MAR 19
2025
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
8 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO
✕
TORTOISE CLUB.
YOUR CALL. 62/100
350 N STATE ST · RIVER NORTH, CHICAGO
Last inspected March 19, 2025 · passed with conditions
12 of 17 inspections passed, 3 failed, 2 passed with conditions. 3 critical violations across the record.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTIONS
17
12 passed · 2 w/ conditions · 3 failed
VIOLATIONS
41
includes 3 critical
RECORDS COVER
12 YEARS
since Oct 2012
INSPECTION HISTORY
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
OBSERVED OPENING IN MIDDLE OF FRONT ENTRANCE OUTER DOUBLE DOORS. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRANCE.
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
OBSERVED NO IRREVERSIBLE TEMPERATURE INDICATOR FOR MEASURING SURFACE TEMPERATURE OF UTENSILS AND OTHER DISHES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE. CORRECTED ON SITE IRREVERSIBLE TEMPERATURE INDICATOR FOR MEASURING SURFACE TEMPERATURE OF UTENSILS AND OTHER DISHES DELIVERED TO FACILITY BEFORE CONCLUSION OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
OBSERVED UNREADABLE DATA PLATE ON LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE IN THE BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AN EASILY ACCESSIBLE AND READABLE DATA PLATE AFFIXED TO THE MACHINE BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT INDICATES THE MACHINE'S DESIGN AND OPERATION SPECIFICATIONS.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED LEAKING FAUCET AT HANDWASHING SINK IN BAR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR LEAKING FAUCET AT HANDWASHING SINK IN BAR.
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
OBSERVED CARDBOARD ON GROUND OUTSIDE OF DUMPSTER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN DUMPSTER AREA.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED SPLASHES AND SPILLAGE FLOORS AND ALONG BASES OF WALLS UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT AND SINKS IN BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN BASES OF WALLS AND FLOORS UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT AND SINKS IN BAR AREA AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS AT BASE OF WALLS, CORNERS AND FLOOR IN SMALL DRY STORAGE ROOM IN BASEMENT(NEXT TO LIQUOR ROOM). INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN BASE OF WALLS, CORNERS AND FLOOR IN SMALL DRY STORAGE ROOM IN BASEMENT(NEXT TO LIQUOR ROOM) AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED GROUT MISSING IN BETWEEN TILES IN DISHWASHING AREA. OBSERVED GROUT MISSING BETWEEN TILES IN DISHWASHING AREA UNDERNEATH THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AND HANDWASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REGROUT IN BETWEEN TILES WHERE GROUT IS MISSING IN DISHWASHING AREA UNDERNEATH THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AND HANDWASHING SINK.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
OBSERVED ONE EMPLOYEE WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE WITH NO ALLERGEN AWARENESS TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ALLERGEN AWARENESS TRAINING FOR ALL EMPLOYEES WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATES.
MAR 132024PASS W/ CONDITIONS2 violationsDETAILS
MAR 13
2024
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
2 violationsDETAILS
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
OBSERVED NO DISCLOSURE ON MENU STATING THAT ASTERISKED ANIMAL DERIVED FOODS ARE SERVED RAW OR COOKED TO ORDER. INSTRUCTED TO ADD DISCLOSURE STATEMENT TO MENU STATING THAT ASTERISKED ANIMAL DERIVED FOODS ARE SERVED RAW OR COOKED TO ORDER. CORRECTED ON SITE DISCLOSURE WAS ADDED TO MENU STATING THAT ASTERISKED ANIMAL DERIVED FOODS ARE SERVED RAW OR COOKED TO ORDER BEFORE COMPLETION OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED SPLASHES AND SPILLAGE ON WALLS AND FLOORS UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT AND SINKS IN BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN WALLS AND FLOORS UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT AND SINKS IN BAR AREA AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS AT BASE OF WALLS, CORNERS AND FLOOR IN SMALL DRY STORAGE ROOM IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN BASE OF WALLS, CORNERS AND FLOOR IN SMALL DRY STORAGE ROOM IN BASEMENT AND MAINTAIN.
FEB 282023PASSED6 violationsDETAILS
FEB 28
2023
PASSED
6 violationsDETAILS
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
OBSERVED TWO ICE MACHINES LOCATED IN KITCHEN AREA SLIGHTLY SOILED. INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE DRIP PLATES. FACILITY MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
UTENSILS NOT PROVIDED IN BAR AREA FOR DRINK TOPPINGS SUCH AS ZEST FROM CITRUS FOODS AND VARIOUS DRINK TOPPINGS. FOOD EMPLOYEES SHALL USE SUITABLE UTENSILS SUCH AS DELI TISSUE, SPATULAS/TONGS, DISPENSING EQUIPMENT OR SINGLE USE GLOVES WHEN HANDLING READY TO EAT FOODS.
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
IN-USE WIPING CLOTHS ARE NOT STORED PROPERLY. FOUND ON PREP-COUNTER ACROSS THE COOKLINE. CLOTHS USED TO WIPE SURFACES AND EQUIPMENT SHALL BE HELD IN A PROPER SANITIZER SOLUTION. CLOTHS IN-USE FOR WIPING SURFACES IN CONTACT WITH RAW ANIMAL FOODS SHALL BE KEPT SEPARATE FROM CLOTHS USED FOR OTHER PURPOSES. IN-USE CLOTHS MUST BE LAUNDERED DAILIY.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
EMPLOYEE CLOTHING ITEMS WERE FOUND STORED IMPROPERLY UNDER PREP-LINE SERVICE COUNTER ACROSS THE EXPEDITE AREA. FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS SHALL A) PROVIDE DESIGNATED DRESSING ROOMS OR DRESSING AREAS FOR EMPLOYEES THAT ROUTINELY CHANGE THEIR CLOTHES IN THE ESTABLISHMENTS; B) PROVIDE LOCKERS OR OTHER SUITABLE FACILITIES FOR THE ORDERLY STORAGE OF EMPLOYEES' CLOTHING AND OTHER POSSESSIONS.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATIONS EXPIRED ON SITE. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES (WHO DO NOT HAVE A CITY MANAGER CERTIFCATION) MUST OBTAIN A VALID FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATION.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
FOOD ALLERGEN CERTIFICATIONS NOT PROVIDED ON SITE. ALL PENDING/CITY CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN A VALID FOOD ALLERGEN CERTIFICATION.
FEB 232022PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
FEB 23
2022
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED LOOSE HOT WATER HANDLE AT EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK ON COOK LINE AND HOT WATER HANDLE UNABLE TO BE TURNED AT MIDDLE WASHBOWL IN MEN'S TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
OBSERVED BUILD UP OF DEBRIS ON VENT OVER HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
show all 17 inspections →
FEB 152019PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
FEB 15
2019
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
BULK FOOD CONTAINERS NOT LABELED PROPERLY( SUGAR, SALT ) INSTRUCTED TO LABEL AND MAINTAIN.
UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
SMALL DELI CONTAINERS NOT AIR DRIED AFTER WASHING, INSTRUCTED TO AIR DRY BEFORE STACKING.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
CHIPPED DRY WALL NEXT TO MIXER AT BASEMENT PREP KITCHEN, INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A DURABLE SMOOTH SURFACE.
FEB 22017FAILED3 violationsDETAILS
FEB 2
2017
FAILED
3 violationsDETAILS
DISH MACHINES: PROVIDED WITH ACCURATE THERMOMETERS, CHEMICAL TEST KITS AND SUITABLE GAUGE COCK
OBSERVED GAUGE COCK ON HOT WATER DISH MACHINE READING 160F. HIGH TEMP TEST STRIPS WERE USED TO INDICATE HOT WATER DISH MACHINE IS SANITIZING AT 180F. NEW GUAGE COCK MUST BE INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED TO MONITOR DISH MACHINE. SERIOUS VIOALTION 7-38-030
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
OBSERVED SMALL LOW TEMP DISH MAHCINE AT BAR WITH HEAVY LIME BUILD UP UNDERNEATH. DELIME AND MAINTAIN.
PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
OBSERVED 6 PACK OF SODA ON FLOOR OF BAR AND BUCKET OF LIMES AND LEMONS ON FLOOR OF BAR. ALL FOOD ITEMS NEED TO BE STORED AT LEAST 6 INCHES OFF FLOOR AT ALL TIMES.
JUN 162016PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
JUN 16
2016
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
PREP AREA 2-DOOR REACH IN COOLER DOOR RUBBER GASKET RIPPED (ALONG COOKLINE). INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR/REPLACE DAMAGED DOOR RUBBER GASKET.
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
1ST FLOOR EXPOSED HANDWASH BOWL PIPE DRAINING SLOWLY. MUST MAINTAIN SINK.
APPROPRIATE METHOD OF HANDLING OF FOOD (ICE) HAIR RESTRAINTS AND CLEAN APPAREL WORN
OBSERVED ONE FOOD HANDLER NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS.
JUN 302015FAILED1 violation1 CRITICALDETAILS
JUN 30
2015
FAILED
1 violation1 CRITICALDETAILS
ADEQUATE NUMBER, CONVENIENT, ACCESSIBLE, DESIGNED, AND MAINTAINED
EXPOSED HAND SINK IN THE LOWER LEVEL PREP AREA NOT PROPERLY DESIGNED,CONSTRUCTED. WASTE WATER BACKING UP ON THE FLOOR DRAIN, GIVEN 48 HOURS TO CORRECT CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030.
JUN 232015FAILED6 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
JUN 23
2015
FAILED
6 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
SOURCE SOUND CONDITION, NO SPOILAGE, FOODS PROPERLY LABELED, SHELLFISH TAGS IN PLACE
RAW OYSTER INSIDE THE PREP COOLER IN THE COOK LINE WITHOUT TAG ATTACHED TO THE CONTAINER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT ALL SHELLFISH MUST HAVE A TAG ATTACHED TO THE CONTAINER DURING STORAGE AND THE TAG HAS TO BE SAVED FOR THE NEXT 90 DAYS AFTER ALL THE SHELLFISH HAS BEEN CONSUMED. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(B). MANAGER DISCARDED THE SAID PRODUCT WORTH $26.00 TOTAL 2.5 LBS.
PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION(S) CORRECTED 7-42-090
PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT # 1496980 DATED 9/22/14. #38- HAND SINK AT LOWER LEVEL PREP AREA IS A PORTABLE HAND SINK, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ONE THAT'S CONNECTED TO PLUMBING. SINK IS PROVIDED WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER AT THIS TIME FOR ADEQUATE HANDS WASHING. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-090
FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
LABEL ALL BULK DRY FOOD CONTAINERS IN THE STORAGE /PREP AREA. ALSO ALL READY TO FOOD INSIDE THE CONTAINERS IN THE WALK IN COOLER MUST HAVE A LABEL AND DATE.
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
ALL BOXED FOODS INSIDE THE WALK IN FREEZER MUST BE ELEVATED 6" OFF THE FLOOR. ALSO CLEAN THE FLOOR INSIDE THE WALK IN FREEZER AND MAINTAIN.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
HOOD/FILTER ABOVE THE DISH MACHINE WITH GREASE AND DUST BUILD-UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. WALLS BY THE DISH MACHINE WITH BLACK MOLDY LIKE SUBSTANCE. MUST CLEAN IN DETAIL AND MAINTAIN.
LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
ALL LIGHT SHIELD OF THE LIHT BULBS ON THE HOOD/CANOPY IN THE COOK LINE WITH GREASE ACCUMULATED. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. MUST REPLACE CRACKED AND DIRTY SOLID LIGHT SHIELD ON THE COOK LINE AND MAINTAIN.
SEP 222014PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
SEP 22
2014
PASSED
4 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
ICE BINS STORED IMPROPERLY UNDER A DUSTY CEILING VENT, INSTRUCTED TO STORE IN A SANITARY PLACE.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
CHIPPED WALL AROUND LOWER LEVEL PREP AREA, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A DURABLE SMOOTH SURFACE AND MAINTAIN.
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
HAND SINK AT LOWER LEVEL PREP AREA IS A PORTABLE HAND SINK, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ONE THAT'S CONNECTED TO PLUMBING. SINK IS PROVIDED WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER AT THIS TIME FOR ADEQUATE HANDS WASHING.
PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
OPEN CONTAINERS FOR EMPLOYEES DRINKS AT PREP TEABLE, INSTRUCTED TO KEEP A WAY, OR WITH A LID.
NOV 182013PASSED1 violationDETAILS
NOV 18
2013
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
ADDITIONAL HAND WASH SINK MUST BE INSTALLED IN THE LOWER LEVEL PREP AREA ( 4 PREP TABLES, DOUGH MIXER, ICE CREAM MAKER )NO HAND SINK AVILABE AT THIS TIME.
OCT 172013PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
OCT 17
2013
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
DETAIL CLEAN INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE IN FRONT PREP AREA.
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
EXPOSED HANDWASH SINK IN DISHWASHING AREA IS SLOW DRAINING. MUST REPAIR.
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 →