What is Motherland Cafe's health inspection score?

Motherland Cafe has a SafeDine safety score of 84 out of 100 (Grade B). This score is calculated from official government health inspection data, factoring in violation severity, recency, and trends.

When was Motherland Cafe last inspected?

Motherland Cafe was last inspected on March 3, 2026. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does Motherland Cafe have?

Motherland Cafe has 26 total violations across 7 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is Motherland Cafe safe to eat at?

Motherland Cafe has a good safety record with a score of 84/100. While there are some noted violations, overall compliance is solid.

What type of cuisine does Motherland Cafe serve?

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

Official Health Record

Motherland Cafe

Name: Motherland Cafe
Address: 5008 N LINCOLN AVE, Chicago, 60625
Rating: 84

5008 N LINCOLN AVE, Chicago

Last Inspected: 3/3/2026

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0Good

Cafe•Lincoln Square

Ranked #170 of 448 in Lincoln SquareBetter than 74% of cafe restaurants

Improving

7 inspections

Last: Mar 3, 2026

high confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

29%

Clean Rate

3.7

Avg Violations

3 months ago

Last Inspected

Top Concerns

Most common issues from recent inspections

Pest issuesHigh Priority

Evidence of pests found during inspection

Employee hygiene

Personal hygiene practices not followed

Sanitation

Equipment or surfaces not properly cleaned/sanitized

Facility conditionHigh Priority

Building maintenance or structural issues

Other violation

Regulatory compliance issue

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-16

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-0 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-4 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-3 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Inspection Timeline

+28 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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5008 N LINCOLN AVE, Chicago, IL 60625

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Violation Timeline

Jun 2024

2 inspections

2 high priority

2 intermediate

2 basic

Jun

Aug 2024

1 inspections

Sep 2024

1 inspections

1 high priority

4 basic

Sep

Dec 2025

2 inspections

3 high priority

3 intermediate

9 basic

Mar 2026

1 inspections

Mar

Inspection History

7 records on file

2 Canvass1 Canvass Re-Inspection2 Complaint1 License Re-Inspection1 License

Mar 26

Canvass InspectionLatestCleanPass

No violations

100/100inspection score

Dec 25

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionFail

2 Med2 Basic

4 total

86/100inspection score

−14 pts

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
3-302.12 ALL FOODS IN CONTAINERS INSIDE COOLERS MUST BE LABELED WITH THE PRODUCT NAME.
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF RODENT ACTIVITY ON THE PREMISES. OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 15 MOUSE DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR OF THE REAR UTILITY CLOSET. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS FROM ALL AFFECTED AREAS. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.

Basic (2)

−4 pts

40PERSONAL CLEANLINESS−2
2-402.11 ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
6-201.11 FLOORS THROUGHOUT THE FOOD PREP AREA WITH DIRT AND DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN ALL AND MAINTAIN

Base deductions−14 pts

Dec 25

Canvass InspectionFail

3 High1 Med7 Basic

11 total3 risk factors

36/100inspection score

−49 pts

High Priority (3)

−30 pts

1PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIESRisk Factor−10
THE PERSON IN CHARGE DURING THE INITIAL INSPECTION DOES NOT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.
2CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATERisk Factor−10
NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE AT INITIAL INSPECTION WHILE TCS FOODS WERE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. MANAGER WAS TELEPHONED UPON MY ARRIVAL AND ARRIVED ON SITE 45 MINUTES LATER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.
3MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTINGRisk Factor−10
NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE FOR ALL EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE A VERIFIED WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR ALL EMPLOYEES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 CITATION ISSUED.

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
ALL FOODS IN CONTAINERS INSIDE COOLERS MUST BE LABELED WITH THE PRODUCT NAME.

Basic (7)

−14 pts

40PERSONAL CLEANLINESS−2
ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS.
41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
MUST NOT STORE SOILED WIPING CLOTHS ON THE HAND SINK SPLASH GUARD.
45SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED−2
ALL STORED ITEMS IN THE DRY STORAGE ROOM MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOORS.
48WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS−2
NO CHLORINE CHEMICAL TEST STRIPS ON SITE FOR THE CHLORINE SANITIZER TO MONITOR SANITIZING LEVELS AT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
FLOORS THROUGHOUT THE FOOD PREP AREA WITH DIRT AND DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN ALL AND MAINTAIN.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE ALLERGEN TRAINING. MUST PROVIDE FOR THE ABOVE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER.
60PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT #2602117 ON 9-4-24 NOT CORRECTED. #55- 6-501.12-- INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN FLOOR DRAINS IN FOOD PREP/DISHWASHING AREA TO REMOVE ACCUMULATION OF SPILLED DEBRIS AND MAINTAIN.#55- 6-501.114--- INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND ORGANIZE UTILITY MOP SINK ROOM AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES DUE TO POTENTIAL PEST HARBORAGE AND ELEVATE MOPS,BROOMS CLEANING EQUIPMENTS OFF THE FLOOR AT LEAST 6" INCHES TO FACILITATE CLEANING AND MAINTAIN.#57- 2-102.13--- OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES PROVIDED ON THE PREMISES.MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.

Base deductions−49 pts

Risk factor bonus (3× +5)−15 pts

Sep 24

Complaint InspectionPass w/ Conditions

1 High4 Basic

5 total1 risk factor

77/100inspection score

−18 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

3MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTINGRisk Factor−10
OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON THE PREMISES.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE AND MAINTAIN AS REQUIRED.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.

Basic (4)

−8 pts

49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE MICROWAVE AND PREP COOLERS AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN FLOOR DRAINS IN FOODP PREP/DISHWASHING AREA TO REMOVE ACCUMULATION OF SPILLED DEBRIS AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND ORGANIZE UTILITY MOP SINK ROOM AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES DUE TO POTENTIAL PEST HARBORAGE AND ELEVATE MOPS,BROOMS CLEANING EQUIPMENTS OFF THE FLOOR AT LEAST 6" INCHES TO FACILITATE CLEANING AND MAINTAIN.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES PROVIDED ON THE PREMISES.MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES.

Base deductions−18 pts

Risk factor bonus (1× +5)−5 pts

Aug 24

Complaint InspectionCleanNo Entry

No violations

100/100inspection score

Jun 24

License Re-Inspection InspectionPass w/ Conditions

1 High

1 total1 risk factor

85/100inspection score

−10 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

3MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTINGRisk Factor−10
OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON THE PREMISES.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE AND MAINTAIN AS REQUIRED.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.

Base deductions−10 pts

Risk factor bonus (1× +5)−5 pts

Jun 24

License InspectionFail

1 High2 Med2 Basic

5 total1 risk factor

71/100inspection score

−24 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

3MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTINGRisk Factor−10
OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON THE PREMISES.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE AND MAINTAIN AS REQUIRED.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010.

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

36THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE−5
OBSERVED NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER FOR TAKING FOOD TEMPERATURES.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED NO PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK AVAILABLE ON PREMISES.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A LICENSED PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK WITH ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS (CONTRACT/SERVICE AGREEMENT,SERVICE REPORT,COPY OF IDPH LICENSE ETC.)PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020 (C).

Basic (2)

−4 pts

51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
OBSERVED WATER LEAK AT COLD HANDLE FOR THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR PLUMBING LEAK AND MAINTAIN.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN CEILING VENTILATION COVER INSIDE THE WASHROOM TO REMOVE ACCUMULATION OF DUSTS AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−24 pts

Risk factor bonus (1× +5)−5 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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