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Restaurant · Chicago, IL

Yolk Cafe

355 E Ohio St

Last inspected Jan 28, 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

5 inspections

Canvass

Jan 28, 2026

Pass

4 recorded violations

notedCode 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED 1/4 INCH GAP AT EAST SIDE EMERGENCY EXIT DOOR SWEEP. MUST RODENT PROOF SAID DOOR AND MAINTAIN.

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

GRILL REACH IN COOLERS DOOR RUBBER GASKETS AND MILK REACH IN COOLER DOOR RUBBER GASKETS RIPPED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST REPLACE ALL DAMAGED COOLERS DOOR RUBBER GASKETS 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

BACKFLOW LEAKING UNDER DISHWASH 3-COMPARMENT 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 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FLOOR TILES WITH LOW GROUT AT DISHWASH AREA. MUST REGROUT ALL FLOOR TILES IN NEED 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, Jan 28, 2026 · Original Source

Canvass

Jan 2, 2025

Pass

3 recorded violations

notedCode 40Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS PREPPING FOOD WITHOUT HAIR RESTRAINTS. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR A 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 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF THE MICROWAVE NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

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 FOOD DEBRIS, AND DIRT ON FLOOR UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT, ICE MACHINE, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP, DISH WASHING, STORAGE AND NEAR BOX SODA CONNECTIONS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN ALL AREAS. OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON FAN IN WALK-IN COOLER, AND WALL VENTS IN THROUGHOUT PREMIS AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL FANS, WALL VENTS.

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, Jan 2, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

Jun 10, 2024

Pass

4 recorded violations

notedCode 41Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

Inspector’s notes

NOTED DIRTY WIPING CLOTHS ON PREP TABLES AT FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS. NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED PROPERLY TO STORE ALL WASHCLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION ESPECIALLY WHEN NOT IN 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 52Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED ICE MACHINE EXPELLING WATER ON TO FLOOR IN REAR PREP, INSTRUCTED TO HAVE EXPELLING WATER BE ROUTED INTO FLOOR DRAIN 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 EXCESSIVE FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOOR UNDER SODA SYRUP CONNECTION, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN 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 MISSING PROTECTIVE SHIELD ON LIGHTS IN REAR PREP, INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN 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 10, 2024 · Original Source

Canvass

Jun 3, 2024

Fail

11 recorded violations

notedCode 22Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

Inspector’s notes

FOUND TCS FOOD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE: 30# LIQUID EGG RANGING TEMP OF 58.6-F TO 53.4; 1# OF DICED TOMATO AT TEMP OF 50.8F, MENTIONED PRODUCTS WERE IN COLD HOLD UNIT ON FRONT PREP. FOOD DISCARDED AND DENATURED BY EMPLOYEE. 31 POUNDS, $115.00 VALUE 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 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED DEAD ROACHES ON TOP OF ICE MACHINE; BEHIND SCOOP, INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE DEAD ROACHES CLEAN AND SANITIZE.

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 41Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

Inspector’s notes

NOTED DIRTY WIPING CLOTHS ON PREP TABLES AT FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS. NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED PROPERLY TO STORE ALL WASHCLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION ESPECIALLY WHEN NOT IN 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

NOTED CARDBOARD BOXES USED TO LINE SHELVES IN DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL CARDBOARD BOXES TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST.

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

SEE VIOLATION #60

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 52Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED ICE MACHINE EXPELLING WATER ON TO FLOOR IN REAR PREP, INSTRUCTED TO HAVE EXPELLING WATER BE ROUTED INTO FLOOR DRAIN 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

FEMALE RESTROOM LACKS COVERED RECEPTACLES FOR DISPOSAL OF FEMININE HYGIENE PRODUCTS. PROVIDE TRASH RECEPTACLE IN RESTROOM 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

HEAVY DUST BUILD UP NOTED ON CEILING VENTS ABOVE FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS AND REAR DRY FOOD STORAGE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN 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 MISSING PROTECTIVE SHIELD ON LIGHTS IN REAR PREP, INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN 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 60Other

Official wording

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

Inspector’s notes

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED INSPECTION#: 2582573 DATED 9/29/23 #49. OBSERVED ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT LOCATED IN PREP AREA WITH ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS AND RESIDUE ON ALL SURFACES, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN ORDER TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE. #55. OBSERVED MISSING CEILING TILES THROUGHOUT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO ENCLOSE 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
notedCode 61Other

Official wording

SUMMARY REPORT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC

Inspector’s notes

NO PREVIOUS INSPECTION SUMMARY REPORT POSTED ON SITE FROM INSPECTION#:2582573 DATED 9/29/23. NEW SUMMARY REPORT GIVEN AND POSTED PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION: 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, Jun 3, 2024 · Original Source

Canvass

Sep 29, 2023

Pass w/ Conditions

5 recorded violations

notedCode 22Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING COLD HELD TCS ITEMS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. APPROXIMATELY 5.5 LBS COOKED HAM, @ 55.0F, 4 LBS SLICED TOMATO @49.8F, 4 LBS SLICED CANTALOUPE @55.0F, 3 LBS LEAFY GREEN MIX @51.0F,3 LBS CHICKEN BREAST @50.0F. ALL SAID ITEMS WERE STORED INSIDE COLD HOLD UNIT AS WELL AS 6 DRAWER COOLING UNIT IN PREP AREA UNDER GRILL. INSTRUCTED TO HOLD COLD TCS FOODS @ 41F OR BELOW AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY VIOLATION. #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED. PIC DISCARDED ALL SAID ITEMS VOLUNTARILY DURING THIS TIME.

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 33Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED 6 DRAWER COOLING UNIT LOCATED IN PREP AREA NOT AT PROPER TEMPERATURE DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. NOTED TEMPERATURE OF UNIT @ 51F. SAID UNIT WAS STORING TCS FOODS AT THIS TIME. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO DICONTINUE USE AND REPAIR TO 41F OR BELOW AS REQUIRED BY CODE. MUST MAINTAIN. PRIORITY VIOLATION.#7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.UNIT TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION. ALL TCS FOOD WAS DISCARDED.

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 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS WITH DEEP CUTS AND DARK GROOVES THROUGHOUT PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED 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
notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT LOCATED IN PREP AREA WITH ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS AND RESIDUE ON ALL SURFACES, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN ORDER TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.

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 EXCESSIVE FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOORS IN REAR PREP AREA UNDERNEATH ICE MACHINE AND 3 DOOR FREEZERS AND UNDER STORAGE RACKS. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE, CLEAN 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, Sep 29, 2023 · Original Source

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