What is Believe Cafe's health inspection score?

Believe Cafe has a SafeDine safety score of 64 out of 100 (Grade C). This score is calculated from official government health inspection data, factoring in violation severity, recency, and trends.

When was Believe Cafe last inspected?

Believe Cafe was last inspected on May 27, 2025. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does Believe Cafe have?

Believe Cafe has 26 total violations across 5 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is Believe Cafe safe to eat at?

Believe Cafe has a safety score of 64/100, which suggests room for improvement. Review the detailed inspection history on SafeDine for more information.

Official Health Record

Believe Cafe

Name: Believe Cafe
Address: 3901 W BELMONT AVE, Chicago, 60618
Rating: 64

3901 W BELMONT AVE, Chicago

Last inspected 10mo ago

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0Fair

North Center

Ranked #422 of 551 in North Center

Declining

5 inspections

Last: May 27, 2025

medium confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

20%

Clean Rate

5.2

Avg Violations

11 months ago

Last Inspected

Top Concerns

Most common issues from recent inspections

Temperature control

Food not kept at safe temperatures — risk of bacterial growth

Employee illnessHigh Priority

Sick employee handling food — illness transmission risk

HandwashingHigh Priority

Employees not properly washing hands — contamination risk

Plumbing issues

Plumbing or waste disposal problems

Facility conditionHigh Priority

Building maintenance or structural issues

10x

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-36

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-0 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-9 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-12 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Freshness Penalty

-7 pts

Score reduced due to stale inspection data

Inspection Timeline

-19 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

3901 W BELMONT AVE, Chicago, IL 60618

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Violation Timeline

Aug 2024

2 inspections

3 high priority

4 basic

Aug

Mar 2025

2 inspections

1 intermediate

7 basic

May 2025

1 inspections

3 intermediate

8 basic

May

Inspection History

5 records on file

1 Complaint1 Canvass Re-Inspection1 Canvass2 License

May 25

Complaint InspectionLatestPass w/ Conditions

3 Med8 Basic

11 total

69/100inspection score

−31 pts

Intermediate (3)

−15 pts

35APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED−5
OBSERVED IMPROPER THAWING PROCEDURE ON FROZEN PORK. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT, THAWING MUST OCCUR UNDER REFRIGERATION THAT MAINTAINS THE FOOD TEMPERATURE AT 41.0F OR LESS OR COMPLETELY SUBMERGED UNDER RUNNING WATER OR THAWED IN A MICROWAVE OVEN AND IMMEDIATELY TRANSFERRED TO CONVENTIONAL COOKING EQUIPMENT WITH NO INTERRUPTION IN THE PROCESS. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN CORRECT THAWING PROCEDURES.
36THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE−5
INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE INSIDE ALL COOLERS.
37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS IDENTIFIED WITH COMMON NAME (RICE, FLOUR ETC)

Basic (8)

−16 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CARDBOARD LINER UNDERNEATH THE CONVEYOR OVEN IN THE KITCHEN.
53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
TOILET ROOM DOOR MUST BE SELF CLOSING. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL SELF CLOSING DEVICE.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL FLOOR BASEBOARD AROUND THE FRONT DINING/SERVICE AREA.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO SEAL HOLE ON WALL AROUND MOPSINK FAUCET HOT AND COLD WATER HANDLE. AND HOLE ON WALL AROUND PIPE INSIDE THE WASHROOM.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT STORAGE AREA.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, REORGANIZE AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES STORED IN THE BASEMENT STORAGE AREA TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR LOOSE CEILING TILES ABOVE THE COOKING AREA.
61SUMMARY REPORT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC−2
FOUND NO INSPECTION SUMMARY REPORT POSTED (03-18-2025) ON PREMISE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER, A SUMMARY REPORT MUST BE DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-010 (B) CITATION ISSUED

Base deductions−31 pts

Mar 25

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionPass

4 Basic

4 total

92/100inspection score

−8 pts

Basic (4)

−8 pts

55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
6-501.11 OBSERVED HOLE WALL NEAR HANDWASHING SINK IN THE EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED TOILET SEAT COVER IN POOR REPAIR. INSTRCUTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR TOILET SEAT COVER AND MAINTAIN.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
2-102.13 OBSERVED ONE FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO COMPLY WITH IDPH FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
2-102.13 OBSERVED ONE CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGER WITHOUT ALLERGEN AWARENESS AWARENESS TRAINING CERTIFICATE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ENSURE ALL INDIVIDUALS THAT HOLD A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE OBTAIN ALLERGEN AWARENES TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFCATE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.

Base deductions−8 pts

Mar 25

Canvass InspectionFail

1 Med3 Basic

4 total

89/100inspection score

−11 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

36THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE−5
OBSERVED NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER FOR MEASURING THE INTERNAL TEMPERATURES OF HOT AND COLD FOODS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE A METAL STEM THERMOMETER FOR MEASURING HOT AND COLD FOODS AND MAINTAIN.

Basic (3)

−6 pts

55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED HOLE WALL NEAR HANDWASHING SINK IN THE EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
OBSERVED ONE FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO COMPLY WITH IDPH FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
OBSERVED ONE CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGER WITHOUT ALLERGEN AWARENESS AWARENESS TRAINING CERTIFICATE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ENSURE ALL INDIVIDUALS THAT HOLD A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE OBTAIN ALLERGEN AWARENES TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFCATE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.

Base deductions−11 pts

Aug 24

License InspectionPass w/ Conditions

3 High4 Basic

7 total2 risk factors

52/100inspection score

−38 pts

High Priority (3)

−30 pts

3MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTINGRisk Factor−10
NOTED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION FOLLOWING THE NEW CODE AND GUIDELINES. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE VERIFICATION OF POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE ONE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED TODAY
5PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTSRisk Factor−10
MANAGEMENT UNABLE TO PROVIDE A PROCEDURE FOR CLEANING UP VOMITING AND DIARRHEA.INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ONE INCLUDING THE CHEMICALS AND SUPPLIES NEEDED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
NOTED NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT THE EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

Basic (4)

−8 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
NOTED UNFINISHED WOOD USED FOR SHELVING AT THE FRONT COUNTER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SHELVES WITH NON POROUS WOOD THAT ARE EASILY CLEANABLE AND MAINTAINED.
53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
NOTED THE BATHROOM DOOR AT THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA NOT SELF CLOSING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SELF CLOSING DEVICE AT THE DOOR AND MAINTAIN.
53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
NOTED WASH ROOM ON PREMISE WITH GARBAGE RECEPTACLE AND NO LIDS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TRASH CANS WITH LIDS AT ALL WOMEN WASH ROOMS AND UNISEX WASH ROOM
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
NOTED NO WORKING VENTILATION INSIDE TOILET ON PREMISE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND HAVE A WORKING VENTILATION INSIDE ALL TOILETS.

Base deductions−38 pts

Risk factor bonus (2× +5)−10 pts

Aug 24

License InspectionCleanNot Ready

No violations

100/100inspection score

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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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