RestaurantLicence 2934215

Urban Essentials

5300-5302 W Chicago Ave, Chicago 60651

Latest verdictConditionalAug 24, 2026 · 1 month ago

Inspections10since Sep 28, 2023

Fail rate33.3%3 of 9 verdictscitywide 22.4% · above average

City risk ratingHigh riskWhat this kind of business could do if it went wrong — not a grade it earned.

Read the pairs, not the count. A failure is normally followed within days by a re-inspection, and that re-inspection is a second row here. On the timeline below they sit almost on top of each other — one bad day, two marks.

The whole record

Pass11%
Conditional56%
Fail33%

10 inspections from 2023 to 2026 · hover a mark

202420252026

ConditionalAug 24, 2026Short Form ComplaintRisk 1 (High)
1. 10
  Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
  5-205.11 observed handwashing sink in food prep area not accessible for employees to wash hands. Observed multi-use utensil and carton of milk stored inside said hand washing sink. Instructed manager: hand washing sink must be accessible for employees to wash hands at all times. Priority foundation violation 7-38-030 (c), citation issued.
2. 37
  Food properly labeled; original container
  3-302.12 observed bulk containers in the rear without a label. Instructed to provide the common name on all bulk containers to properly identify the item (salt, sugar, flour, etc).
3. 49
  Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
  4-602.13--- instructed to detail clean the interior of the microwave and prep coolers.
4. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  6-501.13---observed dirty floors with food debris spills underneath the kitchen prep line coolers and in rear dry storage area.instructed to clean floors in detail and maintain.
5. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  6-501.114---instructed to detail clean and organize the utility mop sink room 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.
6. 56
  Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
  6-501.14---instructed to detail clean ceiling ventilation cover inside the washroom to remove accumulation of dusts and maintain.
ConditionalJun 16, 2026ComplaintRisk 1 (High)
1. 16
  Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
  Observed a slight debris accumulation encrusted on the interior of the ice machine.must remove debris, detail clean inside ice machine/have serviced and maintain ice machine at all times.
2. 23
  Proper date marking and disposition
  Observed refrigerated ready-to-eat (tcs foods) held for more than 24 hours (cooked chili and soups) in the kitchen prep cooler not date marked to indicate the date in which the food must be consumed or discarded.instructed management to clearly date mark all refrigerated, ready-to-eat (tcs foods) held for more than 24 hours. Priority foundation violation 7-38-005, citation issued.
3. 49
  Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
  Instructed to detail clean the interior of the microwave and prep coolers.
4. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  Instructed to detail clean and organize the utility mop sink room 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.
5. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  Observed dirty floors with food debris spills underneath the kitchen prep line coolers and in rear dry storage area.instructed to clean floors in detail and maintain.
6. 56
  Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
  Instructed to detail clean ceiling ventilation cover inside the washroom to remove accumulation of dusts and maintain.
ConditionalNov 5, 2025ComplaintRisk 1 (High)
1. 8
  Hands clean & properly washed
  Observed food hanlders not washing hands when changing task. Observed food handlers touching glasses/face, on the phone, touching computer screen to take orders and then without washing hands started to prepare food/beverage items for customers. Instructed must wash hands after contaminating hands before preparing food items. Food handler washed hands after asked to. Priority 7-38-010, citation issued
2. 11
  Food obtained from approved source
  3-201.11 (a): observed food obtained from an unapproved source. The following food items are on display for sale: baked cookies and slices of cake and cookies in single plastic containers/bags at the front service counter with no labels or original boxes present. An inadequate invoice was provided that read diana's sweet boutique with no address, phone number or email address to confirm this is an approved food source. Must only provide food items from approved food sources and must provide adequate proof. All said food items were voluntarily discarded and denatured during inspection. Approximately 10 lbs of product were discarded at $80 worth of product. Priority violation 7-38-005, citation issued
3. 49
  Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
  Observed the interior of the microwave with food splatters. Instructed to clean and maintain.
4. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  Observed the floor under the food prep table in the front with slight debris instructed to clean and maintain.
PassMay 29, 2025Canvass Re-InspectionRisk 1 (High)
1. 44
  Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
  4-903.11 (a;b;d): observed a fork and cooking utensil in the drying rack on the drainboard of the three compartment sink not inverted. Instructed to invert and maintain.
2. 49
  Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
  4-601.11(b): observed the outerior and interior of the microwave in the rear storage area with slight crumbs and splatters. Instructed to clean and maintain.
3. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  6-501.13: observed the floors in the rear storage area with slight debris under the shelves and the freezer unit. Instructed to clean and maintain.
4. 57
  All food employees have food handler training
  2-102.13: observed no food handler certificate on site. Instructed all food handlers must take course and maintain records on site.
FailMay 27, 2025Canvass Re-InspectionRisk 1 (High)
1. 44
  Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
  4-903.11 (a;b;d): observed a fork and cooking utensil in the drying rack on the drainboard of the three compartment sink not inverted. Instructed to invert and maintain.
2. 49
  Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
  4-601.11(b): observed the outerior and interior of the microwave in the rear storage area with slight crumbs and splatters. Instructed to clean and maintain.
3. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  6-501.13: observed the floors in the rear storage area with slight debris under the shelves and the freezer unit. Instructed to clean and maintain.
4. 57
  All food employees have food handler training
  2-102.13: observed no food handler certificate on site. Instructed all food handlers must take course and maintain records on site.
5. 59
  Previous priority foundation violation corrected
  8-404.13 (b:3 observed continued non-compliance not corrected as follows: #38:6-501.111: sill observed no pest control logbook on site. Pest control log book must consist of the most recent record of visit and pest control idph license number. Must provide and maintain all required pest control records and documents. Priority violation 7-42-090, citation issued
FailMay 20, 2025CanvassRisk 1 (High)
1. 2
  City of Chicago food service sanitation certificate
  Observed no certified food manager on site while open and operating. Instructed a certified food manager with the original city of Chicago food service manager certificate must be on site at all times while open and operating. Priority foundation violation 7-38-012, citation issued
2. 11
  Food obtained from approved source
  Observed food obtained from an unapproved source. The following food items are on display for sale: baked cookies, slices of cake in single plastic containers at the front service counter, and a whole cake without any labels or original boxes present. No invoices, review of supplier names, and unable to present documents of the food source. A person on site provided a zelle transaction. Must meet requirement and maintain. All said food items were voluntarily discarded and denatured during inspection. Approximately 15 lbs of product were discarded at $125 worth of product. Priority violation 7-38-005, citation issued
3. 36
  Thermometers provided & accurate
  Observed no probe stem thermometer for taking food temperatures on site at this time. Instructed must provide and maintain. Priority foundation 7-38-005, citation issued
4. 38
  Insects, rodents, & animals not present
  Observed no pest control logbook on site. Pest control must consist of the most recent record of visit and pest control idph license number. Must provide and maintain all required pest control records and documents. Priority foundation violation. 7-38-020 (c), citation issued
5. 44
  Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
  Observed a fork and cooking utensil in the drying rack on the drainboard of the three-compartment sink, not inverted. Instructed to invert and maintain.
6. 49
  Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
  Observed the outer and interior of the microwave in the rear storage area with slight crumbs and splatters. Instructed to clean and maintain.
7. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  Observed the floors in the rear storage area with slight debris under the shelves and the freezer unit. Instructed to clean and maintain.
8. 57
  All food employees have food handler training
  Observed no food handler certificate on site. Instructed all food handlers must take course and maintain records on site.
No verdictMay 13, 2025Non-InspectionRisk 1 (High)
ConditionalDec 11, 2024Canvass Re-InspectionRisk 1 (High)
1. 2
  City of Chicago food service sanitation certificate
  Observed no certified food service manager on duty at the time of inspection. Instructed that a certified food manager with a valid city of Chicago certificate must be on site at all times while tcs foods are stored/prepared/served. Priority foundation violation 7-38-012. Citation issued.
2. 36
  Thermometers provided & accurate
  Observed no thermometer in the food prep table cooler in the food prep area. Instructed to provide.
3. 37
  Food properly labeled; original container
  Observed food items (salt and sauces/condiments) not properly labeled with the common food name. Instructed to provide.
4. 47
  Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
  Observed food items in the freezer and prep table cooler being stored imprperly in plastic grocery bags. Instructed to remove plastic bags and store food items properly in food grade containers/freezer bags.
5. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  Observed mop drying improperly. Instructed to dry properly.
6. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  Observed clutter in the basement storage area. Instructed to clean and maintain.
7. 56
  Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
  Observed minor debris/dirt at vent in the washroom. Instructed to clean and maintain.
8. 56
  Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
  Observed no/missing light bulb covers/shields thorughout the facility. Instructed to provide.
9. 58
  Allergen training as required
  Observed certified food service manager with no allergen training certificate. Instructed to provide for all city of Chicago food service managers.
FailDec 4, 2024CanvassRisk 1 (High)
1. 2
  City of Chicago food service sanitation certificate
  Observed no certified food service manager on duty at the start time of inspection. Instructed that a certified food manager with a valid city of Chicago certificate must be on site at all times while tcs foods are stored/prepared/served. Certified food manager, harry gilmore arrived on site at approximately 9:15am. Priority foundation violation 7-38-012. Citation issued.
2. 11
  Food obtained from approved source
  Observed home prepared food items (turkey chili and chicken soup) being stored/sold in the food prep cooler and freezer. Instructed that home prepared food must not be stored/sold in the facility. Person in charge discarded said food items in a garbage bag and denatured with bleach and taken to the outside dumpster. Priority violation 7-38-005. Citation issued.
3. 36
  Thermometers provided & accurate
  Observed no thermometer in the food prep table cooler in the food prep area. Instructed to provide.
4. 37
  Food properly labeled; original container
  Observed food items (salt and sauces/condiments) not properly labeled with the common food name. Instructed to provide.
5. 47
  Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
  Observed food items in the freezer and prep table cooler being stored imprperly in plastic grocery bags. Instructed to remove plastic bags and store food items properly in food grade containers/freezer bags.
6. 48
  Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
  Observed no sanitizer test strips on site at the time of inspection. Instructed to provide on site at all times. Priority foundation violation 7-38-005. Citation issued.
7. 51
  Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
  Observed minor leak/drip at handwashing sink in the food prep area. Instructed to repair and maintain.
8. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  Observed mop drying improperly. Instructed to dry properly.
9. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  Observed clutter in the basement storage area. Instructed to clean and maintain.
10. 56
  Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
  Observed minor debris/dirt at vent in the washroom. Instructed to clean and maintain.
11. 56
  Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
  Observed no/missing light bulb covers/shields thorughout the facility. Instructed to provide.
12. 57
  All food employees have food handler training
  Observed employee with no food handlers certificate on site at the time of inspection. Instructed to provide.
13. +1 more
ConditionalSep 28, 2023LicenseRisk 1 (High)
1. 5
  Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
  Observed no spray effective against norovirus in vomit and diarrhea spill kit. Instructed to provide spray effective against norovirus and maintain on site. Priority foundation violation 7-38-005
2. 38
  Insects, rodents, & animals not present
  Observed gap on side of rear exit door next to washroom. Instructed to seal all outer openings to prevent pest entrance.
3. 47
  Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
  Observed unseal wood in block on floor behind prep tables and interior of counter. Instructed to smoothly seal all wood for ease of cleanability. Observed soda cans stored on soda crates, chemicals underneath three compartment sink, and boxes underneath counter stored on floor. Instructed to provide adequate shelving units to store food and nonfood items at least six inches off of floor for ease of cleanability.
4. 47
  Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
  Observed door of ice machine not attached. Instructed to repair and maintain.
5. 49
  Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
  Observed spillage on exterior of all cold holding units and ice machine. Instructed to detail clean and maintain. Observed spillage on prep table base holding one door cooler and freezer. Instructed to detail clean and maintain. Observed small toaster oven with buildup on interior. Instructed to detail clean and maintain. Oberved small panini grill with buildup on interior and exterior. Instructed to detail clean and maintain.
6. 51
  Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
  Observed no backflow prevention device on coffee machine. Instructed to install backflow prevention device on coffee machine where it can be easily located and serviced. Observed no backflow prevention device on utility sink in utility closet. Instructed to install backflow prevention device on utility sink where it can be easily located and serviced.
7. 52
  Sewage & waste water properly disposed
  Observed no grease trap connected to 3 compartment sink. Instructed to install in accordance with all relevant laws, rules, and regulations
8. 53
  Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
  Observed no self-closing device on washroom door. Instructed to install self-closing device on washroom door.
9. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  Observed stained ceiling in rear seating area near mural. Instructed to repaint and maintain. Observed holes in wall next to door and behind mop sink in utility closet. Instructed to repair and maintain. Observed missing base boards underneath three compartment sink and in hallway outside of washroom. Instructed to repair and maintain.
10. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  Observed food debris behind and underneath equipment in prep area. Instructed to detail clean and maintain. Observed spillage on wall and along base of wall in prep area, in hallway and in washroom. Instructed to detail clean and maintain. Observed dust and debris in windowsills in prep area. Observed dust and debris on floor, along base boards, in corners, in hallway and utility closet.instructed to detail clean and maintain.
11. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  Observed mop stored in bucket. Instructed to install mop drying rack for proper drainage and drying of mops to prevent pest breeding.
12. 56
  Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
  Observed dust on ceiling vent cover in washroom. Instructed to clean and maintain.

Fails sit above the line, passes below. Every inspection the city has published for this licence.

On the street

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What it gets cited for

5515×
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
497×
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
567×
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
574×
All food employees have food handler training
474×
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
373×
Food properly labeled; original container
113×
Food obtained from approved source
443×
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled

Counted across every inspection on record here. A code that keeps coming back is the more telling signal.

Source

Published by the Chicago Department of Public Health as Food Inspections, updated weekly. This page shows every row the city holds under licence 2934215 — a business that changed hands may carry history from its predecessor.