What is Yolk Cafe's health inspection score?

Yolk Cafe has a SafeDine safety score of 87 out of 100 (Grade A). This score is calculated from official government health inspection data, factoring in violation severity, recency, and trends.

When was Yolk Cafe last inspected?

Yolk Cafe was last inspected on January 28, 2026. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does Yolk Cafe have?

Yolk Cafe has 37 total violations across 6 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is Yolk Cafe safe to eat at?

Yes, Yolk Cafe has an excellent safety record with a score of 87/100. This indicates strong compliance with health and safety standards.

What type of cuisine does Yolk Cafe serve?

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

Official Health Record

Yolk Cafe

Name: Yolk Cafe
Address: 355 E OHIO ST, Chicago, 60611
Rating: 87

355 E OHIO ST, Chicago

Last Inspected: 1/28/2026

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0Excellent

Cafe•Streeterville

Ranked #231 of 713 in StreetervilleBetter than 80% of cafe restaurants

Stable

6 inspections

Last: Jan 28, 2026

high confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

Clean Rate

6.2

Avg Violations

4 months ago

Last Inspected

Top Concerns

Most common issues from recent inspections

Temperature controlHigh Priority

Food not kept at safe temperatures — risk of bacterial growth

Plumbing issues

Plumbing or waste disposal problems

Pest issues

Evidence of pests found during inspection

Employee hygiene

Personal hygiene practices not followed

Facility condition

Building maintenance or structural issues

13x

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-13

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-0 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-3 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-7 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Inspection Timeline

-1 pts

Latest

100% weight

2nd

60% weight

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

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355 E OHIO ST, Chicago, IL 60611

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Violation Timeline

Jun 2022

1 inspections

2 high priority

2 basic

Jun

Sep 2023

1 inspections

1 high priority

1 intermediate

4 basic

Jun 2024

2 inspections

2 intermediate

18 basic

Jun

Jan 2025

1 inspections

3 basic

Jan 2026

1 inspections

1 intermediate

3 basic

Jan

Inspection History

6 records on file

4 Canvass1 Canvass Re-Inspection1 Complaint

Jan 26

Canvass InspectionLatestPass

1 Med3 Basic

4 total

89/100inspection score

−11 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED 1/4 INCH GAP AT EAST SIDE EMERGENCY EXIT DOOR SWEEP. MUST RODENT PROOF SAID DOOR AND MAINTAIN.

Basic (3)

−6 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
GRILL REACH IN COOLERS DOOR RUBBER GASKETS AND MILK REACH IN COOLER DOOR RUBBER GASKETS RIPPED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST REPLACE ALL DAMAGED COOLERS DOOR RUBBER GASKETS AND MAINTAIN.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
BACKFLOW LEAKING UNDER DISHWASH 3-COMPARMENT SINK. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED FLOOR TILES WITH LOW GROUT AT DISHWASH AREA. MUST REGROUT ALL FLOOR TILES IN NEED AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−11 pts

Jan 25

Canvass InspectionPass

3 Basic

3 total

94/100inspection score

−6 pts

Basic (3)

−6 pts

40PERSONAL CLEANLINESS−2
OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS PREPPING FOOD WITHOUT HAIR RESTRAINTS. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF THE MICROWAVE NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS, AND DIRT ON FLOOR UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT, ICE MACHINE, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP, DISH WASHING, STORAGE AND NEAR BOX SODA CONNECTIONS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN ALL AREAS. OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON FAN IN WALK-IN COOLER, AND WALL VENTS IN THROUGHOUT PREMIS AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL FANS, WALL VENTS.

Base deductions−6 pts

Jun 24

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionPass

6 Basic

6 total

88/100inspection score

−12 pts

Basic (6)

−12 pts

41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
NOTED DIRTY WIPING CLOTHS ON PREP TABLES AT FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS. NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED PROPERLY TO STORE ALL WASHCLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION ESPECIALLY WHEN NOT IN USE
52SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED−2
OBSERVED ICE MACHINE EXPELLING WATER ON TO FLOOR IN REAR PREP, INSTRUCTED TO HAVE EXPELLING WATER BE ROUTED INTO FLOOR DRAIN AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED EXCESSIVE FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOOR UNDER SODA SYRUP CONNECTION, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
FOUND BROKEN FLOOR TILES IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: REAR PREP ACROSS FROM ICE MACHINE, BY ENTRENCE OF WALK IN COOLER AND KITCHEN LINE AREA ALSO NOTED MISSING GROUT IN REAR PREP AND FRONT PREP AND NEAR THE KITCHEN LINE HANDWASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE ALL BROKEN TILES, REGROUT MENTIONED ABOVE AREAS AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
HEAVY DUST BUILD UP NOTED ON CEILING VENTS ABOVE FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS AND REAR DRY FOOD STORAGE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED MISSING PROTECTIVE SHIELD ON LIGHTS IN REAR PREP, INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−12 pts

Jun 24

Canvass InspectionFail

2 Med12 Basic

14 total

66/100inspection score

−34 pts

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

22PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES−5
FOUND TCS FOOD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE: 30# LIQUID EGG RANGING TEMP OF 58.6-F TO 53.4; 1# OF DICED TOMATO AT TEMP OF 50.8F, MENTIONED PRODUCTS WERE IN COLD HOLD UNIT ON FRONT PREP. FOOD DISCARDED AND DENATURED BY EMPLOYEE. 31 POUNDS, $115.00 VALUE PRIORITY VIOLATION:7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED DEAD ROACHES ON TOP OF ICE MACHINE; BEHIND SCOOP, INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE DEAD ROACHES CLEAN AND SANITIZE.

Basic (12)

−24 pts

41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
NOTED DIRTY WIPING CLOTHS ON PREP TABLES AT FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS. NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED PROPERLY TO STORE ALL WASHCLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION ESPECIALLY WHEN NOT IN USE
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
NOTED CARDBOARD BOXES USED TO LINE SHELVES IN DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL CARDBOARD BOXES TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
SEE VIOLATION #60
52SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED−2
OBSERVED ICE MACHINE EXPELLING WATER ON TO FLOOR IN REAR PREP, INSTRUCTED TO HAVE EXPELLING WATER BE ROUTED INTO FLOOR DRAIN AND MAINTAIN.
53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
FEMALE RESTROOM LACKS COVERED RECEPTACLES FOR DISPOSAL OF FEMININE HYGIENE PRODUCTS. PROVIDE TRASH RECEPTACLE IN RESTROOM AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
FOUND BROKEN FLOOR TILES IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: REAR PREP ACROSS FROM ICE MACHINE, BY ENTRENCE OF WALK IN COOLER AND KITCHEN LINE AREA ALSO NOTED MISSING GROUT IN REAR PREP AND FRONT PREP AND NEAR THE KITCHEN LINE HANDWASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE ALL BROKEN TILES, REGROUT MENTIONED ABOVE AREAS AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED EXCESSIVE FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOOR UNDER SODA SYRUP CONNECTION, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
SEE VIOLATION# 60
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
HEAVY DUST BUILD UP NOTED ON CEILING VENTS ABOVE FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS AND REAR DRY FOOD STORAGE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED MISSING PROTECTIVE SHIELD ON LIGHTS IN REAR PREP, INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN.
60PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED INSPECTION#: 2582573 DATED 9/29/23 #49. OBSERVED ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT LOCATED IN PREP AREA WITH ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS AND RESIDUE ON ALL SURFACES, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN ORDER TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE. #55. OBSERVED MISSING CEILING TILES THROUGHOUT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO ENCLOSE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION:7-42-090, CITATION ISSUED
61SUMMARY REPORT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC−2
NO PREVIOUS INSPECTION SUMMARY REPORT POSTED ON SITE FROM INSPECTION#:2582573 DATED 9/29/23. NEW SUMMARY REPORT GIVEN AND POSTED PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION: 7-42-010(B), CITATION ISSUED

Base deductions−34 pts

Sep 23

Canvass InspectionPass w/ Conditions

1 High1 Med4 Basic

6 total

77/100inspection score

−23 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

33PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL−10
OBSERVED 6 DRAWER COOLING UNIT LOCATED IN PREP AREA NOT AT PROPER TEMPERATURE DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. NOTED TEMPERATURE OF UNIT @ 51F. SAID UNIT WAS STORING TCS FOODS AT THIS TIME. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO DICONTINUE USE AND REPAIR TO 41F OR BELOW AS REQUIRED BY CODE. MUST MAINTAIN. PRIORITY VIOLATION.#7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.UNIT TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION. ALL TCS FOOD WAS DISCARDED.

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

22PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES−5
OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING COLD HELD TCS ITEMS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. APPROXIMATELY 5.5 LBS COOKED HAM, @ 55.0F, 4 LBS SLICED TOMATO @49.8F, 4 LBS SLICED CANTALOUPE @55.0F, 3 LBS LEAFY GREEN MIX @51.0F,3 LBS CHICKEN BREAST @50.0F. ALL SAID ITEMS WERE STORED INSIDE COLD HOLD UNIT AS WELL AS 6 DRAWER COOLING UNIT IN PREP AREA UNDER GRILL. INSTRUCTED TO HOLD COLD TCS FOODS @ 41F OR BELOW AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY VIOLATION. #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED. PIC DISCARDED ALL SAID ITEMS VOLUNTARILY DURING THIS TIME.

Basic (4)

−8 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS WITH DEEP CUTS AND DARK GROOVES THROUGHOUT PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT LOCATED IN PREP AREA WITH ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS AND RESIDUE ON ALL SURFACES, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN ORDER TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED EXCESSIVE FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOORS IN REAR PREP AREA UNDERNEATH ICE MACHINE AND 3 DOOR FREEZERS AND UNDER STORAGE RACKS. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE, CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED MISSING CEILING TILES THROUGHOUT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO ENCLOSE.

Base deductions−23 pts

Jun 22

Complaint InspectionPass w/ Conditions

2 High2 Basic

4 total

76/100inspection score

−24 pts

High Priority (2)

−20 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
No hand soap provided at rear prep/dishwashing room. Instructed to provide hand soap to all hand wash sinks. priority foundation violation 7-38-030(c).
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
Obstructed hand wash sink at front cook line, found utensils placed in hand sink basin. instructed to keep hand wash sinks free from any obstruction. Priority foundation violation 7-38-030(c)

Basic (2)

−4 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
Damaged insulation at walk-in cooler cooling lines, Instructed to replace to prevent condensation.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
Heavy dust build up noted on ceiling vents above front prep area and rear dry food storage. instructed to clean and maintain.

Base deductions−24 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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