What is West River Cafe's health inspection score?

West River Cafe has a SafeDine safety score of 95 out of 100 (Grade A). This score is calculated from official government health inspection data, factoring in violation severity, recency, and trends.

When was West River Cafe last inspected?

West River Cafe was last inspected on October 29, 2025. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does West River Cafe have?

West River Cafe has 38 total violations across 10 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is West River Cafe safe to eat at?

Yes, West River Cafe has an excellent safety record with a score of 95/100. This indicates strong compliance with health and safety standards.

What type of cuisine does West River Cafe serve?

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

Official Health Record

West River Cafe

Name: West River Cafe
Address: 4400 N KEDZIE AVE, Chicago, 60625
Rating: 95

4400 N KEDZIE AVE, Chicago

Last Inspected: 10/29/2025

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0Excellent

Cafe•Lincoln Square

Ranked #49 of 447 in Lincoln SquareBetter than 97% of cafe restaurants

Improving

10 inspections

Last: Oct 29, 2025

high confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

40%

Clean Rate

3.8

Avg Violations

5 months ago

Last Inspected

Top Concerns

Most common issues from recent inspections

Temperature control

Food not kept at safe temperatures — risk of bacterial growth

HandwashingHigh Priority

Employees not properly washing hands — contamination risk

Plumbing issues

Plumbing or waste disposal problems

Pest issues

Evidence of pests found during inspection

Employee hygiene

Personal hygiene practices not followed

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-5

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-0 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-2 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-4 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Inspection Timeline

+6 pts

100

Latest

100% weight

2nd

60% weight

100

3rd

30% weight

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

4400 N KEDZIE AVE, Chicago, IL 60625

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Violation Timeline

May 2022

1 inspections

2 intermediate

4 basic

May

Dec 2022

2 inspections

1 high priority

2 intermediate

4 basic

Sep 2023

2 inspections

1 intermediate

3 basic

Sep

Oct 2023

1 inspections

Oct 2024

2 inspections

1 high priority

5 intermediate

8 basic

Oct

Sep 2025

1 inspections

1 intermediate

6 basic

Oct 2025

1 inspections

Oct

Inspection History

10 records on file

4 Canvass Re-Inspection4 Canvass1 Complaint Re-Inspection1 Complaint

Oct 25

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionLatestCleanPass

No violations

100/100inspection score

Sep 25

Canvass InspectionPass w/ Conditions

1 Med6 Basic

7 total

83/100inspection score

−17 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

21PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES−5
OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING TCS FOODS HELD AT IMPROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES IN THE STEAM TABLE: REFRIED BEANS AT 107.6F, GRAVY AT 131.7F, COOKED RICE AT 113.9F,CHICKEN SOUP AT 130.6F. STEAM TABLE NOTED UNABLE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURE. INTERNAL TEMPERATURE AT 105.2F WITH ONE GAS BURNER UNDER THE UNIT NOT OPERATIONAL. UNABLE TO INCREASE TEMPERATURE. ALL FOODS DISCARDED. STEAM TABLE TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION AND MUST NOT USE UNTIL REPAIRED/REPLACED AND C.D.P.H CONTACTED FOR REINSPECTION AND TAG REMOVAL. INSTRUCTED TO USE OTHER MEANS TO HOLD FOODS HOT SUCH AS THE STOVETOP OR FLAT GRILL. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

Basic (6)

−12 pts

40PERSONAL CLEANLINESS−2
ALL FOOD HANDLERS/PREPARERS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINT.
41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
PREP AREA WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE HELD IN A CONTAINER WITH A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USE.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
REAR PREP TABLE CUTTING BOARD IN POOR REPAIR WITH DEEP BLACKENED GROOVES. INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE OR REPLACE.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
EXTREMELY SLOW DRAINING WATER IN THE SOUTH WASHROOM WASHBOWL. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.---LEAK FROM CEILING PIPING ONTO THE FLOOR IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR LEAK AND MAINTAIN DRY FLOORS.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
NOTED CRACKED AND DAMAGED FLOOR TILES UNDER THE REAR METAL PREP TABLE. MUST REPLACE/REPAIR TO BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
VENTILATION IN THE NORTH WASHROOM COVERED WITH CARDBOARD. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE VENTILATION.

Base deductions−17 pts

Oct 24

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionCleanPass

No violations

100/100inspection score

Oct 24

Canvass InspectionFail

1 High5 Med8 Basic

14 total

49/100inspection score

−51 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HAND SINKS IN (2) WASHROOMS.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

Intermediate (5)

−25 pts

25CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD−5
FOUND INCOMPLETE CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE STATEMENTS WRITTEN ON THE MENUS.MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DISCLOSE WHICH FOODS CAN BE ORDERED "RAW" OR UNDER COOKED AND LINK THOSE FOODS WITH AN ASTERISK (*) TO A REMINDER STATEMENT THAT STATES THAT EATING RAW OR UNDER COOKED FOODS CAN INCREASE YOUR RISK OF FOOD BORNE ILLNESS.(** SEE COMMENTS BELOW).PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
36THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE−5
OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER INSIDE THE 1 DOOR PEPSI COOLER IN THE KITCHEN PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN A VISIBLE AND ACCURATE WORKING THERMOMETER INSIDE COOLER.
37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS IN THE BASEMENT DRY STORAGE ROOM WITHOUT A LABEL. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE COMMON NAME ON ALL BULK CONTAINERS TO PROPERLY IDENTIFY ITEM(SALT, SUGAR, FLOUR ETC).
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF PEST INFESTATION ON THE PREMISES.OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 100 LIVE COCKROACHES CRAWLING INSIDE A STORAGE 2 DOOR WOODEN CABINET IN BASEMENT AREA ADJACENT TO A DRY STORAGE ROOM AND 3 LIVE COCKROACHES AROUND INSIDE OF GASKET OF THE (WHITE) 1 DOOR STAND-UP COOLER IN THE KITCHEN PREP AREA AND 2 LIVE COCKROACHES CRAWLING ON THE FLOOR BEHIND THE PEPSI 1 DOOR COOLER IN SAME KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREA.ALSO,10 LIVE COCKROACHES CRAWLING ON FLOORS NEAR CLUTTERED STORED ARTICLES AND BUILDING MATERIALS AND DECORATIVE FLOWER POTS IN REAR OF THE BASEMENT STORAGE AREA AND 5-10 LIVE COCKROACHES CRAWLING ON FLOOR AND STAIRCASE LEADING DOWN INTO THE BASEMENT.INSTRUCTED TO THOROUGHLY CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL SURFACES AND EQUIPMENT.INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL EVIDENCE OF PEST ACTIVITY FROM ALL AFFECTED AREAS.ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY.PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-020(A),CITATION ISSUED.
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED FRONT SIDE ENTRANCE DOOR WITH GAP OPENING APPROX:1/2" AT BOTTOM OF DOOR.INSTRUCTED TO MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING ALL ACROSS THE BOTTOM TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY AND MAINTAIN.

Basic (8)

−16 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE DUCT TAPE ON FRONT TOP OF THE DISHWASHING 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE DUCT TAPE AND MAINAIN SO THAT IT IS SMOOTH,EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE STORAGE SHELFS BEHIND FRONT SERVICE COUNTER,PREP TABLES, FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS,INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF THE BASEMENT FREEZERS AND PREP COOLERS,STEAM TABLE,SIDES OF FLAT TOP GRILL AND DEEP FRYER.
53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE PROVIDED IN THE UNISEX WASHROOM.MUST PROVIDE.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND ORGANIZE BASEMENT STORAGE AREAS 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.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS THROUGHOUT PREP/COOKING AREA ESPECIALLY UNDER AND AROUND COOKING EQUIPMENTS WITH DRIED FOOD DEBRIS SPILLAGE AND INCLUDING THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT DRY STORAGE ROOM/STORAGE AREAS.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE KITCHEN EXHAUST HOOD/FILTERS TO REMOVE ACCUMULATION OF HANGING GREASE BUILD-UP AND MAINTAIN.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.
64MISCELLANEOUS / PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS−2
OBSERVED CHILDREN'S MENU LISTING SOFT DRINK AS THE DEFAULT BEVERAGE. INSTRUCTED TO ONLY PROVIDE SKIM OR 1% DAIRY MILK UP TO 130 CALORIES,100% FRUIT OR VEGETABLE JUICE WITH NO ADDED SPARKLING OR FLAVORED WATER WITH NO ADDED NATURAL OR ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS.

Base deductions−51 pts

Oct 23

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionCleanPass

No violations

100/100inspection score

Sep 23

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionFail

2 Basic

2 total

96/100inspection score

−4 pts

Basic (2)

−4 pts

51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
5-204.12 OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE FOR THE BASEMENT UTILITY SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
59PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
OBSERVED PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED. REPORT #2582022 DATED 9-20-2023 INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO SERVICE ALL AREAS AFFECTED BY PESTS. OBSERVED INFESTATION WITH OVER 10 LIVE ROACHES THROUGHOUT FACILITY INCLUDING ON 2ND FLOOR AND IN BASEMENT. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.

Base deductions−4 pts

Sep 23

Canvass InspectionFail

1 Med1 Basic

2 total

93/100inspection score

−7 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED 4 LIVE ROACHES IN THE BASEMENT, INCLUDING ON STAIRS, IN THE ICE MACHINE, AND ON THE FLOOR AROUND COOLERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SERVICE ALL AREAS AFFECTED BY PESTS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A).

Basic (1)

−2 pts

56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED NO MECHANICAL VENTILATION IN TOILET ROOMS INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE MECHANICAL VENTILATION.

Base deductions−7 pts

Dec 22

Complaint Re-Inspection InspectionCleanPass

No violations

100/100inspection score

Dec 22

Complaint InspectionFail

1 High2 Med4 Basic

7 total

72/100inspection score

−28 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HANDSINK INFRONT SERVICE COUNTER.

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

25CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD−5
FOUND INCOMPLETE CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DISCLOSE WHICH FOODS CAN BE ORDERED "RAW" OR UNDER COOKED AND LINK THOSE FOODS WITH AN ASTERISK (*) TO A REMINDER STATEMENT THAT STATES THAT EATING RAW OR UNDER COOKED FOODS CAN INCREASE YOUR RISK OF FOOD BORNE ILLNESS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED 5 LIVE COCKROACHES CRAWLING ON WALLS AND SHELVES IN PREP/COOKING AREA AND 2 LIVE COCKROACH UNDERNEATH FREEZER IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE AFFECTED AREAS. RECOMMEND TO CALL LICENSED PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020 (A) CITATION ISSUED

Basic (4)

−8 pts

51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR LEAKY DRAIN PIPE UNDERNEATH MIDDLE COMPARTMENT OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS THROUGHOUT BASEMENT.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CEILING VENT COVER WITH GREASE AND DUST ACCUMULATION ABOVE REAR DINING AREA LEADING TO WASHROOMS.
64MISCELLANEOUS / PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS−2
FOUND THE CHILDREN'S MENU LISTING A SOFT DRINK AS THE DEFAULT BEVERAGE. INSTRUCTED TO ONLY PROVIDE SKIM OR 1% DAIRY MILK UP TO 130 CALORIES, 100% FRUIT OR VEGETABLE JUICE WITH NO ADDED SPARKLING OR FLAVORED WATER WITH NO ADDED NATURAL OR ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS.

Base deductions−28 pts

May 22

Canvass InspectionPass

2 Med4 Basic

6 total

82/100inspection score

−18 pts

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

36THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE−5
INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE INSIDE ALL COOLERS.
37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
INSTRUCTED TO LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS IDENTIFIED WITH COMMON NAME (RICE, FLOUR ETC) IN THE KITCHEN.

Basic (4)

−8 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE GROCERY BAGS FOR FOOD STORAGE INSIDE FREEZER IN THE BASEMENT. MUST USE FOOD GRADE BAGS.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOOR UNDER AND AROUND COOKING EQUIPMENT WITH GREASE AND DRIED FOOD DEBRIS ACCUMULATION IN THE KITCHEN.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
FOOD HANDLERS WITH NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CERTIFICATE FOR EACH EMPLOYEE.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
FOUND NO APPROVED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE . INSTRUCTED ANY PERSON WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION

Base deductions−18 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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