Restaurant · Chicago, IL

Sarima Cafe

Name: Sarima Cafe
Address: 1924 W North Ave, Chicago, IL

1924 W North Ave

Last inspected Feb 25, 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

Complaint Re-Inspection

Feb 25, 2026

Pass

6 recorded violations

notedCode 37Food source and labeling

Official wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s notes

3-302.12 OBSERVED FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS NOT IDENTIFED WITH COMMON NAME OF FOOD ITEM. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL.

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

3-305.11 OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED IMPROPERLY ON THE FLOOR IN THE WALK-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO STORE PROPERLY BY ELEVATING AT LEAST SIX INCHES FROM THE FLOOR ON RAISED SHELVING UNITS.

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 41Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

Inspector’s notes

3-304.14 OBSERVED WET WIPING CLOTHS STORED IMPROPERLY ON PREP SURFACE AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO STORE PROPERLY IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USAGE.

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 43Equipment and utensils

Official wording

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED

Inspector’s notes

3-304.12 OBSERVED IN-USE UTENSILS (SCOOPS) STORED IMPROPERLY DIRECTLY INSIDE DRY STORAGE CONTAINER(S). INSTRUCTED TO STORE UTENSILS PROPERLY BETWEEN USAGE.

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 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

4-602.13 OBSERVED AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF ICE BUILDUP ON THE FLOOR IN THE WALK IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO MUST REMOVE EXCESS ICE.

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

6-501.16 OBSERVED MOP STORED IMPROPERLY IN A POSITION THAT DOES NOT ALLOW TO DRY PROPERLY. INSTRUCTED TO STORE PROPERLY.

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 25, 2026 · Original Source

Complaint

Feb 20, 2026

Fail

9 recorded violations

notedCode 2Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER ON DUTY AT THE START TIME OF INSPECTION WHILE TIME AND TEMPERATURE FOR CONTROL FOR SAFETY, TCS, FOODS ARE STORED, PREPPED/HANDLED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER CERTIFICATE AND POST ON SITE. CERTIFIED MANAGER ARRIVED ON SITE AT APPROXIMATELY 9:35AM, TOWARDS THE END OF THE WALK-THROUGH. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 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 HANDWASHING SINK HOT WATER AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE AT 69F. INSTRUCTED HOT WATER AT ALL HANDWASHING SINKS MUST BE AT LEAST 100F. MANAGER ATTEMPTED TO MAKE AN ADJUSTMENT AT THE SINK THEN CONTACTED SERVICE TECHNICIAN/PLUMBER. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-030(C). 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.

Official wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS NOT IDENTIFED WITH COMMON NAME OF FOOD ITEM. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL.

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

OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED IMPROPERLY ON THE FLOOR IN THE WALK-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO STORE PROPERLY BY ELEVATING AT LEAST SIX INCHES FROM THE FLOOR ON RAISED SHELVING UNITS.

In plain English

More about food not protected from contamination

notedCode 40Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS PREPPING/HANDLING FOOD WITHOUT HAIR RESTRAINTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

In plain English

This covers things like hair restraints, jewelry, clean clothing, eating or drinking in food prep areas, touching ready-to-eat food with bare hands, or not having a sick-employee policy.

More about employee hygiene or health policy issues

notedCode 41Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED WET WIPING CLOTHS STORED IMPROPERLY ON PREP SURFACE AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO STORE PROPERLY IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USAGE.

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 43Equipment and utensils

Official wording

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED IN-USE UTENSILS (SCOOPS) STORED IMPROPERLY DIRECTLY INSIDE DRY STORAGE CONTAINER(S). INSTRUCTED TO STORE UTENSILS PROPERLY BETWEEN USAGE.

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 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED AN ACCUMULATION OF FOOD DEBRIS (BUILD-UP OF COFFEE GRINDS) ON COFFEE MACHINE SPOUTS LOCATED NEAR THE FRONTLINE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFTER USE.

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 MOP STORED IMPROPERLY IN A POSITION THAT DOES NOT ALLOW TO DRY PROPERLY. INSTRUCTED TO STORE PROPERLY.

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 20, 2026 · Original Source

Complaint

Feb 17, 2026

No Entry

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Feb 17, 2026 · Original Source

License Re-Inspection

May 23, 2025

Pass w/ Conditions

7 recorded violations

notedCode 3Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

2-102.14(O) : OBSERVED NO SIGNED EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICIES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010)

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

6-202.15 : OBSERVED A GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF REAR DOOR MUST MAKE TIGHT FITTING.

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

3-305.12 : OBSERVED FROZEN FOOD PRODUCTS FROM ADJACENT RESTAURANT BEING STORED INSIDE OF WALK IN FREEZER MUST REMOVE AND STORE PROPERLY AT THERE LICENSED FACILITY.

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

4-101.19 : MUST ELIMINATE CRATES USED FOR FOOD STOARGE IN WALK IN FREEZER AND PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING UNITS.MUST REMOVE RUST FROM WALK IN COOLER SHELVING UNITS,CARDBOARD FROM SHELVING UNITS IN WALK IN FREEZER.

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 DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FRONT SERVICE COUNTER STORAGE CABINETS,INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE 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 LEAKY FAUCET AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK AND REMOVE TAPE FROM SAME TO BE IN GOOD REPAIR AND LEAKY COMPRESSOR LINE IN WALK IN COOLER AND REMOVE BUCKET OF WATER.

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 GROUT FLOOR IN REAR PREP/DISH WASHING AREA.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED WALL BASE NEAR REAR DOOR,LOOSE WINDOW TRIM IN DINING AREA AND REMOVE TAPE FROM SAME,GAP IN FLOORING ALONG WALL BASE IN WALK IN COOLER,DAMAGED CEILING TILE IN FRONT PREP 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, May 23, 2025 · Original Source

License

May 22, 2025

Fail

8 recorded violations

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 BE PROVIDED AND MAINTAINED.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010)

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 A GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF REAR DOOR MUST MAKE TIGHT FITTING.

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 FROZEN FOOD PRODUCTS FROM ADJACENT RESTAURANT BEING STORED INSIDE OF WALK IN FREEZER MUST REMOVE AND STORE PROPERLY AT THERE LICENSED FACILITY.

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

MUST ELIMINATE CRATES USED FOR FOOD STOARGE IN WALK IN FREEZER AND PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING UNITS.MUST REMOVE RUST FROM WALK IN COOLER SHELVING UNITS,CARDBOARD FROM SHELVING UNITS IN WALK IN FREEZER.

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 DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FRONT SERVICE COUNTER STORAGE CABINETS,INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE 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 LEAKY FAUCET AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK AND REMOVE TAPE FROM SAME TO BE IN GOOD REPAIR AND LEAKY COMPRESSOR LINE IN WALK IN COOLER AND REMOVE BUCKET OF WATER.

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 54Facility maintenance

Official wording

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO OUTSIDE GARBAGE DUMPSTER TO DISPOSE OF TRASH. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(B)

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 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

MUST GROUT FLOOR IN REAR PREP/DISH WASHING AREA.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED WALL BASE NEAR REAR DOOR,LOOSE WINDOW TRIM IN DINING AREA AND REMOVE TAPE FROM SAME,GAP IN FLOORING ALONG WALL BASE IN WALK IN COOLER,DAMAGED CEILING TILE IN FRONT PREP 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, May 22, 2025 · Original Source