What is Hearty Cafe Pancake House's health inspection score?

Hearty Cafe Pancake House has a SafeDine safety score of 77 out of 100 (Grade B). This score is calculated from official government health inspection data, factoring in violation severity, recency, and trends.

When was Hearty Cafe Pancake House last inspected?

Hearty Cafe Pancake House was last inspected on November 26, 2025. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does Hearty Cafe Pancake House have?

Hearty Cafe Pancake House has 52 total violations across 11 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is Hearty Cafe Pancake House safe to eat at?

Hearty Cafe Pancake House has a good safety record with a score of 77/100. While there are some noted violations, overall compliance is solid.

Official Health Record

Hearty Cafe Pancake House

Name: Hearty Cafe Pancake House
Address: 9623 S WESTERN AVE, Chicago, 60643
Rating: 77

9623 S WESTERN AVE, Chicago

Last Inspected: 11/26/2025

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0Good

Chicago

Ranked #254 of 1000 in Chicago

Stable

9 inspections

Last: Nov 26, 2025

high confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

11%

Clean Rate

5.8

Avg Violations

5 months ago

Last Inspected

Top Concerns

Most common issues from recent inspections

Cross-contamination

Raw and cooked foods not properly separated

Plumbing issues

Plumbing or waste disposal problems

Other violation

Regulatory compliance issue

Facility condition

Building maintenance or structural issues

Permit/documentation

Administrative or documentation issue

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-23

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-0 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-0 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-15 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Inspection Timeline

-3 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

9623 S WESTERN AVE, Chicago, IL 60643

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Violation Timeline

Jul 2022

1 inspections

Jul

Mar 2023

1 inspections

8 basic

Aug 2023

2 inspections

1 high priority

1 intermediate

12 basic

Aug

Apr 2024

1 inspections

7 basic

May 2024

1 inspections

2 basic

May

Nov 2024

1 inspections

6 basic

Apr 2025

1 inspections

7 basic

Apr

Nov 2025

1 inspections

8 basic

Inspection History

9 records on file

2 Complaint4 Canvass2 Canvass Re-Inspection1 Complaint Re-Inspection

Nov 25

Complaint InspectionLatestPass

8 Basic

8 total

84/100inspection score

−16 pts

Basic (8)

−16 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
OBSERVED FOOD STORED IN WHITE PLASTIC BUCKETS IN THE WALK IN COOLING UNIT AND SMALLER WHITE CONTAINERS FROM PREVIOUSLY PURCHASED FOODS IN THE FRONT FOOD SERVICE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO USE FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS ONLY FOR FOOD.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED THE SHELVING UNDER PREP STATIONS IN NEED OF A DETAIL CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL AREAS.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED ALL OF THE FLOOR DRAINS IN THE REAR DISH WASHING AREAS WITH A BUILD UP OF DEBRIS AND SOME SLIMY DARK SUBSTANCE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED THE FLOOR OF THE WALK IN COOLING UNIT AND THE FREEZER WITH A BUILD UP OF DIRT AND DEBRTIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN BOTH.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED A BUILD UP OF GREASE, FOOD SPLATTER AND SPILLAGE ON THE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND NON COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL EQUIPMENT AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE PEST AND OR INSECT ACTIVITY.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
OBSERVED A LEAK AT THE ONE COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE REAR DISH WASHING AREA AT THE COLD WATER KNOB AREA AND A LEAK AT THE FRONT FOOD PREP HAND WASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD WORKING ORDER.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED THE FLOORS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY IN THE REAR DISH WASHING AREA, UTILITY SINK AREA AND THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA WITH A BUILD UP OF DIRT, DEBRIS AND FOOD DEBRIS. UNDER AND AROUND ALL EQUIPMENT IN AREAS ALONG THE WALLS . INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL AREAS.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED THE RETURN AIR VENT IN THE FRONT SERVICE STATION IN NEED OF A DETAIL CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−16 pts

Apr 25

Canvass InspectionPass

7 Basic

7 total

86/100inspection score

−14 pts

Basic (7)

−14 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
OBSERVED BUILD UP AT RUBBER GASKETS INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
OBSERVED SCRUB PADS IN POOR CONDITION INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE OFTEN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
LARGE CAN OPENER IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
CUTTING BOARD I FRONT WAIT STAION AREA IN NEED OF REPLACING WHERE WORN AND DISCOLORED INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP OF FOOD SPILLS. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
FLOORS UNDER AND AROUND DISH MACHINE IN NEED OF CLEANIG TO REMOVE WET FOOD DEBRIS FLOORS IN FRONT HOT COOK LINE IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
AIR VENT ABOVE WAIT STATION FOOD AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL DUST BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN

Base deductions−14 pts

Nov 24

Canvass InspectionPass

6 Basic

6 total

88/100inspection score

−12 pts

Basic (6)

−12 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
DRINK DISPENSOR NOZZLES IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
WHEN CLEANING CLOTHS, SPONGES OR STEEL WOOL ARE WORN WITH FOOD DEBRIS INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD DEBRIS AND BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
LOWER SHELF OF GRILLS AND COOKING EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL GREASE BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
FLOORS THROUGH OUT PREP AREA, DISH MACHINE AREA AND 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
AIR VENTS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL DUST BUILD UP INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN

Base deductions−12 pts

May 24

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionPass

2 Basic

2 total

96/100inspection score

−4 pts

Basic (2)

−4 pts

41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
ALL WIPING CLOTHS WHEN NOT IN USE MUST BE STORED IN A CLEAN SANITIZING SOLUTION INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN
43IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED−2
OBSERVED A KNIFE BEING STORED BETWEEN THE HANDSINK AND WALL. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND NOT STORE ANY UTENSILS BETWEEN THE WALL AND SINK.

Base deductions−4 pts

Apr 24

Canvass InspectionFail

7 Basic

7 total

86/100inspection score

−14 pts

Basic (7)

−14 pts

41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
ALL WIPING CLOTHS WHEN NOT IN USE MUST BE STORED IN A CLEAN SANITIZING SOLUTION INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
43IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED−2
OBSERVED A KNIFE BEING STORED BETWEEN THE HANDSINK AND WALL. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND NOT STORE ANY UTENSILS BETWEEN THE WALL AND SINK.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
LARGE CAN OPENER IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
CUTTING BOARDS ON MAIN HOT LINE IN NEED OF REPLACING. WORN, DEEP DISCOLORATION AND MELTED IN AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
SEE VIOLATION #60
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
SEE VIOLATION #60
60PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM AUGUST 21, 2023 REPORT #2580376 VIOLATION #49 OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS, SHELVING UNITS, RESIDUE ON INTERIOR SURFACE OF ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. #55 OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOOR IN PREP AREA, FOOD DEBRIS INSIDE FLOOR DRAINS, FOOD SPILLS ON WALLS IN FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. ALL CORE VIOLATIONS IN NEED OF CLEANING AND MAINTAINING. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED

Base deductions−14 pts

Aug 23

Complaint Re-Inspection InspectionPass

6 Basic

6 total

88/100inspection score

−12 pts

Basic (6)

−12 pts

45SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED−2
OBSERVED COTTAGE CHEESE CONTAINERS BEING REUSED FOR OTHER FOOD ITEMS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE AND PROVIDE PROPER FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS FOR ALL FOOD ITEMS.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED MILK CRATES USED FOR STORAGE IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL MILK CRATEAS AND PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING FOR STORAGE.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS, SHELVING UNITS, RESIDUE ON INTERIOR SURFACE OF ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
OBSERVED RIGHT HAND WASHING SINK SLOWLY DRAINNG IN WOMEN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOOR IN PREP AREA, STANDING WATER ON FLOOR IN CORNERS NEAR DISH MACHINE, FOOD DEBRIS INSIDE FLOOR DRAINS, FOOD SPILLS ON WALLS IN FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED MISSING GROUT ON FLOOR TILES ALONG WALLS IN DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO RE-GROUT AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−12 pts

Aug 23

Complaint InspectionPass w/ Conditions

1 High1 Med6 Basic

8 total

73/100inspection score

−27 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

33PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL−10
OBSERVED REACH-IN COOLER NOT MAINTAINING PROPER TEMPERATURE 54.8F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN COOLER AT 41F OR BELOW. COOLER IS TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION AND MUST NOT BE USED UNTIL REINSPECTED BY CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH. PRIORITY 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

22PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES−5
OBSERVED COLD TCS FOOD STORED AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE IN REACH-IN COOLER:RAW STEAK 56.3F, RAW HAMBURGER PATTIES 54.8F, TUNA SALAD 53.4F, PORK CHOPS 52.8F, SLICED TURKEY 51.9F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DISCARD APPROXIMATELY $300 AND 30LBS OF FOOD. ALL COLD TCS FOOD MUST MAINTAIN 41F OR BELOW. PRIORITY 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED

Basic (6)

−12 pts

45SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED−2
OBSERVED COTTAGE CHEESE CONTAINERS BEING REUSED FOR OTHER FOOD ITEMS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE AND PROVIDE PROPER FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS FOR ALL FOOD ITEMS.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED MILK CRATES USED FOR STORAGE IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL MILK CRATEAS AND PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING FOR STORAGE.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS, SHELVING UNITS, RESIDUE ON INTERIOR SURFACE OF ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
OBSERVED RIGHT HAND WASHING SINK SLOWLY DRAINNG IN WOMEN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOOR IN PREP AREA, STANDING WATER ON FLOOR IN CORNERS NEAR DISH MACHINE, FOOD DEBRIS INSIDE FLOOR DRAINS, FOOD SPILLS ON WALLS IN FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED MISSING GROUT ON FLOOR TILES ALONG WALLS IN DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO RE-GROUT AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−27 pts

Mar 23

Canvass InspectionPass

8 Basic

8 total

84/100inspection score

−16 pts

Basic (8)

−16 pts

41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.
44UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED−2
OBSERVED BOXES OF PLATES STORED ON FLOOR IN REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD EQUIPMENT OFF FLOOR AND MAINTAIN.
45SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED−2
OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES NOT INVERTED IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INVERT ALL SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES TO PROTECT FROM CONTAMINATION.
48WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS−2
OBSERVED BASES OF COMPARTMENTS LEAKING ON 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS AND SPILLS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, HOLDING UNITS, STEAM TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS, SHELVING UNITS IN PREP, STORAGE AND DISH WASHING AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
OBSERVED LEAKING DRAINPIPE UNDER HAND WASHING SINK IN COOKING AREA, NO HOT WATER AT LEFT SINK IN WOMEN WASHROOM AND RIGHT SINK IN MEN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED ACCUMALATED FOOD SPILLS AND DEBRIS ON FLOOR UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP, STORAGE AND DISH WASHING AREAS. OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON CEILING VENTS AND LIGHT SHIELDS IN PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
OBSERVED NO VALID ALLERGEN TRAINING AVAILABLE. ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING.

Base deductions−16 pts

Jul 22

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionCleanPass

No violations

100/100inspection score

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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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