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Restaurant · Chicago, IL

Temax Garden Cafe

2544 S Western Ave

Last inspected Jul 8, 2025 · 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

8 inspections

Canvass Re-Inspection

Jul 8, 2025

Pass

1 recorded violation

notedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

5-205.15 OBSERVED A LEAK AT THE BASE OF THE FAUCET AT THE 3 COMP SINK. MUST REPAIR 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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jul 8, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

Jun 26, 2025

Fail

5 recorded violations

notedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED A LEAK AT THE BASE OF THE FAUCET AT THE 3 COMP SINK. MUST REPAIR 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 THE WASHROOM DOOR NOT SELF CLOSING AS REQUIRED. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN A SELF CLOSING DEVICE.

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

FLOORS NEED CLEANING IN THE CORNERS BEHIND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT TO REMOVE DEBRIS AND GREASE.

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 THE LIGHT NOT PROPERLY WORKING IN THE DISH WASHING AREA. MUST REPAIR 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 59Other

Official wording

PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION CORRECTED

Inspector’s notes

8-404.13 (B:3) PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION (54) NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2619381, DATE 6/18/25. PRIORITY VIOLATION CITATION ISSUED #7-42-090. Violation Codes: 5-501.113(B) Inspector Comments: OBSERVED THE OUTSIDE DUMPSTER IN POOR REPAIR (MISSING LID). MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN TO PREVENT POSSIBLE FOOD SOURCE / HARBORAGE FOR PESTS. PRIORITY FOUNDTION VIOLATION.

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, Jun 26, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

Jun 18, 2025

Fail

5 recorded violations

notedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED A LEAK AT THE BASE OF THE FAUCET AT THE 3 COMP SINK. MUST REPAIR 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 THE WASHROOM DOOR NOT SELF CLOSING AS REQUIRED. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN A SELF CLOSING DEVICE.

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 54Facility maintenance

Official wording

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED THE OUTSIDE DUMPSTER IN POOR REPAIR (MISSING LID). MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN TO PREVENT POSSIBLE FOOD SOURCE / HARBROAGE FOR PEST. PRIORITY FOUNDTION CITATION ISSUED #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

FLOORS NEED CLEANING IN THE CORNERS BEHIND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT TO REMOVE DEBRIS AND GREASE.

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 THE LIGHT NOT PROPERLY WORKING IN THE DISH WASHING AREA. MUST REPAIR 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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jun 18, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

May 16, 2024

Pass

4 recorded violations

notedCode 37Food source and labeling

Official wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s notes

3-302.12 OBSERVED DRY STORAGE CONTAINERS (BEANS, FLOUR, ETC.) NOT LABELED WITH THE PRODUCT NAME. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL ITEMS THAT ARE OUT OF THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING.

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 45Equipment and utensils

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

4-502.13 OBSERVED FOODS STORED IN GROCERY BAGS IN THE REACH-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED ONLY TO USE FOOD-GRADE BAGS AND FOOD-GRADE CONTAINERS TO STORE ALL FOODS.

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 57Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

Inspector’s notes

2-102.13 OBSERVED ONE MALE FOOD HANDLER WITHOUT PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS WITHIN 30 DAYS OF HIRE.

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

2-102.13 OBSERVED THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT THE REQUIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENTS.

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 16, 2024 · Original Source

Canvass

May 16, 2024

Out of Business

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, May 16, 2024 · Original Source

License

May 16, 2024

Pass

5 recorded violations

notedCode 6Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

PROPER EATING, TASTING, DRINKING, OR TOBACCO USE

Inspector’s notes

2-401.11 OBSERVED A PERSONAL DRINK WITHOUT A LID. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEE DRINKS MUST HAVE LIDS.

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 37Food source and labeling

Official wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s notes

3-302.12 OBSERVED DRY STORAGE CONTAINERS (BEANS, FLOUR, ETC.) NOT LABELED WITH THE PRODUCT NAME. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL ITEMS THAT ARE OUT OF THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING.

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 45Equipment and utensils

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

4-502.13 OBSERVED FOODS STORED IN GROCERY BAGS IN THE REACH-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED ONLY TO USE FOOD-GRADE BAGS AND FOOD-GRADE CONTAINERS TO STORE ALL FOODS.

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 57Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

Inspector’s notes

2-102.13 OBSERVED ONE MALE FOOD HANDLER WITHOUT PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS WITHIN 30 DAYS OF HIRE.

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

2-102.13 OBSERVED THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT THE REQUIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENTS.

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 16, 2024 · Original Source

Canvass

May 9, 2024

Fail

8 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 EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 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 16Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

Inspector’s notes

4-602.11(B-E) OBSERVED A STAINED CUTTING BOARD ATTACHED TO THE PREP COOLER IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE STAINS OR REPLACE.

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 25Food temperature

Official wording

CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

Inspector’s notes

3-603.11 OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER ON THE MENU FOR ALL ITEMS THAT CAN BE ORDERED UNDERCOOKED OR RAW (ALL EGG ITEMS AND BURGERS) ON BOTH THE PAPER MENU AND THE BOARD MENU. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER FOR ALL ITEMS ORDERED UNDERCOOKED OR RAW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 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 37Food source and labeling

Official wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s notes

3-302.12 OBSERVED DRY STORAGE CONTAINERS (BEANS, FLOUR, ETC.) NOT LABELED WITH THE PRODUCT NAME. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL ITEMS THAT ARE OUT OF THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING.

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

6-501.111 OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF PEST ACTIVITY ON SITE. OBSERVED ABOUT 30 RODENT DROPPINGS LOCATED ON THE LEDGES BY THE HEATER ON THE FLOOR AROUND THE HOT WATER HEATER AND UNDER THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE PEST ACTIVITY, CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS, AND RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL FOR A SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020(A).

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

4-502.13 OBSERVED FOODS STORED IN GROCERY BAGS IN THE REACH-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED ONLY TO USE FOOD-GRADE BAGS AND FOOD-GRADE CONTAINERS TO STORE ALL FOODS.

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 57Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

Inspector’s notes

2-102.13 OBSERVED ONE MALE FOOD HANDLER WITHOUT PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS WITHIN 30 DAYS OF HIRE.

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

2-102.13 OBSERVED THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT THE REQUIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENTS.

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 9, 2024 · Original Source

License

May 9, 2024

Not Ready

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, May 9, 2024 · Original Source

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