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Truenorth Cafe: health inspection history

1323 E 57th St, Chicago, IL 60637

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: 1323 E 57th St, Chicago, IL 60637
Facility type: Restaurant
Risk category: Risk 1 (High)
Latest result: Pass on Sep 5, 2025
License number: 2583638
Latest inspection: Sep 5, 2025 (Complaint Re-Inspection)
Records shown: 11 inspections, Jun 7, 2021 to Sep 5, 2025

Across these 11 inspection records, results were: 7 × Pass; 4 × Fail. 37 violations were listed in total.

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Inspection history

Sep 5, 2025 Complaint Re-Inspection

Result: PassRisk 1 (High)

55.PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEANInspector comment: 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.

Sep 3, 2025 Complaint Re-Inspection

Result: FailRisk 1 (High)

59.PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION CORRECTEDInspector comment: 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…

Aug 28, 2025 Complaint Re-Inspection

Result: FailRisk 1 (High)

1.PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIESInspector comment: 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
2.CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATEInspector comment: 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.
59.PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION CORRECTEDInspector comment: 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…
61.SUMMARY REPORT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLICInspector comment: 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

Aug 20, 2025 Short Form Complaint

Result: FailRisk 1 (High)

38.INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENTInspector comment: 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,…
60.PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTEDInspector comment: 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…

May 14, 2025 Complaint Re-Inspection

Result: PassRisk 1 (High)

38.INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENTInspector comment: 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.PERSONAL CLEANLINESSInspector comment: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS.
51.PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICESInspector comment: OBSERVED LEAKING FAUCETS ON 3-COMPARTMENT AND PREP SINKS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
55.PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEANInspector comment: 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.
55.PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEANInspector comment: 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.

May 6, 2025 Complaint

Result: FailRisk 1 (High)

6.PROPER EATING, TASTING, DRINKING, OR TOBACCO USEInspector comment: OBSERVED MANAGER EATING IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE DESIGNATED AREA FOR EMPLOYEE MEALS.
38.INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENTInspector comment: 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…
38.INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENTInspector comment: 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.PERSONAL CLEANLINESSInspector comment: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS.
49.NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANInspector comment: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE INTERIOR PANEL OF THE ICE MACHINE AND MAINTAIN.
51.PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICESInspector comment: OBSERVED THE COLD WATER FAUCET KNOB MISSING AT THE MOP SINK IN THE UTILITY CLOSET; INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
51.PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICESInspector comment: OBSERVED LEAKING FAUCETS ON 3-COMPARTMENT AND PREP SINKS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
53.TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANEDInspector comment: OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE IN NORTH UNISEX WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE COVERED RECEPTACLES IN ALL WOMEN AND UNISEX WASHROOMS.
55.PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEANInspector comment: 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.
55.PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEANInspector comment: 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.
58.ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIREDInspector comment: OBSERVED EXPIRED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES FOR FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS; INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN VALID FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES.

Feb 13, 2025 Canvass

Result: PassRisk 1 (High)

49.NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANInspector comment: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE INTERIOR PANEL OF THE ICE MACHINE AND MAINTAIN.
51.PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICESInspector comment: OBSERVED THE COLD WATER FAUCET KNOB MISSING AT THE MOP SINK IN THE UTILITY CLOSET; INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
58.ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIREDInspector comment: OBSERVED EXPIRED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES FOR FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS; INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN VALID FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES.

Mar 8, 2024 Canvass

Result: PassRisk 1 (High)

38.INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENTInspector comment: 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.
51.PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICESInspector comment: OBSERVED THE COLD WATER FAUCET KNOB MISSING AT THE MOP SINK IN THE UTILITY CLOSET; INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
55.PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEANInspector comment: OBSERVED THE LIGHT SWITCH COVER MISSING ON THE LIGHT SWITCH IN THE UTILITY CLOSET; INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A COVER.

Nov 29, 2023 Canvass

Result: PassRisk 1 (High)

53.TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANEDInspector comment: OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE FOR PROPER DISPOSAL OF SANITARY NAPKINS IN ALL-GENDER WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE.

Aug 8, 2022 Canvass

Result: PassRisk 1 (High)

47.FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USEDInspector comment: OBSERVED THE RUBBER GASKET ON THE BOTTOM OF THE PREP COOL (LAST DOOR)IN POOR REPAIR. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51.PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICESInspector comment: OBSERVED THE HAND SINK IN THE REAR KITCHEN WITH A LEAK AT THE BASE OF THE HOT WATER KNOB. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
55.PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEANInspector comment: FLOORS NEED CLEANING IN THE KITCHEN BEHIND THE 2-DOOR & PREP COOLER TO REMOVE SPILL AND DEBRIS.

Jun 7, 2021 Canvass

Result: PassRisk 1 (High)

49.NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANInspector comment: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE INTERIOR PANEL OF THE ICE MACHINE AND MAINTAIN.
51.PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICESInspector comment: OBSERVED A LEAK FROM THE FAUCET NECK OF THE ONE COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE PREP AREA; REPAIR LEAK. OBSERVED A LEAK FROM THE HOT WATER FAUCET KNOB AT THE EXPOSED HAND SINK IN THE FRONT COFFEE PREP AREA; REPAIR LEAK.
55.PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEANInspector comment: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE FLOOR DRAIN AT THE THREE COMP SINK AND MAINTAIN. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE FLOORS AROUND, UNDER AND BEHIND KITCHEN EQUIPMENT AND ICE MACHINE IN FRONT PREP AREA.

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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.