What is Nick's HI - HO Cafe's health inspection score?

Nick's HI - HO Cafe has a SafeDine safety score of 84 out of 100 (Grade B). This score is calculated from official government health inspection data, factoring in violation severity, recency, and trends.

When was Nick's HI - HO Cafe last inspected?

Nick's HI - HO Cafe was last inspected on February 4, 2026. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does Nick's HI - HO Cafe have?

Nick's HI - HO Cafe has 45 total violations across 7 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is Nick's HI - HO Cafe safe to eat at?

Nick's HI - HO Cafe has a good safety record with a score of 84/100. While there are some noted violations, overall compliance is solid.

What type of cuisine does Nick's HI - HO Cafe serve?

Nick's HI - HO Cafe serves Cafe cuisine. Visit their SafeDine page for safety scores, inspection history, and more details.

Official Health Record

Nick's HI - HO Cafe

Name: Nick's HI - HO Cafe
Address: 3134 N CICERO AVE, Chicago, 60641
Rating: 84

3134 N CICERO AVE, Chicago

Last Inspected: 2/4/2026

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0Good

Cafe•Chicago

Ranked #539 of 1000 in ChicagoBetter than 40% of cafe restaurants

Stable

7 inspections

Last: Feb 4, 2026

high confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

Clean Rate

6.4

Avg Violations

2 months ago

Last Inspected

Top Concerns

Most common issues from recent inspections

Temperature control

Food not kept at safe temperatures — risk of bacterial growth

Cross-contamination

Raw and cooked foods not properly separated

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

-24

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-0 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-7 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-9 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Inspection Timeline

0 pts

Latest

100% weight

2nd

60% weight

3rd

30% weight

Real-time Score: 76/100 — This score includes today's freshness penalty and may differ slightly from the displayed score (84/100) 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

3134 N CICERO AVE, Chicago, IL 60641

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Violation Timeline

Jul 2022

1 inspections

5 basic

Jul

Apr 2023

1 inspections

1 high priority

2 intermediate

5 basic

Jun 2024

2 inspections

1 high priority

4 intermediate

10 basic

Jun

Jan 2025

1 inspections

2 intermediate

2 basic

Jan 2026

1 inspections

2 intermediate

5 basic

Jan

Feb 2026

1 inspections

1 intermediate

5 basic

Inspection History

7 records on file

2 Canvass Re-Inspection5 Canvass

Feb 26

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionLatestPass

1 Med5 Basic

6 total

85/100inspection score

−15 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED MULTIPLY DEAD ROACHES UNDERNEATH THE PREP TABLE IN THE REAR AREA. MUST REMOVE AND CLEAN

Basic (5)

−10 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED EXTERIOR NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES OF WAFFLE IRON IN THE REAR PREP AREA TO BE HEAVILY SOILED WITH CAKED-ON GREASE AND BATTER AND NO LONGER EASILY-CLEANABLE. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE WAFFLE IRON AND MAINTAIN ALL FOOD- AND NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES OF EQUIPMENT SMOOTH, FREE OF EXCESSIVE SOIL, AND EASILY-CLEANABLE.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS, SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
OBSERVED 3-COMPARTMENT SINK FAUCET TO HAVE SMALL LEAK, BUT FUNCTIONAL. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK FAUCET TO ELIMINATE LEAK AND MAINTAIN ALL PLUMBING FIXTURES IN GOOD REPAIR.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED DEBRIS ON FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS IN UTILITY AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED A HEAVY ACCUMULATION OF DIRT, GREASE, FOOD SPLATTER AND FOOD DEBRIS ON THE WALLS AND FLOORS ESPECIALLY ALONG THE HOT FOOD SERVICE LINE UNDER AND AROUND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND NON COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL AREAS.

Base deductions−15 pts

Jan 26

Canvass InspectionFail

2 Med5 Basic

7 total

80/100inspection score

−20 pts

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

36THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE−5
FOUND METAL STEM THERMOMETER FOR TAKING FOOD TEMPERATURES INOPERABLE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE A WORKING THERMOMETER AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED MULTIPLY DEAD ROACHES UNDERNEATH THE PREP TABLE IN THE REAR AREA. MUST REMOVE AND CLEAN

Basic (5)

−10 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED EXTERIOR NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES OF WAFFLE IRON IN THE REAR PREP AREA TO BE HEAVILY SOILED WITH CAKED-ON GREASE AND BATTER AND NO LONGER EASILY-CLEANABLE. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE WAFFLE IRON AND MAINTAIN ALL FOOD- AND NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES OF EQUIPMENT SMOOTH, FREE OF EXCESSIVE SOIL, AND EASILY-CLEANABLE.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS, SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
OBSERVED 3-COMPARTMENT SINK FAUCET TO HAVE SMALL LEAK, BUT FUNCTIONAL. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK FAUCET TO ELIMINATE LEAK AND MAINTAIN ALL PLUMBING FIXTURES IN GOOD REPAIR.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED DEBRIS ON FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS IN UTILITY AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED A HEAVY ACCUMULATION OF DIRT, GREASE, FOOD SPLATTER AND FOOD DEBRIS ON THE WALLS AND FLOORS ESPECIALLY ALONG THE HOT FOOD SERVICE LINE UNDER AND AROUND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND NON COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL AREAS.

Base deductions−20 pts

Jan 25

Canvass InspectionPass

2 Med2 Basic

4 total

86/100inspection score

−14 pts

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
OBSERVED BULK DRY FOOD BINS IN THE REAR DRY STORAGE SHELF NOT LABELED WITH THE COMMON NAME OF THE FOOD ITEM STORED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LABELS OF THE COMMON NAME OF THE FOOD STORED ON ALL BULK DRY FOOD CONTAINERS AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED HANGING FLY TRAP ALONG WALL NEAR GRILL LINE. INSTRUCTED TO RELOCATE OR REMOVE FLY TRAP AND MAINTAIN INSECT CONTROL DEVICES IN AREAS WHERE CONTAMINATION OF FOOD OR CLEAN EQUIPMENT CANNOT OCCUR.

Basic (2)

−4 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED EXTERIOR NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES OF WAFFLE IRON IN THE REAR PREP AREA TO BE HEAVILY SOILED WITH CAKED-ON GREASE AND BATTER AND NO LONGER EASILY-CLEANABLE. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE WAFFLE IRON AND MAINTAIN ALL FOOD- AND NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES OF EQUIPMENT SMOOTH, FREE OF EXCESSIVE SOIL, AND EASILY-CLEANABLE.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
OBSERVED 3-COMPARTMENT SINK FAUCET TO HAVE SMALL LEAK, BUT FUNCTIONAL. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK FAUCET TO ELIMINATE LEAK AND MAINTAIN ALL PLUMBING FIXTURES IN GOOD REPAIR.

Base deductions−14 pts

Jun 24

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionPass

5 Basic

5 total

90/100inspection score

−10 pts

Basic (5)

−10 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
3-305.11--OBSERVED BOXED FOOD ITEMS BEING STORED ON FLOOR IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES FROM FLOOR ON RAISED SHELVING UNITS AND MAINTAIN.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
4-501.11--OBSERVED TORN/DAMAGED RUBBER GASKETS ON DOORS OF REACH-IN COOLER AND REFRIGERATOR IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
4-602.13--OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR SURFACES OF COOLERS AND FREEZERS. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. (NONFOOD CONTACT SURFACES)
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
6-501.11--OBSERVED MISSING CEILING PANELS IN THE MEN TOILET ROOM IN THE REAR.---ALSO OBSERVED MULITPLE DMAGED CILING PANELS IN THE WOMEN TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAR MISSING/DAMAGED CEILING PANELS FOR BOTH TOILET ROOMS AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
6-501.114--OBSERVED BASEMENT WITH CLUTTER AND ITEMS ON FLOOR. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ORGANIZE BASEMENT AND KEEP ITEMS ELEVATED OFF OF FLOORS AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−10 pts

Jun 24

Canvass InspectionFail

1 High4 Med5 Basic

10 total

60/100inspection score

−40 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS AT THE HANDWASHING SINK IN THE WOMENS TOILET ROOM IN THE REAR. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ENSURE ALL SINKS USED FOR HANDWASHING ARE STOCKED PAPER TOWELS AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-030 (C). CITATION ISSUED. PAPER TOWELS WERE REPLENISHED BY EMPLOYEE DURING INSPECTION.

Intermediate (4)

−20 pts

35APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED−5
OBSERVED FACILITY NOT MEETING THAWING REQUIREMENTS. FOOD HANDLER THAWING FROZEN CHICKEN IN THREE COMPARTMENT SINK SITTING IN STAGNANT WATER. INFORMED FOOD HANDLER OF PROPER THAWING METHODS ( MUST UTILIZE RUNNING WATER WITH ENOUGH VOLATILITY WHEN THAWING). MUST MEET PROPER THAWING REQUIREMENTS AND MAINTAIN.
36THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE−5
OBSERVED NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER FOR MEASURING THE INTERNAL TEMPERATURES OF HOT AND COLD FOODS. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE METAL STEM THERMOMETER FOR MEASURING HOT AND COLD FOODS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED FLY RIBBON HANGING DIRECTLY ABOVE PREP TABLE IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE AND ENSURE ALL INSECT CONTROL DEVICES BE INSTALLED SO THAT THE DEVICES ARE NOT LOCATED OVER A FOOD PREPARATION AREA. FLY RIBBON WAS REMOVED BY EMPLOYEE DURING INSPECTION.
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED FOUR LIVE COCKROACHES ON WALL UNDERNEATH EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE ROACHES, CLEAN SURFACES, AND MAINTAIN PREMISES FREE OF PEST. RECOMMENDED RECEIVING ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(a) CITATION ISSUED.

Basic (5)

−10 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
OBSERVED BOXED FOOD ITEMS BEING STORED ON FLOOR IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES FROM FLOOR ON RAISED SHELVING UNITS AND MAINTAIN.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED TORN/DAMAGED RUBBER GASKETS ON DOORS OF REACH-IN COOLER AND REFRIGERATOR IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR SURFACES OF COOLERS AND FREEZERS. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. (NONFOOD CONTACT SURFACES)
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED MISSING CEILING PANELS IN THE MEN TOILET ROOM IN THE REAR.---ALSO OBSERVED MULITPLE DMAGED CILING PANELS IN THE WOMEN TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAR MISSING/DAMAGED CEILING PANELS FOR BOTH TOILET ROOMS AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED BASEMENT WITH CLUTTER AND ITEMS ON FLOOR. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ORGANIZE BASEMENT AND KEEP ITEMS ELEVATED OFF OF FLOORS AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−40 pts

Apr 23

Canvass InspectionPass w/ Conditions

1 High2 Med5 Basic

8 total

70/100inspection score

−30 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

33PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL−10
OBSERVED THE 1 DOOR PREP COOLER WITH AN AIR TEMPERATURE OF 49F. THE COOLER WAS USED TO STORE TCS FOODS SUCH AS COOKED POTATOES AND MEATS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN THE COOLER 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 1 DOOR PREP COOLER. OBSERVED HAM AT 46F, COOKED POTATOES AT 48F, CUT MELON AT 49F, CHEESE AT 46F, RAW BACON AT 50F, EGGS AT 55F, AND BEEF AT 51F. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL COLD FOODS BELOW 41F. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
REMOVE THE DEAD INSECTS FROM THE GLUEBOARDS IN THE KITCHEN.

Basic (5)

−10 pts

49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE PREP COOLERS, PREP TABLES AND REFRIGERATOR.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
REPAIR THE MOP SINK IN THE BASEMENT.
53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
MUST ADJUST THE SELF CLOSING DOOR HINGE ON THE WOMEN'S WASHROOM SO THAT THE DOOR CLOSES.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
CLEAN THE GREASE ON THE FLOOR BENEATH THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AROUND THE GREASE TRAP.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
THE VENTILATION FAN IN THE MEN'S WASHROOM IS NOT WORKING. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE THE VENTILATION FAN.

Base deductions−30 pts

Jul 22

Canvass InspectionPass

5 Basic

5 total

90/100inspection score

−10 pts

Basic (5)

−10 pts

49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR SURFACES OF COOLERS AND FREEZERS IN PREP/COOKING AREA.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS THROUGHOUT BASEMENT STORAGE AREA.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES AND UNUSED ITEMS STORED IN BASEMENT TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE. MUST REORGANIZE.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN LIGHTSHIELDS WITH DEAD INSECTS ABOVE REAR PREP AREA AND ABOVE REAR DINING AREA.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
FOOD HANDLER WITH EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CURRENT CERTIFICATE FOR EACH EMPLOYEE.

Base deductions−10 pts

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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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