MAR 20
2026
PASSED
5 violationsDETAILS
SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO
✕
TROPICAL TASTE RESTAURANT.
YOUR CALL. 67/100
3917 W NORTH AVE · LOGAN SQUARE, CHICAGO
Last inspected March 20, 2026 · passed
5 of 8 inspections passed, 3 failed. 3 critical violations across the record.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTIONS
8
5 passed · 3 failed
VIOLATIONS
55
includes 3 critical
RECORDS COVER
2 YEARS
since Jul 2023
INSPECTION HISTORY
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS CONTAINING WORKING INGREDIENTS FLOUR, SUGAR, SEASONINGS WITHOUT COMMON NAME LABELS . INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
OBSERVED INTERIOR SURFACES OF 2 DOOR COOLING UNIT IN NEED OF CLEANING WHERE PRODUCE AND SAUCES ARE STORED. NOTED FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP ON COOKING EQUIPMENT STORED THROUGHOUT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED WALL IN FRONT PREP AREA WHERE PREP COOLER WITH COLD HOLD ATTACHED IS LOCATED WITH CHIPPED PAINT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACES AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED CEILING ATTACHMENTS LOCATED IN FRONT PREP AREA WATER DAMAGED AND IN DISREPAIR. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH AND EASILY CLENABLE SURFACES.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED FLOORS THROUGHOUT PREP AREA, BEHIND FREEZER LOCATED BY BASEMENT DOOR AND IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE TRASH AND UNNECESARY ITEMS . MUST ELEVATE ALL STORED ITEMS AT LEAST 6 INCHES OFF FLOOR
AUG 192025PASSED12 violationsDETAILS
AUG 19
2025
PASSED
12 violationsDETAILS
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
3-307.11: **C** Miscellaneous Sources of Contamination OBSERVED NO SPLASHGUARD BETWEEN FRONT EXPOSED HAND SINK AND PREP TABLE AND REAR PREP/DISH HANDSINK. MUST INSTALL A WASHABLE SPLASHGUARD.
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
3-305.11: **C** Food Storage-Preventing Contamination from the Premises OBSERVED FOOD CONTAINERS STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE WALK-IN COOLER, PREP, AND BASEMENT STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY STORE AND PROTECT FOOD ITEMS FROM CONTAMINATION WHILE STORED BY ELEVATING AT LEAST SIX INCHES FROM THE FLOOR ON RAISED SHELVING UNITS.
IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
3-304.12: **C** In-Use Utensils, Between-Use Storage OBSERVED KNIVES BEING STORED IN BETWEEN HAND SINK AND PREP TABLEIN FRONT PREP, INSTRUCTED PIC TO STOP THIS PRACTICE AND TO PROPERLY STORE ALL UTENSILS BETWEEN USE.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
4-501.12: **C** Cutting Surfaces OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS IN THE REAR PREP AREA WITH OPEN SEAMS AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REFINISH OR REPLACE DAMAGED OR STAINED CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
4-101.19: **C** Nonfood-Contact Surfaces OBSERVED FOOD ENCRUSTED AND RUSTED STORAGE RACKS IN WALK IN COOLER, SURFACES MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
4-101.19: **C** Nonfood-Contact Surfaces OBSERVED CARDBOARD USED AS LINER ON FOOD PREP EQUIPMENT AND TABLES. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
4-102.11: **C** Characteristics- Single-Service and Single-Use OBSERVED TCS FOODS STORED IN PLASTIC THANK YOU BAGS IN WALK-IN AND REACH-IN COOLER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE PROPER FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS AND CONTAINERS ONLY.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
4-601.11(B): (B) The FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES of cooking EQUIPMENT and pans shall be kept free of encrusted grease deposits and other soil accumulations. OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP ON COOKING EQUIPMENT, WALLS, SURROUNDING FLOORS AND SHELVING UNITS IN THE KITCHEN/PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO DEGREASE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
4-602.13: NonFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES of EQUIPMENT shall be cleaned at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil residues. OBSERVED WALK-IN COOLERS WALL AN ENCRUSTED WITH AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND AMINTAIN
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
6-501.114: **C** Maintaining Premises, Unnecessary Items and Litter OBSERVED CLUTTER STORED ON FLOOR NEAR IN BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNUSED ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
6-501.12: **C** Cleaning, Frequency and Restrictions OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS AND SPILLS ON THE FLOORS AND SURFACES THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN UNDER ALL SHELVING UNITS, INTERIOR OF PREP COOLERS, HOT-HOLDING UNITS, PREP TABLES AND DEEP FRYERS TO REMOVE SPILLS, FOOD DEBRIS, DIRT BUILDUP AND/OR GREASE. MUST MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
6-303.11: **C** Intensity- Lighting OBSERVED A BURNED OUT LIGHT-BULB IN THE HOOD SYSTEM. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE BULB AND MAINTAIN LIGHTING IN THE UNIT.
AUG 12025PASSED12 violationsDETAILS
AUG 1
2025
PASSED
12 violationsDETAILS
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
3-307.11: **C** Miscellaneous Sources of Contamination OBSERVED NO SPLASHGUARD BETWEEN FRONT EXPOSED HAND SINK AND PREP TABLE AND REAR PREP/DISH HANDSINK. MUST INSTALL A WASHABLE SPLASHGUARD.
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
3-305.11: **C** Food Storage-Preventing Contamination from the Premises OBSERVED FOOD CONTAINERS STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE WALK-IN COOLER, PREP, AND BASEMENT STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY STORE AND PROTECT FOOD ITEMS FROM CONTAMINATION WHILE STORED BY ELEVATING AT LEAST SIX INCHES FROM THE FLOOR ON RAISED SHELVING UNITS.
IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
3-304.12: **C** In-Use Utensils, Between-Use Storage OBSERVED KNIVES BEING STORED IN BETWEEN HAND SINK AND PREP TABLEIN FRONT PREP, INSTRUCTED PIC TO STOP THIS PRACTICE AND TO PROPERLY STORE ALL UTENSILS BETWEEN USE.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
4-501.12: **C** Cutting Surfaces OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS IN THE REAR PREP AREA WITH OPEN SEAMS AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REFINISH OR REPLACE DAMAGED OR STAINED CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
4-101.19: **C** Nonfood-Contact Surfaces OBSERVED CARDBOARD USED AS LINER ON FOOD PREP EQUIPMENT AND TABLES. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
4-101.19: **C** Nonfood-Contact Surfaces OBSERVED FOOD ENCRUSTED AND RUSTED STORAGE RACKS IN WALK IN COOLER, SURFACES MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
4-102.11: **C** Characteristics- Single-Service and Single-Use OBSERVED TCS FOODS STORED IN PLASTIC THANK YOU BAGS IN WALK-IN AND REACH-IN COOLER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE PROPER FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS AND CONTAINERS ONLY.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
4-601.11(B): (B) The FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES of cooking EQUIPMENT and pans shall be kept free of encrusted grease deposits and other soil accumulations. OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP ON COOKING EQUIPMENT, WALLS, SURROUNDING FLOORS AND SHELVING UNITS IN THE KITCHEN/PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO DEGREASE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
4-602.13: NonFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES of EQUIPMENT shall be cleaned at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil residues. OBSERVED WALK-IN COOLERS WALL AN ENCRUSTED WITH AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND AMINTAIN
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
6-501.114: **C** Maintaining Premises, Unnecessary Items and Litter OBSERVED CLUTTER STORED ON FLOOR NEAR IN BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNUSED ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
6-501.12: **C** Cleaning, Frequency and Restrictions OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS AND SPILLS ON THE FLOORS AND SURFACES THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN UNDER ALL SHELVING UNITS, INTERIOR OF PREP COOLERS, HOT-HOLDING UNITS, PREP TABLES AND DEEP FRYERS TO REMOVE SPILLS, FOOD DEBRIS, DIRT BUILDUP AND/OR GREASE. MUST MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
6-303.11: **C** Intensity- Lighting OBSERVED A BURNED OUT LIGHT-BULB IN THE HOOD SYSTEM. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE BULB AND MAINTAIN LIGHTING IN THE UNIT.
JUL 302025FAILED15 violationsDETAILS
JUL 30
2025
FAILED
15 violationsDETAILS
PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES
OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING FOOD NOT MEETING REQUIREMENT FOR HOT HOLDING OF 135°F DEGREES OR ABOVE IN THE DESIGNATED HOT-HOLDING UNIT: CHICKEN STEW AT 114.3°F, CHICKEN SOUP AT 119.6F, BEEF WITH ONIONS AT 122.3F MANAGER IMMEDIATELY AND VOLUNTARILY DISPOSED OF 15 LBS OF PRODUCTS WORTH $250.00 THROUGH DENATURING PROCESS. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
OBSERVED NO SPLASHGUARD BETWEEN FRONT EXPOSED HAND SINK AND PREP TABLE AND REAR PREP/DISH HANDSINK. MUST INSTALL A WASHABLE SPLASHGUARD.
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
OBSERVED FOOD CONTAINERS STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE WALK-IN COOLER, PREP, AND BASEMENT STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY STORE AND PROTECT FOOD ITEMS FROM CONTAMINATION WHILE STORED BY ELEVATING AT LEAST SIX INCHES FROM THE FLOOR ON RAISED SHELVING UNITS.
IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
OBSERVED KNIVES BEING STORED IN BETWEEN HAND SINK AND PREP TABLEIN FRONT PREP, INSTRUCTED PIC TO STOP THIS PRACTICE AND TO PROPERLY STORE ALL UTENSILS BETWEEN USE.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS IN THE REAR PREP AREA WITH OPEN SEAMS AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REFINISH OR REPLACE DAMAGED OR STAINED CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED CARDBOARD USED AS LINER ON FOOD PREP EQUIPMENT AND TABLES. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED FOOD ENCRUSTED AND RUSTED STORAGE RACKS IN WALK IN COOLER, SURFACES MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED TCS FOODS STORED IN PLASTIC THANK YOU BAGS IN WALK-IN AND REACH-IN COOLER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE PROPER FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS AND CONTAINERS ONLY.
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
OBSERVED FACILITY WITHOUT A CHLORINE CHEMICAL TEST KIT FOR SANITIZER OR WARE WASHING AREA. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE A TEST KIT THAT ACCURATELY MEASURES THE CONCENTRATION IN MG/L OF SANITIZING SOLUTION MUST BE PROVIDED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP ON COOKING EQUIPMENT, WALLS, SURROUNDING FLOORS AND SHELVING UNITS IN THE KITCHEN/PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO DEGREASE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
OBSERVED WALK-IN COOLERS WALL AN ENCRUSTED WITH AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND AMINTAIN
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED CLUTTER STORED ON FLOOR NEAR IN BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNUSED ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS AND SPILLS ON THE FLOORS AND SURFACES THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN UNDER ALL SHELVING UNITS, INTERIOR OF PREP COOLERS, HOT-HOLDING UNITS, PREP TABLES AND DEEP FRYERS TO REMOVE SPILLS, FOOD DEBRIS, DIRT BUILDUP AND/OR GREASE. MUST MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED LIVING/SLEEPING QUARTERS (QUEEN SIZE BED, DRESSERS AND MOUNTED TV) IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA, INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL LIVING/SLEEPING QUARTER ITEMS AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
OBSERVED A BURNED OUT LIGHT-BULB IN THE HOOD SYSTEM. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE BULB AND MAINTAIN LIGHTING IN THE UNIT.
show all 8 inspections →
JUN 62024FAILED3 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
JUN 6
2024
FAILED
3 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
FOUND 2 LIVE ROACHES UNDER 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AREAS.PRIORITY FOUNDATION.CITATION ISSUED.7-38-020A.MUST NOTIFY PEST CONTROL OPERATOR AND RID OF ROACHES.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
FOUND NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES AT ICE MACHINE.MUST PROVIDE WHERE IT CAN BE LOCATED AND SERVICED.
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
FOUND RESTROOM DOORS NOT SELF CLOSING.MUST PROVIDE.
AUG 102023PASSED1 violationDETAILS
AUG 10
2023
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
ONE FOOD MANAGER ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE HAS EXPIRED. INSTRUCTED MUST UPDATE SAID FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE.
JUL 252023FAILED7 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
JUL 25
2023
FAILED
7 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
NO HANDWASH SINK AT DISHWASH AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE A HANDWASH SINK WITH RUNNING HOT AND COLD WATER AT DISHWASH AREA. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C). NO CITATION ISSUED.
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
WALK IN COOLER THERMOMETER BROKEN. MUST PROVIDE A WORKING THERMOMETER INSIDE ALL COOLERS.
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
OBSERVED 1/4 INCH GAP AT REAR EXIT DOOR. MUST RODENT PROOF SAID DOOR.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
PREP AREA HANDWASH SINK PIPE LEAKING. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SAID SINK.
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
NO COMMERCIAL OUTSIDE DUMPSTER OR OUTSIDE DUMPSTER CONTRACT. INSRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE A COMMERCIAL OUTSIDE DUMPSTER OR DUMPSTER CONTRACT FOR ESTABLISHMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(B). NO CITATION ISSUED.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
VENTILATION HOOD AND VENTILATION HOOD LIGHTS NOT WORKING. MUST REPAIR VENTILATION HOOD AND PROVIDE WORKING LIGHTS.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
ONE FOOD MANAGER ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE HAS EXPIRED. INSTRUCTED MUST UPDATE SAID FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE.
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 →