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Restaurant · Chicago, IL

540 Cafe

540 W Madison St

Last inspected Jan 9, 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.

Quick Answers

When was 540 Cafe last inspected?
The most recent inspection on record was on Jan 9, 2026. The result listed by Chicago Department of Public Health was “Pass”.
Were any violations recorded at the last inspection?
Yes: 3 violations recorded. Each one is listed below with the official wording.
How many inspections are on record?
3 inspections on record, from Apr 2, 2024 to Jan 9, 2026.
Has 540 Cafe ever been closed by the health department?
No closure appears in the 3 inspection records we hold for this business. The earliest is dated Apr 2, 2024.

The Full Inspection History

3 inspections

Canvass

Jan 9, 2026

Pass

3 recorded violations

notedCode 45Equipment and utensils

Official Wording

SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED

Inspector’s Notes

OBSERVED SEVERAL CONTAINERS OF SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES (PAPER CUPS, BOWLS) IN ORIGINAL PACKAGING STORED DIRECTLY ON THE FLOOR OF THE DRY/PAPER STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO RELOCATE SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLE CONTAINERS AND MAINTAIN ALL SINGLE-SERVICE/SINGLE-USE ARTICLES AT LEAST 6" ABOVE THE FLOOR DURING STORAGE.

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 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official Wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s Notes

OBSERVED HOT WATER HANDLE AT THE DRY/PAPER STORAGE AREA HANDWASHING SINK IN POOR REPAIR, LEAKING BUT FUNCTIONAL. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE HOT WATER HANDLE AT THE DRY/PAPER STORAGE AREA HANDWASHING SINK TO ELIMINATE LEAK AND MAINTAIN ALL PLUMBING FIXTURES IN GOOD REPAIR.

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 BENEATH HIGH-TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE AND 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE REAR WAREWASHING AREA TO BE HEAVILY-SOILED WITH DRIED FOOD DEBRIS AND OTHER SOILS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS AND OTHER PHYSICAL FACILITIES AT ADEQUATE FREQUENCY TO PREVENT BUILD UP OF DRIED FOOD DEBRIS AND OTHER SOILS 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 9, 2026 · Original Source

Canvass

Feb 4, 2025

Pass

1 recorded violation

notedCode 44Equipment and utensils

Official Wording

UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED

Inspector’s Notes

Deli cups not air dried after washing and stacked while wet, Instructed to air dry all multi-use utensils.

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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Feb 4, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

Apr 2, 2024

Pass w/ Conditions

2 recorded violations

notedCode 1Permits, training, and postings

Official Wording

PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES

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

No certified food service manager present on site, instructed to have a certified food service manager present. Priority foundation violation 7-38-012.

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, Apr 2, 2024 · Original Source

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