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

Restaurant · Chicago, IL

Cafe Michelle

200 N Lakefront Dr

Last inspected Aug 19, 2025 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

Read Reviews on Google

Pass

Get the next inspection, free.

We'll email you when Cafe Michelle 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

4 inspections

Canvass Re-Inspection

Aug 19, 2025

Pass

3 recorded violations

notedCode 16Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

Inspector’s notes

4-602.11(B-E): OBSERVED RUST ON UPPER STAINLESS STEEL INTERIOR AND LOWER STAINLESS STEEL SHIELD OF ICE MACHINE IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE RUST FROM ALL INTERIOR SURFACES OF ICE MACHINE IN REAR PREP AREA TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION OF ICE IN ICE MACHINE.

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

5-205.15: OBSERVED DRAINPIPE OF BAR HANDWASHING SINK NOT PROPERLY CONNECTED TO THE HANDWASHING SINK. OBSERVED DRAINPIPE OF HANDWASHING SINK IN BAR NOT PROPERLY CONNECTED, SECTION OF DRAINPIPE NOT CONNECTED AND WATER FROM HANDWASHING SINK COLLECTS IN CONTAINER UNDERNEATH HANDWASHING SINK ON FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND RECONNECT DRAINPIPE TO BAR HANDWASHING SINK.

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 57Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

Inspector’s notes

2-102.13: NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING PROVIDED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROOF OF COMPLETED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS.

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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Aug 19, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

Aug 14, 2025

Fail

6 recorded violations

notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

5-202.12 (A): OBSERVED IMPROPER MINIMUM WATER TEMPERATURES RANGING BETWEEN 75.6-95.2F AT HANDWASHING SINKS FACILITY. OBSERVED IMPROPER MINIMUM WATER TEMPERATURES AT HANDWASHING SINKS IN PRIVATE WOMEN AND MEN'S WASHROOMS AND PUBLIC MEN'S WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED A HANDWASHING SINK SHALL BE EQUIPPED TO PROVIDE WATER AT A TEMPERATURE OF AT LEAST 100F THROUGH A MIXING VALVE OR COMBINATION FAUCET. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C)CITATION ISSUED.( NOTE: CITATION FOR VIOLATION ISSUED ON 8/12/2025)

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 16Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

Inspector’s notes

4-602.11(B-E): OBSERVED RUST ON UPPER STAINLESS STEEL INTERIOR AND LOWER STAINLESS STEEL SHIELD OF ICE IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE RUST FROM ALL INTERIOR SURFACES OF ICE MACHINE IN REAR PREP AREA TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION OF ICE IN ICE MACHINE.

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

6-501.111: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 15 LARGE FLIES IN FACILITY. OBSERVED LARGE FLY ACTIVITY IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE LARGE FLY ACTIVITY IN FACILITY AND CLEAN AFFECTED AREAS, RECOMMENDED LICENSED PEST CONTROL COMPANY SERVICE FACILITY ON OR AFTER 8/12/2025. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED( NOTE: CITATION FOR VIOLATION ISSUED ON 8/12/2025)

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

5-205.15: OBSERVED DRAINPIPE OF BAR HANDWASHING SINK NOT PROPERLY CONNECTED TO THE HANDWASHING SINK. OBSERVED DRAINPIPE OF HANDWASHING SINK IN BAR NOT PROPERLY CONNECTED, SECTION OF DRAINPIPE NOT CONNECTED AND WATER FROM HANDWASHING SINK COLLECTS IN CONTAINER UNDERNEATH HANDWASHING SINK ON FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND RECONNECT DRAINPIPE TO BAR HANDWASHING SINK.

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 54Facility maintenance

Official wording

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

Inspector’s notes

5-501.113(B): OBSERVED DAMAGED DUMPSTER LID ON RIGHT DUMPSTER. OBSERVED DUMPSTER LID PUSHED INWARDS REAR LID CREATES A LARGE OPENING, LID IS NOT TIGHT FITTING. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE DUMPSTER LID AND MAINTAIN TIGHT FITTING LID ON SAID DUMPSTER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(B) CITATION ISSUED (NOTE: CITATION ISSUED DURING INSPECTION ON 8/12/2025)

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 57Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

Inspector’s notes

2-102.13: NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING PROVIDED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROOF OF COMPLETED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS.

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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Aug 14, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

Aug 12, 2025

Fail

9 recorded violations

notedCode 1Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER MUST BE ON PREMISES AT ALL TIMES. CORRECTED ON SITE CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER ARRIVED ON SITE AT 12:15PM. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION

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 CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER MUST BE ON PREMISES AT ALL TIMES. CORRECTED ON SITE CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER ARRIVED ON SITE AT 12:15PM. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 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 IMPROPER MINIMUM WATER TEMPERATURES RANGING BETWEEN 75.6-95.2F AT HANDWASHING SINKS FACILITY. OBSERVED IMPROPER MINIMUM WATER TEMPERATURES AT HANDWASHING SINKS IN PRIVATE WOMEN AND MEN'S WASHROOMS AND PUBLIC MEN'S WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED A HANDWASHING SINK SHALL BE EQUIPPED TO PROVIDE WATER AT A TEMPERATURE OF AT LEAST 100F THROUGH A MIXING VALVE OR COMBINATION FAUCET. 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 16Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE IMPROPERLY SANTIZING AT A CONCENTRATION OF 0PPM CHLORINE. CORRECTED ON SITE, LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE REPAIRED AND WAS SANITIZING AT A MINIMUM CONCENTRATION OF 50PPM CHLORINE BEFORE CONCLUSION OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-025 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 APPROXIMATELY 15 LARGE FLIES IN FACILITY. OBSERVED LARGE FLY ACTIVITY IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE LARGE FLY ACTIVITY IN FACILITY AND CLEAN AFFECTED AREAS, RECOMMENDED LICENSED PEST CONTROL COMPANY SERVICE FACILITY ON OR AFTER 8/12/2025. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 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 50Other

Official wording

HOT & COLD WATER AVAILABLE; ADEQUATE PRESSURE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO HOT RUNNING WATER ON THE PREMISES, OBSERVED WATER TEMPERATURES RANGING BETWEEN 74.8-97.0F. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN HOT RUNNING WATER ABOVE 110F AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND ABOVE 100F AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS. INSTRUCTED HOT WATER GENERATION AND DISTRIBUTION SHALL BE SUFFICIENT TO MEET THE PEAK HOT WATER DEMANDS THROUGHOUT THE RETAIL FOOD ESTABLISHMENT. INSTRUCTED ALL EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS MUST BE WASHED, RINSED AND SANITIZED IN LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE, NO EQUIPMENT OR UTENSILS CAN BE WASHED, RINSED OR SANITIZED IN ANY THREE COMPARTMENT SINK UNTIL THE VIOLATION REGARDING SUFFICIENT HOT WATER GENERATION AND DISTRIBUTION IN FACILITY HAS BEEN CORRECTED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C), 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 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED DRAINPIPE OF BAR HANDWASHING SINK NOT PROPERLY CONNECTED TO THE HANDWASHING SINK. OBSERVED DRAINPIPE OF HANDWASHING SINK IN BAR NOT PROPERLY CONNECTED, SECTION OF DRAINPIPE NOT CONNECTED AND WATER FROM HANDWASHING SINK COLLECTS IN CONTAINER UNDERNEATH HANDWASHING SINK ON FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND RECONNECT DRAINPIPE TO BAR HANDWASHING SINK.

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 54Facility maintenance

Official wording

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED DAMAGED DUMPSTER LID ON RIGHT DUMPSTER. OBSERVED DUMPSTER LID PUSHED INWARDS REAR LID CREATES A LARGE OPENING, LID IS NOT TIGHT FITTING. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE DUMPSTER LID AND MAINTAIN TIGHT FITTING LID ON SAID DUMPSTER. CONSOLIDATED WITH VIOLATION BELOW PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(B) CITATION ISSUED

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 57Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

Inspector’s notes

NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING PROVIDED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROOF OF COMPLETED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS.

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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Aug 12, 2025 · Original Source

Complaint

Jul 15, 2024

Pass

2 recorded violations

notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED TORN GASKETS AT THE BOTTOM OF TWO DOOR REACH IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED 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 problems
notedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED LOOSE FAUCET AT THE HANDWASHING SINK IN THE JUICE BAR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jul 15, 2024 · Original Source

More restaurants nearby