TROPICAL TASTE RESTAURANT

3917 W NORTH AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60647 · Restaurant

10 inspections

1. ComplaintMar 20, 2026

   5 infractions

   • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
     • OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS CONTAINING WORKING INGREDIENTS FLOUR, SUGAR, SEASONINGS WITHOUT COMMON NAME LABELS . INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN
   • 49. 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
   • 55. 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
   • 55. 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.
   • 55. 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.
2. Short Form ComplaintAug 19, 2025

   12 infractions

   • 39. 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.
   • 39. 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.
   • 43. 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.
   • 47. 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.
   • 47. 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
   • 47. 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.
   • 47. 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.
   • 49. 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.
   • 49. 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
   • 55. 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.
   • 55. 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.
   • 56. 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. Canvass Re-InspectionAug 1, 2025

   12 infractions

   • 39. 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.
   • 39. 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.
   • 43. 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.
   • 47. 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.
   • 47. 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
   • 47. 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.
   • 47. 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.
   • 49. 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.
   • 49. 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
   • 55. 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.
   • 55. 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.
   • 56. 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. CanvassJul 30, 2025

   15 infractions

   • 21. 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.
   • 39. 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.
   • 39. 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.
   • 43. 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.
   • 47. 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.
   • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
     • OBSERVED CARDBOARD USED AS LINER ON FOOD PREP EQUIPMENT AND TABLES. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.
   • 47. 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
   • 47. 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.
   • 48. 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.
   • 49. 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.
   • 49. 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
   • 55. 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.
   • 55. 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.
   • 55. 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.
   • 56. 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. License Re-InspectionJun 13, 2024

   0 infractions

6. Canvass Re-InspectionJun 13, 2024

   0 infractions

7. CanvassJun 6, 2024

   3 infractions

   • 38. 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.
   • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
     • FOUND NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES AT ICE MACHINE.MUST PROVIDE WHERE IT CAN BE LOCATED AND SERVICED.
   • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
     • FOUND RESTROOM DOORS NOT SELF CLOSING.MUST PROVIDE.
8. LicenseJun 6, 2024

   0 infractions

9. License Re-InspectionAug 10, 2023

   1 infraction

   • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
     • ONE FOOD MANAGER ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE HAS EXPIRED. INSTRUCTED MUST UPDATE SAID FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE.
10. LicenseJul 25, 2023

    7 infractions

    • 10. 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.
    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • WALK IN COOLER THERMOMETER BROKEN. MUST PROVIDE A WORKING THERMOMETER INSIDE ALL COOLERS.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED 1/4 INCH GAP AT REAR EXIT DOOR. MUST RODENT PROOF SAID DOOR.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • PREP AREA HANDWASH SINK PIPE LEAKING. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SAID SINK.
    • 54. 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.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • VENTILATION HOOD AND VENTILATION HOOD LIGHTS NOT WORKING. MUST REPAIR VENTILATION HOOD AND PROVIDE WORKING LIGHTS.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • ONE FOOD MANAGER ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE HAS EXPIRED. INSTRUCTED MUST UPDATE SAID FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE.