GOOD INFORMATION. BETTER PEACE OF MIND.Español · Always free. No signup required.

Bakery · Chicago, IL

Bittersweet

1114 W Belmont Ave

Last inspected Apr 7, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

Read Reviews on Google

Pass

Get the next inspection, free.

We'll email you when Bittersweet has a new health inspection. No spam, one-click unsubscribe.

No account needed. Unsubscribe at any time.

ImprovingThe latest inspection recorded fewer violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

6 inspections

Canvass Re-Inspection

Apr 7, 2026

Pass

5 recorded violations

notedCode 16Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

Inspector’s notes

4-602.11(B-E): **C** Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces and Utensils-Frequency OBSERVED THE ICE BIN INTERIOR IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ICE, CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

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 problems
notedCode 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

3-307.11: **C** Miscellaneous Sources of Contamination BROKEN AND EXPOSED INSULATION HANGING FROM AIR CONDITION CONDENSER TUBE AT SOUTH PREP AREA, ABOVE PREP TABLE. REPAIR ISSUE.SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH, CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT MATERIAL

In plain English

Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.

More about food not protected from contamination
notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

4-601.11(C): (C) NonFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES of EQUIPMENT shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, FOOD residue, and other debris. OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF THE WALK-IN COOLERS IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN.

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 problems
notedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

5-204.12: **C** Backflow Prevention Device, Location (NO BACKFLOW DEVICE) OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW PREVENTER DEVICE ON THE UTILITY SINK IN REAR STAFF TOILET ROOM INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL TO ENSURE DEVICE CAN BE LOCATED, SERVICED, AND MAINTAINED.

In plain English

The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.

More about water, plumbing, or sewage problems
notedCode 53Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

Inspector’s notes

5-501.17: **C** Toilet Room Receptacles, Covered OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE PROVIDED IN THE UNISEX EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM IN REAR. MUST PROVIDE 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 problems

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Apr 7, 2026 · Original Source

Canvass

Mar 31, 2026

Fail

6 recorded violations

notedCode 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

BROKEN AND EXPOSED INSULATION HANGING FROM AIR CONDITION CONDENSER TUBE AT SOUTH PREP AREA, ABOVE PREP TABLE. REPAIR ISSUE.SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH, CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT MATERIAL

In plain English

Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.

More about food not protected from contamination
notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF THE WALK-IN COOLERS IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN.

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 problems
notedCode 16Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED THE ICE BIN INTERIOR IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ICE, CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

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 problems
notedCode 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF PEST ACTIVITY ON THE PREMISES. OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 20 ANTS ON FLOOR IN DINING ROOM. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL ANTS FROM ALL AFFECTED AREAS. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.

In plain English

The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.

More about signs of rodents or insects
notedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW PREVENTER DEVICE ON THE UTILITY SINK IN REAR STAFF TOILET ROOM INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL TO ENSURE DEVICE CAN BE LOCATED, SERVICED, AND MAINTAINED.

In plain English

The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.

More about water, plumbing, or sewage problems
notedCode 53Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE PROVIDED IN THE UNISEX EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM IN REAR. MUST PROVIDE 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 problems

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Mar 31, 2026 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

May 30, 2025

Pass

2 recorded violations

notedCode 37Food source and labeling

Official wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s notes

MUST PROPERLY LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN NOT IN THE ORIGINAL CONTAINER.

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 problems
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED A FEW WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES ABOVE PREP TABLES IN REAR FOOD PREPARATION AREAS. MUST REPAIR/REPLACE AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED DIRT AND DEBRIS ON FLOOR UNDERNEATH FOOD STORAGE SHELVING IN REAR PREP AREA AND INSIDE WALK-IN COOLERS. MUST CLEAN 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 problems

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, May 30, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

May 23, 2025

Fail

11 recorded violations

notedCode 3Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 CITATION ISSUED.

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 issues
notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO HOT WATER AVAILABLE AT THE EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK IN REAR FOOD PREPARATION. WATER TEMPERATURE 72.2F AT THIS TIME. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN HOT WATER AT THE MINIUM TEMPERATURE OF 100.0F FOR PROPER HAND WASHING. FACILITY HAS ANOTHER EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK WITH CLOSE PROXIMITY FOR EMPLOYEES TO WASH THEIR HANDS. PLUMBER ARRIVED DURING INSPECTION AND REPAIR HOT WATER AT THE END OF INSPECTION. HOT WATER TEMPERATURE 100F.PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.

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 problems
notedCode 36Equipment and utensils

Official wording

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

Inspector’s notes

VISIBLE AND WORKING THERMOMETER NEEDED IN THE PASTRIES WALK-IN COOLER AND THE 3-DOOR DELI PREP COOLER. MUST PROVIDE THERMOMETERS 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 issues
notedCode 37Food source and labeling

Official wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s notes

MUST PROPERLY LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN NOT IN THE ORIGINAL CONTAINER.

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 problems
notedCode 41Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON TOP OF PREP TABLES. MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.

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 problems
notedCode 43Equipment and utensils

Official wording

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED ICE SCOOPS STORED INSIDE ICE MACHINE. MUST PROPERLY STORE ICE SCOOPS IN A CLEN CONTAINER TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION. OBSERVED SCOOPS STORED INSIDE SUGAR AND FLOUR CONTAINERSIN IN FOOD PREPARATION AREAS FOOD STORAGE. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO STORE ALL SCOOPS AND UTENSILS WITH HANDLES NOT IN CONTACT WITH FOOD ITEMS IN BETWEEN USE.

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 issues
notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

Inspector’s notes

MUST NOT USE MILK CRATES FOR PRODUCT ELEVATION. MUST PROVIDE APPROVED SHELVING 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 problems
notedCode 53Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE PROVIDED IN THE UNISEX EMPLOYEE WAHROOM. MUST PROVIDE 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 problems
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED A FEW WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES ABOVE PREP TABLES IN REAR FOOD PREPARATION AREAS. MUST REPAIR/REPLACE AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED DIRT AND DEBRIS ON FLOOR UNDERNEATH FOOD STORAGE SHELVING IN REAR PREP AREA AND INSIDE WALK-IN COOLERS. MUST CLEAN 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 problems
notedCode 56Facility maintenance

Official wording

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED UNOPERABLE MECHANICAL VENTILATION IN THE UNISEX EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

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 issues
notedCode 60Other

Official wording

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT#2602003 ON 09/03/2024 #39. OBSERVED CRATES OF FOOD AND BUTTERCREAM STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO ELEVATE ALL ITEMS AT LEAST 6 INCHES FROM FLOOR. #58. OBSERVED ONLY ONE (1) ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE, AND THERE ARE MULTIPLE CERTIFIED MANAGERS PRESENT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR EACH CERTIFIED MANAGER. 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 finding

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, May 23, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

Sep 3, 2024

Pass

3 recorded violations

notedCode 58Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Inspector’s notes

2-102.13 - OBSERVED ONLY ONE (1) ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE, AND THERE ARE MULTIPLE CERTIFIED MANAGERS PRESENT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR EACH CERTIFIED MANAGER.

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 issues
notedCode 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

3-305.11 - OBSERVED CRATES OF FOOD AND BUTTERCREAM STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO ELEVATE ALL ITEMS AT LEAST 6 INCHES FROM FLOOR.

In plain English

Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.

More about food not protected from contamination
notedCode 44Equipment and utensils

Official wording

UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED

Inspector’s notes

4-903.11 (A;B;D) - OBSERVED FOOD SERVICE EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS STORED BENEATH UNPROTECTED/NOT SHIELDED WASTEWATER AND SEWER LINES IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE APPROPRIATE SHIELDING OR MOVE ALL FOOD ITEMS AND STORAGE BINS FROM BELOW ANY UNPROTECTED SEWER AND WASTEWATER LINES.

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 issues

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Sep 3, 2024 · Original Source

Canvass

Aug 26, 2024

Fail

6 recorded violations

notedCode 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED CRATES OF FOOD AND BUTTERCREAM STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO ELEVATE ALL ITEMS AT LEAST 6 INCHES FROM FLOOR.

In plain English

Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.

More about food not protected from contamination
notedCode 44Equipment and utensils

Official wording

UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FOOD SERVICE EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS STORED BENEATH UNPROTECTED/NOT SHIELDED WASTEWATER AND SEWER LINES IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE APPROPRIATE SHIELDING OR MOVE ALL FOOD ITEMS AND STORAGE BINS FROM BELOW ANY UNPROTECTED SEWER AND WASTEWATER LINES.

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 issues
notedCode 58Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED ONLY ONE (1) ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE, AND THERE ARE MULTIPLE CERTIFIED MANAGERS PRESENT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR EACH CERTIFIED MANAGER.

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 issues
notedCode 60Other

Official wording

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

Inspector’s notes

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM 07/18/2023, REPORT #2578697: #51) - "NO BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE PROVIDED AT ICE MACHINE WATER LINE,AT FRONT COFFEE/SERVING STATION. MUST INSTALL SO BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE MAY BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAIN, OR TO KNOW THE LOCATION." OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES PRESENT AND MANAGER UNABLE TO CONFIRM LOCATION AT ICE MACHINE AND AT FRONT COFFEE/SERVING STATION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOR BOTH MACHINES. 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 finding
notedCode 2Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

Inspector’s notes

2-101.11 - FOUND NO CURRENT CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE ON PREMISES WHILE HANDLING TCS FOODS. (HANDLES DELI MEAT, EGGS, ETC.) EXPIRED PRESENT FOR CURRENT MANAGER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION, 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED. MUST PROVIDE UPDATED CERTIFIED MANAGERS CERTIFICATE ON SITE DURING HOURS OF OPERATION.

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 issues
notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED CARDBOARD LINING FLOORS IN DISH MACHINE, WALK IN COOLER IN REAR, AND LINING SHELVES THROUGHOUT FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO DISCONTINUE USE OF CARDBOARD AND PROVIDE AN EASILY CLEANABLE ALTERNATIVE.

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 problems

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Aug 26, 2024 · Original Source

More restaurants nearby