OCT 1
2025
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO
✕
MOMOTARO.
BEAT. 43/100
820 W LAKE ST · WEST LOOP, CHICAGO
Last inspected October 1, 2025 · passed
Failed 5 of 15 inspections. 7 critical violations on the cumulative record. Pattern of issues, not a one-off.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTIONS
15
8 passed · 2 w/ conditions · 5 failed
VIOLATIONS
50
includes 7 critical
RECORDS COVER
11 YEARS
since Sep 2014
INSPECTION HISTORY
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
5-205.15 REPAIR THE WATER LEAK FROM THE HIGH TEMPERATURE CONVEYOR DISHMACHINE LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT DISHWASHING AREA.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
6-501.12 CLEAN THE FLOOR OF THE 1ST FLOOR PREP AREA UNDER THE PREP COOLERS AND IN THE CORNERS UNDER EQUIPMENT. CLEAN THE CEILING TILES IN THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP AREA WITH FOOD DEBRIS.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
6-501.11 REPAIR THE FLOORING UNDERNEATH THE PREP COOLER NEAR THE EXPO STATION AT THE 1ST FLOOR PREP AREA.
SEP 222025FAILED3 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
SEP 22
2025
FAILED
3 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
OBSERVED APPROX. 75 LIVE SMALL FLYING INSECTS ON THE WALLS AND CEILINGS IN THE 1ST FLOOR AND BASEMENT FOOD PREP, DRY STORAGE AND DISH WASHING AREAS, AND IN THE STAIRWELL LEADING TO THE ALLEY AND BASEMENT FOOD PREP AREA. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY THROUGHOUT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
CLEAN THE EXTERIOR OF THE GREASE TRAP AND DRAIN LINES LOCATED NEXT TO THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE 1ST FLOOR PREP AREA.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
REPAIR THE WATER LEAK FROM THE HIGH TEMPERATURE CONVEYOR DISHMACHINE LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT DISHWASHING AREA.
MAR 82024PASSED2 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
MAR 8
2024
PASSED
2 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED MISSING HANDWASH SIGN AT FIRST FLOOR BAR AREA HAND SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP, FOOD DEBRIS, AND DIRT ON THE FLOOR IN THE BASEMENT BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS, AND ALL CORNERS IN ALL AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
FEB 172023PASS W/ CONDITIONS4 violationsDETAILS
FEB 17
2023
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
4 violationsDETAILS
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
OBSERVED NO DISCLOSURE STATEMENT INCLUDED ON THE IZAKAYA MENU CONSUMER ADVISORY. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO ADD A DISCLOSURE STATEMENT TO THE CURRENT ADVISORY: "ITEMS CAN BE SERVED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED OR CONTAIN UNDERCOOKED INGREDIENTS. " PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. MANAGEMENT UPDATED MENUS AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION, AND THEY NOW INCLUDE A DISCLOSURE STATEMENT.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED A CUTTING BOARD WITH OPEN SEAMS AND DARK STAINS IN THE BASEMENT BAR. MUST REFINISH OR REPLACE DAMAGED OR STAINED CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN. MANAGEMENT DISCARDED THE CUTTING BOARD.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED THE HANDWASHING SINK IN THE BASEMENT CUSTOMER WASHROOM (#1) SLOW DRAINING. MUST REPAIR.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED AN ACCUMULATION OF DIRT ON THE WALK-IN FREEZER FLOOR. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
FEB 162022PASSED1 violationDETAILS
FEB 16
2022
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
OBSERVED ONLY 1 ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE ON SITE. ESTABLISHMENT HAS NUMEROUS OF CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS.
show all 15 inspections →
SEP 42019PASS W/ CONDITIONS2 violationsDETAILS
SEP 4
2019
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
2 violationsDETAILS
PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
OBSERVED VARIOUS TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD ITEMS (RICE WATER VINEGARS, CRAB MEAT, LAMB MARINADES, PREPARED WATERMELON RADISHES, COOKED SUSHI RICE, BABY OCTOPUS , VARIOUS HOUSE SAUCES, ETC STORED IN ALL REFRIGERATION UNITS IN FACILITY WITH IMPROPER LABELS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE DISCARD OR USE BY DATE LABEL ON ALL READY TO EAT, REFRIGERATED, PREPARED ON SITE AND HELD FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION .7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
OBSERVED MULTIPLE RESTROOMS IN NEED OF A CLOSED LID GARBAGE CAN. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
AUG 262019FAILED4 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
AUG 26
2019
FAILED
4 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
OBSERVED VARIOUS TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD ITEMS (RICE WATER VINEGARS, CRAB MEAT, LAMB MARINADES, PREPARED WATERMELON RADISHES, COOKED SUSHI RICE, BABY OCTOPUS , VARIOUS HOUSE SAUCES, ETC STORED IN ALL REFRIGERATION UNITS IN FACILITY WITH IMPROPER LABELS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE DISCARD OR USE BY DATE LABEL ON ALL READY TO EAT, REFRIGERATED, PREPARED ON SITE AND HELD FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION .7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 35 SMALL BLACK LIVE FRUIT FLIES THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY IN THE FOLLOWING PLACES... APPROXIMATELY 8 SMALL BLACK LIVE FLIES IN BAR LOCATED IN BASEMENT FLYING THROUGHOUT AND AROUND IN PLACE LIQUOR BOTTLE STORAGE UNITS, 20 SMALL BLACK LIVE FLIES IN 1ST FLOOR SUSHI PREP AREA FLYING THROUGHOUT ON EXTERIOR REFRIGERATION UNITS, 7 SMALL BLACK LIVE FLIES IN 1ST FLOOR BAR AREA FLYING AROUND DRAINS AND EXPOSED SINKS. INSTRUCTED TO CONTACT PEST CONTROL PROFESSIONAL AND MINIMIZE SMALL BLACK LIVE FLY ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-020 (A). CITATION ISSUED.
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
OBSERVED PEST CONTROL SERVICE RECEIPT FROM ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE PROVIDED BY "DEMOS FRUIT FLY GUY" WITHOUT PROPER REQUIRED LOG BOOK FOR REVIEW ON PREMISES DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. LOGBOOK MUST INCLUDE ALL CONTENT PRESCRIBED IN THE RULES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH. THEY ARE INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ... COPY OF PEST CONTROL ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH LICENSE NUMBER ,WRITTEN VERIFICATION OF CERTIFIED PEST TECHNICIAN RESPONSIBLE FOR USING PESTICIDES, A RECORD OF ALL VISITS TO THE RETAIL FOOD ESTABLISHMENT,ETC. PER MANAGER, SERVICE IS PROVIDED FROM SAID PEST CONTROL PROVIDER WEEKLY FOR SMALL BLACK LIVE FLY ACTIVITY. FACILITY MUST PROVIDE LOGBOOK AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-020 (C). CITATION ISSUED.
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
OBSERVED MULTIPLE RESTROOMS IN NEED OF A CLOSED LID GARBAGE CAN. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
MAY 292018PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
MAY 29
2018
PASSED
4 violationsDETAILS
FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY POSTED FOR SUSHI ITEMS AND STEAKS WHICH ARE SERVED RAW AND/OR COOKED TO ORDER. OPERATOR WAS PROVIDED A PLACARD DURING INSPECTION AND POSTED IN DINING ROOM.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
OBSERVED FOIL LINING THE ROBATA GRILL FRAME AND GREASE TRAP LID. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN GRILL EQUIPMENT AND GREASE TRAP LID TO BE SMOOTH, DURABLE AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
OBSERVED DARK BLACK MOIST SUBSTANCE ON THE WALL AND BASEBOARD SURROUNDING THE LEAKY BASEMENT BAR WATER FILTER. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
OBSERVED LEAK AT THE WATER FILTER AT THE BASEMENT BAR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
MAR 32017PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
MAR 3
2017
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
PITTED CUTTING BOARD IN PREP AREA, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR/REPLACE,
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE AND FAN GUARD IN WALK-IN COOLER NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN DAILY,
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
FAUCET IN POOR REPAIR AT EXPOSED HAND SINK BEHIND SUSHI BAR, AND SLOW DRAINING EXPOSED HAND SINK IN PREP AREA, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR,
AUG 42016PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
AUG 4
2016
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
WORK CAULKING WITH BLACK/PINK SUBSTANCE AT BASE OF ALL EXPOSED HANDSINKS IN PREP AREAS, BOTH LARGE 3-COMPARTMENT SINKS AND AT DISHMACHINE LINE. INSTD TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN. EXCESSIVE ICE ACCUMULATION AT UPRIGHT FREEZER. INSTD TO CORRECT SAME. RUST ACCUMULATION AT EXTERIOR TOP OF GREASE TRAP AT 1ST FLOOR 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTD TO REMOVE RUST.
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
FLOOR AT FRONT GRILL AREA IN POOR REPAIR, UNEVEN, WORN SURFACE. INSTD TO REPAIR SAME SO AS TO BE SMOOTH, EVEN, EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
VENTS ABOVE DISHMACHINE, IN 1ST FLOOR PREP AREA, AND BASEMENT WAIT STATION NOT CLEAN, EXCESSIVE DUST ACCUMULATION. INSTD TO CLEAN SAME. WALL UNDERNEATH AND BEHIND DISHMACHINE NOT CLEAN, DEBRIS ACCUMULATION, CLEAN SAME AND MAINTAIN.
JUL 282016FAILED6 violationsDETAILS
JUL 28
2016
FAILED
6 violationsDETAILS
DISH WASHING FACILITIES: PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED, MAINTAINED, INSTALLED, LOCATED AND OPERATED
HEAVY LEAKS AT PIPES UNDER 3-COMPARTMENT SINK, CURRENTLY IN USE. INSTD TO REPAIR SAME, FREE OF LEAKS. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030 SERIOUS.
* INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO ALL CUSTOMERS
SUMMARY REPORT NOT DISPLAYED OR VISIBLE TO CUSTOMERS. INSTD TO DISPLAY AND HAVE VISIBLE TO CUSTOMERS. CITATION ISSUED 7-42-010B SERIOUS.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
WORK CAULKING WITH BLACK/PINK SUBSTANCE AT BASE OF ALL EXPOSED HANDSINKS IN PREP AREAS, BOTH LARGE 3-COMPARTMENT SINKS AND AT DISHMACHINE LINE. INSTD TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN. EXCESSIVE ICE ACCUMULATION AT UPRIGHT FREEZER. INSTD TO CORRECT SAME. RUST ACCUMULATION AT EXTERIOR TOP OF GREASE TRAP AT 1ST FLOOR 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTD TO REMOVE RUST.
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
FLOOR AT FRONT GRILL AREA IN POOR REPAIR, UNEVEN, WORN SURFACE. INSTD TO REPAIR SAME SO AS TO BE SMOOTH, EVEN, EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
VENTS ABOVE DISHMACHINE, IN 1ST FLOOR PREP AREA, AND BASEMENT WAIT STATION NOT CLEAN, EXCESSIVE DUST ACCUMULATION. INSTD TO CLEAN SAME. WALL UNDERNEATH AND BEHIND DISHMACHINE NOT CLEAN, DEBRIS ACCUMULATION, CLEAN SAME AND MAINTAIN.
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
LEAK AT PIPE UNDERNEATH SCRAP SINK AT DISHMACHINE AREA. REPAIR SAME.
MAR 242015PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
MAR 24
2015
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
CLEAN FLOORS UNDERNEATH ALL STORAGE RACKS AND SHELVES IN ALL DRY-GOODS AND NON-FOOD STORAGE AREAS(DIRT BUILDUP). CLEAN FLOOR INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER IN BASEMENT PREP AREA.
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
REPAIR LEAKY FAUCET AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN FIRST FLOOR PREP AREA.
FEB 52015FAILED7 violationsDETAILS
FEB 5
2015
FAILED
7 violationsDETAILS
PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION(S) CORRECTED 7-42-090
THE FOLLOWING PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION NOTED 9-18-14 ON REPORT # 143550 NOT CORRECTED: -32-BRICK WALL IN MAIN PREP AREA AND WOOD BEAMS IN SUSHI PREP AND BASEMENT BAR NOT PROPERLY COVERED. ALL SURFACES MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. NON COMPLIANT SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-090.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
SEE VIOLATION #29.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
CLEAN THE SIDES OF COOKING STOVES AND REAR EXTERIOR OF OVEN NEAR DISH WASHING AREA IN BASEMENT.
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
CLEAN FLOORS UNDERNEATH ALL STORAGE RACKS AND SHELVES IN ALL DRY-GOODS AND NON-FOOD STORAGE AREAS(DIRT BUILDUP). CLEAN FLOOR INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER IN BASEMENT PREP AREA.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
CLEAN DUST BUILD-UP FROM LIGHT SHIELDS UNDERNEATH HOODS, AND HOOD ABOVE DISH MACHINE IN BASEMENT FOOD PREP AND DISHWASHING AREAS.
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
ALL PLASTIC HOSES CONNECTED TO TROUGHS ON BAR IN BASEMENT THAT ARE RUNNING INTO HANDSINKS AND 1 COMP. SINKS MUST BE TAPPED INTO FLOOR DRAINS IN SAME AREA. REPAIR LEAKY FAUCET AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN FIRST FLOOR PREP AREA.
APPROPRIATE METHOD OF HANDLING OF FOOD (ICE) HAIR RESTRAINTS AND CLEAN APPAREL WORN
ALL FOOD HANDLERS WITH BEARDS MUST WEAR BEARD RESTRAINTS WHEN HANDLING OPEN FOODS.
SEP 222014PASSED1 violationDETAILS
SEP 22
2014
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
BRICK WALL IN MAIN PREP AREA AND WOOD BEAMS IN SUSHI PREP AND BASEMENT BAR MUST BE COVERED. ALL SURFACES MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
SEP 182014FAILED5 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
SEP 18
2014
FAILED
5 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE
ALL REACH IN COOLERS MUST BE ON AND AVAILABLE FOR TESTING.
HANDS WASHED AND CLEANED, GOOD HYGIENIC PRACTICES; NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH READY-TO-EAT FOODS.
ALL HANDSINKS AND WASHBOWLS IN NEED OF SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS. MUST INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
LOGBOOK ON SITE HOWEVER NO PEST SERVICE CONDUCTED. ALL DOORS MUST BE RODENT PROOFED.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
BRICK WALL IN MAIN PREP AREA AND WOOD BEAMS IN SUSHI PREP AND BASEMENT BAR MUST BE COVERED. ALL SURFACES MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
MUST INSTALL HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER TO THE TOP OF THE FROZEN DESSERT MACHINE.
Data sourced from Chicago Dept. of Public Health. We'd love to link you straight to this restaurant's record — turns out Chicago considers that a luxury. The full dataset is what's on offer →