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Meli Cafe On Dearborn: health inspection history

500 S Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60605

An inspection is a dated snapshot of what an inspector observed on one day. It is not a guarantee of current conditions. Labels and scores below are the Chicago Department of Public Health's own terms; see how to read them.

Address: 500 S Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60605
Facility type: Restaurant
Risk category: Risk 1 (High)
Latest result: Pass w/ Conditions on Apr 17, 2026
License number: 2294320
Latest inspection: Apr 17, 2026 (Canvass)
Records shown: 10 inspections, Nov 2, 2021 to Apr 17, 2026

Across these 10 inspection records, results were: 4 × Pass w/ Conditions; 4 × Pass; 2 × Fail. 50 violations were listed in total.

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Inspection history

Apr 17, 2026 Canvass

Result: Pass w/ ConditionsRisk 1 (High)

22.PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURESInspector comment: OBSERVED RAW SHELLED EGGS HOLDING AT TOP RAIL OF COLD HOLDING UNIT WITH A TEMPERATURE OF 46.5F AND SLICED TOMATOES COLD HOLDING AT 49.8F. MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED $64 OF PRODUCT. MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING FOODS AT 41.0F OR BELOW. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED
33.PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROLInspector comment: OBSERVED TOP RAIL OF 2-DOOR REACH IN COLD HOLD UNIT AT 46.3F; BOTTOM REFRIGERATION OF UNIT MEASURED AT 40.4F USING LONG STEM THERMOMETER. INSTRUCTED TO NOT USE EQUIPMENT UNTIL REPAIRED. INSTRUCTED TO UTILIZE SECOND REACH IN FOR COLD HOLDING UNTIL REPAIRS ARE COMPLETED. MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING FOODS AT 41.0F OR BELOW. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED
47.FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USEDInspector comment: OBSERVED DAMAGED LID AND DOOR ON 2-DOOR REACH IN PREP COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
56.ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USEDInspector comment: OBSERVED ACCUMULATION OF DUST ON FILTERS ON HOOD IN REAR KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

May 21, 2025 Complaint

Result: Pass w/ ConditionsRisk 1 (High)

2.CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATEInspector comment: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED MANAGER FROM 8:30AM TO 9:00AM WHILE TCS FOODS SUCH AS CHICKEN, EGGS WERE PREPARED AND SERVED. AT 9:00AM CERTIFIED MANAGER KARINA BARRAGAN ARRIVED ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN EMPLOYEE HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
37.FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINERInspector comment: ALL BULK FOOD CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH COMMODITY NAME(SUGAR, OATMEAL, ETC). INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN
38.INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENTInspector comment: FOUND DEAD ROACHES THROUGHOUT DRY STORAGE AREA. MUST REMOVE, CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.
41.WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STOREDInspector comment: OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.
51.PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICESInspector comment: OBSERVED A MINOR LEAK AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT AND HANDWASHING SINK AT THE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REAIR AND MAINTAIN.
54.GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINEDInspector comment: OBSERVED DEBRIS AROUND DUMPSTER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55.PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEANInspector comment: OBSERVED SOILED MOP HEADS NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO HANG MOP HEADS TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING.
55.PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEANInspector comment: OBSERVED DEBRIS ON FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS IN UTILITY AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56.ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USEDInspector comment: OBSERVED BURNT OUT LIGHT BULB IN THE MAIN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.

Feb 5, 2025 Canvass Re-Inspection

Result: PassRisk 1 (High)

47.FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USEDInspector comment: 4-201.11 FOUND THAT ALL THREE BUILT-IN STOPPERS LOCATED AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK ARE INOPERABLE AND UNABLE TO HOLD WATER. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

Jan 24, 2025 Canvass

Result: FailRisk 1 (High)

15.FOOD SEPARATED AND PROTECTEDInspector comment: OBSERVED INADEQUATE FOOD STORAGE PRACTICIES. OBSERVED RAW CHICKEN STORED OVER POTATOES. FOOD SHALL BE PROTECTED FROM CROSS CONTAMINATION BY ARRANGING ALL FOODS TO BE STORED , HELD AND DISPLAYED IN ORDER OF MINIMUM COOKING TEMOERATURES. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED. ITEMS STORED CORRECTLY AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION.
38.INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENTInspector comment: FOUND DEAD ROACHES THROUGHOUT KITCHEN UNDER COOLERS, HANDWASHING SINKS, AND AGAINST WALLS. MUST REMOVE, CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.
38.INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENTInspector comment: FOUND APPROX. 3 LIVE ROACHES NEXT TO COOLER LOCATED IN KITCHEN ON THE SERVICE LINE. THE COOLER IS DIRECTLY NEXT TO THE WALL AND THE HANDWASHING SINK IS LOCATED RIGHT BEHIND IT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELIMINATE ROACH ACTIVITY CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN SAID AREAS. RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
47.FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USEDInspector comment: FOUND THAT ALL THREE BUILT-IN STOPPERS LOCATED AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK ARE INOPERABLE AND UNABLE TO HOLD WATER. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51.PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICESInspector comment: FOUND HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE LEAKING FROM DRAIN PIPE AT ENTRANCE OF DISH MACHINE. ALSO NOTED WATER LEAKING FROM SPRAYER BASIN. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

Oct 1, 2024 Complaint

Result: PassRisk 1 (High)

37.FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINERInspector comment: Bulk food containers ( sugar, salt) not labeled. Instructed to label and maintain.
39.CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAYInspector comment: Deli cups used as a scoop for bulk food. Instructed to use proper scoops.
43.IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STOREDInspector comment: Ice scoops placed on top of ice cubes at bar, instructed to keep off.

May 6, 2024 Canvass

Result: Pass w/ ConditionsRisk 1 (High)

16.FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZEDInspector comment: High Temp dish machine not sanitizing at final rinse, 120f final rinse temp, no Chemical sanitizer provided neither. Machine was being used during inspection. Instructed manager to provide proper final rinse temp or chemical sanitizer. Priority violation 7-38-025. Machine is tagged not allowed to use. must contact the office of CDPH when repaired.
47.FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USEDInspector comment: Using deli cups as a scoop, instructed to use proper scoops.
49.NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANInspector comment: Heavy dust noted at fan covers in walk-in cooler, instructed to clean and maintain.

Jan 24, 2023 Canvass Re-Inspection

Result: PassRisk 1 (High)

36.THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATEInspector comment: 4-204.112(B) OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER IN A REFRIGERATION UNIT LOCATED AT THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETERS IN ALL REFRIGERATION UNITS THAT DO NOT HAVE A THERMOMETER EITHER INSIDE OR ON THE UNIT.
55.PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEANInspector comment: 6-201.11 OBSERVED STYROFORM OVER THE WALL IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE, ALL SURFACES IN A FOOD PREP AREA MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.

Jan 17, 2023 Canvass

Result: FailRisk 1 (High)

16.FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZEDInspector comment: 4-501.114 OBSERVED A LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE NOT PROPERLY SANITIZING AT 0PPM OF SANITIZING SOLUTION AND A HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE NOT PROPERLY SANITIZING AT 120F DURING THE INSPECTION. MANAGER USED THE FACILITY'S LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE TEST STRIPS AND THE FACILITY'S HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE TEST STRIPS TO VERIFY THAT BOTH DISH MACHINES WERE NOT PROPERLY SANITIZING.…
25.CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOODInspector comment: 3-603.11 OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE ON THE MENU FOR ITEMS THAT CAN BE ORDERED UNDERCOOKED OR RAW (EGGS BENEDICT DISHES AND THE BREAKFAST SANDWICH DISH). INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A DISCLOSURE ON BOTH MENU ITEMS AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
36.THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATEInspector comment: 4-204.112(B) OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER IN A REFRIGERATION UNIT LOCATED AT THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETERS IN ALL REFRIGERATION UNITS THAT DO NOT HAVE A THERMOMETER EITHER INSIDE OR ON THE UNIT.
38.INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENTInspector comment: 6-202.13 OBSERVED A CAN OF RAID ON THE CHEMICAL STORAGE SHELF. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND ONLY ALLOW PEST CONTROL TO HANDLE ALL PEST CONTROL.
38.INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENTInspector comment: 6-501.111 OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF LIVE INSECT ACTIVITY ON SITE. OBSERVED ABOUT 30 LIVE SMALL FLIES LOCATED ON THE WALLS, DOORWAY AND CEILING BY THE HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINES, ABOUT 10 LIVE SMALL FLIES ON THE WALLS AND CEILING BY THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK, ABOUT 10 LIVE SMALL FLIES ON THE WALL BY THE UTILITY SINK AND ABOUT 10 LIVE SMALL FLIES LOCATED ON THE WALL BY THE FRONT BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED…
45.SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USEDInspector comment: 4-904.11 OBSERVED TABLEWARE (FORKS, KNIVES, SPOONS) BEING PRESET AT THE CUSTOMER DINING TABLES WITHOUT BEING PROTECTED FROM POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION. INSTRUCTED TO PROTECT ALL TABLEWARE FROM POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION AT ALL TIMES, OR DO NOT PRESET CUSTOMER DINING TABLES OR SET CUSTOMER TABLES UPON THE CUSTOMERS ARRIVAL.
49.NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANInspector comment: 4-601.11(C) OBSERVED MINOR FOOD DEBRIS IN BETWEEN COOKING EQUIPMENT AND UNDER THE FLAT TOP GRILL. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
55.PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEANInspector comment: 6-201.11 OBSERVED STYROFORM OVER THE WALL IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE, ALL SURFACES IN A FOOD PREP AREA MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.

Jan 31, 2022 Canvass

Result: PassRisk 1 (High)

37.FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINERInspector comment: ALL BULK FOOD CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH COMMODITY NAME. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN
38.INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENTInspector comment: REAR EXIT DOOR IN NEED OF RODENT PROOFING. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
47.FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USEDInspector comment: MUST REPLACE ALL CUTTING BOARDS WHERE WORN WITH DEEP CUTS AND DISCOLORATION. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
47.FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USEDInspector comment: LARGE CAN OPENER IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49.NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANInspector comment: INTERIOR OF REACH IN COOLERS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55.PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEANInspector comment: FLOORS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL STANDING WATER. INSTRUCTED TO CLAN AND REMOVE WATER.

Nov 2, 2021 Canvass

Result: Pass w/ ConditionsRisk 1 (High)

10.ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLEInspector comment: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT THE FOLLOWING HAND SINKS: FRONT FOOD PREP AREA, REAR FOOD PREP AREA, DISH AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
16.FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZEDInspector comment: OBSERVED ICE SCOOPER BEING STORED ON TOP OF THE ICE BIN WITH THE FOOD CONTACT SURFACE EXPOSED. INSTRUCTED ON HOW TO PROPERLY STORE ICE SCOOP BETWEEN USES.
16.FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZEDInspector comment: OBSERVED HIGH TEMPERATURE WAREWASHING MACHINE NOT MEETING HOT WATER SANITIZER REQUIREMENTS. ECOLAB TECHNICAN ARRIVED ON SITE TO REPAIR. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED.
39.CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAYInspector comment: OBSERVED BOXES OF POTATOES STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE REAR DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY STORE AND PROTECT FOOD ITEMS FROM CONTAMINATION WHILE STORED BY ELEVATING AT LEAST 6 INCHES FROM THE FLOOR ON RAISED SHELVING UNITS.
41.WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STOREDInspector comment: OBSERVED WET WIPING CLOTH LAYING ON PREPPING TABLES THROUGHOUT THE FOOD PREP AREA. MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USE.
48.WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPSInspector comment: OBSERVED A BROKEN TEMPERATURE MEASURING DEVICE/GAUGE FOR THE WASH AND SANITIZING CYCLES OF HIGH TEMPERATURE WAREWASHING MACHINE. THE ECOLAB TECHNICAN ARRIVED ON SITE AND REPAIRED THE GAUGE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION # 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED
51.PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICESInspector comment: OBSERVED ONE OF 5 OF THE TOILETS OUT OF ORDER IN THE WOMEN TOLIET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
57.ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAININGInspector comment: OBSERVED EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN RECORDS AT ALL TIMES.
58.ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIREDInspector comment: OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS OBTAIN THIS CERTIFICATE.

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Source: Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH), Food Protection Program, “Food Inspections” dataset on the official open data portal. Source data as of Nov 3, 2026; imported by FoodCheck USA on Nov 5, 2026. Report a problem with this record.