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

Restaurant · Chicago, IL

Cafecito

215 E Chestnut St

Last inspected May 4, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

Read Reviews on Google

Pass

Get the next inspection, free.

We'll email you when Cafecito 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

May 4, 2026

Pass

1 recorded violation

notedCode 58Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED ONE FOOD MANAGER WITH EXPIRED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST HAVE A VALID FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE.

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, May 4, 2026 · Original Source

Complaint

Apr 27, 2026

Fail

3 recorded violations

notedCode 56Facility maintenance

Official wording

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED CEILING LIGHT COVER LOOSE AT DISHWASH AREA. MUST REATTACH TO CEILING.

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 ONE FOOD MANAGER WITH EXPIRED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST HAVE A VALID FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE.

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

THE FOLLOWING PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT #2614230 DATED ON 03/21/25 NOT CORRECTED-#49 OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF THE REACH IN AND WALK IN COOLERS IN NEED OF CLEANING AND #55-# OBSERVED STAINED CEILINGS TILE PANELS IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR, REPLACE MISSING PANELS AND/OR REPLACE THE STAINED CEILING TILES. SAID PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS MUST BE CORRECTED BY DATE OF REINSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090.

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, Apr 27, 2026 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

Mar 21, 2025

Pass

3 recorded violations

notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED MILK CRATES BEING USED AS SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE SHELVING THAT IS 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND PROVIDES FLOOR ACCESSIBILITY TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FACILITY CLEANING

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 THE LID OF THE DEEP FREEZER IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO 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 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED WALL SURFACE DAMAGED FROM DEEP FRYER HEAT, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE MATERIAL THAT WILL NOT BECOME DAMAGED FROM HEAT AND EASILY CLEANABLE IN PREP AREA

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 21, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

Mar 18, 2025

Fail

6 recorded violations

notedCode 56Facility maintenance

Official wording

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector’s notes

SEE VIOLATION#59

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

SEE VIOLATION #59

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED WALL SURFACE DAMAGED FROM DEEP FRYER HEAT, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE MATERIAL THAT WILL NOT BECOME DAMAGED FROM HEAT AND EASILY CLEANABLE IN PREP AREA

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 MILK CRATES BEING USED AS SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE SHELVING THAT IS 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND PROVIDES FLOOR ACCESSIBILITY TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FACILITY CLEANING

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 THE LID OF THE DEEP FREEZER IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO 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 59Other

Official wording

PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION CORRECTED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED WITHIN SPECIFIED TIME FRAME ON THE INSPECTION REPORT DATED FOR #03/11/25 2613499. PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED: (56) 6-501.14 NOTED HEAVY DIRT AND GREASE ACCUMULATION ON NEXT TO DEEP FRYER AND HOOD SYSTEM. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN SAID AREAS AND MAINTAIN HOOD AND FILTERS. (55) 6-501.12 FOUND AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF FOOD DEBRIS LOCATED ON ALL FLOORS THROUGHOUT FACILITY BEHIND ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. (47) 4-501.12 CUTTING BOARDS WITH OPEN SEAMS AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTEDTO REFINISH OR REPLACE DAMAGED OR STAINED CUTTING BOARDS INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT THE VIOLATION SHALL NOW CLASSIFIED AS A PRIORITY ITEM DUE TO PREVIOUS NONCOMPLIANCE. MUST CORRECT BEFORE RE-INSPECTION. PRIORITY 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, Mar 18, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

Mar 11, 2025

Fail

8 recorded violations

notedCode 5Other

Official wording

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO SUPPLIES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING OR DIARRHEAL EVENTS. SUPPLIES MUST INCLUDE ADEQUATE SANITIZER THAT ELIMINATES NOROVIRUS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO PROVIDE CLEAN UP POLICY AND SUPPLIES TO PROPERLY HANDLE BODILY FLUID SPILLS ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. 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 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING SINKS NOT MAINTAINED WITH HOT WATER: IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF HOT WATER OBSERVED AT HANDSINK IN DISH AREA AT (63F). INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE HOT WATER AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS MUST BE AT LEAST 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 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

SEE VIOLATION#60

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 48Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FACILITY WITHOUT A CHLORINE CHEMICAL TEST KIT FOR SANITIZER OR FOR WARE WASHING AREA. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE A TEST KIT THAT ACCURATELY MEASURES THE CONCENTRATION IN MG/L OF SANITIZING SOLUTION MUST BE PROVIDED. 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 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED THE LID OF THE DEEP FREEZER IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO 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 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED STAINED CEILINGS TILE PANELS IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR, REPLACE MISSING PANELS AND/OR REPLACE THE STAINED CEILING TILES.

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

SEE VIOLATION#60

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

NOTED CONTINUED NON-COMPLIANCE FROM REPORT #04/17/2024 CONDUCTED ON 2592953. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED: (56) 6-501.14 NOTED HEAVY DIRT AND GREASE ACCUMULATION ON NEXT TO DEEP FRYER AND HOOD SYSTEM. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN SAID AREAS AND MAINTAIN HOOD AND FILTERS. (55) 6-501.12 FOUND AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF FOOD DEBRIS LOCATED ON ALL FLOORS THROUGHOUT FACILITY BEHIND ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. (47) 4-501.12 CUTTING BOARDS WITH OPEN SEAMS AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTEDTO REFINISH OR REPLACE DAMAGED OR STAINED CUTTING BOARDS MUST CORRECT CORE VIOLATIONS BY THE DATE ON THE REPORT. 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, Mar 11, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

Apr 17, 2024

Pass w/ Conditions

10 recorded violations

notedCode 22Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

Inspector’s notes

MEASURED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF THE FOLLOWING FOODS FOUND IN THE WALK-IN COOLER, IN REAR PREP AREA AND FRONT PREP AREAS IN COLD HOLDING UNIT. 50LBS ROPA VIEJA MEASURED AT 49.2F AND 49.6F, 10LBS OF TUNA AT 45.3 AND 47.63F, 2 POUNDS OF RAW SHRIMP AT 45.3F AND 1LB OF COOKED EGGPLANT 46.3F. APPROXIMATELY 62 LBS OF FOOD WAS DISCARDED AT A TOTAL APPROXIMATE COST OF $375.00. 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 23Food source and labeling

Official wording

PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED PREPARED TCS FOODS (COOKED PORK, COOKED BLACK BEANS, SLICED TOMATOES) NOT MARKED WITH A DISCARD DATE. FOOD PREPARED AND HELD IN A FOOD ESTABLISHMENT FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS MUST BE CLEARLY MARKED TO INDICATE THE DATE OR DAY BY WHICH THE FOOD MUST BE CONSUMED ON THE PREMISES, SOLD, OR DISCARDED WHEN HELD AT A TEMPERATURE OF 41°F OR LESS FOR A MAXIMUM OF 7 DAYS. 15 POUNDS OF PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED BY MANAGER AT A COST OF $150.00 PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUE

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 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED ASSORTED FOOD ITEMS INSIDE COOLERS AND REFRIGERATION UNITS' FOOD STORED INSIDE GROCERY BAGS. INSTRUCTED PROPERLY TO STORE ALL FOOD ITEMS INSIDE APPROVED FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS.

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

FOUND AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF FOOD DEBRIS LOCATED ON ALL FLOORS THROUGHOUT FACILITY BEHIND ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT 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

NOTED HEAVY DIRT AND GREASE ACCUMULATION ON NEXT TO DEEP FRYER AND HOOD SYSTEM. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN SAID AREAS AND MAINTAIN HOOD AND FILTERS.

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 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

NO PAPER TOWELS AT HAND WASH SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #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 35Food temperature

Official wording

APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED SHRIMP THAWING AT ROOM TEMPERATURE IN 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TIME AND TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY (TCS) FOOD MUST BE THAWED: UNDER REFRIGERATION THAT MAINTAINS THE FOOD TEMPERATURE AT 41F OR LESS; COMPLETELY SUBMERGED UNDER RUNNING WATER AT A WATER TEMPERATURE OF 70F OR BELOW AND FOR A PERIOD OF TIME THAT DOES NOT ALLOW THAWED PORTIONS OF READY-TO-EAT FOOD TO RISE ABOVE 41F; PART OF A COOKING PROCESS; OR USING A PROCEDURE IF A PORTION OF FROZEN READY-TO-EAT FOOD IS THAWED AND PREPARED FOR IMMEDIATE SERVICE IN RESPONSE TO AN INDIVIDUAL CONSUMER'S ORDER.

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 37Food source and labeling

Official wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS ARE NOT LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO IDENTIFY FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME OF THE FOOD.

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 57Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER'S TRAINING CERTIFICATION FROM EMPLOYEE. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL EMPLOYEE MUST COMPLY WITH FOOD HANDLER'S TRAINING BY THE FOOD HANDLING REGULATION ENFORCEMENT ACT.

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 58Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Inspector’s notes

NOTED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ON DUTY WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.

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, Apr 17, 2024 · Original Source

More restaurants nearby