GOOD INFORMATION. BETTER PEACE OF MIND.Español · Always free. No signup required.

Restaurant · Chicago, IL

West River Cafe

4400 N Kedzie Ave

Last inspected Jun 16, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

The department’s records list this business as closed or out of business.

Read Reviews on Google

Pass w/ Conditions

Get the next inspection, free.

We'll email you when West River Cafe has a new health inspection. No spam, one-click unsubscribe.

No account needed. Unsubscribe at any time.

More issues recentlyThe latest inspection recorded more violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

8 inspections

License

Jun 16, 2026

Pass w/ Conditions

6 recorded violations

notedCode 3Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 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 5Other

Official wording

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO CLEAN UP SUPPLIES ON THE PREMISES TO RESPOND TO A VOMIT OR DIARRHEAL EVENT. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
notedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

MUST INSTALL THE MOP SINK AND CONNECT IT TO THE FLOOR DRAIN IN THE BASEMENT.

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

THE REAR WASHROOM NEXT TO THE BASEMENT STAIRS LACKS A SELF-CLOSING DOOR DEVICE. MANAGEMENT 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
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

MUST SEAL THE OPENING IN THE WALL IN THE REAR WASHROOM WHERE ELECTRICAL WIRES ARE EXPOSED.

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 THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST SHOW PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING.

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, Jun 16, 2026 · Original Source

Canvass

Jun 16, 2026

Out of Business

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jun 16, 2026 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

Oct 29, 2025

Pass

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Oct 29, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

Sep 24, 2025

Pass w/ Conditions

7 recorded violations

notedCode 21Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING TCS FOODS HELD AT IMPROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES IN THE STEAM TABLE: REFRIED BEANS AT 107.6F, GRAVY AT 131.7F, COOKED RICE AT 113.9F,CHICKEN SOUP AT 130.6F. STEAM TABLE NOTED UNABLE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURE. INTERNAL TEMPERATURE AT 105.2F WITH ONE GAS BURNER UNDER THE UNIT NOT OPERATIONAL. UNABLE TO INCREASE TEMPERATURE. ALL FOODS DISCARDED. STEAM TABLE TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION AND MUST NOT USE UNTIL REPAIRED/REPLACED AND C.D.P.H CONTACTED FOR REINSPECTION AND TAG REMOVAL. INSTRUCTED TO USE OTHER MEANS TO HOLD FOODS HOT SUCH AS THE STOVETOP OR FLAT GRILL. 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 40Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

Inspector’s notes

ALL FOOD HANDLERS/PREPARERS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINT.

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

PREP AREA WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE HELD IN A CONTAINER WITH A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN 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 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

REAR PREP TABLE CUTTING BOARD IN POOR REPAIR WITH DEEP BLACKENED GROOVES. INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE 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 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

EXTREMELY SLOW DRAINING WATER IN THE SOUTH WASHROOM WASHBOWL. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.---LEAK FROM CEILING PIPING ONTO THE FLOOR IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR LEAK AND MAINTAIN DRY FLOORS.

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

NOTED CRACKED AND DAMAGED FLOOR TILES UNDER THE REAR METAL PREP TABLE. MUST REPLACE/REPAIR TO BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.

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

VENTILATION IN THE NORTH WASHROOM COVERED WITH CARDBOARD. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE VENTILATION.

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, Sep 24, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

Oct 28, 2024

Pass

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Oct 28, 2024 · Original Source

Canvass

Oct 15, 2024

Fail

12 recorded violations

notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HAND SINKS IN (2) WASHROOMS.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 25Food temperature

Official wording

CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

Inspector’s notes

FOUND INCOMPLETE CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE STATEMENTS WRITTEN ON THE MENUS.MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DISCLOSE WHICH FOODS CAN BE ORDERED "RAW" OR UNDER COOKED AND LINK THOSE FOODS WITH AN ASTERISK (*) TO A REMINDER STATEMENT THAT STATES THAT EATING RAW OR UNDER COOKED FOODS CAN INCREASE YOUR RISK OF FOOD BORNE ILLNESS.(** SEE COMMENTS BELOW).PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 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 36Equipment and utensils

Official wording

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER INSIDE THE 1 DOOR PEPSI COOLER IN THE KITCHEN PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN A VISIBLE AND ACCURATE WORKING THERMOMETER INSIDE COOLER.

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 37Food source and labeling

Official wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS IN THE BASEMENT DRY STORAGE ROOM WITHOUT A LABEL. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE COMMON NAME ON ALL BULK CONTAINERS TO PROPERLY IDENTIFY ITEM(SALT, SUGAR, FLOUR ETC).

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

OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF PEST INFESTATION ON THE PREMISES.OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 100 LIVE COCKROACHES CRAWLING INSIDE A STORAGE 2 DOOR WOODEN CABINET IN BASEMENT AREA ADJACENT TO A DRY STORAGE ROOM AND 3 LIVE COCKROACHES AROUND INSIDE OF GASKET OF THE (WHITE) 1 DOOR STAND-UP COOLER IN THE KITCHEN PREP AREA AND 2 LIVE COCKROACHES CRAWLING ON THE FLOOR BEHIND THE PEPSI 1 DOOR COOLER IN SAME KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREA.ALSO,10 LIVE COCKROACHES CRAWLING ON FLOORS NEAR CLUTTERED STORED ARTICLES AND BUILDING MATERIALS AND DECORATIVE FLOWER POTS IN REAR OF THE BASEMENT STORAGE AREA AND 5-10 LIVE COCKROACHES CRAWLING ON FLOOR AND STAIRCASE LEADING DOWN INTO THE BASEMENT.INSTRUCTED TO THOROUGHLY CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL SURFACES AND EQUIPMENT.INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL EVIDENCE OF PEST ACTIVITY FROM ALL AFFECTED AREAS.ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY.PRIORITY 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 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE DUCT TAPE ON FRONT TOP OF THE DISHWASHING 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE DUCT TAPE AND MAINAIN SO THAT IT IS SMOOTH,EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.

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

INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE STORAGE SHELFS BEHIND FRONT SERVICE COUNTER,PREP TABLES, FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS,INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF THE BASEMENT FREEZERS AND PREP COOLERS,STEAM TABLE,SIDES OF FLAT TOP GRILL AND DEEP FRYER.

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

OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE PROVIDED IN THE UNISEX WASHROOM.MUST PROVIDE.

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

INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND ORGANIZE BASEMENT STORAGE AREAS AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES DUE TO POTENTIAL PEST HARBORAGE AND ELEVATE MOPS,BROOMS CLEANING EQUIPMENTS OFF THE FLOOR AT LEAST 6" INCHES TO FACILITATE CLEANING.

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

INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE KITCHEN EXHAUST HOOD/FILTERS TO REMOVE ACCUMULATION OF HANGING GREASE BUILD-UP 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 58Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.

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 64Other

Official wording

MISCELLANEOUS / PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED CHILDREN'S MENU LISTING SOFT DRINK AS THE DEFAULT BEVERAGE. INSTRUCTED TO ONLY PROVIDE SKIM OR 1% DAIRY MILK UP TO 130 CALORIES,100% FRUIT OR VEGETABLE JUICE WITH NO ADDED SPARKLING OR FLAVORED WATER WITH NO ADDED NATURAL OR ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS.

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, Oct 15, 2024 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

Oct 5, 2023

Pass

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Oct 5, 2023 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

Sep 28, 2023

Fail

2 recorded violations

notedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

5-204.12 OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE FOR THE BASEMENT UTILITY SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.

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 59Other

Official wording

PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION CORRECTED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED. REPORT #2582022 DATED 9-20-2023 INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO SERVICE ALL AREAS AFFECTED BY PESTS. OBSERVED INFESTATION WITH OVER 10 LIVE ROACHES THROUGHOUT FACILITY INCLUDING ON 2ND FLOOR AND IN BASEMENT. 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, Sep 28, 2023 · Original Source

More restaurants nearby