What is Cafe Alif's health inspection score?

Cafe Alif has a SafeDine safety score of 81 out of 100 (Grade B). This score is calculated from official government health inspection data, factoring in violation severity, recency, and trends.

When was Cafe Alif last inspected?

Cafe Alif was last inspected on December 2, 2024. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does Cafe Alif have?

Cafe Alif has 39 total violations across 7 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is Cafe Alif safe to eat at?

Cafe Alif has a good safety record with a score of 81/100. While there are some noted violations, overall compliance is solid.

What type of cuisine does Cafe Alif serve?

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

Official Health Record

Cafe Alif

Name: Cafe Alif
Address: 2245 W DEVON AVE, Chicago, 60659
Rating: 81

2245 W DEVON AVE , Chicago

Data may be outdated — inspected 12/2/2024

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0Good

Cafe•Chicago

Ranked #960 of 1000 in ChicagoBetter than 69% of cafe restaurants

Improving

7 inspections

Last: Dec 2, 2024

low confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

14%

Clean Rate

5.6

Avg Violations

18 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

HandwashingHigh Priority

Employees not properly washing hands — contamination risk

Plumbing issues

Plumbing or waste disposal problems

Pest issues

Evidence of pests found during inspection

Permit/documentation

Administrative or documentation issue

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-19

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-1 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-1 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-4 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Freshness Penalty

-12 pts

Score reduced due to stale inspection data

Inspection Timeline

+15 pts

100

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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2245 W DEVON AVE , Chicago, IL 60659

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Violation Timeline

May 2022

1 inspections

1 intermediate

5 basic

May

May 2023

1 inspections

1 high priority

2 basic

May 2024

1 inspections

1 high priority

3 intermediate

7 basic

May

Jun 2024

1 inspections

6 basic

Aug 2024

1 inspections

1 high priority

2 intermediate

8 basic

Aug

Sep 2024

1 inspections

2 basic

Dec 2024

1 inspections

Dec

Inspection History

7 records on file

3 Canvass1 Complaint Re-Inspection2 Complaint1 Canvass Re-Inspection

Dec 24

Canvass InspectionLatestCleanOut of Business

No violations

100/100inspection score

Sep 24

Complaint Re-Inspection InspectionPass

2 Basic

2 total

96/100inspection score

−4 pts

Basic (2)

−4 pts

57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE PROVIDED ON SITE,INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES PROVIDED ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS

Base deductions−4 pts

Aug 24

Complaint InspectionPass w/ Conditions

1 High2 Med8 Basic

11 total

64/100inspection score

−36 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

33PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL−10
WALK-IN COOLER MAINTAINS AIR OF 45.8F TO 46.7F.TCS FOOD WERE STORED INSIDE THE UNIT.TECHNICIAN ON SITE NOT ABLE TO REPAIR DUE TO CONDENSER UNIT PIPES ARE FROZEN WITH EXCESS ICE BUILD-UP. TAGGED UNIT "HELD FOR INSPECTION". DO NOT USE. PRIORITY VIOLATION: 7-38-005,CITATION ISSUED

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

22PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES−5
WE OBSERVED COOKED AND RAW FOOD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE:COOKED MEAT WITH RICE INSIDE A POT AT TEMP OF 46.4F ;SOUP AT TEMP OF 46.7F; TWO CONTAINERS OF COOKED BEEF AT TEMP OF 45.9F TO 46.6F; THREE CONTAINERS OF CHOPPED RAW BEEF AT TEMP OF 45.7F TO 46.9F. COOKED PASTA AT TEMP OF 45.7F.CHOPPED HAM, BOILED EGGS AND DICED COOKED POTATOES AT TEMP OF 45.7F TO 46.4F. COOKED SAMSI(FILLED WITH BEEF) AT TEMP OF 45.1F. 1 CASE OF FRESH EGGS AT TEMP OF 46F. COLD FOOD MUST MAINTAIN TEMP OF 41F AND BELOW. NO TIME AND TEMPERATURE PROVIDED. ALL MENTIONED FOOD WAS STORED INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER. FOOD DISCARDED AND DENATURED. POUND 75, VALUE 289. PRIORITY VIOLATION:7-38-005, CITATION ISSUED.
37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
DRY FOOD STORED INSIDE PLASTIC CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH COMMON NAME.

Basic (8)

−16 pts

41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
OBSERVED USED WIPING CLOTHS ON TOP THE CUTTING BOARDS.MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN PREP AREAS IN SANITIZER BUCKET BETWEEN USES TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
MUST NOT USE DUCT TAPE AS A MEANS OF REPAIR ON THE DOOR OF WHITE CHEST FREEZER.REPLACE BROKEN LINER OF THE SAID FREEZER.SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
MUST NOT USE PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS AS FOOD CONTAINERS INSIDE THE COOLERS AND FREEZERS. MUST USE WASHABLE CONTAINERS OR FOOD GRADE DISPOSABLE PLASTIC BAGS.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
NO BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE PROVIDED AT FAUCET OF MOP SINK. MUST INSTALL SO BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE MAY BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
DRAIN PIPES UNDER THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK ARE CORRORDED WITH EXCESS MINERAL, AND SLIME SUBSTANCE UNABLE TO CLEAN. CLEAN, REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
WE OBSERVED WALL BROKEN AND WITH HOLES IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE KITCHEN: HANDWASHING SINK BY THE PREP COOLER. REPAIR ISSUE WITH A SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE SURFACE.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE PROVIDED ON SITE,INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES PROVIDED ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS

Base deductions−36 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
OBSERVED USED WIPING CLOTHS ON TOP THE CUTTING BOARDS.MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN PREP AREAS IN SANITIZER BUCKET BETWEEN USES TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
MUST NOT USE DUCT TAPE AS A MEANS OF REPAIR ON THE DOOR OF WHITE CHEST FREEZER.REPLACE BROKEN LINER OF THE SAID FREEZER.SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
MUST NOT USE PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS AS FOOD CONTAINERS INSIDE THE COOLERS AND FREEZERS. MUST USE WASHABLE CONTAINERS OR FOOD GRADE DISPOSABLE PLASTIC BAGS.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
NO BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE PROVIDED AT FAUCET OF MOP SINK. MUST INSTALL SO BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE MAY BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
DRAIN PIPES UNDER THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK CORROTED WITH EXCESS MINERAL, SLIME SUBSTANCE UNABLE TO CLEAN.CLEAN,REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
WE OBSERVED WALL BROKEN AND WITH HOLES IN DIFFERNT PART OF THE KITCHEN: HANDWASHING SINK BY THE PREP COOLER,.REPAIR ISSUE WITH A SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE SURFACE

Base deductions−12 pts

May 24

Canvass InspectionFail

1 High3 Med7 Basic

11 total

61/100inspection score

−39 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
NOTED PAPER TOWELS DISPENSER AT FRONT PREP AREA STORED ABOVE CUTTING BOARD OF PREP COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO RELOCATE PAPER TOWELS ABOVE HANDWASHING SINK.

Intermediate (3)

−15 pts

22PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES−5
WE OBSERVED TCS FOOD STORED INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE: TWO COVERED POTS OF BROTH FROM COOKED LAMB AT TEMP OF 45.6F AND 46.5F. ALSO WE OBSERVED COOKED HOME MADE PASTA AT TEMP OF 61F.NO TIME AND TEMPERATURE LOG PROVIDED.COLD FOOD MUST MAINTAIN TEMP OF 41F AND BELOW. FOOD DISCARDED AND DENATURED.POUNDS 20 VALUE 20. PRIORITY VIOLATION:7-38-005,CITATION ISSUED.
37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
LABEL FOOD WITH COMMON NAME IN STORAGE AND ALL COOLERS.
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
WE OBSERVED 3 ADULT ROACHS INSIDE THE TWO DOOR REACH-IN COOLER BETWEEN RUBBER GASKET AND HINGE OF THE DOOR.INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CLEAN,SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION: 7-38-020(A),CITATION ISSUED

Basic (7)

−14 pts

41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
OBSERVED USED WIPING CLOTHS ON TOP THE CUTTING BOARDS.MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN PREP AREAS IN SANITIZER BUCKET BETWEEN USES TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
MUST NOT USE PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS AS FOOD CONTAINERS INSIDE THE COOLERS AND FREEZERS. MUST USE WASHABLE CONTAINERS OR FOOD GRADE DISPOSABLE PLASTIC BAGS.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
MUST NOT USE DUCT TAPE AS A MEANS OF REPAIR ON THE DOOR OF WHITE CHEST FREEZER.REPLACE BROKEN LINER OF THE SAID FREEZER.SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
EXCESS GREASE AT INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF OVEN AND UNDER BURNERS BY THE WALL.CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
DRAIN PIPES UNDER THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK CORROTED WITH EXCESS MINERAL, SLIME SUBSTANCE UNABLE TO CLEAN.CLEA,REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
NO BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE PROVIDED AT FAUCET OF MOP SINK. MUST INSTALL SO BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE MAY BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
WE OBSERVED WALL BROKEN AND WITH HOLES IN DIFFERNT PART OF THE KITCHEN: HANDWASHING SINK BY THE PREP COOLER,BEHIND THREE COMPARTMENT SINKETC.REPAIR ISSUE WITH A SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE SURFACE

Base deductions−39 pts

May 23

Complaint InspectionPass w/ Conditions

1 High2 Basic

3 total1 risk factor

81/100inspection score

−14 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

5PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTSRisk Factor−10
FOUND NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL CLEAN UP PROCEDURE WITH SPILL KIT.PRIORITY FOUNDATION.CITATION ISSUED.7-38-005.MUST PROVIDE.

Basic (2)

−4 pts

57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
FOODHANDLERS AT PREMISES WITH NO FOODHANDLER TRAINING.MUST PROVIDE.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
FOUND SANITATION MANAGERS WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING.MUST PROVIDE.

Base deductions−14 pts

Risk factor bonus (1× +5)−5 pts

May 22

Canvass InspectionPass

1 Med5 Basic

6 total

85/100inspection score

−15 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
OBSERVED BULK FOOD CONTAINERS WITH NO LABELS LOCATED IN THE KITCHEN PREPARATION AREA UNDERNEATH PREP TABLE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LABELS WITH FOOD NAME ON ALL BULK FOOD CONTAINERS . MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.

Basic (5)

−10 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS BEING USED TO STORE FOOD ITEMS IN WALK-IN COOLER AND FREEZER LOCATED IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO USE FOOD GRADE BAGS OR CONTAINERS TO STORE FOOD ITEMS.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED TORN GASKETS ON THE BOTTOM OF DOORS IN BOTH PREP COOLERS LOCATED IN THE KITCHEN PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS ON PREP TABLES COVERED WITH DEEP GROOVES AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH, CLEANABLE SURFACES.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED SOILED INTERIOR IN ALL COOLERS AND FREEZER CHESTS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED DIRTY FLOORS THROUGHOUT KITCHEN PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−15 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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