Mole Village Restaurant
Last inspected: Jul 28, 2025
74
Score
Inspectors have visited Mole Village Restaurant eight times, with records going back to 2019. The most recent visit was on Jul 28, 2025. Diners should read medium risk as a signal that some issues exist but aren't extreme.
The picture has gotten worse over the last few visits, with the average climbing from around three violations to closer to nine violations.
“Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” comes up most often, recorded six times in the inspection record.
By comparison, the average Chicago facility scores 81, putting Mole Village Restaurant on the weaker side. The inspection history reads as standard for a restaurant of this size.
8
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
6
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jul 28, 2025
Reinspection
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: 6-501.112: OBSERVED DEAD ROACHES ON THE FLOORS UNDER THE COLD HOLDING UNITS. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE DEAD ROACHES FROM FACILITY AND MAINTAIN.
38
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: 4-901.12: OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS IMPROPERLY STORED THROUGHOUT FACILITY FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE AND MAINTAIN.
41
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: 3-304.12: OBSERVED TONGS STORED ON THE HANDLE OF THE OVEN. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE TO AVOID POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.
43
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: 4-301.12: OBSERVED BOWLS BEING USED AS SINK STOPPERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THREE ADEQUATE SINK STOPPERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
48
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: 4-601.11(C): OBSERVED THE SHELVES UNDER THE PREP TABLE NEXT TO THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK WITH SLIGHT BUILD UP OF FOOD. ALSO, THE LOWER COMPARTMENTS UNDER THE FLAT TOP GRILL WITH BUILD UP OF GREASE AND FOOD. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.12: OBSERVED THE FLOORS IN NEED OF CLEANING IN THE BASEMENT, IN THE ENTIRE REAR PREP AREA (ESPECIALLY BEHIND COLD HOLDING UNITS AND UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT. ALSO THE WALLS NEAR THE PREP COOLERS AND HANDWASHING SINK IN NEED OF CLEANING IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DEEP CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
74
Jul 24, 2025
Routine
4 critical violations. 1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Hands clean & properly washed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER HAND CLEANING PROCEDURE. OBSERVED ONE FOOD HANDLER RINSE HAND WITHOUT USING SOAP AND DRIED HANDS ON A WIPING CLOTH. OBSERVED ANOTHER FOOD HANDLER RINSE HANDS WITH GLOVES ON AND ON ANOTHER OCCASION RINSED HANDS WITHOUT SOAP AND USED A WIPING CLOTH FOR A HAND DRYING PROVISION. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY WASH BARE HANDS WITH SOAP AND USE AN ADEQUATE HAND DRYING PROVISION. PRIORITY 7-38-010, CITATION ISSUED.
8
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER AT HANDWASHING SINK IN FOOD PREP AREA. HANDWASHING SINK FOUND NOT BEING USED; FOOD HANDLERS WERE OBSERVED USING THE SERVICE SINK, UNTIL REPAIRED, PER MANAGER. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR HANDWASHING SINK, SO THAT IT HAS HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER AT ALL TIMES AND MAINTAINED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C), CITATION ISSUED
10
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS ON SITE. FOUND IN A REFRIGERATOR RAW, WHOLE CHICKENS AT 51.8�F. TWO CONTAINERS OF RICE (53.4�F), RAW SHRIMP (53.0�F), PORK STEW (53.7�F), TWO CARTONS OF HALF AND HALF (59.8�F), SOUR CREAM (52.5�F), DICED TOMATOES (50.4�F), ALL FOUND IN THE LARGE PREP COOLER IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED ALL COLD HOLDING FOODS MUST BE 41�F OR BELOW. APPROXIMATELY 85LBS OF PRODUCT WERE DISCARDED AT $197 WORTH OF PRODUCT. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005, CITATION ISSUED
22
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF PREP COOLER AT 55.0F WITH TCS FOODS STORED INSIDE FOR SALE. A HELD FOR INSPECTION TAG WAS PLACED ON THE UNIT. PLEASE REVIEW COMMENTS FOR TAG REMOVAL INSTRUCTIONS. MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING UNITS AT 41.0�F OR BELOW. PRIORITY 7-38-005, CITATION ISSUED
33
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM 04/11/2024, REPORT #2592602 #10:6-301.14 OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS AT THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA HAND WASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. #37: 3-302.12 OBSERVED DRY STORAGE CONTAINERS NOT LABELED WITH THE PRODUCT NAME. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL DRY STORAGE CONTAINERS #49: 4-601.11(C) OBSERVED PREP COOLER DOOR GASKETS AND TOP COOLER LOADER WITH ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN. #53: 5-501.17 OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE INSIDE THE EMPLOYEES' TOILET ROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. #55: 6-501.12 OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD AND DIRT DEBRIS LOCATED BEHIND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT, ACCUMULATED FOOD AND GREASE DEBRIS IN BETWEEN THE STOVE AND FLAT-TOP GRILL, AND ACCUMULATED DIRT DEBRIS BEHIND THE PREP COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALL. #58: 2-102.13 OBSERVED THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AT ALL TIMES FOR ALL MANAGERS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION:7-42-090, CITATION ISSUED
60
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DEAD ROACHES ON THE FLOORS UNDER THE COLD HOLDING UNITS. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE DEAD ROACHES FROM FACILITY AND MAINTAIN.
38
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS IMPROPERLY STORED THROUGHOUT FACILITY FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE AND MAINTAIN.
41
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TONGS STORED ON THE HANDLE OF THE OVEN. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE TO AVOID POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.
43
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BOWLS BEING USED AS SINK STOPPERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THREE ADEQUATE SINK STOPPERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
48
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE SHELVES UNDER THE PREP TABLE NEXT TO THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK WITH SLIGHT BUILD UP OF FOOD. ALSO, THE LOWER COMPARTMENTS UNDER THE FLAT TOP GRILL WITH BUILD UP OF GREASE AND FOOD. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FLOORS IN NEED OF CLEANING IN THE BASEMENT, IN THE ENTIRE REAR PREP AREA (ESPECIALLY BEHIND COLD HOLDING UNITS AND UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT. ALSO THE WALLS NEAR THE PREP COOLERS AND HANDWASHING SINK IN NEED OF CLEANING IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DEEP CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
37
Apr 11, 2024
Routine
9 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: 3-302.12 OBSERVED DRY STORAGE CONTAINERS NOT LABELED WITH THE PRODUCT NAME. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL DRY STORAGE CONTAINERS.
37
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: 4-502.13 OBSERVED CARDBOARD BEING REUSED FOR A FLOOR LINER AND ALUMINUM BEING USED AS A SHELF LINER IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE, ALL SURFACES MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
45
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: 4-601.11(C) OBSERVED PREP COOLER DOOR GASKETS AND TOP COOLER LOADER WITH ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: 5-205.15 OBSERVED THE COLD WATER KNOB STRIPPED AND UNABLE TO TURN ON PROPERLY IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: 5-501.17 OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE INSIDE THE WOMEN'S AND EMPLOYEES' TOILET ROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.114 OBSERVED ITEMS STORED ON THE FLOORS IN THE DRY STORAGE HALLWAY. INSTRUCTED TO ELEVATE EVERYTHING AT LEAST 6 INCHES FROM THE GROUND.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.12 OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD AND DIRT DEBRIS LOCATED BEHIND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT, ACCUMULATED FOOD AND GREASE DEBRIS IN BETWEEN THE STOVE AND FLAT-TOP GRILL, AND ACCUMULATED DIRT DEBRIS BEHIND THE PREP COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALL.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: 2-102.13 OBSERVED THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AT ALL TIMES FOR ALL MANAGERS.
58
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: 6-301.14 OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS AT THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA HAND WASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
10
64
Mar 30, 2023
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: FOUND IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF RICE AND CHICKEN RANGING FROM 59F - 63F LOCATED IN REACH IN COOLER. MUST PROVIDE A MINIMUM COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 41F. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
22
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND DRYING PROVISION IN THE EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM, HAND WASHING SINK, AND FRONT PREP AREA. ALL HANDWASHING SINKS MUST BE EQUIPPED WITH A HAND DRYING PROVISION AT ALL TIMES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.CORRECTED ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-38-030(C). CITATION CONSOLIDATED WITH ABOVE VIOLATION.
10
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING CLEANSER AT THE EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM HANDWASHING SINK. ALL HANDWASHING SINKS MUST BE EQUIPPED WITH HAND-CLEANING LIQUID AT ALL TIMES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-030-(C). CITATION ISSUED.
10
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS IN THE PREP AREA DISCOLORED (BLACK) WITH DEEP GROOVES. INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE AND MAINTAIN OR REPLACE.
47
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE INSIDE OF UNISEX EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM AND WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
53
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: FOUND FOOD HANDLERS WITHOUT PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS.
57
61
Jul 29, 2021
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jul 22, 2021
Complaint
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER ON THE MENU FOR ALL ITEMS THAT CAN BE ORDERED UNDERCOOKED OR RAW (EGGS, BEEF). INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER ON THE MENU FOR ALL ITEMS THAT CAN BE ORDERED UNDERCOOKED OR RAW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005
25
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED AN APPROXIMATE 2 INCH GAP AT THE BOTTOM OF THE REAR EXIT DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A TIGHT SEAL TO PREVENT PESTS AND RODENTS AND MAINTAIN
38
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A STRONG FOUL ODOR COMING FROM THE OUTDOOR RECEPTACLE AND THE RECEPTACLE ENCRUSTED WITH GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS.INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
54
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FLOORS IN THE PREP AREA AND THE HALLWAY LEADING TO THE PREP AREA WITH ACCUMULATION OF FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
55
78
Feb 4, 2020
Routine
2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: 3-501.17 OBSERVED TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY READY TO EAT FOODS (COOKED CHICKEN, COOKED RICE, COOKED BEANS) OUT OF THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING AND HELD FOR OVER 24 HOURS WITHOUT DISCARD DATE LABELS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE DISCARD DATE LABELS FOR ALL TCS RTE FOODS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
23
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: 3-603.11 OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER ON THE MENU FOR ALL ITEMS THAT CAN BE ORDERED UNDERCOOKED OR RAW (EGGS, BEEF). INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER ON THE MENU FOR ALL ITEMS THAT CAN BE ORDERED UNDERCOOKED OR RAW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
25
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: 5-501.17 OBSERVED NO CLOSED RECEPTACLE INSIDE OF THE WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.12 OBSERVED FOOD SPLATTERS ON THE WALLS LOCATED BY THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA HAND WASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
55
74
Jan 22, 2019
License
2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE POLICY ON PREMISES AT THIS TIME, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CLEAN UP POLICY FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS ON PREMISES AT THIS TIME. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SPLASH GUARD AT THE EXPOSED HANDSINK NEXT TO THE GRILL, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
39
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RAW WOOD STORAGE SHELF, INSTRUCTED TO SEAL.
47
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE ON PREMISES AT THIS TIME, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. P 100-0367.
58
70
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Mole Village Restaurant last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Mole Village Restaurant on file is from Jul 28, 2025. The public record contains eight inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Mole Village Restaurant?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at Mole Village Restaurant.
Has Mole Village Restaurant's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Mole Village Restaurant have averaged around nine violations per visit, up from roughly three earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Mole Village Restaurant means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.
How often is Mole Village Restaurant inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Mole Village Restaurant is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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