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Restaurant · Chicago, IL

Cosi

33 N Dearborn St

Last inspected Feb 10, 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

4 inspections

Canvass Re-Inspection

Feb 10, 2026

Pass w/ Conditions

8 recorded violations

notedCode 37Food source and labeling

Official wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s notes

3-302.12 : MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE (SQUEEZE BOTTLES,ETC)

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 43Equipment and utensils

Official wording

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED

Inspector’s notes

3-304.12 : OBSERVED SCOOPS STORED INSIDE OF READY TO EAT DRY GOODS MUST REMOVE AND STORE IN PROPER MANNER TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION.

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 48Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

Inspector’s notes

4-204.118 : OBSERVED DETERGENT AND SANITIZER HOSES TO LONG DOWN INSIDE OF 3- COMPARTMENT SINK WITH WATER MUST MAKE SHORTER TO PREVENT BACKFLOW SIPHONAGE.

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

4-601.11(C) : MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP AND DUST FROM ALL USED AND UNUSED EQUIPMENT,SERVICE COUNTER SHELVING UNITS, WALK IN COOLER SHELVING UNITS & FAN GUARD COVERS,ROLLING CARTS,ICE DISPENSER ON SODA 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 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DUMP SINK FAUCET IN POOR REPAIR IN FRONT PREP AREA.

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

6-201.13 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED FLOORING INSIDE OF WALK IN COOLER,DAMAGED WALL BASES IN REAR PREP/DISH WASHING AREA.MUST GROUT FLOOR OUTSIDE OF STAFF TOILET ROOM.MUST REMOVE EXCESSIVE CAULKING AROUND BASE OF GREASE TRAP OF 3- COMP SINK TO BE SMOOTH 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 56Facility maintenance

Official wording

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector’s notes

6-202.11 : MUST REPLACE MISSING LIGHT SHIELD IN DRY FOOD STORAGE AREA.

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

2-102.13 : OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

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, Feb 10, 2026 · Original Source

Canvass

Feb 3, 2026

Fail

15 recorded violations

notedCode 46Other

Official wording

GLOVES USED PROPERLY

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED IMPROPER USAGE OF GLOVES BY MALE FOOD HANDLER.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
notedCode 3Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO SIGNED EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICIES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010)(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 8Handwashing

Official wording

HANDS CLEAN & PROPERLY WASHED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED POOR HYGIENIC PRACTICES BY MALE FOOD HANDLER LEFT FRONT PREP AREA CAME BACK WITH A PACKAGE OF WRAPPING PAPER IN WHICH HE HAD TO PUSH SWINGING DOOR TO EXIT AND ENTER BACK AND FORTH TO PREP AREA,THEN PUT ON PLASTIC GLOVES AND GOT A BAGEL FROM PLASTIC BREAD BAG TO MAKE SANDWICH WITHOUT WASHING HANDS. INSTRUCTED TO WASH HANDS AFTER EVERY POSSIBLE CONTAIMINATION.(PRIORITY 7-38-010)(COS)(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 INADEQUATE FOOD PROTECTION OF BOTH INTERIOR PANELS OF ICE MACHINE WITH EXCESSIVE BLACK AND BLUE SLIMY BUILD UP SUBSTANCE DRIPPING AND MAKING OF ICE INSIDE OF MACHINE FOR CONSUMPTION. MUST DISCARD ICE,CLEAN AND SANITIZE ICE MACHINES AND MAINTAIN.A HELD FOR INSPECTION TAG PLACED ON ICE MACHINES ONCE CLEANED & MAINTAINED EMAIL:FOOD@CITYOFCHICAGO.ORG(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)(COS)(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 TEMPERATURE OF 20LBS. COOKED CHICKEN STRIPS AT 72.0F INSIDE OF WALK IN COOLER. PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING FOODS AT 41.0F OR BELOW.APPX. 20LBS.$20.(PRIORITY 7-38-005)(COS)(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 37Food source and labeling

Official wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s notes

MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE (SQUEEZE BOTTLES,ETC)

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 43Equipment and utensils

Official wording

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED SCOOPS STORED INSIDE OF READY TO EAT DRY GOODS MUST REMOVE AND STORE IN PROPER MANNER TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION.

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 45Equipment and utensils

Official wording

SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED PLASTIC WEAR LAYING DOWN IN DIFFERENT DIRECTION IN CONTAINERS MUST STORE WITH HANDLES IN UPRIGHT POSITION.

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 48Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED DETERGENT AND SANITIZER HOSES TO LONG DOWN INSIDE OF 3- COMPARTMENT SINK WITH WATER MUST MAKE SHORTER TO PREVENT BACKFLOW SIPHONAGE.

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

MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP AND DUST FROM ALL USED AND UNUSED EQUIPMENT,SERVICE COUNTER SHELVING UNITS, WALK IN COOLER SHELVING UNITS & FAN GUARD COVERS,ROLLING CARTS,ICE DISPENSER ON SODA 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

MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DUMP SINK FAUCET IN POOR REPAIR IN FRONT PREP AREA.

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

MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED FLOORING INSIDE OF WALK IN COOLER,DAMAGED WALL BASES IN REAR PREP/DISH WASHING AREA.MUST GROUT FLOOR OUTSIDE OF STAFF TOILET ROOM.MUST REMOVE EXCESSIVE CAULKING AROUND BASE OF GREASE TRAP OF 3- COMP SINK TO BE SMOOTH 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 56Facility maintenance

Official wording

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector’s notes

MUST REPLACE MISSING LIGHT SHIELD IN DRY FOOD STORAGE AREA.

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 FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

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

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION FROM REPORT #2608415 12/4/24 NOT CORRECTED #47-4-501.12 : MUST REFINISH OR PROVIDE NEW CUTTING BOARD AT THE SANDWICH PREP STATION.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 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, Feb 3, 2026 · Original Source

Canvass

Dec 4, 2024

Pass

1 recorded violation

notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

MUST REFINISH OR PROVIDE NEW CUTTING BOARD AT THE SANDWICH PREP STATION.

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 4, 2024 · Original Source

Canvass

Jan 26, 2024

Pass

4 recorded violations

notedCode 57Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

Inspector’s notes

UNABLE TO LOCATE AND VERIFY FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES FROM FOOD EMPLOYEES DURING INSPECTION. ANY FOOD EMPLOYEE THAT IS NOT A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST OBTAIN A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATION. MUST PROVIDE AND KEEP 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 58Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Inspector’s notes

NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE FOR CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGERS MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE 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 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED DEAD INSECTS ON THE BOTTOM SHELVING UNDERNEATH COFFEE STATION. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE DEAD INSECTS AND CLEAN AREA.

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 45Equipment and utensils

Official wording

SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED SALAD BOWLS STORED FACING UP ON TOP OFSALAD PREP COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT BOWLS TO PROTECT FROM OVERHEAD CONTAMINATION.

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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jan 26, 2024 · Original Source

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