Restaurant · Chicago, IL

Cava

Name: Cava
Address: 1484 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL

1484 N Milwaukee Ave

Last inspected Aug 7, 2025 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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More issues recentlyThe latest inspection recorded more violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

6 inspections

Canvass

Aug 7, 2025

Pass

2 recorded violations

notedCode 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

Open garbage receptacle placed next to clean utensils rack, Instructed to keep away.

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 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

Fly trap placed above food prep table, Instructed to remove.

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

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

Short Form Complaint

Dec 4, 2024

Pass

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Dec 4, 2024 · Original Source

Complaint

May 17, 2024

Pass w/ Conditions

2 recorded violations

notedCode 22Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED VARIOUS TCS FOODS STORED AT INADEQUATE TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 45-49 F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL COLD TCS FOODS ARE HELD AT 41 F AND BELOW. THE MANAGER DISCARDED 2 POUNDS OF MIXED GREENS 1/2 POUND COOKED VEGETABLES ($35) 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 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED SOIL BUILD UP ON COUNTER TOPS AND NEAR GRIDDLE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER 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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, May 17, 2024 · Original Source

License Re-Inspection

Mar 12, 2024

Pass

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Mar 12, 2024 · Original Source

License

Mar 6, 2024

Fail

1 recorded violation

notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED HAND WASHING SINK NOT LOCATED IN CONVENIENT LOCATION FOR REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INSTALL HAND WASHING SINK IN LOCATION THAT IS CONVENIENTLY ACCESSIBLE FOR FOOD PREP STAFF. 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.