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Restaurant · Chicago, IL

Lea French Cafe

20 N Michigan Ave

Last inspected Mar 30, 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

5 inspections

Canvass Re-Inspection

Mar 30, 2026

Pass

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 (BULK FOOD CONTAINER,ETC)BREAD PREP AREA.

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 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

3-307.11 : MUST PROVIDE A SPLASH GUARD AT 1- COMPARTMENT SINK NEXT TO PREP TABLE TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION.

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 43Equipment and utensils

Official wording

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED

Inspector’s notes

3-304.12 : MUST REMOVE SCOOPS FROM BULK FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS IN BREAD PREP AREA TO PREVENT 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 44Equipment and utensils

Official wording

UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED

Inspector’s notes

4-903.11 (A;B;D) : MUST INVERT MULTI-USE UTENSILS ON STORAGE SHELVES.

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

4-501.12 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN AND DEEP GROOVES ON CUTTING BOARDS TO BE IN GOOD REPAIR.

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 FROM PREP TABLES,EXTERIOR OF FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS,MEAT SLICER,MICROWAVE,DISH RACKS,WALK IN COOLER- SHELVING UNITS AND COMPRESSOR UNIT.DELIME-DISH 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 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

6-201.11 : MUST CLEAN EXCESSIVE FOOD SPLATTER FROM UPPER WALLS AND CEILING IN REAR PREP AREA.MUST REMOVE BLACK CAULKING BUILD UP ON WALL ABOVE DISH 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 56Facility maintenance

Official wording

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector’s notes

6-202.11 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE CRACKED LIGHT SHIELD IN DISH WASHING 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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Mar 30, 2026 · Original Source

Canvass

Mar 23, 2026

Fail

12 recorded violations

notedCode 1Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES

Inspector’s notes

PIC DOESN'T HAVE A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)(COS)

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 CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED,HANDLED AND SERVED SUCH AS (EGGS,TURKEY,HAM,ETC)MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. MANAGER ARRIVED ON SITE AT 3:47 P.M.(COS)(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 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED HAND WASHING SINK IN FRONT PREP AREA NOT ACCESSIBLE OBSERVED A LARGE BREAD ROLLING CART STORED IN FRONT OF SAID SINK MUST KEEP ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIMES.EMPLOYEE REMOVED CART DURING INSPECTION .(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C)(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 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 (BULK FOOD CONTAINER,ETC)BREAD PREP AREA.

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 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

MUST PROVIDE A SPLASH GUARD AT 1- COMPARTMENT SINK NEXT TO PREP TABLE TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION.

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 43Equipment and utensils

Official wording

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED

Inspector’s notes

MUST REMOVE SCOOPS FROM BULK FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS IN BREAD PREP AREA TO PREVENT 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 44Equipment and utensils

Official wording

UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED

Inspector’s notes

MUST INVERT MULTI-USE UTENSILS ON STORAGE SHELVES.

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

MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN AND DEEP GROOVES ON CUTTING BOARDS TO BE IN GOOD REPAIR.

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 FROM PREP TABLES,EXTERIOR OF FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS,MEAT SLICER,MICROWAVE,DISH RACKS,WALK IN COOLER- SHELVING UNITS AND COMPRESSOR UNIT.DELIME-DISH 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 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

MUST CLEAN EXCESSIVE FOOD SPLATTER FROM UPPER WALLS AND CEILING IN REAR PREP AREA.MUST REMOVE BLACK CAULKING BUILD UP ON WALL ABOVE DISH 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 56Facility maintenance

Official wording

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector’s notes

MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE CRACKED LIGHT SHIELD IN DISH WASHING 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 60Other

Official wording

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

Inspector’s notes

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT #2624048 9/18/25 NOT CORRECTED-#56-6-501.14: OBSERVED DUST ON FILTERS IN HOOD. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FILTERS IN HOOD AND MAINTAIN.#58-2-102.13: FACILITY PROVIDED NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN AWARENESS TRAINING FOR CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE VALID ALLERGEN AWARENESS TRAINING FOR ALL EMPLOYEES WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATES(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, Mar 23, 2026 · Original Source

Short Form Complaint

Sep 18, 2025

Pass

5 recorded violations

notedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

5-205.15: OBSERVED LEAKING FROM DRAINPIPES OF THE RINSE AND SANITIZER COMPARTMENTS OF THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR LEAKING DRAINPIPES OF THE RINSE AND SAINTIZER COMPARTMENTS OF THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. OBSERVED STRIPPED HOT WATER KNOB AND NO HOT RUNNING WATER AT 1 COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE HOT WATER KNOB AND RESTORE HOT WATER AT 1 COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR PREP AREA 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 53Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

Inspector’s notes

5-501.17: OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLES IN WOMEN'S WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COVERED RECEPTACLE IN WOMEN'S WASHROOM FOR SANITARY PRODUCTS.

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

6-501.12: OBSERVED BLACK BUILDUP ON FLOOR AND ALONG BASES OF WALL IN DISHWASHING AREA UNDERNEATH THREE COMPARTMENT SINK, GREASE TRAPS AND DISHWASHING MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOOR AND ALONG BASES OF WALL IN DISHWASHING AREA UNDERNEATH THREE COMPARTMENT SINK, GREASE TRAPS AND DISHWASHING MACHINE 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

6-303.11: OBSERVED NON WORKING CEILING LIGHT IN REAR NEAR UTILITY SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE NON WORKING CEILING LIGHT IN REAR NEAR UTILITY SINK TO INCREASE LIGHT INTENSITY 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

2-102.13: FACILITY PROVIDED NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN AWARENESS TRAINING FOR CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE VALID ALLERGEN AWARENESS TRAINING FOR ALL EMPLOYEES WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATES

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, Sep 18, 2025 · Original Source

Complaint

Aug 18, 2025

Pass w/ Conditions

8 recorded violations

notedCode 21Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED HOT TCS FOOD(COOKED BACON) HELD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF 97.3F. INSTRUCTED ALL HOT TCS FOOD MUST BE HELD AT 135F OR ABOVE. CORRECTED ON SITE MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AND DENATURED FOOD VALUED AT $15 WEIGHING 0.5LBS. CONSOLIDATED WITH VIOLATION BELOW 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 22Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED COLD TCS FOODS, HELD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES RANGING BETWEEN 45.7-75.6F. OBSERVED COLD TCS FOODS, BACON(47.1-50.6F), RAW EGGS IN SHELL(50.1-75.6F),SALMON(47.3F), COOKED GREEN BEANS(46.2F) AND HARD BOILED EGGS(45.7F)HELD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE. INSTRUCTED ALL COLD TCS FOOD MUST BE HELD AT 41F OR BELOW. CORRECTED ON SITE MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AND DENATURED FOOD VALUED AT $200 WEIGHING 15LBS. CONSOLIDATED WITH VIOLATION ABOVE 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

OBSERVED FOUR DRAWER COLD HOLDING UNIT UNDERNEATH FLAT TOP GRILL AT IMPROPER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE OF 53.1F. INSTRUCTED ALL COLD HOLDING UNITS MUST BE MAINTAINED AT 41F OR BELOW. HELD FOR INSPECTION TAG PLACED ON FOUR DRAWER COLD HOLDING UNIT UNDERNEATH FLAT TOP GRILL. ONCE FOUR DRAWER COLD HOLDING UNIT UNDERNEATH FLAT TOP GRILL HAS BEEN REPAIRED AND ABLE TO MAINTAIN TCS FOODS AT 41F OR LESS E-MAIL FOOD@CITYOFCHICAGO.ORG TO REQUEST TAG REMOVAL PRIOR TO USING UNIT.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 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED LEAKING FROM DRAINPIPES OF THE RINSE AND SANITIZER COMPARTMENTS OF THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR LEAKING DRAINPIPES OF THE RINSE AND SAINTIZER COMPARTMENTS OF THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. OBSERVED STRIPPED HOT WATER KNOB AND NO HOT RUNNING WATER AT 1 COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE HOT WATER KNOB AND RESTORE HOT WATER AT 1 COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR PREP AREA 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 53Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLES IN WOMEN'S WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COVERED RECEPTACLE IN WOMEN'S WASHROOM FOR SANITARY PRODUCTS.

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 BLACK BUILDUP ON FLOOR AND ALONG BASES OF WALL IN DISHWASHING AREA UNDERNEATH THREE COMPARTMENT SINK, GREASE TRAPS AND DISHWASHING MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOOR AND ALONG BASES OF WALL IN DISHWASHING AREA UNDERNEATH THREE COMPARTMENT SINK, GREASE TRAPS AND DISHWASHING MACHINE 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

OBSERVED NON WORKING CEILING LIGHT IN REAR NEAR UTILITY SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE NON WORKING CEILING LIGHT IN REAR NEAR UTILITY SINK TO INCREASE LIGHT INTENSITY 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

FACILITY PROVIDED NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN AWARENESS TRAINING FOR CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE VALID ALLERGEN AWARENESS TRAINING FOR ALL EMPLOYEES WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATES

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 18, 2025 · Original Source

License

May 6, 2025

Pass

1 recorded violation

notedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED LEAKING FROM DRAINPIPES OF THE RINSE AND SANITIZER COMPARTMENTS OF THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR LEAKING DRAINPIPES OF THE RINSE AND SAINTIZER COMPARTMENTS OF THE THREE COMPARTMENT 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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, May 6, 2025 · Original Source

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