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED EMPLOYEE NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINT WHILE FOOD IS BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS AT ALL TIMES FOOD IS PREPARED AND SERVED.
In plain English
This covers things like hair restraints, jewelry, clean clothing, eating or drinking in food prep areas, touching ready-to-eat food with bare hands, or not having a sick-employee policy.
More about employee hygiene or health policy issuesnotedCode 43Equipment and utensils
Official wording
IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED ICE SCOOPS STORED INSIDE ICE MACHINE IN FRONT PREP AREA. MUST PROPERLY STORE ICE SCOOPS IN A CLEAN CONTAINER TO PREVENY CONTAMINATION.
In plain English
Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.
More about equipment or utensil issuesnotedCode 57Permits, training, and postings
Official wording
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED ONE FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO COMPLY WITH IDPH FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS.
In plain English
A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.
More about paperwork, training, or posting issuesnotedCode 58Permits, training, and postings
Official wording
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED ONE CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGER WITHOUT ALLERGEN AWARENESS AWARENESS TRAINING CERTIFICATE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ENSURE ALL INDIVIDUALS THAT HOLD A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE OBTAIN ALLERGEN AWARENES TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFCATE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
In plain English
A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.
More about paperwork, training, or posting issuesnotedCode 60Other
Official wording
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT#2618082 ON 05/27/2025. #37. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS IDENTIFIED WITH COMMON NAME (RICE, FLOUR ETC). #53. TOILET ROOM DOOR MUST BE SELF CLOSING. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL SELF CLOSING DEVICE. #55. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL FLOOR BASEBOARD AROUND THE FRONT DINING/SERVICE AREA. #55. NSTRUCTED TO SEAL HOLE ON WALL AROUND MOPSINK FAUCET HOT AND COLD WATER HANDLE. AND HOLE ON WALL AROUND PIPE INSIDE THE WASHROOM. #55.: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. #55. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, REORGANIZE AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES STORED IN THE BASEMENT STORAGE AREA TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE. #55. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR LOOSE CEILING TILES ABOVE THE COOKING AREA. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Apr 10, 2026 · Original Source
Complaint
May 27, 2025
Pass w/ Conditions
7 recorded violations
notedCode 35Food temperature
Official wording
APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED IMPROPER THAWING PROCEDURE ON FROZEN PORK. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT, THAWING MUST OCCUR UNDER REFRIGERATION THAT MAINTAINS THE FOOD TEMPERATURE AT 41.0F OR LESS OR COMPLETELY SUBMERGED UNDER RUNNING WATER OR THAWED IN A MICROWAVE OVEN AND IMMEDIATELY TRANSFERRED TO CONVENTIONAL COOKING EQUIPMENT WITH NO INTERRUPTION IN THE PROCESS. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN CORRECT THAWING PROCEDURES.
In plain English
Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.
More about food kept at an unsafe temperaturenotedCode 36Equipment and utensils
Official wording
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
Inspector’s notes
INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE INSIDE ALL COOLERS.
In plain English
Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.
More about equipment or utensil issuesnotedCode 37Food source and labeling
Official wording
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
Inspector’s notes
INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS IDENTIFIED WITH COMMON NAME (RICE, FLOUR ETC)
In plain English
Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.
More about food source, dating, or labeling problemsnotedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
Inspector’s notes
INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CARDBOARD LINER UNDERNEATH THE CONVEYOR OVEN IN THE KITCHEN.
In plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsnotedCode 53Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
Inspector’s notes
TOILET ROOM DOOR MUST BE SELF CLOSING. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL SELF CLOSING DEVICE.
In plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsnotedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
INSTRUCTED TO SEAL HOLE ON WALL AROUND MOPSINK FAUCET HOT AND COLD WATER HANDLE. AND HOLE ON WALL AROUND PIPE INSIDE THE WASHROOM.
In plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsnotedCode 61Other
Official wording
SUMMARY REPORT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC
Inspector’s notes
FOUND NO INSPECTION SUMMARY REPORT POSTED (03-18-2025) ON PREMISE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER, A SUMMARY REPORT MUST BE DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-010 (B) CITATION ISSUED
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, May 27, 2025 · Original Source
Canvass Re-Inspection
Mar 18, 2025
Pass
3 recorded violations
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
6-501.11 OBSERVED HOLE WALL NEAR HANDWASHING SINK IN THE EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
In plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsnotedCode 57Permits, training, and postings
Official wording
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
Inspector’s notes
2-102.13 OBSERVED ONE FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO COMPLY WITH IDPH FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS.
In plain English
A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.
More about paperwork, training, or posting issuesnotedCode 58Permits, training, and postings
Official wording
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
Inspector’s notes
2-102.13 OBSERVED ONE CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGER WITHOUT ALLERGEN AWARENESS AWARENESS TRAINING CERTIFICATE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ENSURE ALL INDIVIDUALS THAT HOLD A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE OBTAIN ALLERGEN AWARENES TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFCATE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
In plain English
A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.
More about paperwork, training, or posting issuesOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Mar 18, 2025 · Original Source
Canvass
Mar 11, 2025
Fail
4 recorded violations
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED HOLE WALL NEAR HANDWASHING SINK IN THE EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
In plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsnotedCode 36Equipment and utensils
Official wording
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER FOR MEASURING THE INTERNAL TEMPERATURES OF HOT AND COLD FOODS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE A METAL STEM THERMOMETER FOR MEASURING HOT AND COLD FOODS AND MAINTAIN.
In plain English
Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.
More about equipment or utensil issuesnotedCode 57Permits, training, and postings
Official wording
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED ONE FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO COMPLY WITH IDPH FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS.
In plain English
A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.
More about paperwork, training, or posting issuesnotedCode 58Permits, training, and postings
Official wording
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED ONE CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGER WITHOUT ALLERGEN AWARENESS AWARENESS TRAINING CERTIFICATE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ENSURE ALL INDIVIDUALS THAT HOLD A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE OBTAIN ALLERGEN AWARENES TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFCATE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
In plain English
A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.
More about paperwork, training, or posting issuesOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Mar 11, 2025 · Original Source
License
Aug 16, 2024
Pass w/ Conditions
6 recorded violations
notedCode 3Permits, training, and postings
Official wording
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
Inspector’s notes
NOTED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION FOLLOWING THE NEW CODE AND GUIDELINES. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE VERIFICATION OF POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE ONE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED TODAY
In plain English
A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.
More about paperwork, training, or posting issuesnotedCode 10Handwashing
Official wording
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
Inspector’s notes
NOTED NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT THE EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
In plain English
Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.
More about handwashing problemsnotedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
Inspector’s notes
NOTED UNFINISHED WOOD USED FOR SHELVING AT THE FRONT COUNTER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SHELVES WITH NON POROUS WOOD THAT ARE EASILY CLEANABLE AND MAINTAINED.
In plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsnotedCode 53Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
Inspector’s notes
NOTED WASH ROOM ON PREMISE WITH GARBAGE RECEPTACLE AND NO LIDS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TRASH CANS WITH LIDS AT ALL WOMEN WASH ROOMS AND UNISEX WASH ROOM
In plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsnotedCode 5Other
Official wording
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
Inspector’s notes
MANAGEMENT UNABLE TO PROVIDE A PROCEDURE FOR CLEANING UP VOMITING AND DIARRHEA.INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ONE INCLUDING THE CHEMICALS AND SUPPLIES NEEDED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingnotedCode 56Facility maintenance
Official wording
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
Inspector’s notes
NOTED NO WORKING VENTILATION INSIDE TOILET ON PREMISE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND HAVE A WORKING VENTILATION INSIDE ALL TOILETS.
In plain English
Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.
More about building upkeep issuesOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Aug 16, 2024 · Original Source
License
Aug 5, 2024
Not Ready
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Aug 5, 2024 · Original Source