What is Cafe Central's health inspection score?

Cafe Central has a SafeDine safety score of 50 out of 100 (Grade C). This score is calculated from official government health inspection data, factoring in violation severity, recency, and trends.

When was Cafe Central last inspected?

Cafe Central was last inspected on May 7, 2026. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does Cafe Central have?

Cafe Central has 39 total violations across 1 inspection on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is Cafe Central safe to eat at?

Cafe Central has a safety score of 50/100, which suggests room for improvement. Review the detailed inspection history on SafeDine for more information.

What type of cuisine does Cafe Central serve?

Cafe Central serves American cuisine. Visit their SafeDine page for safety scores, inspection history, and more details.

Official Health Record

Cafe Central

Name: Cafe Central
Address: 1437 W CHICAGO AVE, Chicago, 60642
Rating: 50

1437 W CHICAGO AVE, Chicago

Last Inspected: 5/7/2026

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0Fair

American•Noble Square

Ranked #36 of 43 in Noble SquareBetter than 22% of american restaurants

Declining

8 inspections

Last: May 7, 2026

high confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

Clean Rate

4.9

Avg Violations

1 month ago

Last Inspected

Top Concerns

Most common issues from recent inspections

Cross-contamination

Raw and cooked foods not properly separated

Temperature controlHigh Priority

Food not kept at safe temperatures — risk of bacterial growth

HandwashingHigh Priority

Employees not properly washing hands — contamination risk

Pest issues

Evidence of pests found during inspection

Plumbing issues

Plumbing or waste disposal problems

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-36

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-1 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-22 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-3 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Inspection Timeline

-21 pts

Latest

100% weight

2nd

60% weight

3rd

30% weight

Real-time Score: 64/100 — This score includes today's freshness penalty and may differ slightly from the displayed score (50/100) which is computed during our regular data sync.

How scoring works: Every restaurant starts at 100 points. Points are deducted for violations found during inspections.

Recent inspections are weighted more heavily. High priority violations (direct health hazards) have the greatest impact.

Location

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1437 W CHICAGO AVE, Chicago, IL 60642

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Violation Timeline

Nov 2023

2 inspections

2 high priority

4 basic

Nov

Jun 2024

3 inspections

1 high priority

3 intermediate

12 basic

Apr 2025

2 inspections

1 high priority

2 intermediate

6 basic

Apr

May 2026

1 inspections

1 high priority

7 intermediate

Inspection History

8 records on file

4 Canvass4 Canvass Re-Inspection

May 26

Canvass InspectionLatestPass

1 High7 Med

8 total1 risk factor

50/100inspection score

−45 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLERisk Factor−10

Intermediate (7)

−35 pts

37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−5
39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−5
43IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED−5
44UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED−5
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−5
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−5

Base deductions−45 pts

Risk factor bonus (1× +5)−5 pts

Apr 25

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionPass

3 Basic

3 total

94/100inspection score

−6 pts

Basic (3)

−6 pts

49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
4-602.13 CLEAN THE GREASE BUILDUP ON THE OUTSIDE DOOR OF THE 2-DOOR PREP COOLER, 3-COMPARTMENT SINK ON THE PIPES BENEATH THE SINK AND EXTERIOR OF THE SINK BASINS, EXTERIOR OF THE STOVE AND EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR OF THE DEEP FRYER.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
5-205.15 OBSERVED A LEAK AT THE DRAIN LINE OF THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
6-501.14 OBSERVED AN EXCESSIVE BUILDUP OF GREASE ON THE VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS.

Base deductions−6 pts

Apr 25

Canvass InspectionFail

1 High2 Med3 Basic

6 total

74/100inspection score

−26 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

33PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL−10
OBSERVED THE 2-DOOR PREP COOLER WITH AN AIR TEMPERATURE OF 50F. THE COOLER WAS USED TO STORE TCS FOODS SUCH AS POTATO AND ROOT VEGETABLE PUREES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN THE COOLERS BELOW 41F. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

22PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES−5
OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS INSIDE OF THE PREP COOLERS. OBSERVED BEEF STEW AT 44-57F, POTATO PUREE AT 44F, AND ROOT VEGETABLE PUREE AT 44F INSIDE OF THE PREP COOLERS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL COLD FOODS BELOW 41F. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF RODENT ACTIVITY IN THE BASEMENT. OBSERVED APPROX. 100 RAT DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR OF THE BASEMENT HVAC CLOSET AND IN THE REAR OF THE BASEMENT. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS FROM ALL AFFECTED AREAS. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.

Basic (3)

−6 pts

49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
CLEAN THE GREASE BUILDUP ON THE OUTSIDE DOOR OF THE 2-DOOR PREP COOLER, 3-COMPARTMENT SINK ON THE PIPES BENEATH THE SINK AND EXTERIOR OF THE SINK BASINS, EXTERIOR OF THE STOVE AND EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR OF THE DEEP FRYER.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
OBSERVED A LEAK AT THE DRAIN LINE OF THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED AN EXCESSIVE BUILDUP OF GREASE ON THE VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS.

Base deductions−26 pts

Jun 24

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionPass

1 Med5 Basic

6 total

85/100inspection score

−15 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
6-501.112 OBSERVED DEAD COCKROACHES ON THE FLOOR OF THE FOOD PREP AREA, INSIDE OF THE PROTECTIVE PLASTIC ALONG THE OUTSIDE OF THE 2-DOOR FREEZER, ON TOP OF THE DISH MACHINE, AND GLUEBOARDS ABOVE THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL DEAD INSECTS.

Basic (5)

−10 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED THE PREP TABLE ACROSS FROM THE GRILL WITH EXCESSIVE RUST AND HOLES IN THE SHLEF BELOW. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE PREP TABLE.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
4-602.13 CLEAN THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF THE DEEP FRYER AND STOVES WITH ENCRUSTED GREASE. CLEAN THE PREP TABLES IN THE FOOD PREP AREA.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
6-501.11 REPAIR THE OPENINGS IN THE WALLS OF THE FOOD PREP AREA, ESPECIALLY AROUND AND ABOVE THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. SEAL ALL OPENINGS IN THE WALLS TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE CONDITIONS.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
6-501.14 CLEAN THE EXCESSIVE GREASE BUILDUP ON THE VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
2-102.13 OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.

Base deductions−15 pts

Jun 24

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionFail

1 Med5 Basic

6 total

85/100inspection score

−15 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
6-501.112 OBSERVED DEAD COCKROACHES ON THE FLOOR OF THE FOOD PREP AREA, INSIDE OF THE PROTECTIVE PLASTIC ALONG THE OUTSIDE OF THE 2-DOOR FREEZER, ON TOP OF THE DISH MACHINE, AND GLUEBOARDS ABOVE THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL DEAD INSECTS.

Basic (5)

−10 pts

49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
4-602.13 CLEAN THE EXTERIOR OF THE 2-DOOR FREEZER AND REMOVE THE PROTECTIVE PLASTIC THAT IS HOLDING DEAD COCKROACHES INSIDE. CLEAN THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF THE DEEP FRYER AND STOVES WITH ENCRUSTED GREASE. CLEAN THE PREP TABLES IN THE FOOD PREP AREA.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
6-501.11 REPAIR THE OPENINGS IN THE WALLS OF THE FOOD PREP AREA, ESPECIALLY AROUND AND ABOVE THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. SEAL ALL OPENINGS IN THE WALLS TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE CONDITIONS.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
6-501.14 CLEAN THE EXCESSIVE GREASE BUILDUP ON THE VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
2-102.13 OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.
59PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
8-404.13(B)(3) PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION FROM REPORT #2595955 ON 6/7/24 NOT CORRECTED: 38 -OBSERVED SMALL PROGRESS ON CORRECTION OF VIOLATION; HOWEVER, STILL OBSERVED LIVE INSECT ACTIVITY AND EVIDENCE OF RODENT ACTIVITY ON THE PREMISES. OBSERVED 3 LIVE COCKROACHES IN THE FOOD PREP AREA (ON THE FLOOR BENEATH THE DISH MACHINE, ON THE SHELF INSIDE OF THE DOORWAY TO THE FOOD PREP AREA AND INSIDE OF THE STOVE). ALSO OBSERVED APPROX. 50 RAT DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR IN THE BASEMENT BEHIND THE OLD SIGNAGE AND ON TOP OF BUCKETS AND INSIDE OF PLASTIC CRATES STORED BEHIND THE OLD SIGNAGE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS THROUGHOUT THE PREMISES. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY THROUGHOUT. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.

Base deductions−15 pts

Jun 24

Canvass InspectionFail

1 High1 Med2 Basic

4 total1 risk factor

76/100inspection score

−19 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

2CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATERisk Factor−10
OBSERVED NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER PRESENT AT ALL TIMES WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED OR SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED LIVE INSECT ACTIVITY AND EVIDENCE OF RODENT ACTIVITY ON THE PREMISES. OBSERVED 3 LIVE COCKROACHES ON AND INSIDE OF THE HOLES IN THE WALL OF THE DISHWASHING AREA. ALSO OBSERVED APPROX. 50 RAT DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR IN THE BASEMENT BENEATH THE STAIRCASE AND AROUND THE WALLS OF THE BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. OBSERVED APPROX. 25 RAT DROPPINGS UNDER THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS THROUGHOUT THE PREMISES. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.

Basic (2)

−4 pts

55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
REPAIR THE OPENINGS IN THE WALLS OF THE FOOD PREP AREA, ESPECIALLY AROUND AND ABOVE THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. SEAL ALL OPENINGS IN THE WALLS TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE CONDITIONS.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.

Base deductions−19 pts

Risk factor bonus (1× +5)−5 pts

Nov 23

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionPass

2 Basic

2 total

96/100inspection score

−4 pts

Basic (2)

−4 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED TORN/DAMAGED RUBBER GASKET ON DOOR OF THE COOLERS IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE GASKET.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATES MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.

Base deductions−4 pts

Nov 23

Canvass InspectionFail

2 High2 Basic

4 total1 risk factor

71/100inspection score

−24 pts

High Priority (2)

−20 pts

2CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATERisk Factor−10
OBSERVED FACILITY WITHOUT A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED ONSITE FOR FOOD EMPLOYEES. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE CITY OF CHICAGO ORIGINAL FOOD SERVICE CERTIFICATE MUST BE POSTED ALONG WITH THE CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE WHEN TIME AND TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY(TCS) FOODS ARE STORED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED HANDWASHING SINK INACCESSIBLE AT THE DISHWASHING AREA IN OPERABLE DUE IT LEAKING WHEN IT IS IN USE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(c)

Basic (2)

−4 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED TORN/DAMAGED RUBBER GASKET ON DOOR OF THE COOLERS IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE GASKET.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATES MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.

Base deductions−24 pts

Risk factor bonus (1× +5)−5 pts

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Community Safety Reports

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Data source: Chicago CDPH · Official government inspection records

Grading System

85 – 100
Excellent
70 – 84
Good
Below 70
Fair

About SafeDine Scores

Scores are calculated using official government inspection data. High Priority violations (direct health hazards) have the greatest impact, followed by Intermediate and Basic violations. Community reviews can adjust the score by up to 5 points when 3+ reviews are submitted.

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