What is Cafe Tola Iii's health inspection score?

Cafe Tola Iii has a SafeDine safety score of 53 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 Tola Iii last inspected?

Cafe Tola Iii was last inspected on February 25, 2026. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does Cafe Tola Iii have?

Cafe Tola Iii has 44 total violations across 6 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is Cafe Tola Iii safe to eat at?

Cafe Tola Iii has a safety score of 53/100, which suggests room for improvement. Review the detailed inspection history on SafeDine for more information.

What type of cuisine does Cafe Tola Iii serve?

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

Official Health Record

Cafe Tola Iii

Name: Cafe Tola Iii
Address: 1625 W ADDISON AVE, Chicago, 60613
Rating: 53

1625 W ADDISON AVE, Chicago

Last Inspected: 2/25/2026

Own or manage this restaurant?

Claim it to unlock analytics →

0Fair

Cafe•Lakeview

Ranked #794 of 997 in LakeviewBetter than 28% of cafe restaurants

Declining

6 inspections

Last: Feb 25, 2026

high confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

Clean Rate

7.3

Avg Violations

3 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

Employee illnessHigh Priority

Sick employee handling food — illness transmission risk

HandwashingHigh Priority

Employees not properly washing hands — contamination risk

Cross-contamination

Raw and cooked foods not properly separated

Plumbing issues

Plumbing or waste disposal problems

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-60

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-15 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-5 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-7 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Inspection Timeline

-14 pts

Latest

100% weight

2nd

60% weight

3rd

30% weight

Real-time Score: 40/100 — This score includes today's freshness penalty and may differ slightly from the displayed score (53/100) 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

Open location in Google Maps →

1625 W ADDISON AVE, Chicago, IL 60613

Open in Maps

View Menu Order Online

Violation Timeline

Jul 2022

1 inspections

2 intermediate

7 basic

Jul

Aug 2022

1 inspections

1 intermediate

6 basic

Mar 2023

1 inspections

1 intermediate

3 basic

Mar

Aug 2024

1 inspections

1 intermediate

6 basic

Mar 2025

1 inspections

3 high priority

1 intermediate

7 basic

Mar

Feb 2026

1 inspections

4 high priority

1 intermediate

1 basic

Inspection History

6 records on file

5 Canvass1 Canvass Re-Inspection

Feb 26

Canvass InspectionLatestPass w/ Conditions

4 High1 Med1 Basic

6 total2 risk factors

43/100inspection score

−47 pts

High Priority (4)

−40 pts

2CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATERisk Factor−10
OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER PRESENT WHILE TCS FOODS (EMPANADAS AT 150F) WERE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
5PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTSRisk Factor−10
OBSERVED NO CLEAN UP SUPPLIES ON THE PREMISES TO RESPOND TO A VOMIT OR DIARRHEAL EVENT. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED BOTH EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINKS IN THE FOOD PREP AREA NOT ACCESSIBLE FOR USE. BOTH HAND WASHING SINKS HAD STAINLESS STEEL PANS STORED IN THE SINK BASINS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL HAND WASHING SINKS ACCESSIBLE FOR USE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
33PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL−10
OBSERVED THE 1-DOOR PREP COOLER WITH AN AIR TEMPERATURE OF 50F. THE COOLER WAS USED TO STORE MILK AND OPEN ALTERNATIVE MILKS SUCH AS PLANT BASED, ALMOND MILK, ETC. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN THE COOLER BELOW 41F AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

22PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES−5
OBSERVED VARIOUS TYPES OF MILK (DAIRY, PLANT, ALMOND MILK ETC.) STORED IN THE 1-DOOR PREP COOLER AT ANY IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF 44-47F. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL COLD TCS FOODS BELOW 41F. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

Basic (1)

−2 pts

60PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION FROM REPORT #2613316 ON 3/7/25 NOT CORRECTED: 58 - OBSERVED THE CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS WITHOUT PROOF OF THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MUST PROVIDE PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.

Base deductions−47 pts

Risk factor bonus (2× +5)−10 pts

Mar 25

Canvass InspectionPass w/ Conditions

3 High1 Med7 Basic

11 total2 risk factors

41/100inspection score

−49 pts

High Priority (3)

−30 pts

3MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTINGRisk Factor−10
OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 CITATION ISSUED.
5PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTSRisk Factor−10
OBSERVED NO CLEAN UP PROCEDURE OR SUPPLIES ON PREMISES TO RESPOND TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROCEDURE AND SUPPLIES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS POSTED NEAR EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK AND HAND WASHING SINK IN THE UNISEX WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

36THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE−5
VISIBLE AND WORKING THERMOMETER NEEDED IN THE 1-DOOR FRONT PREP COOLER. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

Basic (7)

−14 pts

40PERSONAL CLEANLINESS−2
OBSERVED EMPLOYEES NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS WHILE FOOD IS BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT EMPLOYEES MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS AT ALL TIMES FOOD IS BEING PREPARED AND SERVED.
41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON TOP OF PREP TABLES. MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
44UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED−2
OBSERVED BUTCHER KNIFE STORED BEHIND THE HAND WASHING SINK NEXT TO MOP SINK. MUST PROPERLY STORE KNIFE TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED BIG OPENINGS INTO WALL BEHIND HAND WASHING SINK IN THE UNISEX WASHROOM. MUST SEAL AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED DUST BUILD UP ON CEILING VENTILATION VENTS INSIDE UNISEX EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
OBSERVED NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES FOR REQUIRED EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
OBSERVED CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS WITHOUT PROOF OF THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MUST PROVIDE PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS.

Base deductions−49 pts

Risk factor bonus (2× +5)−10 pts

Aug 24

Canvass InspectionPass w/ Conditions

1 Med6 Basic

7 total

83/100inspection score

−17 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

22PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES−5
OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING TCS FOODS AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES IN 1 DOOR REACH IN COOLER AT FRONT PREP/CASHIER AREA: STEAK AT 49.3F, EGGS AT 49.5F, MOLE AT 49.2F, AND HAM AT 50.1F. MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AND DENATURED ALL ITEMS AT TIME OF INSPECTION. APPROX. 8 LBS WITH A $50 VALUE. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005, CITATION ISSUED. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL TCS COLD FOODS AT 41F OR BELOW AT ALL TIMES.

Basic (6)

−12 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
OBSERVED BOXES OF FOOD ITEMS, CANS, AND OIL STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE FRONT STORAGE AREA NEXT TO STANDING COOLERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL ITEMS AT LEAST 6 INCHES FROM FLOOR.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED RIGHT SIDE DOOR OF SOLID 2 DOOR STANDING COOLER IN FRONT STORAGE AREA TO HAVE A DAMAGED BOTTOM BRACKET, CAUSING THE DOOR TO FALL OFF WHEN OPENING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR OR REPLACE.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
OBSERVED LEAK FROM HAND SINK IN BATHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO IDENTIFY SOURCE OF LEAK AND REPAIR. MANAGER STATED THEY LOCATED SOURCE AND ARE IN PROCESS OF COMPLETING REPAIRS.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED MOPS STORED IN FULL MOP BUCKET NEXT TO UTILITY SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE ALL MOPS TO ALLOW FOR AIR DRYING IN BETWEEN USE.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED HEAVY BUILD UP OF DUST AND GREASE ON THE EXHAUST HOOD FILTERS ABOVE THE FLAT TOP GRILL. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTIAN FILTERS FREE OF EXCESSIVE BUILD UP.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED ONE OF THREE LIGHTBULBS TO NOT BE FUNCTIONAL IN THE EXHAUST HOOD ABOVE THE FLAT TOP GRILL. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR OR REPLACE TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING.

Base deductions−17 pts

Mar 23

Canvass InspectionPass

1 Med3 Basic

4 total

89/100inspection score

−11 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

36THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE−5
NOTED NO THERMOMETERS INSIDE REFRIGERATION UNIT CONSPICUOUSLY POSTED TO MONITOR THE AMBIENT TEMPERATURE OF EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO EQUIP ALL REFRIGERATION UNITS WITH ACCURATE AND WORKING THERMOMETER

Basic (3)

−6 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
NOTED TORN RUBBER GASKET INSIDE THE DOOR OF 2 DOOR REFRIGERATION UNIT. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL REPAIR AND MAINTAIN AND/OR REPLACE.
53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
NOTED WASH ROOMS ON PREMISE WITH GARBAGE RECEPTACLES AND NO LIDS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TRASH CANS WITH LIDS AT ALL WOMEN WASH ROOMS AND UNISEX WASH ROOMS.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
NOTED MULTIPLE HOLES ON WALL INISIDE THE BATHROOM BEHIND THE HAND WASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−11 pts

Aug 22

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionPass

1 Med6 Basic

7 total

83/100inspection score

−17 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED A SMALL OPENING AT THE PATIO DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO RODENT PROOF AND MAINTAIN SAID DOOR.

Basic (6)

−12 pts

44UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED−2
OBSERVED A BUTCHER KNIFE STORED BEHIND THE HANDWASHING SINK NEAR THE MOP SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE SAID ITEM.
48WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS−2
OBSERVED SANITIZING COMPARTMENT AT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK STOPPED UP WITH BAGS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER SINK STOPPERS AT SAID LOACTION AND MAINTAIN.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES NOT LOCATED AT THE MOP SINK MUST INSTALL SO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES OR AIR GAP BETWEEN THE WATER SUPPLY INLET AND THE UNIT SO IT COULD BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED.
53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
OBSERVED RECEPTACLE IN ALL GENDERS TOILET ROOM. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN TOILET ROOM RECEPTACLE WITH COVER FOR SANITARY NAPKINS IN SAID LOCATION.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED BUILT-UP DUST AND GREASE ON THE FILTERS OF THE VENTILATION HOOD. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED A BLOWN-OUT LIGHT BULB UNDER THE VENTILATION HOOD. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE SAID LIGHT BULB.

Base deductions−17 pts

Jul 22

Canvass InspectionFail

2 Med7 Basic

9 total

76/100inspection score

−24 pts

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

25CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD−5
3-603.11 OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE OR REMINDER ON MENU FOR USE RAW AND UNDERCOOKED FOODS. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION-7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED A SMALL OPENING AT THE PATIO DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO RODENT PROOF AND MAINTAIN SAID DOOR.

Basic (7)

−14 pts

44UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED−2
OBSERVED A BUTCHER KNIFE STORED BEHIND THE HANDWASHING SINK NEAR THE MOP SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE SAID ITEM.
48WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS−2
OBSERVED SANITIZING COMPARTMENT AT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK STOPPED UP WITH BAGS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER SINK STOPPERS AT SAID LOACTION AND MAINTAIN.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES NOT LOCATED AT THE MOP SINK MUST INSTALL SO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES OR AIR GAP BETWEEN THE WATER SUPPLY INLET AND THE UNIT SO IT COULD BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED.
53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
OBSERVED RECEPTACLE IN ALL GENDERS TOILET ROOM. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN TOILET ROOM RECEPTACLE WITH COVER FOR SANITARY NAPKINS IN SAID LOCATION.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED BUILT-UP DUST AND GREASE ON THE FILTERS OF THE VENTILATION HOOD. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED A BLOWN-OUT LIGHT BULB UNDER THE VENTILATION HOOD. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE SAID LIGHT BULB.
60PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION FROM REPORT # 2493165, DATE:03/22/2021, VIOLATION # 58, NOT CORRECTED. OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WITH REQUIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING REQUIREMENTS. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CORRECT VIOLATION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION # 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.

Base deductions−24 pts

Community Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!

Leave a Review

Community Safety Reports

No reviewed safety reports. Help keep others safe by reporting any food safety concerns.

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.

Explore More

Restaurants in Chicago Cafe Restaurants Best in Chicago All Illinois Restaurants