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Restaurant · Chicago, IL

Truenorth Cafe

1323 E 57th St

Last inspected Sep 5, 2025 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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SteadyThe last two inspections recorded a similar number of violations. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

9 inspections

Complaint Re-Inspection

Sep 5, 2025

Pass

1 recorded violation

notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN FRONT COFFEE PREP, DINING, REAR PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE ALL DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN ALL AREAS.

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, Sep 5, 2025 · Original Source

Complaint Re-Inspection

Sep 3, 2025

Fail

1 recorded violation

notedCode 59Other

Official wording

PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION CORRECTED

Inspector’s notes

PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2622495 ON 8-20-25:38-OBSERVED OVER 80 MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED ON FLOOR ALONG WALLS AND CORNER NEAR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK, SHELVING UNITS, PREP COOLERS, ON ELECTRICAL OUTLETS, ON THERMOSTAT AND INSIDE BOTTOM COMPARTMENTS OF PREP AND UNUSED DISPLAY COOLERS, AND EQUIPMENT IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. OBSERVED SEVERAL FLYING INSECTS IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALL AN EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS. 60-PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2617460 ON 5-14-25:55- OBSERVED DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN FRONT COFFEE PREP, DINING, REAR PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE ALL DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN ALL AREAS. OBSERVED DEBRIS ON FLOOR ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS, DUST BUILDUP ON FIXTURES, PIPING AND ELECTRICAL OUTLETS ALONG WALLS IN PREP AND DINING AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY 7-42-090

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, Sep 3, 2025 · Original Source

Complaint Re-Inspection

Aug 28, 2025

Fail

4 recorded violations

notedCode 1Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH VALID CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DESIGNATE PERSON IN CHARGE DURING ALL HOURS OF OPERATION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION

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 2Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE OR VALID CERTIFICATE POSTED WHEN TCS FOOD PREPARED AND SERVED. A CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AND VALID CERTIFICATE POSTED AT ALL TIMES TCS FOOD PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 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 59Other

Official wording

PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION CORRECTED

Inspector’s notes

PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2622495 ON 8-20-25:38-OBSERVED OVER 100 MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED ON FLOOR ALONG WALLS AND CORNER NEAR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK, FIRE EXTINGUISHERS, SHELVING UNITS, PREP COOLERS, ON THERMOSTAT AND INSIDE BOTTOM COMPARTMENTS OF PREP AND UNUSED DISPLAY COOLERS, ON ELECTRICAL OUTLETS AND EQUIPMENT IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. OBSERVED NUMEROUS FLYING INSECTS IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALL AN EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS. 60-PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2617460 ON 5-14-25:38-OBSERVED 1/4" GAP UNDER FRONT OVERHEAD DOOR AND ENTRANCE DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS ON DOORS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.40- OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS.51-OBSERVED LEAKING FAUCETS ON 3-COMPARTMENT AND PREP SINKS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.55- OBSERVED DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN FRONT COFFEE PREP, DINING, REAR PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE ALL DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN ALL AREAS. OBSERVED MISSING CEILING TILES IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.OBSERVED DEBRIS ON FLOOR ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS, DUST BUILDUP ON FIXTURES, PIPING AND ELECTRICAL OUTLETS ALONG WALLS IN PREP AND DINING AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY 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
notedCode 61Other

Official wording

SUMMARY REPORT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC

Inspector’s notes

PREVIOUS INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY FROM 8-20-25 NOT POSTED AND VISIBLE TO CUSTOMERS. INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY SHALL BE POSTED IN PLAIN VIEW OF CUSTOMERS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-010(B) 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, Aug 28, 2025 · Original Source

Short Form Complaint

Aug 20, 2025

Fail

2 recorded violations

notedCode 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED OVER 100 MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED ON FLOOR ALONG WALLS AND CORNER NEAR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK, FIRE EXTINGUISHERS, SHELVING UNITS, PREP COOLERS, ON THERMOSTAT AND INSIDE BOTTOM COMPARTMENTS OF PREP AND UNUSED DISPLAY COOLERS, ON ELECTRICAL OUTLETS AND EQUIPMENT IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. OBSERVED NUMEROUS FLYING INSECTS IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALL AN EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS. 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 60Other

Official wording

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

Inspector’s notes

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2617460 ON 5-14-25:38-OBSERVED 1/4" GAP UNDER FRONT OVERHEAD DOOR AND ENTRANCE DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS ON DOORS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.40- OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS.51-OBSERVED LEAKING FAUCETS ON 3-COMPARTMENT AND PREP SINKS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.55- OBSERVED DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN FRONT COFFEE PREP, DINING, REAR PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE ALL DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN ALL AREAS. OBSERVED MISSING CEILING TILES IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.OBSERVED DEBRIS ON FLOOR ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS, DUST BUILDUP ON FIXTURES, PIPING AND ELECTRICAL OUTLETS ALONG WALLS IN PREP AND DINING AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.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, Aug 20, 2025 · Original Source

Complaint Re-Inspection

May 14, 2025

Pass

4 recorded violations

notedCode 40Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS.

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

OBSERVED 1/4" GAP UNDER FRONT OVERHEAD DOOR AND ENTRANCE DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS ON DOORS TO PREVENT PEST 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 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED LEAKING FAUCETS ON 3-COMPARTMENT AND PREP SINKS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO 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 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN FRONT COFFEE PREP, DINING, REAR PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE ALL DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN ALL AREAS. OBSERVED MISSING CEILING TILES IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE 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, May 14, 2025 · Original Source

Complaint

May 6, 2025

Fail

8 recorded violations

notedCode 40Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS.

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 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE INTERIOR PANEL OF THE ICE MACHINE 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 THE COLD WATER FAUCET KNOB MISSING AT THE MOP SINK IN THE UTILITY CLOSET; INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.

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 6Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

PROPER EATING, TASTING, DRINKING, OR TOBACCO USE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED MANAGER EATING IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE DESIGNATED AREA FOR EMPLOYEE MEALS.

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

OBSERVED OVER 100 MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED INSIDE PREP COOLERS ON COMPRESSOR THERMOSTAT, INNER SURGACES OF ALL COOLERS, ON FLOOR UNDER USED AND UNUSED DISPLAY COOLERS, ALONG WALLS BEHIND UNUSED TWO-DOOR COOLER AND SHELVING UNITS IN DINING AREA, ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS BEHIND PREP COOLERS, 3-COMPARTMENT SINK, PREP SINK IN REAR PREP AREA, ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS IN COFFEE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALL AN EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS. 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 53Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE IN NORTH UNISEX WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE COVERED RECEPTACLES IN ALL WOMEN AND UNISEX WASHROOMS.

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 DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN FRONT COFFEE PREP, DINING, REAR PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE ALL DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN ALL AREAS.

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 EXPIRED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES FOR FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS; INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN VALID FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES.

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 6, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

Feb 13, 2025

Pass

3 recorded violations

notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE INTERIOR PANEL OF THE ICE MACHINE 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 THE COLD WATER FAUCET KNOB MISSING AT THE MOP SINK IN THE UTILITY CLOSET; INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.

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 58Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED EXPIRED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES FOR FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS; INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN VALID FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES.

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, Feb 13, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

Mar 8, 2024

Pass

3 recorded violations

notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED THE LIGHT SWITCH COVER MISSING ON THE LIGHT SWITCH IN THE UTILITY CLOSET; INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A COVER.

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

FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR HAS A 1/2 INCH GAP AT THE BOTTOM; INSTRUCTED TO RODENT PROOF DOOR BY PROVIDING A STRIP AT THE BOTTOM 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 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED THE COLD WATER FAUCET KNOB MISSING AT THE MOP SINK IN THE UTILITY CLOSET; INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.

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, Mar 8, 2024 · Original Source

Canvass

Nov 29, 2023

Pass

1 recorded violation

notedCode 53Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE FOR PROPER DISPOSAL OF SANITARY NAPKINS IN ALL-GENDER WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE.

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, Nov 29, 2023 · Original Source

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