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Restaurant · Chicago, IL

Cafe Bionda

1922-1924 S State St

Last inspected Feb 13, 2025 · 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

8 inspections

Complaint Re-Inspection

Feb 13, 2025

Pass

1 recorded violation

notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

4-601.11(C): OBSERVED THE SIDE OF THE DEEP-FRYING UNIT WITH SLIGHT GREASE BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO 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, Feb 13, 2025 · Original Source

Complaint

Feb 11, 2025

Pass w/ Conditions

4 recorded violations

notedCode 16Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED ONE OF THE LOW-TEMPERATURE DISHWASHING MACHINES BEHIND THE BAR ( NOT IN USE) NOT PROPERLY SANITIZING. SANITIZING STRENGTH OF SANITIZER (CHLORINE) AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION WAS 0 PPM. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE UNTIL EQUIPMENT IS PROPERLY SANITIZING. UNIT WAS TAGGED. PLEASE REVIEW COMMENTS FOR TAG REMOVAL PROCEDURE. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-025, NO CITATION ISSUED

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 22Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS. THE FOOD ITEMS NOT MEETING COMPLIANCE FOUND IN THE WALK-IN COOLER WERE: APRROXIMATELY 14 DOZEN EGGS, ITALIAN SAUAGE, CHICKEN, MILK, FISH, SHORT RIBS, HEAVY WHIPPING CREAM, AND OYSTERS TEMPERATURES RANGED 45.0F-47.0F. ALSO, FOUND A CONTAINER OF MEATBALLS FOUND AT 56.7F IN THE TWO DOOR COOLER NEXT TO THE WALK-IN COOLER. MANAGER DISCARDED APPROXIMATELY 40LBS AT $385 WORTH OF PRODUCT. MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING FOODS AT 41.0F OR BELOW. PRIORITY 7-38-005, CITATION ISSUED

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 temperature
notedCode 33Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURES OF COLD HOLDING UNITS ON SITE. FOUND WALK-IN COOLER AT 47.0F AND TWO DOOR COOLER AT 45.0F WITH TCS FOODS STORED INSIDE FOR SALE. THE WALK-IN COOLER WAS REPAIRED BEFORE THE END THE INSPECTION. A HELD FOR INSPECTION TAG HAS PLACED ON TWO DOOR COLD HOLDING UNIT. PLEASE REVIEW COMMENTS FOR TAG REMOVAL INSTRUCTIONS. MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING UNTIS AT 41.0F OR BELOW. PRIORITY 7-38-005, CITATION ISSUED

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 temperature
notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED THE SIDE OF THE DEEP-FRYING UNIT WITH SLIGHT GREASE BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO 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, Feb 11, 2025 · Original Source

Complaint

Feb 4, 2025

No Entry

3 recorded violations

notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

6-301.14: OBSERVED NEWLY INSTALLED HANDWASHING SINK IN THE DISHWASHING AREA MISSING HANDWASHING SIGNAGE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

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 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

3-307.11: OBSERVED DEEP FRYING UNIT WITH GREASE NOT COVERED, WHILE NOT OPEN AND OPERATING AT THIS TIME. INSTRUCTED TO COVER ALL FOOD ITEMS, WHILE NOT IN USE TO PREVENT FROM POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.

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 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

6-201.17: OBSERVED THE OUTLET BOX BEHIND THE BAR WITH ROACH FECES. INSTRUCTED TO 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, Feb 4, 2025 · Original Source

Complaint Re-Inspection

Nov 21, 2024

Pass

3 recorded violations

notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NEWLY INSTALLED HANDWASHING SINK IN THE DISHWASHING AREA MISSING HANDWASHING SIGNAGE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

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 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

3-307.11: OBSERVED DEEP FRYING UNIT WITH GREASE NOT COVERED, WHILE NOT OPEN AND OPERATING AT THIS TIME. INSTRUCTED TO COVER ALL FOOD ITEMS, WHILE NOT IN USE TO PREVENT FROM POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.

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 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

6-201.17: OBSERVED THE OUTLET BOX BEHIND THE BAR WITH ROACH FECES. INSTRUCTED TO 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, Nov 21, 2024 · Original Source

Complaint

Oct 31, 2024

Fail

6 recorded violations

notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SINK IN THE REAR PREP DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INSTALL HAND WASHING SINK IN REAR DISHWASHING AREA. THE HANDWASHING SINK MUST MEET COMPLIANCE BY HAVING WATER FROM AN APPROVED SOURCE BY THE CITY OF CHICAGO, HAVE HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER (100-120F), AND FULLY EQUIPPED WITH HANDWASHING CLEANSER AND HAND DRYING PROVISIONS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030 (C), NO 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 14Food source and labeling

Official wording

REQUIRED RECORDS AVAILABLE: SHELLSTOCK TAGS, PARASITE DESTRUCTION

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO SHELLSTOCK TAG ATTACHED TO A CONTAINER OF MUSSELS, LOCATED IN WALK-IN COOLER, AT TIME OF INSPECTION. THE TAG WAS ASLO, NOT ON SITE FOR MENTIONED SHELLSTOCK. INFORMED MANAGER THAT TAG MUST REMAIN ATTACHED TO CONTAINER UNTIL CONTAINER IS EMPTY. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE APPROVAL SOURCES OF SHELLFISH AND MAINTAIN TAGS FOR 90 DAYS ON PREMISES. APPROXIMATELY 5LBS AT $45 WORTH OF PRODUCT DISCARDED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005, CITATION ISSUED

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 16Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED LOW-TEMPERATURE DISHWASHING MACHINE (NOT IN USE) NOT PROPERLY SANITIZING. SANITIZING STRENGTH OF SANITIZER (CHLORINE) AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION WAS 0 PPM. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE UNTIL EQUIPMENT IS PROPERLY SANITIZING. UNIT WAS TAGGED AND SHALL NOT BE USED UNTIL REPAIRED AND REINSPECTED BY CDPH. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-025, NO CITATION ISSUED

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 LIVE ROACH ACTIVITY ON SITE. APPROXIMATELY 3 LIVE ROACHES WERE OBSERVED IN THE REAR DISHWASHING AREA IN THE CREVICES OF THE PIPES UNDER THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AND ON THE FLOOR IN THE MENTIONED AREA. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE LIVE ROACH ACTIVITY AND MAINTAIN. 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 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED DEEP FRYING UNIT WITH GREASE NOT COVERED, WHILE NOT OPEN AND OPERATING AT THIS TIME. INSTRUCTED TO COVER ALL FOOD ITEMS, WHILE NOT IN USE TO PREVENT FROM POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.

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 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED THE OUTLET BOX BEHIND THE BAR WITH ROACH FECES. INSTRUCTED TO 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, Oct 31, 2024 · Original Source

Complaint

Oct 7, 2024

No Entry

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Oct 7, 2024 · Original Source

Canvass

May 9, 2024

Pass

1 recorded violation

notedCode 56Facility maintenance

Official wording

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED A COUPLE OF THE LIGHTS OUT IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE 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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, May 9, 2024 · Original Source

Canvass

Dec 7, 2023

Pass w/ Conditions

7 recorded violations

notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO ORGANIZE ALL ITEMS AT LEAST SIX INCHES FROM FLOOR 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 1Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH FOODSERVICE MANAGER TRAINING.

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 2Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT CERTIFIED MANAGER AS WELL AS VALID ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE IS REQUIRED ON SITE AT ALL TIMES TCS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED(SOUP, BEEF). PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-012. 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 PAPER TOWELS AT HANDSINKS IN BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE HAND DRYING PROVISION AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 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 37Food source and labeling

Official wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED WHITE BULK CONTAINERS ON DRY STORAGE SHELF NOT LABELED WITH COMMON NAME OF INGREDIENT. INSTRUCTED PIC TO LABEL ALL BULK ITEMS WITH COMMON NAME OF INGREDIENT.

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 58Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ANY CERTIFIED MANAGER REQUIRE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND TO MAINTAIN CERTIFICATES ON SITE.

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 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED SMALL COOLER IN FRONT AREA NEAR COFFEE MAKER TO HAVE GRIME AND SPILLAGE. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO 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, Dec 7, 2023 · Original Source

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