Moe's Cantina
Last inspected: Oct 24, 2025
82
Score
The health department has logged 13 inspections at Moe's Cantina, the earliest from 2013. On Oct 24, 2025, the health department conducted the most recent visit. Diners can read the low risk label as a sign that recent inspections have gone well.
Violation counts have held steady across recent visits, averaging around three violations each.
When inspectors have written things up, “insects, rodents, & animals not present” has been the most frequent reason, cited six times.
Moe's Cantina's latest score is in line with the Chicago average of 81. Taken together, the history is a positive one.
13
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
4
Minor latest
Inspection History
Oct 24, 2025
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LEAKING FAUCET BASE AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATED IN REAR DISHWASHING AREA. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUST BUILD UP INSIDE LIGHT SHIELDS ABOVE 3-COMPARTMENT BEHIND BAR ON THE ROOF TOP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS OR POSTERS NEAR HAND WASHING SINKS IN ALL EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINKS AND ALL CUSTOMERS AND EMPLOYEE'S WASHROOMS. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
10
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: MUST LABEL ALL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS.
37
82
May 13, 2024
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 1/2 INCH GAPS AT BOTH REAR EXIT DOORS SWEEPS. MUST RODENT PROOF SAID DOORS.
38
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: DISHWASH 3-COMPARTMENT SINK STOPPERS NOT WORKING ALSO ROOF TOP SINGLE ICE MACHINE ROOM HANDWASH SINK COLD WATER HANDLE STRIPPED. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SINKS.
51
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES HAVE EXPIRED. INSRUCTED ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST HAVE UPDATED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES.
58
86
Mar 30, 2022
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: NOTED SERVING PLATES ON SHELVES AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA AND DISH WASHING AREA NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT ALL SERVING PLATES TO PREVENT DUST ACCUMULATION.
43
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: NOTED TORN RUBBER GASKET AT THE WALK-IN COOLER DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL REPAIR AND MAINTAIN AND/OR REPLACE.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.FLOORS ALONG WALL BASE AND UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT ESPECIALLY BY THE ICE MACHINE AND THE FLOOR DRAIN.
55
86
Jun 25, 2020
Complaint
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 1/2 INCH GAP AT SOUTH REAR EXIT DOOR SWEEP. MUST RODENT PROOF SAID DOOR.
38
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SOME PREP AREA REACH IN COOLERS DOOR RUBBER GASKETS NOT TIGHT FITTED/LOOSE AT DOOR CORNERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER ALL COOLERS DOOR RUBBER GASKETS MUST BE TIGHT FITTED.
47
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: NO COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLES IN WOMENS WASHROOMS. MUST PROVIDE.
53
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ONE CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.
58
82
May 1, 2019
Routine
2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NOTED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION FOLLOWING THE NEW CODE AND GUIDELINES. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE VERIFICATION OF POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE ONE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED TODAY
3
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: NOTED NO HAND WASH SINK AT THE BAR AREA NEXT TO THE KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A HAND WASH SINK WITH SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-030. NO CITATION ISSUED.
10
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: NOTED NO ONE COMPARTMENT SINK AT THE BAR AREA BY THE KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A ONE COMPARTMENT SINK AT LOCATION.
51
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: NOTED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.
58
74
Sep 14, 2017
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Sep 7, 2017
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: NOTED OVER 40 FLYING INSECTS ON WALLS, POTS AND PANS AND SHELVING AT THE KITCHEN PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS. RECOMMENDED TO CONSULT WITH PEST CONTROL COMPANY. SERIOUS VIOLATION #7-38-020
18
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: NOTED SLIGHT DISCOLORATION INSIDE THE UPPER COMPARTMENT OF THE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOOR DRAINS THROUGH OUT ESTABLISHMENT.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: NOTED DUSTY WALLS AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
35
82
Aug 22, 2016
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: ADDITIONAL EXPOSED HAND SINK NEEDED IN CHIPS AND SALSA DISPENSING AREA. INSTALL EXPOSED HAND SINK AND MAINTAIN WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS.
38
95
Aug 12, 2016
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 1 INCH GAP AT BASE OF FRONT DOOR SOUTH ENTRANCE. OBSERVED 1/4 INCH GAP AT BASE OF REAR SOUTH EXIT DOOR. MUST RODENTPROOF ALL DOORS AND MAINTAIN. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020
18
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WATER AT BASE OF REACH IN COOLER/COLD HOLD UNIT IN CENTER OF KITHCEN. CLEAN UP ALL WATER AND MAINTAIN BOTTOM OF REFRIGERATOR IN A CLEAN DRY CONDITION.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FLOORS OF HALLWAY CONTAINING LIQUOR STORAGE UNCLEAN. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LEAK UNDER MIDDLE COMPARTMENT COMING FROM BASIN REPAIRED WITH PLUMBERS PUTTY. MUST REPAIR LEAK AND MAINTAIN. ADDITIONAL EXPOSED HAND SINK NEEDED IN SCHIPS AND SALSA DISPENSING AREA. INSTALL EXPOSED HAND SINK AND MAINTAIN WITH HOT AN DCOLD RUNNING WATER SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS.
38
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: DO NOT USE CUPS/GLASSES FOR ICE SCOOPS. MUST HAVE HANDLED SCOOPS FOR ALL ICE. MAINTIAN.
43
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: ADDITIOANL IDPH FOOD HANDLER INFORMATION PROVIDED.
45
74
Oct 2, 2015
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Sep 25, 2015
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: FOOD(ICE) NOT PROTECTED DURING STORAGE.OBSERVED INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE WATER RESERVOIR WITH BLACK SLIME SUBSTANCE DRIPPING INTO WATER WHERE ICE IS MADE.INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN,SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN UNIT. ALSO FOUND SMALL PLASTIC CUPS INSIDE READY TO EAT FOOD(CORN-CHICK-PEAS ETC);AND A LARGE FOAM CUP INSIDE THE CONTAINER OF LIQUID FOOD READY TO SERVE.INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE SERVING CUP AND FOAM CONTAINER AND PROVIDE A SERVING UTENSILS WITH HANDLES. SERIOUS VIOLATION:7-38-005(A)
16
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: THREE COMPARTMENT SINK NOT MAINTAINED.WE OBSERVED MIDDLE COMPARTMENT SINK DRIPPING WATER,SMALL HOLE INSIDE THE COMPARTMENT.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR WITH FOOD GRADE MATERIAL OR WELD SMOOTHLY.SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH,CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT MATERIAL. FOUND SOAP DISPENSER BY THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AT BAR AREA,INSTRUCTED TO RELOCATE SOAP DISPENSER BY AN EXPOSED HAND SINK. DISCHARGE WATER PIPE UNDER THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK NOT COMPLETELY INTO FLOOR DRAIN WATER SPILL AN FLOOR INSTRUCTED TO RE-ROUTE SAID PIPE SUCH CAN DRAIN INTO A FLOOR DRAIN
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: POP GUN WITH MINERAL BUILD-UP INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: EXCESS WATER ON FLOOR BY AND UNDER THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK,INSTRUCTED TO KEEP AREA DRY AND CLEAN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: WALL WOOD AT SOUTH WALL IN MAIN BAR AREA SURFACE SEALER IS FADING AWAY,WOOD IS POROUS NOT SMOOTH,INSTRUCTED TO RESEAL SURFACE OF SAID WOOD.SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH,CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT MATERIAL WOOD WALLS AND BRICKS BY THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AT MAIN BAR HAS EXCESS OF BLACK SLIME BUILD-UP,ALSO WOOD IS SATURATED WITH WATER AND BLACK SLIME,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALSO WOOD PANELS SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE.REPLACE WOOD.
35
78
Aug 14, 2014
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: FOUND A LEAK AT THE WATER PIPE UNDER THE MIDDLE COMPARTMENT OF THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR THE WATER PIPE AND MAINTAIN ALL SINKS ON PREMISES.
38
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: THE COLD WATER HANDLE ON THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATED AT THE BAR IS IN POOR REPAIR. MUST REPLACE HANDLE AND MAINTAIN SINK COMPONENTS.
38
90
Apr 18, 2013
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: FOUND FOOD CONTAINERS NOT STORED PROPERLY.(MUST STORE INVERTED)
31
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: FOUND CLOTHES STORED ON SHELVING UNITS. MUST STORE PROPERLY.
41
90
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Moe's Cantina last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Moe's Cantina on file is from Oct 24, 2025. The public record contains 13 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Moe's Cantina?
Across the inspection record, “insects, rodents, & animals not present” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at Moe's Cantina.
Has Moe's Cantina's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Moe's Cantina have averaged around three violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Moe's Cantina means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.
How often is Moe's Cantina inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Moe's Cantina is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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