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Restaurant · Chicago, IL

Tempo Cafe

6 E Chestnut St

Last inspected May 14, 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 14, 2026

Pass

3 recorded violations

notedCode 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED 1/2 INCH GAP BETWEEN FRONT ENTRANCE DOORS. INSRUCTED MANAGER MUST RODENT PROOF FRONT ENTRANCE DOORS.

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

OBSERVED FOOD BUILD UP ON EXTERIOR OF DISHMACHINE. MUST CLEAN EXTERIOR OF DISHMACHINE 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 SOME BURNED OUT CEILING LIGHT BULBS ABOVE DISHWASH ROOM. MUST REPLACE WITH WORKING CEILING LIGHT BULBS.

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, May 14, 2026 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

Jun 13, 2025

Pass

1 recorded violation

notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

4-101.19 OBSERVED STORAGE RACKS WITH RUST BUILD UP THROUGHOUT FACILITY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE OR REPAINT RUSTED RACKS.

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 13, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

May 20, 2025

Fail

2 recorded violations

notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

4-202.12 OBSERVED LARGE POTS TOO BIG FOR ANY 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CREATE WRITTEN CLEAN IN PLACE PROCEDURE FOR LARGE POTS.

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 59Other

Official wording

PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION CORRECTED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED.REPORT# 2617363 DATED MAY 13 2025 INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO: #10 INSTALL A HANDWASHING SINK IN FRONT SERVICE AREA. OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SINK IN FRONT SERVICE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ADDRESS PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. PRIORITY VIOLATION 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, May 20, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

May 13, 2025

Fail

8 recorded violations

notedCode 5Other

Official wording

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEAN UP KIT OR PROCEDURES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEAN UP KIT AND PROCEDURES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
notedCode 8Handwashing

Official wording

HANDS CLEAN & PROPERLY WASHED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FOOD EMPLOYEE PICK UP RAW BACON WITH GLOVES ON AND PROCEED TO MAKE TOAST WITHOUT CHANGING GLOVES OR WASHING HANDS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE EMPLOYEES WASH HANDS AFTER HANDLING A RAW FOOD PRODUCT. MANAGER INSTRUCTED EMPLOYEE TO WASH HANDS. 1/4 POUND OF SLICED BREAD DISCARDED ($1) PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-010 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 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SINK IN CONVENIENT LOCATION IN FRONT SERVICE AREA. COFFEE MILKSHAKES AND DESSERTS ARE PREPPED AND OR PLATED IN THIS AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INSTALL A HAND WASHING SINK WITH A MINIMUM HOT WATER TEMPERATURE OF 100 F AND A MAXIMUM HOT WATER TEMPERATURE OF 120 F. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) NO 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 13Contamination

Official wording

FOOD IN GOOD CONDITION, SAFE, & UNADULTERATED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED RED ONIONS WITH SIGNS OF SPOILAGE IN WALK IN COOLER. RED ONIONS GREW GREEN AND WHITE FLUFFY SUBSTANCE ON THEM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL FOOD IS IN GOOD CONDITION. MANAGER DISCARDED 8 POUNDS OF RED ONIONS ($6) 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 ICE MACHINE WITH BLACK SUBSTANCE BUILDING UP ON INTERIOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL FOOD CONTACT SURFACES ARE CLEAN TO SIGHT AND TOUCH. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 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 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FOOD EMPLOYEE PEELING POTATOES ON FLOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL CONTAINERS OF FOOD ARE OFF THE FLOOR BY AT LEAST 6 INCHES.

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

OBSERVED LARGE POTS TOO BIG FOR ANY 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CREATE WRITTEN CLEAN IN PLACE PROCEDURE FOR LARGE POTS.

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 60Other

Official wording

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED WITHIN SPECIFIED TIMEFRAME. REPORT #2594196 DATED MAY 8 2024 INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO: #37 LABEL ALL STORAGE CONTAINERS, #47 REPLACE AND MAINTAIN CUTTING BOARDS, #53 PROVIDE COVERS FOR RECEPTACLES IN WOMEN'S TOILET ROOMS AND TO #58 PROVIDE FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS. OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS OF FOOD NOT LABELED; OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS DISCOLORED WITH DEEP SCRATCHES; OBSERVED NO LID ON RECEPTACLE IN WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM; OBSERVED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ADDRESS ALL PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 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, May 13, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

May 8, 2024

Pass w/ Conditions

13 recorded violations

notedCode 16Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED LOW-TEMPERATURE DISHWASHING MACHINE IN USE NOT PROPERLY SANITIZING. SANITIZING STRENGTH OF SANITIZER (CHLORINE) AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION WAS 00 P.P.M. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE UNTIL EQUIPMENT IS PROPERLY SANITIZING AT MINIMUM OF 50 P.P.M. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY CALLED FOR MAINTENANCE ECOLAB CAME REPAIRED LOW TEMP DISHWASHER NOW READING 50 PPM PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-025 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 20Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER COOLING TIME AND TEMPERATURE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED 10# TURKEY BREAST WRAPPED IN PLASTIC AT TEMPERATURE RANGE FROM 128.5 TO 135.6°F IN 2 DOOR COOLER IN FRONT PREP. FOOD DID NOT COOL FROM 135°F TO 70°F WITHIN TWO HOURS AND FROM 70°F TO 41°F OR LESS WITHIN A TOTAL OF 6 HOURS. REVIEWED COOLING REQUIREMENTS AND DISCUSSED HACCP CONCEPT WITH EMPLOYEE AND PERSON IN CHARGE. INADEQUATELY COOLED FOOD WAS DISCARDED 10# AT VALUE OF $90.00 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 HOLDING UNIT IN FRONT PREP WAS NOT TURNED ON, ALL TCS FOODS SLICED FRUIT SALAD AND CREAMED BASED HOUSE DRESSING TEMPERATURE RANGED FROM 49.8F TO 58.6F INADEQUATELY COOLED FOOD WAS DISCARDED 15# WITH VALUE OF $50.00. INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT ALL UNITS NEED TO BE ON PRIOR TO SETTING UP FRONT SERVICE LINE. 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 37Food source and labeling

Official wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS ARE NOT LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO IDENTIFY FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME OF THE FOOD.

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 44Equipment and utensils

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

CLEAN DELI CUPS, AND EQUIPMENT STACKED TOGETHER ON SHELVES HAVE NOT BEEN AIR DRIED PROPERLY AFTER SANITIZING. AFTER CLEANING AND SANITZING ALL EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS SHALL BE AIR DRIED BEFORE USE. CLOTH DRYING OF EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS IS NOT APPROVED.

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

OBSERVED MILK CRATES BEING USED AS ELEVATION THROUGHOUT PREMISE, INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE MILK CRATES FOR ELEVATION TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST. MUST PROVIDE APPROPRIATE SHELVING FOR STORAGE, ALL FOOD ITEMS MUST ALSO BE STORED 6" FROM FLOOR AND WALL.

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 48Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO TESTING STIPS FOR 3 PART SINK SANITIZER, INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN TESTING STRIPS AND MAINTAIN. MANAGER PURCHASED TEST STRIPS NOW ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION7-38-005 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 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED 3 COMP SINK NOT HOLDING WATER WITH TWIST HANDLE WASTE VALVE STRIPPED, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE 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 UNCOVERED RECEPTACLES IN STAFF AND WOMENS TOILET ROOM, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE 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 BROKEN AND UNUSED EQUIPMENT STORED IN VARIOUS AREAS IN REAR PREP, INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL UNUSED OR UNREPAIRABLE EQUIPMENT 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 2 LIGHTS BULBS IN HOODS SYSTEM NEED REPLACEMENT BULBS, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE 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 57Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER'S TRAINING CERTIFICATION FROM EMPLOYEE. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL EMPLOYEE MUST COMPLY WITH FOOD HANDLER'S TRAINING BY THE FOOD HANDLING REGULATION ENFORCEMENT ACT.

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

NOTED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ON DUTY WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.

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 8, 2024 · Original Source

Canvass

Oct 18, 2023

Pass w/ Conditions

4 recorded violations

notedCode 9Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH RTE FOOD OR A PRE-APPROVED ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURE PROPERLY ALLOWED

Inspector’s notes

Bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods, observed a food handler slicing pickles with his hands touching foods, no gloves used, instructed manager not to allow bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods. priority violation 7-38-010.

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 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

flies glue ribbons hung near open food and clean utensils, instructed to keep away.

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 56Facility maintenance

Official wording

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector’s notes

Employees personal clothing hung on food shelves, instructed to keep away.

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 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Missing a splash guard at dish washing area and front prep service line. instructed to install.

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, Oct 18, 2023 · Original Source

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