MOTI CAFE.

Chicago Health Dept

70 W HURON ST · RIVER NORTH, CHICAGO

Passed most recent inspection (Jul 2025), 1 critical violation noted.

8 inspections on record since 2019 · Last inspected Jul 2025 · 1 critical violation in the last 12 months.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS

VIOLATIONS

total on record

LAST INSPECTED

JUL 2025

INSPECTION HISTORY

JUL 9

2025

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 8 violations 1 CRITICAL

Critical Documentation & Training

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE OR VALID DOCUMENTATION ON THE PREMISES WHILE TCS FOODS (CHICKEN,LAMB,RICE ETC.) IS BEING HANDLED AND PREPARED/SERVED TO CUSTOMERS.INSTRUCTED THE PERSON-IN-CHARGE THAT A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGER WITH AN ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE MUST BE ON THE PREMISES AT ALL TIMES WHEN (TCS FOODS)ARE PREPARED,HANDLED, AND/OR SERVED.INSTRUCTED TO COMPLY AND POST SAID CERTIFICATE AS REQUIRED.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012,CITATION ISSUED.

Serious Sanitation

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

4-602.11(B-E)---OBSERVED A SLIGHT DEBRIS ACCUMULATION ENCRUSTED ON THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE.MUST REMOVE DEBRIS, DETAIL CLEAN INSIDE ICE MACHINE/HAVE SERVICED AND MAINTAIN ICE MACHINE AT ALL TIMES.

Minor Chemical Safety

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

3-302.12--- OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS IN REAR WITHOUT A LABEL.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE COMMON NAME ON ALL BULK CONTAINERS TO PROPERLY IDENTIFY ITEM (SALT, SUGAR, FLOUR ETC).

Minor Sanitation

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

4-501.11---OBSERVED A TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE 2 DOOR PREP COOLER.INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKET.

Minor Sanitation

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

4-501.12---OBSERVED STAINED CUTTING BOARD ON TOP OF THE FRONT 2 DOOR PREP LINE COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE OR REPLACE THE CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

6-501.14--- INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN CEILING VENTILATION COVERS THROUGHOUT THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA TO REMOVE ACCUMULATION OF DUSTS AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Documentation & Training

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

2-102.13---OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES PROVIDED ON THE PREMISES.MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Documentation & Training

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

2-102.13---OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE.MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING AND MAINTAIN.

JUL 1

2025

FAIL 10 violations 1 CRITICAL

Serious Sanitation

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

OBSERVED A SLIGHT DEBRIS ACCUMULATION ENCRUSTED ON THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE.MUST REMOVE DEBRIS, DETAIL CLEAN INSIDE ICE MACHINE/HAVE SERVICED AND MAINTAIN ICE MACHINE AT ALL TIMES.

Serious Food Storage & Handling

PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION

OBSERVED READY-TO-EAT,TCS FOODS HELD FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS (COOKED LAMB,SPINACH SAUCE,GARLIC SAUCE ETC) NOT DATE MARKED TO INDICATE THE DATE IN WHICH THE FOOD MUST BE CONSUMED OR DISCARDED.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO DATE MARK ALL READY-TO-EAT,TCS FOODS HELD MORE THAN 24 HOURS.MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED APPROXIMATELY 8#'S WORTH $70.00. REVIEWED ALL PREPARED (TCS FOODS) SUCH AS COOKED MEATS HELD LONGER THAN 24 HOURS MUST BE DATE LABELED WITH AN EXPIRATION DATE.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005,CITATION ISSUED.

Minor Chemical Safety

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS IN REAR WITHOUT A LABEL.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE COMMON NAME ON ALL BULK CONTAINERS TO PROPERLY IDENTIFY ITEM (SALT, SUGAR, FLOUR ETC).

Critical Pest Activity

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF PEST ACTIVITY ON THE PREMISES.APPROXIMATELY 30 LIVE SMALL FLYING INSECTS OBSERVED ON THE WALLS AND CEILING TILES IN THE REAR PREP/DISHWASHING AREA AND THE MOP SINK AREA .ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A),CITATION ISSUED.

Minor Sanitation

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

OBSERVED A TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE 2 DOOR PREP COOLER.INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKET.

Minor Sanitation

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

OBSERVED STAINED CUTTING BOARD ON TOP OF THE FRONT 2 DOOR PREP LINE COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE OR REPLACE THE CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED DIRTY FLOORS WITH SPILLED DEBRIS UNDER AND AROUND THE DISHWASHING 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AREA AND FOOD SPLASHED DEBRIS ON WALLS IN THE REAR PREP/DISHWASHING AREA.INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS IN DETAIL AND REMOVE FOOD SPLASHED DEBRIS ON WALLS/CEILING AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN CEILING VENTILATION COVERS THROUGHOUT THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA TO REMOVE ACCUMULATION OF DUSTS AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Documentation & Training

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES PROVIDED ON THE PREMISES.MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Documentation & Training

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING AND MAINTAIN.

SEP 12

2024

PASS 6 violations

Minor Sanitation

WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHES ON COUNTERS AND METAL SHELVING IN REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INFORMED THAT ALL WIPING CLOTHS USE FOR FOOD CONTACT AND NON FOOD CONTACT SURFACES MUST BE KEPT IN SANITIZING SOLUTION AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING ANY POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION OF ALL AREAS.

Minor Sanitation

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED

OBSERVED A CHEF KNIFE SITTING BETWEEN WALL AND PREP TABLE IN REAR FOOD SERVICE AREA. INTRUCTED TO ALWAYS KEEP UTENSILS BEING USED CLEAR FROM POSSIBLE CONTAMINTAION.

Minor Sanitation

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

OBSERVED CUTTING BOARD IN REAR FOOD PREP AREA NEXT TO UPRIGHT FREEZER BADLY STAINED WITH DEEP CUTTING GROOVES. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE CROSS CONTAMINATION.

Minor Pest Activity

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED THE FLOOR DRAINS IN REAR FOOD SERVICE AND DISH WASHING AREA WITH A HEAVY BUILD UP OF DIRT AND POSSIBLE FOOD STAIN. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL AREAS AS MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE INSECT FEEDING.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED A MOLDING CEILING TILE OVER THE FOOD MENU AND HOT PLATE AREA IN THE FRONT FOOD SERVICE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.

Minor Sanitation

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED DUST BUILD UP ON AIR VENTS IN THE FRONT FOOD SERVICE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION ON FOODS BEING PREPARED IN AREA AND FOOD CONTACT SURFACES.

DEC 15

2023

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 1 violation

Serious Facility Condition

PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION

TCS food not disposed . Found several TCS food bags ( cooked chicken, lentils soup and several gravy bags) with prep date of 11/3-12/5 all bags were held in one door cooler at 38.8f, No discard date on bags. instructed to dispose of all TCS food that are held more than 7 days. Priority violation 7-38-005. 50 lbs of food discarded valued at $130.

DEC 27

2022

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 5 violations 1 CRITICAL

Critical Documentation & Training

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE TCS ITEMS SUCH AS CHICKEN WERE PREPARED. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN AN EMPLOYEE HOLDING A CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.

Minor Sanitation

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

OBSERVED ONE CUTTING BOARD IN FRONT PREP AREA COVERED IN DEEP GROOVES AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH, CLEANABLE CUTTING SURFACES.

Minor Other

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

OBSERVED 3 MALE EMPLOYEES WITHOUT FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES MUST COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.

Minor Documentation & Training

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.

Minor Other

SUMMARY REPORT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC

OBSERVED NO SUMMARY POSTED FOR PUBLIC VIEW FROM PREVIOUS INSPECTION #2568782 DATED 12/20/2022. LEFT NEW SUMMARY AND INSTRUCTED TO POST FOR PUBLIC VIEW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-010(B). CITATION ISSUED.

show all 8 inspections →

DEC 20

2022

FAIL 10 violations 3 CRITICAL

Critical Documentation & Training

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS ITEMS SUCH AS CHICKEN WERE PREPARED. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN A CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.

Critical Sanitation

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

OBSERVED NO PROCEDURE AND KIT ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION FOR RESPONDING TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA. LEFT ONE PAGER AND INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN PROCEDURE AND KIT WITH ALL NECESSARY SUPPLIES INCLUDING A SANITIZER RATED AS EFFECTIVE AGAINST NORORVIRUS ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

Critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS AT EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK IN REAR DISH AREA. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN PAPER TOWELS AT ALL EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINKS AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.

Serious Sanitation

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

OBSERVED BUILD UP OF BLACK SLIME IN ICE MACHINE USED TO PRODUCE ICE FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ICE, CLEAN, SANITIZE, REFILL WITH NEW ICE, AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

Minor Other

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

OBSERVED NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

Minor Employee Hygiene

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

OBSERVED 2 OF 3 MALE EMPLOYEES NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS. INSTRUCTED FOOD EMPLOYEES MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS IN PREP AREAS.

Minor Sanitation

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

OBSERVED ONE CUTTING BOARD IN FRONT PREP AREA COVERED IN DEEP GROOVES AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH, CLEANABLE CUTTING SURFACES.

Minor Other

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

OBSERVED NO QUATERNARY AMMONIUM TEST STRIPS ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

Minor Other

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

OBSERVED 3 MALE EMPLOYEES WITHOUT FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES MUST COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.

Minor Documentation & Training

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

MAR 3

2020

PASS 5 violations

Minor Chemical Safety

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

OBSERVED MANGO LASSI SMOOTHIES BEING SOLD FROM A GRAB AND GO COOLER WITH NO NUTRITIONAL AND BUSINESS INFORMATION. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL WITH ALL NECESSARY INFORMATION.

Minor Employee Hygiene

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

OBSERVED 3 EMPLOYEES NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS AND ONE MALE EMPLOYEE NOT WEARING A BEARD GUARD. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL EMPLOYEES WEAR PROPER HAIR RESTRAINTS.

Minor Sanitation

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

OBSERVED A CUTTING BOARD IN REAR PREP AREA COVERED IN DEEP GROOVES AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH, CLEANABLE CUTTING SURFACES.

Minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

OBSERVED A BUILD UP OF DIRT AND DUST ON EXTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN CLEAN EQUIPMENT.

Serious Employee Hygiene

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

OBSERVED A LOOSE FAUCET AT EXPOSED HAND WASH SINK LOCATED IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD WORKING ORDER.

APR 4

2019

PASS · 0 violations

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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