What is Wajo Cups's health inspection score?

Wajo Cups has a SafeDine safety score of 56 out of 100 (Grade C). This score is calculated from official government health inspection data, factoring in violation severity, recency, and trends.

When was Wajo Cups last inspected?

Wajo Cups was last inspected on July 8, 2025. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does Wajo Cups have?

Wajo Cups has 39 total violations across 5 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is Wajo Cups safe to eat at?

Wajo Cups has a safety score of 56/100, which suggests room for improvement. Review the detailed inspection history on SafeDine for more information.

What type of cuisine does Wajo Cups serve?

Wajo Cups serves American cuisine. Visit their SafeDine page for safety scores, inspection history, and more details.

Official Health Record

Wajo Cups

Name: Wajo Cups
Address: 5437 N LINCOLN AVE, Chicago, 60625
Rating: 56

5437 N LINCOLN AVE, Chicago

Last inspected 9mo ago

▲Improving

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0Fair

American•Lincoln Square

Ranked #333 of 447 in Lincoln SquareBetter than 17% of american restaurants

Improving

5 inspections

Last: Jul 8, 2025

medium confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

Clean Rate

7.8

Avg Violations

9 months ago

Last Inspected

Top Concerns

Most common issues from recent inspections

HandwashingHigh Priority

Employees not properly washing hands — contamination risk

Temperature controlHigh Priority

Food not kept at safe temperatures — risk of bacterial growth

Cross-contamination

Raw and cooked foods not properly separated

Plumbing issues

Plumbing or waste disposal problems

Pest issuesHigh Priority

Evidence of pests found during inspection

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-44

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-11 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-1 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-11 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Freshness Penalty

-3 pts

Score reduced due to stale inspection data

Inspection Timeline

+44 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

5437 N LINCOLN AVE, Chicago, IL 60625

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Violation Timeline

Oct 2023

2 inspections

4 high priority

2 intermediate

5 basic

Oct

Sep 2024

1 inspections

2 high priority

1 intermediate

8 basic

Jun 2025

1 inspections

5 high priority

10 basic

Jun

Jul 2025

1 inspections

2 basic

Inspection History

5 records on file

2 Canvass Re-Inspection3 Canvass

Jul 25

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionLatestPass

2 Basic

2 total

96/100inspection score

−4 pts

Basic (2)

−4 pts

55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
6-201.11-- WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES AT THE EXHAUST HOOD. MUST REPLACE.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
2-102.13--- NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES FOR ALL EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE.

Base deductions−4 pts

Jun 25

Canvass InspectionFail

5 High10 Basic

15 total2 risk factors

20/100inspection score

−70 pts

High Priority (5)

−50 pts

1PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIESRisk Factor−10
THE PERSON IN CHARGE DURING THE INSPECTION DOES NOT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.
2CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATERisk Factor−10
NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED ON THE PREMISE OR SUCH A PERSON ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS ARE SERVED AND PREPARED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
BOTH FRONT AND REAR PREP/DISH HAND WASHING SINKS NOT ACCESSIBLE FOR USE. SUSHI PREP HAND SINK WITH TOWELS AND TOOL STORED INSIDE. REAR PREP/DISH HAND SINK WITH A BASKET OF SOY SAUCE PACKETS INSIDE. REVIEWED HAND SINKS MUST BE ACCESSIBLE FOR USE AT ALL TIMES. EMPLOYEE REMOVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
NO PAPER TOWELS AVAILABLE AT THE REAR PREP/DISH HAND WASHING SINK.MUST PROVIDE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. SEE THE ABOVE VIOLATION #10 FOR CITATION.
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
NO SOAP AVAILABLE AT THE FRONT SUSHI PREP HAND WASHING SINK. MUST PROVIDE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. SEE THE ABOVE VIOLATION #10 FOR CITATION.

Basic (10)

−20 pts

44UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED−2
SOILED LINENS IMPROPERLY STORED ON THE FLOOR AND IN AN OPEN BUS PAN IN THE REAR PREP. MUST STORED IN A SEALED CONTAINER.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
NOTED THE INTERIOR OF AN UNUSED ONE DOOR COOLER AT THE FRONT PREP EXTREMELY DIRTY.----CLOTH CURTAINS AT THE ENTRANCE TO THE KITCHEN BADLY STAINED AND DIRTY. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
NOTED INTERIOR OF BOTH TOASTER OVENS AND TOP OF THE GAS STOVE WITH EXCESSIVE FOOD DEBRIS.---INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF BULK FOOD CONTAINERS IN THE PREP AREA DIRTY. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
NOTED A HOSE ATTACHED TO PIPING UNDER THE REAR DISH HAND WASHING SINK WITHOUT A BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE. MUST INSTALL.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
ALL UNNECESSARY ITEMS STORED IN THE FRONT STORAGE ROOM AND THE FAR REAR STORAGE CLOSET NEXT TO THE EXIT DOOR MUST BE REMOVED FROM THE PREMISES TO PREVENT PEST HARBORING AND ALL OTHER ITEMS MUST BE STORED ORGANIZED AND ELEVATED.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES AT THE EXHAUST HOOD.----MISSING CEILING TILE AT THE REAR FREEZER STORAGE. MUST REPLACE ALL.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
NOTED FRONT PREP FLOOR MATS IN EXTREMELY POOR CONDITION AND UNBALE TO CLEAN. MUST REPLACE.----MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD AS MATTING FOR FLOORS THROUGHOUT.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES FOR ALL EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE.
60PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT #2603047 ON 9-18-24 NOT CORRECTED.#37- OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS IN REAR DRY STORAGE ROOM WITHOUT A LABEL.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE COMMON NAME ON ALL BULK CONTAINERS TO PROPERLY IDENTIFY ITEM (SALT, SUGAR, FLOUR ETC).#49- INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE INTERIOR OF THE MICROWAVE AND PREP COOLERS AND FREEZERS.#51- OBSERVED WATER LEAK AT BASE OF LEFT FAUCET AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR PLUMBING LEAK AND MAINTAIN.#55- INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND ORGANIZE UTILITY MOP SINK ROOM AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES (MILK CRATES,BUILDING CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS ETC.) DUE TO POTENTIAL PEST HARBORAGE AND ELEVATE MOPS,BROOMS CLEANING EQUIPMENTS OFF THE FLOOR AT LEAST 6" INCHES TO FACILITATE CLEANING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.
61SUMMARY REPORT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC−2
SUMMARY REPORT FROM REPORT #2603047 ON 9-18-24 NOT POSTED IN PLAIN VIEW OF THE ESTABLISHMENTS CUSTOMERS. SUMMARY NOTED POSTED IN THE REAR PREP AREA WHERE CUSTOMERS HAVE NO ACCESS. TODAYS SUMMARY REPORT POSTED TO THE PUBLIC. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-010(B)

Base deductions−70 pts

Risk factor bonus (2× +5)−10 pts

Sep 24

Canvass InspectionPass w/ Conditions

2 High1 Med8 Basic

11 total1 risk factor

54/100inspection score

−41 pts

High Priority (2)

−20 pts

2CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATERisk Factor−10
OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WITH A CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE OR VALID DOCUMENTATION WHILE (TCS FOODS) RICE,SUSHI ETC.IS BEING PREPARED/HANDLED.INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE,THAT A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WHILE (TCS FOODS) ARE PREPARED,HANDLED, AND/OR SERVED.INSTRUCTED TO COMPLY AS REQUIRED.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012,CITATION ISSUED.
16FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED−10
OBSERVED A SLIGHT DEBRIS ACCUMULATION ENCRUSTED ON THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE.MUST REMOVE DEBRIS, DETAIL CLEAN INSIDE ICE MACHINE/HAVE SERVICED AND MAINTAIN ICE MACHINE AT ALL TIMES.

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS IN REAR DRY STORAGE ROOM WITHOUT A LABEL.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE COMMON NAME ON ALL BULK CONTAINERS TO PROPERLY IDENTIFY ITEM (SALT, SUGAR, FLOUR ETC).

Basic (8)

−16 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
OBSERVED NO SPLASHGUARD IN THE FRONT SUSHI PREP AREA BETWEEN HAND SINK AND PREP SINK.INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A WASHABLE SPLASHGUARD AND MAINTAIN.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED ICE SCOOP STORED INSIDE ICE MACHINE ON ICE.INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND PROVIDE AN ICE SCOOP CONTAINER TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION BEFORE USE.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE INTERIOR OF THE MICROWAVE AND PREP COOLERS.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE NOT LOCATED AT UTILITY MOP SINK.MUST INSTALL SO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE MAY BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
OBSERVED WATER LEAK AT BASE OF LEFT FAUCET AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR PLUMBING LEAK AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND ORGANIZE UTILITY MOP SINK ROOM AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES (MILK CRATES,BUILDING CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS ETC.) DUE TO POTENTIAL PEST HARBORAGE AND ELEVATE MOPS,BROOMS CLEANING EQUIPMENTS OFF THE FLOOR AT LEAST 6" INCHES TO FACILITATE CLEANING.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE KITCHEN EXHAUST HOOD/FILTERS TO REMOVE ACCUMULATION OF GREASE BUILD-UP AND MAINTAIN.
60PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION #58 NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT#2584232 DATED:10/27/2023 #58--2-102.13 OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLY WITH NOTED VIOLATION AND MAINTAIN AS REQUIRED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090,CITATION ISSUED.

Base deductions−41 pts

Risk factor bonus (1× +5)−5 pts

Oct 23

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionPass

1 Basic

1 total

98/100inspection score

−2 pts

Basic (1)

−2 pts

58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
2-102.13 OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS.

Base deductions−2 pts

Oct 23

Canvass InspectionFail

4 High2 Med4 Basic

10 total2 risk factors

32/100inspection score

−58 pts

High Priority (4)

−40 pts

1PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIESRisk Factor−10
OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH VALID CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DESIGNATE PERSON IN CHARGE DURING ALL HOURS OF OPERATION.
2CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATERisk Factor−10
OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE POSTED ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE IS POSTED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED HAND WASHING SINK IN KITCHEN BLOCKED BY BOWL STORED IN SAID HAND SINK AND BY HOSE HOOKED UP TO HAND WASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE THAT HAND WASHING SINK IS ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIMES AND IS USED FOR NO PURPOSE OTHER HAND HAND WASHING ONLY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.
33PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL−10
OBSERVED COOLER WITH AN INADEQUATE AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF 51 F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL COLD HOLDING UNITS HAVE AN AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF 41 F AND BELOW. COOLER TAGGED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

22PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES−5
OBSERVED SEVERAL TCS FOODS HELD AT INADEQUATE TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 49-51 F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL COLD TCS FOODS ARE STORED AT 41 F AND BELOW. THE MANAGER DISCARDED 10 POUNDS OF FISH, 1 POUND OF CREAM CHEESE, AND 1/4 POUND KIMCHI. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED 10 SMALL FLIES THROUGHOUT KITCHEN AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SERVICE ALL AREAS AFFECTED BY PESTS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED.

Basic (4)

−8 pts

51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
OBSERVED LEAK FROM BOTTOM PIPE OF 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. WHEN WATER IS RUN, THE PIPE LEAKS INTO THE BUCKET; OBSERVED LEAK FROM LEFT FAUCET AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR SINK.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED HEAVY CLUTTER IN STORAGE ROOMS OF THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DECLUTTER AND DISCARD ANY UNNECESSARY ITEMS TO AVOID PEST HARBORAGE.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER WITH NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS.

Base deductions−58 pts

Risk factor bonus (2× +5)−10 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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