Restaurant · Chicago, IL

Nick's Hi - Ho Cafe

Name: Nick's Hi - Ho Cafe
Address: 3134 N Cicero Ave, Chicago, IL

3134 N Cicero Ave

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

Read Reviews on Google

Pass

Get the next inspection, free.

We'll email you when Nick's Hi - Ho Cafe has a new health inspection. No spam, one-click unsubscribe.

Own this restaurant? Add an inspection badge to your website · Inspection prep checklist

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

Feb 4, 2026

Pass

5 recorded violations

notedCode 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED MULTIPLY DEAD ROACHES UNDERNEATH THE PREP TABLE IN THE REAR AREA. MUST REMOVE AND CLEAN

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 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED EXTERIOR NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES OF WAFFLE IRON IN THE REAR PREP AREA TO BE HEAVILY SOILED WITH CAKED-ON GREASE AND BATTER AND NO LONGER EASILY-CLEANABLE. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE WAFFLE IRON AND MAINTAIN ALL FOOD- AND NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES OF EQUIPMENT SMOOTH, FREE OF EXCESSIVE SOIL, 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 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS, SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER 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 3-COMPARTMENT SINK FAUCET TO HAVE SMALL LEAK, BUT FUNCTIONAL. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK FAUCET TO ELIMINATE LEAK AND MAINTAIN ALL PLUMBING FIXTURES IN GOOD REPAIR.

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 DEBRIS ON FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS IN UTILITY AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER 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, Feb 4, 2026 · Original Source

Canvass

Jan 27, 2026

Fail

6 recorded violations

notedCode 36Equipment and utensils

Official wording

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

Inspector’s notes

FOUND METAL STEM THERMOMETER FOR TAKING FOOD TEMPERATURES INOPERABLE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE A WORKING THERMOMETER AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED

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 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED MULTIPLY DEAD ROACHES UNDERNEATH THE PREP TABLE IN THE REAR AREA. MUST REMOVE AND CLEAN

In plain English

More about signs of rodents or insects

notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

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 ACCUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS, SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER 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 3-COMPARTMENT SINK FAUCET TO HAVE SMALL LEAK, BUT FUNCTIONAL. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK FAUCET TO ELIMINATE LEAK AND MAINTAIN ALL PLUMBING FIXTURES IN GOOD REPAIR.

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 DEBRIS ON FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS IN UTILITY AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER 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, Jan 27, 2026 · Original Source

Canvass

Jan 14, 2025

Pass

4 recorded violations

notedCode 37Food source and labeling

Official wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED BULK DRY FOOD BINS IN THE REAR DRY STORAGE SHELF NOT LABELED WITH THE COMMON NAME OF THE FOOD ITEM STORED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LABELS OF THE COMMON NAME OF THE FOOD STORED ON ALL BULK DRY FOOD CONTAINERS AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

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 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED HANGING FLY TRAP ALONG WALL NEAR GRILL LINE. INSTRUCTED TO RELOCATE OR REMOVE FLY TRAP AND MAINTAIN INSECT CONTROL DEVICES IN AREAS WHERE CONTAMINATION OF FOOD OR CLEAN EQUIPMENT CANNOT OCCUR.

In plain English

More about signs of rodents or insects

notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

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 3-COMPARTMENT SINK FAUCET TO HAVE SMALL LEAK, BUT FUNCTIONAL. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK FAUCET TO ELIMINATE LEAK AND MAINTAIN ALL PLUMBING FIXTURES IN GOOD REPAIR.

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, Jan 14, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

Jun 14, 2024

Pass

4 recorded violations

notedCode 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

3-305.11--OBSERVED BOXED FOOD ITEMS BEING STORED ON FLOOR IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES FROM FLOOR ON RAISED SHELVING UNITS AND MAINTAIN.

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 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

4-501.11--OBSERVED TORN/DAMAGED RUBBER GASKETS ON DOORS OF REACH-IN COOLER AND REFRIGERATOR IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE 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

4-602.13--OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR SURFACES OF COOLERS AND FREEZERS. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. (NONFOOD CONTACT SURFACES)

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

6-501.11--OBSERVED MISSING CEILING PANELS IN THE MEN TOILET ROOM IN THE REAR.---ALSO OBSERVED MULITPLE DMAGED CILING PANELS IN THE WOMEN TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAR MISSING/DAMAGED CEILING PANELS FOR BOTH TOILET ROOMS 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, Jun 14, 2024 · Original Source

Canvass

Jun 3, 2024

Fail

8 recorded violations

notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS AT THE HANDWASHING SINK IN THE WOMENS TOILET ROOM IN THE REAR. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ENSURE ALL SINKS USED FOR HANDWASHING ARE STOCKED PAPER TOWELS AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-030 (C). CITATION ISSUED. PAPER TOWELS WERE REPLENISHED BY EMPLOYEE DURING INSPECTION.

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.

Official wording

APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FACILITY NOT MEETING THAWING REQUIREMENTS. FOOD HANDLER THAWING FROZEN CHICKEN IN THREE COMPARTMENT SINK SITTING IN STAGNANT WATER. INFORMED FOOD HANDLER OF PROPER THAWING METHODS ( MUST UTILIZE RUNNING WATER WITH ENOUGH VOLATILITY WHEN THAWING). MUST MEET PROPER THAWING REQUIREMENTS AND MAINTAIN.

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 METAL STEM THERMOMETER FOR MEASURING THE INTERNAL TEMPERATURES OF HOT AND COLD FOODS. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE METAL STEM THERMOMETER FOR MEASURING HOT AND COLD FOODS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

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 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FOUR LIVE COCKROACHES ON WALL UNDERNEATH EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE ROACHES, CLEAN SURFACES, AND MAINTAIN PREMISES FREE OF PEST. RECOMMENDED RECEIVING ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(a) CITATION ISSUED.

In plain English

More about signs of rodents or insects

notedCode 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED BOXED FOOD ITEMS BEING STORED ON FLOOR IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES FROM FLOOR ON RAISED SHELVING UNITS AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

More about food not protected from contamination

notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED TORN/DAMAGED RUBBER GASKETS ON DOORS OF REACH-IN COOLER AND REFRIGERATOR IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE 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 ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR SURFACES OF COOLERS AND FREEZERS. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. (NONFOOD CONTACT SURFACES)

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 MISSING CEILING PANELS IN THE MEN TOILET ROOM IN THE REAR.---ALSO OBSERVED MULITPLE DMAGED CILING PANELS IN THE WOMEN TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAR MISSING/DAMAGED CEILING PANELS FOR BOTH TOILET ROOMS 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, Jun 3, 2024 · Original Source