What is Afro Joe's Coffee & Tea's health inspection score?

Afro Joe's Coffee & Tea has a SafeDine safety score of 76 out of 100 (Grade B). This score is calculated from official government health inspection data, factoring in violation severity, recency, and trends.

When was Afro Joe's Coffee & Tea last inspected?

Afro Joe's Coffee & Tea was last inspected on November 20, 2025. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does Afro Joe's Coffee & Tea have?

Afro Joe's Coffee & Tea has 49 total violations across 5 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is Afro Joe's Coffee & Tea safe to eat at?

Afro Joe's Coffee & Tea has a good safety record with a score of 76/100. While there are some noted violations, overall compliance is solid.

Official Health Record

Afro Joe's Coffee & Tea

Name: Afro Joe's Coffee & Tea
Address: 1818 W 99TH ST, Chicago, 60643
Rating: 76

1818 W 99TH ST, Chicago

Last Inspected: 11/20/2025

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0Good

Chicago

Ranked #1000 of 1000 in Chicago

Improving

5 inspections

Last: Nov 20, 2025

high confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

Clean Rate

9.8

Avg Violations

5 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 issues

Evidence of pests found during inspection

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-24

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-4 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-2 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-12 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Inspection Timeline

+16 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

1818 W 99TH ST, Chicago, IL 60643

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Violation Timeline

Jun 2023

1 inspections

5 basic

Jun

Dec 2023

1 inspections

3 high priority

3 intermediate

11 basic

Feb 2024

1 inspections

1 high priority

4 intermediate

10 basic

Feb

Mar 2025

1 inspections

1 high priority

6 basic

Nov 2025

1 inspections

5 basic

Nov

Inspection History

5 records on file

3 Canvass1 Complaint1 License

Nov 25

Canvass InspectionLatestPass

5 Basic

5 total

90/100inspection score

−10 pts

Basic (5)

−10 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED THE TWO DOOR LOW REACH IN PREP COOLER IN THE FOOD PREP AREA GASKETS IN NEED OF REPAIR ON BOTH DOORS. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD WORKING ORDER.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED THE COOKING AND NON COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA AND THE FRONT BEVERAGE STATION AREA IN NEED OF A DETAILED CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE PEST AND OR INSECT ACTIVITY.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED THE INSIDE OF ALL THE REACH IN COOLING UNITS IN NEED OF A DETAILED CLEANING TO REMOVE SPILLAGE, STAINS AND OR FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED THE FLOORS IN ALL AREAS IN NEED OF A DETAILED CLEANING UNDER AND BEHIND ALL COOKING AND NON COOKING AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AREAS.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED IMPROPER VENTILATION INSTALLED AT THE PANINI PRESS STATION IN THE REAR COOKING AREA. (FACILITY DID TRY TO COMPLY WITH PREVIOUS INSPECTION REQUEST, JUST PROVIDED THE WRONG KIND OF SYSTEM) INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER HOOD VENTILATION THAT IS DESIGNED TO PULL GREASE FUMES AND SMOKE UP AND OUT OF THE FACILITY.

Base deductions−10 pts

Mar 25

Canvass InspectionPass w/ Conditions

1 High6 Basic

7 total

78/100inspection score

−22 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

29COMPLIANCE WITH VARIANCE/SPECIALIZED PROCESS/HACCP−10
OBSERVED SEVERAL TCS FOOD ITEMS STORED IN REDUCED OXYGEN PACKAGING (SUCH AS RAW BEEF) AND REDUCED OXYGEN PACKAGING EQUIPMENT BEING UTILIZED ON-SITE WITHOUT VALID HACCP PLAN APPROVED BY THIS DEPARTMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE TCS FOOD FROM REDUCED OXYGEN PACKAGING, DISCARD, AND DENATURE, AND CEASE USE OF REDUCED OXYGEN PACKAGING EQUIPMENT WITHOUT HACCP PLAN APPROVED BY CDPH. PERSON-IN-CHARGE REMOVED ALL TCS FOOD, DISCARDED, AND DENATURED ON-SITE. APPROXIMATELY 30 LBS. OF FOOD VALUED APPROXIMATELY $100.00 DISCARDED. PERSON-IN-CHARGE REMOVED ALL REDUCED OXYGEN PACKAGING EQUIPMENT FROM FACILITY AT TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

Basic (6)

−12 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
ALL SEALED WOOD SHELVING IN FRONT COFFEE AREA IS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD AND GREASE BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
ALL SIDES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLE LEGS AND BOTTOM SHELVES OF TABLE IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
FLOORS AND WALLS THROUGHOUT FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL GREASE AND DUST BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
ADDITIONAL VENTILATION NEEDED ABOVE PANINI MACHINE TO EMOVE SMOKE AND GREASE INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN

Base deductions−22 pts

Feb 24

Canvass InspectionPass w/ Conditions

1 High4 Med10 Basic

15 total

50/100inspection score

−50 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED LOW COLD & HOT RUNNING WATER PRESSURE AT HAND SINK IN REAR PREP AREA.MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

Intermediate (4)

−20 pts

22PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES−5
OBSERVED 6-7 CONTAINERS OF DIFFERANT DAIRY PRODUCTS AT FRONT PREP COOLER. ALL PRODUCTS WERE BETWEEN 46.0-50.6 DEGREES INSTRUCTED TO HAVE LESS PRODUCT IN COOLER DUE TO THE HIGH VOLUME OF OPENING AND CLOSING OF REACH IN. RIC AT PROPER TEMPERATURE. ALL PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED. TOTAL VALUE $25.00 15LBS PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED
35APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED−5
OBSERVED INDIVIDUAL ROP PACKAGES OF SALMON THAWING IN REACH IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO OPEN PACKAGES OF SALMON WHEN THAWING.
37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS (SQUEEZE BOTTLES AND SHAKERS) WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED A GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT ENTRY DOOR MUST MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING.

Basic (10)

−20 pts

43IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED−2
OBSERVED SCOOPS STORED INSIDE OF ICE BIN MUST STORE PROPERLY.
44UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED−2
MUST INVERT MULTI-USE UTENSILS ON STORAGE SHELVES.
45SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED−2
MUST STORE PLASTIC WEAR WITH HANDLES IN UPRIGHT POSITION.
46GLOVES USED PROPERLY−2
EMPLOYEES ARE NOT WASH HANDS AND CHANGING GLOVES WHEN NEEDED.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM LANDING IN BASEMENT UNDER STORAGE SHELVES,COUNTER TOPS UNDER EQUIPMENT IN FRONT PREP AREA,WINDOW SILLS BEHIND EQUIPMENT IN REAR PREP AREA,LID ON CHEST FREEZER IN BASEMENT.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
MUST PLACE A LID ON SUMP PUMP IN BASEMENT.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE AND ORGANIZE BOXES AND OTHER ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS IN FRONT & REAR PREP AREAS AND BASEMENT.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE SWINING DOOR DAMAGED IN FRONT PREP AREA.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM WALL AT HAND SINK AND 3- COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR PREP/DISH WASHING AREA.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES THROUGHOUT PREP/DISH WASHING AREAS AND BASEMENT.MUST REMOVE WATER AND SPILLAGE FROM FLOOR IN BASEMENT.

Base deductions−50 pts

Dec 23

Complaint InspectionFail

3 High3 Med11 Basic

17 total1 risk factor

28/100inspection score

−67 pts

High Priority (3)

−30 pts

8HANDS CLEAN & PROPERLY WASHEDRisk Factor−10
OBSERVED POOR HYGIENIC PRACTICIES BY FOOD HANDLERS AND DISH WASHER SUCH AS OBSERVED MALE EMPLOYEE WASHING DIRTY DISHES AND THEN HANDLING CLEAN DISHES WITHOUT HAND WASHING,ANOTHER MALE EMPLOYEE WIPING CUTTING BOARD WITH WIPING CLOTH AND RUNG OUT TOWEL WITH PLASTIC GLOVES ON AND TOOK OFF GLOVES AND PUT ON ANOTHER PAIR WITHOUT WASHING HANDS AFTER EVERY POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.(PRIORITY 7-38-010)(CITATION ISSUED)(COS)
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED LOW COLD & HOT RUNNING WATER PRESSURE AT HAND SINK IN REAR PREP AREA.MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
33PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL−10
OBSERVED HOT HOLDING UNIT AT 127.0F WITH TCS READY TO EAT FOODS STORED INSIDE. MUST HAVE HOT HOLDING UNIT AT 135.0F OR ABOVE. MANAGER HAD MADE AN ADJUSTMENT ON DIAL TO MAKE IT HOTTER NOW IT IS AT 147.8F.(COS)(PRIORITY 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED)

Intermediate (3)

−15 pts

21PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES−5
OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURES OF TCS READY TO EAT FOODS SUCH AS 1/4LB COOKED SHORT RIB 118.9F.2LBS. COOKED CHICKEN BREAST 94.6F. INSIDE OF HOT HOLDING UNIT.PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED BY MANAGER MUST HAVE HOT HOLDING FOODS AT 135.0F OR ABOVE. APPX. 2 1/4 LBS. $8.(COS)(PRIORITY 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED)
37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS (SQUEEZE BOTTLES AND SHAKERS) WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED A GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT ENTRY DOOR MUST MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING.

Basic (11)

−22 pts

43IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED−2
OBSERVED SCOOPS STORED INSIDE OF ICE BIN MUST STORE PROPERLY.
44UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED−2
MUST INVERT MULTI-USE UTENSILS ON STORAGE SHELVES.
45SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED−2
MUST STORE PLASTIC WEAR WITH HANDLES IN UPRIGHT POSITION.
46GLOVES USED PROPERLY−2
EMPLOYEES ARE NOT WASH HANDS AND CHANGING GLOVES WHEN NEEDED.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM LANDING IN BASEMENT UNDER STORAGE SHELVES,COUNTER TOPS UNDER EQUIPMENT IN FRONT PREP AREA,WINDOW SILLS BEHIND EQUIPMENT IN REAR PREP AREA,LID ON CHEST FREEZER IN BASEMENT.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
MUST PLACE A LID ON SUMP PUMP IN BASEMENT.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE SWINING DOOR DAMAGED IN FRONT PREP AREA.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM WALL AT HAND SINK AND 3- COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR PREP/DISH WASHING AREA.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES THROUGHOUT PREP/DISH WASHING AREAS AND BASEMENT.MUST REMOVE WATER AND SPILLAGE FROM FLOOR IN BASEMENT.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE AND ORGANIZE BOXES AND OTHER ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS IN FRONT & REAR PREP AREAS AND BASEMENT.
60PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION FROM REPORT #2578112 6/30/23 NOT CORRECTED #51-5-204.12 : UNABLE TO LOCATE BACKFLOW DEVICE ON BEVERAGE AND ICE MACHINES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090)(CITATION ISSUED)

Base deductions−67 pts

Risk factor bonus (1× +5)−5 pts

Jun 23

License InspectionPass

5 Basic

5 total

90/100inspection score

−10 pts

Basic (5)

−10 pts

43IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED−2
OBSERVED ICE SCOOP HANDLE LAYING ON ICE INSIDE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE ICE SCOOP HANDLE UP TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED RAW WOOD SURFACES ON SHELVING UNITS IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL WOOD SURFACES AND MAINTAIN.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
UNABLE TO LOCATE BACKFLOW DEVICE ON BEVERAGE AND ICE MACHINES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
OBSERVED NO SELF-CLOSING DEVICE ON WASHROOM DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED EXPOSED BRICK WALLS AND CONCRETE FLOORS IN PREP AND DINING AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL WALLS AND FLOORS TO MAKE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. OBSERVED OPENINGS AND PEELING PAINT ON CEILING IN PREP, DINING AND BASEMENT STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−10 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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