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Restaurant · Chicago, IL

Pho Cafe

232 W Cermak Rd

Last inspected May 18, 2026 · 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

May 18, 2026

Pass

3 recorded violations

notedCode 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED WORN DOOR SWEEPS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE REAR EXIT DOOR AND THE REAR OUTER EXIT DOOR; INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE BOTH DOOR SWEEPS TO AVOID POSSIBLE RODENT ENTRY.

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 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE BOTTOM AREA OF THE FRYER AND AREA UNDER COOKING BURNERS NEXT TO THE FRYER 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 53Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

Inspector’s notes

FOUND NO SELF CLOSING DEVICES ON THE WASHROOM DOORS; INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL ON BOTH DOORS.

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 18, 2026 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

May 27, 2025

Pass

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, May 27, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

May 20, 2025

Fail

5 recorded violations

notedCode 22Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED TCS FOODS HELD AT IMPROPER INTERNAL TEMPERATURES IN THE WALK-IN COOLER SUCH AS 10LBS OF EGG ROLL FILLING (PORK, CARROTS, NOODLES, BLACK FUNGUS) AT 50.0F. MANAGER DISCARDED AND DENATURED A TOTAL 10LBS AT $100. ALL COLD TCS FOOD MUST MAINTAIN 41F OR BELOW. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.

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 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF RODENT ACTIVITY ON THE PREMISES. OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 50 MOUSE DROPPINGS IN THE WALL CORNERS BEHIND AND UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT IN KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS FROM ALL AFFECTED AREAS. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.

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 CARDBOARD USED AS LINER ON FOOD PREP EQUIPMENT AND TABLES. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.

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 LOOSE DEBRIS, DIRT AND DUST BUILDUP ON THE FLOORS AND CORNERS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND INCREASE CLEANING FREQUENCY OF FLOORS. MUST MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

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 58Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.

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 20, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

Apr 3, 2024

Pass

6 recorded violations

notedCode 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

3-305.11: OBSERVED TWO BIG BOWLS OF COOKED NOODLES STORED ON THE DRAINBOARD RIGHT NEXT THE TO LOW TEMEPERATURE DISHWASHING MACHINE DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO RELOCATED TO PREVENT CONTAMINATING FOOD 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 48Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

Inspector’s notes

4-301.12: OBSERVED ONE OF THE WALLS OF THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK MISSING, MAKING THE SINK LOOK LIKE A TWO COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE MISSING WALL 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 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

6-301.14: OBSERVED HANDWASHING SINKS ON SITE MISSING HANDWASHING SIGNAGE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

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 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

6-501.112: OBSERVED DEAD ROACHES ON THE FLOORS AND SURFACES THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. OBSERVED DEAD ROACHES ON THE FLOORS UNDER ALL COOKING, WASHING, AND SHELVING UNITS EQUIPMENT IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA AND THE FRONT SERVER STATION. OBSERVED DEAD ROACHES INSIDE OF THE SINGLE PREP COOLER ACROSS FROM THE HANDWASHING SINK IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA AND INSIDE A CABINET WITH A PLASTIC DOOR IN THE BEVERAGE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL DEAD ROACHES, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AFFECTED AREAS AND MAINTAIN.

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 A WHITE/YELLOWISH COLOR MATERIAL THAT LOOKS SEEMS TO BE CAULK INSIDE WHAT LOOKS LIKE IT USED TO BE A TWO COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATED NEXT TO THE LOW TEMPERATURE DISHWASHING MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO USE FOOD GRADE MATERIALS IN MENTIONED SINK 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 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED CLUTTER AND FOOD ITEMS BEING ELEVATED WITH BUCKETS IN THE CORNER NEAR THE FREEZER UNITS ACROSS FROM THE REAR EXIT DOOR, IN THE REAR PREP/DISWHASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CLUTTER, REMOVE BUCKETS AND PROVIDE PROPER ELEVATING UNITS IN MENTIONED 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, Apr 3, 2024 · Original Source

Canvass

Apr 3, 2024

Out of Business

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Apr 3, 2024 · Original Source

Canvass

Mar 27, 2024

Fail

8 recorded violations

notedCode 22Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER AND A PREP COOLER ON THE LEFT OF THE COOKING LINE ACROSS FROM THE VENTILATION HOOD. FOODS FOUND OUT OF COMPLIANCE WERE: SLICED TOMATOES (46.7F), EGGS (46.0-53.9F), AND CHICKEN (47.6F). MANAGER DISCARDED APPROXIMATELY 10LBS AT $60 WORTH OF PRODUCT. MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING FOODS AT 41.0F OR BELOW AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY 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 48Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED ONE OF THE WALLS OF THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK MISSING, MAKING THE SINK LOOK LIKE A TWO COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE MISSING WALL 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 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED HANDWASHING SINKS ON SITE MISSING HANDWASHING SIGNAGE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

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 13Contamination

Official wording

FOOD IN GOOD CONDITION, SAFE, & UNADULTERATED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED ADULTERATED FOODS AT THE TIME OF THE INSPECTION. OBSERVED A DEAD ROACH INSIDE A METAL CONTAINER WITH LETTUCE, STORED INSIDE A SINGLE PREP COOLER ACROSS FROM THE HANDWASHING SINK IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. ALSO, OBSERVED A LIVE ROACH CRAWLING INSIDE OF A TWO DOOR PREP COOLER, AT THE TOP PART WITH UNCOVERED FOOD ITEMS SUCH AS TOFU, RAW BEEF, COOKED BEEF, SLICED ONIONS, AND SLICED TOMATOES. THE TWO DOOR PREP COOLER WAS LOCATED TO THE RIGHT OF THE COOKING LINE ACROSS FROM THE VENTILATION HOOD. APPROXIMATELY 10 LBS AT $80 WAS DISCARDED AT THIS TIME. INSTRUCTED FOOD SHALL BE SAFE AND UNADULERATED AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005, CITATION ISSUED

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 16Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED BLACK, BROWN AND PINK SUBSTANCE BUILD UP ON THE INTERIOR PANEL ABOVE THE ICE INSIDE OF THE ICE MACHINE. ICE USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. INSTRUCTED MUST REMOVE BUILD UP, CLEAN, AND SANITIZE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 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 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED 3 LIVE ROACHES IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA, AT THE TIME OF THE INSPECTION. THE LIVE ROACHES WERE OBSERVED IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: ON THE FLOOR UNDER THE METAL SHELVING UNIT WITH BOXES OF SANDWICH BAGS STORED, ON THE PIPE UNDER THE TWO COMPARTMENT SINK NEAR THE VENTILATION HOOD, INSIDE THE PREP COOLER WITH UNCOVERED FOOD ITEMS, PREP COOLER LOCATED TO THE RIGHT OF THE COOKING LINE ACROSS FROM VENTILATION HOOD. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE LIVE ROACH ACTIVITY, CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS AND RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL FOR A SERVICE. ALL AFFECTED FOOD ITEMS WERE DISCARDED AT THIS TIME, MENTIONED IN VIOLATION #13. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A), CITATION ISSUED

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 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED A TRAY WITH 4-5 WHOLE PINEAPPLES STORED ON THE FLOOR UNDER A SHELVING UNIT IN THE REAR FOOD PREP/DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REFRAIN FROM STORING FOOD ON THE FLOOR AND ATLEAST 6 INCHES FROM THE FLOOR 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 60Other

Official wording

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM 06/06/2023, REPORT # 2576857 #49: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE BOTTOM INTERIOR AREA OF THE FRYER AND THE EXTERIOR SURFACE OF THE FRYER TO REMOVE GREASE OBSERVED. #55: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE FLOOR UNDER THE FRYER IN THE KITCHEN, CLEAN WALL NEXT TO FRYER IN THE KITCHEN, CLEAN WALL ABOVE THE SINK IN THE KITCHEN AND CLEAN THE CEILING VENT AND LIGHT SHIELD IN KITCHEN ABOVE PREP COOLER TO REMOVE DUST OBSERVED. 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 27, 2024 · Original Source

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