RecordWell Data

Tropical Taste Restaurant

3917 W NORTH AVE, Chicago, IL 60647 · Cook County

55cited violations
2serious tier
8inspections
49tier not stated

Establishment

Type
Restaurant (retail food serving meals) (Restaurant)
Inspected by
Chicago Department of Public Health
License / ID
2868154
Status
Risk 1 (High)
Official record
Chicago Department of Public Health inspection reports

Other public records for this business

Year by year

YearInspectionsViolationsSerious
2026150
20253392
2024230
2023280

Inspections

  1. Mar 20, 2026 Complaint · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
    • Severity not stated

      FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

      OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS CONTAINING WORKING INGREDIENTS FLOUR, SUGAR, SEASONINGS WITHOUT COMMON NAME LABELS . INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN

    • Severity not stated

      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

    • Severity not stated

      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.

    • Severity not stated

      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.

    • Severity not stated

      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

  2. Aug 19, 2025 Short Form Complaint · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
    • Severity not stated

      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.

    • Severity not stated

      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.

    • Severity not stated

      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.

    • Severity not stated

      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.

    • Severity not stated

      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

    • Severity not stated

      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.

    • Severity not stated

      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.

    • Severity not stated

      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.

    • Severity not stated

      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

    • Severity not stated

      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.

    • Severity not stated

      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.

    • Severity not stated

      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.

  3. Aug 1, 2025 Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
    • Severity not stated

      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.

    • Severity not stated

      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.

    • Severity not stated

      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.

    • Severity not stated

      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.

    • Severity not stated

      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.

    • Severity not stated

      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

    • Severity not stated

      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.

    • Severity not stated

      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.

    • Severity not stated

      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

    • Severity not stated

      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.

    • Severity not stated

      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.

    • Severity not stated

      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.

  4. Jul 30, 2025 Canvass · Fail — Risk 1 (High)
    • Serious Priority

      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.

    • Severity not stated

      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.

    • Severity not stated

      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.

    • Severity not stated

      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.

    • Severity not stated

      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.

    • Severity not stated

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

      OBSERVED CARDBOARD USED AS LINER ON FOOD PREP EQUIPMENT AND TABLES. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.

    • Severity not stated

      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

    • Severity not stated

      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.

    • Not serious Priority Foundation

      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.

    • Severity not stated

      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.

    • Severity not stated

      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

    • Severity not stated

      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.

    • Severity not stated

      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.

    • Serious Priority

      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.

    • Severity not stated

      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.

  5. Jun 13, 2024 Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass — Risk 1 (High)

    Result: Pass.

  6. Jun 6, 2024 Canvass · Fail — Risk 1 (High)
    • Not serious Priority Foundation

      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.

    • Severity not stated

      PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

      FOUND NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES AT ICE MACHINE.MUST PROVIDE WHERE IT CAN BE LOCATED AND SERVICED.

    • Severity not stated

      TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

      FOUND RESTROOM DOORS NOT SELF CLOSING.MUST PROVIDE.

  7. Aug 10, 2023 License Re-Inspection · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
    • Severity not stated

      ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

      ONE FOOD MANAGER ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE HAS EXPIRED. INSTRUCTED MUST UPDATE SAID FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE.

  8. Jul 25, 2023 License · Fail — Risk 1 (High)
    • Not serious Priority Foundation

      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.

    • Severity not stated

      THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

      WALK IN COOLER THERMOMETER BROKEN. MUST PROVIDE A WORKING THERMOMETER INSIDE ALL COOLERS.

    • Severity not stated

      INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

      OBSERVED 1/4 INCH GAP AT REAR EXIT DOOR. MUST RODENT PROOF SAID DOOR.

    • Severity not stated

      PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

      PREP AREA HANDWASH SINK PIPE LEAKING. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SAID SINK.

    • Not serious Priority Foundation

      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.

    • Severity not stated

      ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

      VENTILATION HOOD AND VENTILATION HOOD LIGHTS NOT WORKING. MUST REPAIR VENTILATION HOOD AND PROVIDE WORKING LIGHTS.

    • Severity not stated

      ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

      ONE FOOD MANAGER ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE HAS EXPIRED. INSTRUCTED MUST UPDATE SAID FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE.

Source: Chicago Department of Public Health. History last read Oct 1, 2026. Violation text is the inspector's wording. “Serious” is the source's own top tier. About this data.