MOMOTARO.

Chicago Health Dept

820 W LAKE ST · WEST LOOP, CHICAGO

Passed most recent inspection (Oct 2025).

15 inspections on record since 2014 · Last inspected Oct 2025 · 1 critical violation in the last 12 months.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS

VIOLATIONS

total on record

LAST INSPECTED

OCT 2025

INSPECTION HISTORY

OCT 1

2025

PASS 3 violations

Serious Food Temperature

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

5-205.15 REPAIR THE WATER LEAK FROM THE HIGH TEMPERATURE CONVEYOR DISHMACHINE LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT DISHWASHING AREA.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Sanitation

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 22

2025

FAIL 3 violations 1 CRITICAL

Critical Pest Activity

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.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Serious Food Temperature

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

REPAIR THE WATER LEAK FROM THE HIGH TEMPERATURE CONVEYOR DISHMACHINE LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT DISHWASHING AREA.

MAR 8

2024

PASS 2 violations 1 CRITICAL

Critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED MISSING HANDWASH SIGN AT FIRST FLOOR BAR AREA HAND SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

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 17

2023

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 4 violations

Serious Other

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.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Serious Employee Hygiene

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

OBSERVED THE HANDWASHING SINK IN THE BASEMENT CUSTOMER WASHROOM (#1) SLOW DRAINING. MUST REPAIR.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED AN ACCUMULATION OF DIRT ON THE WALK-IN FREEZER FLOOR. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

FEB 16

2022

PASS 1 violation

Minor Documentation & Training

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 4

2019

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 2 violations

Serious Food Temperature

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.

Minor Sanitation

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

OBSERVED MULTIPLE RESTROOMS IN NEED OF A CLOSED LID GARBAGE CAN. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

AUG 26

2019

FAIL 4 violations 2 CRITICAL

Serious Food Temperature

PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION

Critical Pest Activity

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.

Critical Pest Activity

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.

Minor Sanitation

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

OBSERVED MULTIPLE RESTROOMS IN NEED OF A CLOSED LID GARBAGE CAN. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

MAY 29

2018

PASS 4 violations

Minor Chemical Safety

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.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

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 3

2017

PASS 3 violations

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

PITTED CUTTING BOARD IN PREP AREA, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR/REPLACE,

Minor Sanitation

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,

Minor Plumbing & Waste

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 4

2016

PASS 3 violations

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Sanitation

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 28

2016

FAIL 6 violations

Serious Other

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.

Serious Other

* 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.

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Sanitation

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

Minor Plumbing & Waste

VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

LEAK AT PIPE UNDERNEATH SCRAP SINK AT DISHMACHINE AREA. REPAIR SAME.

MAR 24

2015

PASS 2 violations

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

REPAIR LEAKY FAUCET AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN FIRST FLOOR PREP AREA.

FEB 5

2015

FAIL 7 violations

Serious Sanitation

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.

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

SEE VIOLATION #29.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

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.

Minor Employee Hygiene

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 22

2014

PASS 1 violation

Minor Sanitation

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 18

2014

FAIL 5 violations 3 CRITICAL

Critical Food Temperature

FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE

ALL REACH IN COOLERS MUST BE ON AND AVAILABLE FOR TESTING.

Critical Sanitation

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.

Critical Pest Activity

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.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

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.

Public inspection records from Chicago Department of Public Health. Records current as of 2026-07-05. EatOrBeat reports records and does not rate restaurants. Source dataset →

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