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Restaurant · Chicago, IL

Cafe Rosa

5842 S Archer Ave

Last inspected May 20, 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

9 inspections

Short Form Complaint

May 20, 2026

Pass

2 recorded violations

notedCode 36Equipment and utensils

Official wording

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO INTERNAL THERMOMETER IN WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE 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 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED GASKETS ON PREP COOLER IN KITCHEN AREA IN POOR REPAIR. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPLACE 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 20, 2026 · Original Source

Complaint

Mar 26, 2026

Pass w/ Conditions

7 recorded violations

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 SANITATION 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 CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT VALID ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE IS REQUIRED ON SITE, AS WELL AS CERTIFIED MANAGER AT ALL TIMES TCS FOODS(BEEF, CHICKEN, PORK) ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. 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 22Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED TCS FOODS(MARINATED CHICKEN, MAIRINATED PORK) AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE RANGE OF 50.F-52F. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ALL COLD HELD FOODS MUST BE MAINTAINED AT 41F AND BELOW. PERSON IN CHARGE VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED 8LBS OF FOOD AT A COST OF $100. PRIORITY VIOLATION #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

OBSERED WALK IN COOLER LOCATED OUTSIDE FACILITY AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 65F. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR EQUIPMENT AND DISCONTINUE USE UNTIL TEMPERATURE OF 41F OR BELOW IS ABLE TO BE MAINTAINED. (EQUIPMENT IS TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION BY CDPH AT THIS TIME) PRIORITY VIOLATION #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 36Equipment and utensils

Official wording

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO INTERNAL THERMOMETER IN WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE 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 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED GASKETS ON PREP COOLER IN KITCHEN AREA IN POOR REPAIR. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPLACE 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 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED BUILD UP OF RUST AND FOOD DEBRIS ON SHELVING IN WALK IN COOLER. 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, Mar 26, 2026 · Original Source

Complaint

Sep 19, 2025

Pass

2 recorded violations

notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

ALUMINUM FOIL ON STORAGE SHELVES AT FRONT COUNTER. INSTD TO REMOVE FOIL SO AS SURFACES TO BE SMOOTH, EVEN, AND EASILY CLEANABLE.

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

UNUSED/NON WORKING ITEMS IN REAR (OLD BEER COOLER, UTILITY SINK, ETC. INSTD TO REMOVE 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, Sep 19, 2025 · Original Source

Complaint Re-Inspection

Jul 7, 2025

Pass

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jul 7, 2025 · Original Source

Complaint

Jun 27, 2025

Fail

3 recorded violations

notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

THE FOLLOWING NOT CLEAN, EXCESSIVE DEBRIS ACCUMULATION: ENTIRE EXTERIOR SURFACE OF WALK IN COOLER DOOR. INTERIOR BOTTOM OF UPRIGHT 2 DOOR FREEZER IN REAR, HANDLES OF PREP HANDWASH SINK, AND ALL FANS IN PREP AREA. INSTD TO CLEAN ALL 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

IMPROPER STOPPERS FOR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK, USING PLASTIC. INSTD TO PROVIDE PROPER STOPPERS 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
notedCode 54Facility maintenance

Official wording

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

Inspector’s notes

OUTSIDE GARBAGE AREA NOT MAINTAINED OR CLEAN, GREASE CONTAINER LID OPENED, WITH EXCESSIVE GREASE NOTED ON CONTAINER AND GREASE WITH LIQUID WASTE NOTED ON SURROUNDING GROUND. INSTD TO MAINTAIN SURROUNDING AREA CLEAN & DRY IN ADDITION TO CONTAINERS CLEAN AND COVERED. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020(B)

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, Jun 27, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

Jun 20, 2024

Pass

6 recorded violations

notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED 2-DOOR COOLER IN REAR KITCHEN AREA WITH BROKEN DOOR HANDLE. INSTRUCTED 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 problems
notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED BUILD-UP OF FOOD RESIDUE ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF 2-DOOR COLD HOLD UNIT IN KITCHEN PREP AREA. 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
notedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED EXCESSIVE LEAK AT PIPE AT BOTTOM MIDDLE COMPARTMENT OF THREE COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATED IN KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE 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
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED ITEMS STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE BAR AREA AND THE REAR UTILITY ROOM. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ORGANIZE AND MAINTAIN ALL ITEMS AT LEAST SIX INCHES FROM THE 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 56Facility maintenance

Official wording

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FILTERS IN THE HOOD VENTILATION SYSTEM COVERED IN GREASE. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN 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 58Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO VALID ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ANY MANAGER WITH SANITATION MANAGER TRAINING IS REQUIRED TO OBTAIN ALLERGEN 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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jun 20, 2024 · Original Source

Canvass

Jun 10, 2024

Fail

10 recorded violations

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 SANITIATION 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 CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT VALID ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE IS REQUIRED ON SITE, AS WELL AS CERTIFIED MANAGER AT ALL TIMES TCS FOODS(BEEF, CHICKEN, PORK) ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. 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 16Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED ICE MACHINE LOCATED IN BAR AREA WITH A BUILD-UP OF BLACK SLIME SUBSTANCE, DRIPPING ONTO ICE CUBES STORED BELOW IN ICE BIN. (ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION). INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005.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 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED 2-DOOR COOLER IN REAR KITCHEN AREA WITH BROKEN DOOR HANDLE. INSTRUCTED 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 problems
notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED BUILD-UP OF FOOD RESIDUE ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF 2-DOOR COLD HOLD UNIT IN KITCHEN PREP AREA. 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
notedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED EXCESSIVE LEAK AT PIPE AT BOTTOM MIDDLE COMPARTMENT OF THREE COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATED IN KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE 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
notedCode 54Facility maintenance

Official wording

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED OUTSIDE DUMPSTER WITH LIDS NOT CLOSED DUE TO TRASH OVERFLOWING. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN TO ENSURE TIGHT FITTING LIDS.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 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED ITEMS STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE BAR AREA AND THE REAR UTILITY ROOM. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ORGANIZE AND MAINTAIN ALL ITEMS AT LEAST SIX INCHES FROM THE 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 56Facility maintenance

Official wording

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FILTERS IN HOOD VENTILATION SYSTEM COVERED IN GREASE. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN 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 58Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO VALID ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ANY MANAGER WITH SANITATION MANAGER TRAINING IS REQUIRED TO OBTAIN ALLERGEN 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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jun 10, 2024 · Original Source

Complaint Re-Inspection

Oct 26, 2023

Pass w/ Conditions

2 recorded violations

notedCode 1Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES

Inspector’s notes

PIC WITHOUT CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER CERTIFICATE. INSTD TO OBTAIN CERTIFICATE AND MAINTAIN ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE POSTED ON PREMISES

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

NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE WHILE HANDLING TCS FOODS (RICE, BEEF, ETC). INSTD TO HAVE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WHEN FOOD IS BEING PREPARED, HANDLED, OR SERVED. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-012 PRIORITY FOUNDATION

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, Oct 26, 2023 · Original Source

Short Form Complaint

Oct 18, 2023

Fail

1 recorded violation

notedCode 60Other

Official wording

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

Inspector’s notes

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM 6/8/23 REPORT 2576992 NOT CORRECTED: 52 5-403.12: **C** Other Liquid Wastes and Rainwater OBSERVED CONDENSATION DRIPPING ONTO FLOOR INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY CONNECT CONDENSATION WASTE LINE TO FLOOR DRAIN. 55 6-501.114: **C** Maintaining Premises, Unnecessary Items and Litter OBSERVED UNUSED ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT STORED OUTSIDE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ITEMS AND EQUIPMENT (UPRIGHT 2 DOOR FREEZER, SHELVES, OLD EQUIPMENT INCLUDING STOVE, OVEN AND ALL NON RELATED ITEMS FOR FOOD ESTABLISHMENT SUCH AS 4 WHEELER) INSTD TO REMOVE ALL AND MAINTAIN OUTSIDE AREA CLEAN TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE. CITATION ISSUED 7-42-090 PRIORITY FOUNDATION

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, Oct 18, 2023 · Original Source

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