Moti Cafe
Last inspected: Jul 9, 2025
64
Score
Public records show eight inspections at Moti Cafe stretching back to 2019. The newest entry in the record is dated Jul 9, 2025. A medium risk rating points to a few notable findings at the last inspection, though nothing severe.
Violation counts have ticked up lately, averaging around eight violations per visit versus roughly five violations earlier in the record.
“Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing eight times across the record.
That's lower than the typical Chicago restaurant, which scores around 81. Taken together, the history looks like that of a busy facility working through the usual inspection cycle.
8
Inspections
0
Critical latest
1
Major latest
7
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jul 9, 2025
Reinspection
1 major violation. 7 minor violations.
View 8 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE OR VALID DOCUMENTATION ON THE PREMISES WHILE TCS FOODS (CHICKEN,LAMB,RICE ETC.) IS BEING HANDLED AND PREPARED/SERVED TO CUSTOMERS.INSTRUCTED THE PERSON-IN-CHARGE THAT A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGER WITH AN ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE MUST BE ON THE PREMISES AT ALL TIMES WHEN (TCS FOODS)ARE PREPARED,HANDLED, AND/OR SERVED.INSTRUCTED TO COMPLY AND POST SAID CERTIFICATE AS REQUIRED.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012,CITATION ISSUED.
2
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: 6-501.14--- INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN CEILING VENTILATION COVERS THROUGHOUT THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA TO REMOVE ACCUMULATION OF DUSTS AND MAINTAIN.
56
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: 4-602.11(B-E)---OBSERVED A SLIGHT DEBRIS ACCUMULATION ENCRUSTED ON THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE.MUST REMOVE DEBRIS, DETAIL CLEAN INSIDE ICE MACHINE/HAVE SERVICED AND MAINTAIN ICE MACHINE AT ALL TIMES.
16
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: 3-302.12--- OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS IN REAR WITHOUT A LABEL.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE COMMON NAME ON ALL BULK CONTAINERS TO PROPERLY IDENTIFY ITEM (SALT, SUGAR, FLOUR ETC).
37
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-501.11---OBSERVED A TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE 2 DOOR PREP COOLER.INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKET.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-501.12---OBSERVED STAINED CUTTING BOARD ON TOP OF THE FRONT 2 DOOR PREP LINE COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE OR REPLACE THE CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN.
47
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: 2-102.13---OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES PROVIDED ON THE PREMISES.MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES AND MAINTAIN.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: 2-102.13---OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE.MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING AND MAINTAIN.
58
64
Jul 1, 2025
Routine
2 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED READY-TO-EAT,TCS FOODS HELD FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS (COOKED LAMB,SPINACH SAUCE,GARLIC SAUCE ETC) NOT DATE MARKED TO INDICATE THE DATE IN WHICH THE FOOD MUST BE CONSUMED OR DISCARDED.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO DATE MARK ALL READY-TO-EAT,TCS FOODS HELD MORE THAN 24 HOURS.MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED APPROXIMATELY 8#'S WORTH $70.00. REVIEWED ALL PREPARED (TCS FOODS) SUCH AS COOKED MEATS HELD LONGER THAN 24 HOURS MUST BE DATE LABELED WITH AN EXPIRATION DATE.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005,CITATION ISSUED.
23
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF PEST ACTIVITY ON THE PREMISES.APPROXIMATELY 30 LIVE SMALL FLYING INSECTS OBSERVED ON THE WALLS AND CEILING TILES IN THE REAR PREP/DISHWASHING AREA AND THE MOP SINK AREA .ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A),CITATION ISSUED.
38
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN CEILING VENTILATION COVERS THROUGHOUT THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA TO REMOVE ACCUMULATION OF DUSTS AND MAINTAIN.
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES PROVIDED ON THE PREMISES.MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES AND MAINTAIN.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING AND MAINTAIN.
58
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A SLIGHT DEBRIS ACCUMULATION ENCRUSTED ON THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE.MUST REMOVE DEBRIS, DETAIL CLEAN INSIDE ICE MACHINE/HAVE SERVICED AND MAINTAIN ICE MACHINE AT ALL TIMES.
16
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS IN REAR WITHOUT A LABEL.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE COMMON NAME ON ALL BULK CONTAINERS TO PROPERLY IDENTIFY ITEM (SALT, SUGAR, FLOUR ETC).
37
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE 2 DOOR PREP COOLER.INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKET.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED STAINED CUTTING BOARD ON TOP OF THE FRONT 2 DOOR PREP LINE COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE OR REPLACE THE CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRTY FLOORS WITH SPILLED DEBRIS UNDER AND AROUND THE DISHWASHING 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AREA AND FOOD SPLASHED DEBRIS ON WALLS IN THE REAR PREP/DISHWASHING AREA.INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS IN DETAIL AND REMOVE FOOD SPLASHED DEBRIS ON WALLS/CEILING AND MAINTAIN.
55
55
Sep 12, 2024
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHES ON COUNTERS AND METAL SHELVING IN REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INFORMED THAT ALL WIPING CLOTHS USE FOR FOOD CONTACT AND NON FOOD CONTACT SURFACES MUST BE KEPT IN SANITIZING SOLUTION AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING ANY POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION OF ALL AREAS.
41
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A CHEF KNIFE SITTING BETWEEN WALL AND PREP TABLE IN REAR FOOD SERVICE AREA. INTRUCTED TO ALWAYS KEEP UTENSILS BEING USED CLEAR FROM POSSIBLE CONTAMINTAION.
43
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CUTTING BOARD IN REAR FOOD PREP AREA NEXT TO UPRIGHT FREEZER BADLY STAINED WITH DEEP CUTTING GROOVES. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE CROSS CONTAMINATION.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FLOOR DRAINS IN REAR FOOD SERVICE AND DISH WASHING AREA WITH A HEAVY BUILD UP OF DIRT AND POSSIBLE FOOD STAIN. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL AREAS AS MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE INSECT FEEDING.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A MOLDING CEILING TILE OVER THE FOOD MENU AND HOT PLATE AREA IN THE FRONT FOOD SERVICE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUST BUILD UP ON AIR VENTS IN THE FRONT FOOD SERVICE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION ON FOODS BEING PREPARED IN AREA AND FOOD CONTACT SURFACES.
56
74
Dec 15, 2023
Routine
1 critical violation.
View 1 violation
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: TCS food not disposed . Found several TCS food bags ( cooked chicken, lentils soup and several gravy bags) with prep date of 11/3-12/5 all bags were held in one door cooler at 38.8f, No discard date on bags. instructed to dispose of all TCS food that are held more than 7 days. Priority violation 7-38-005. 50 lbs of food discarded valued at $130.
23
86
Dec 27, 2022
Reinspection
2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE TCS ITEMS SUCH AS CHICKEN WERE PREPARED. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN AN EMPLOYEE HOLDING A CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
Summary report displayed and visible to the public
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SUMMARY POSTED FOR PUBLIC VIEW FROM PREVIOUS INSPECTION #2568782 DATED 12/20/2022. LEFT NEW SUMMARY AND INSTRUCTED TO POST FOR PUBLIC VIEW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-010(B). CITATION ISSUED.
61
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ONE CUTTING BOARD IN FRONT PREP AREA COVERED IN DEEP GROOVES AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH, CLEANABLE CUTTING SURFACES.
47
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 3 MALE EMPLOYEES WITHOUT FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES MUST COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
58
70
Dec 20, 2022
Routine
6 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
36
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO QUATERNARY AMMONIUM TEST STRIPS ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
48
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS ITEMS SUCH AS CHICKEN WERE PREPARED. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN A CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PROCEDURE AND KIT ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION FOR RESPONDING TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA. LEFT ONE PAGER AND INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN PROCEDURE AND KIT WITH ALL NECESSARY SUPPLIES INCLUDING A SANITIZER RATED AS EFFECTIVE AGAINST NORORVIRUS ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
5
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BUILD UP OF BLACK SLIME IN ICE MACHINE USED TO PRODUCE ICE FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ICE, CLEAN, SANITIZE, REFILL WITH NEW ICE, AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
16
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS AT EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK IN REAR DISH AREA. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN PAPER TOWELS AT ALL EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINKS AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
10
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 2 OF 3 MALE EMPLOYEES NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS. INSTRUCTED FOOD EMPLOYEES MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS IN PREP AREAS.
40
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ONE CUTTING BOARD IN FRONT PREP AREA COVERED IN DEEP GROOVES AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH, CLEANABLE CUTTING SURFACES.
47
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 3 MALE EMPLOYEES WITHOUT FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES MUST COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
58
45
Mar 3, 2020
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MANGO LASSI SMOOTHIES BEING SOLD FROM A GRAB AND GO COOLER WITH NO NUTRITIONAL AND BUSINESS INFORMATION. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL WITH ALL NECESSARY INFORMATION.
37
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 3 EMPLOYEES NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS AND ONE MALE EMPLOYEE NOT WEARING A BEARD GUARD. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL EMPLOYEES WEAR PROPER HAIR RESTRAINTS.
40
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A CUTTING BOARD IN REAR PREP AREA COVERED IN DEEP GROOVES AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH, CLEANABLE CUTTING SURFACES.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A BUILD UP OF DIRT AND DUST ON EXTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN CLEAN EQUIPMENT.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A LOOSE FAUCET AT EXPOSED HAND WASH SINK LOCATED IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD WORKING ORDER.
51
78
Apr 4, 2019
License
No violations found.
100
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Moti Cafe last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Moti Cafe on file is from Jul 9, 2025. The public record contains eight inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Moti Cafe?
Across the inspection record, “food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable” has been cited eight times, more than any other issue at Moti Cafe.
Has Moti Cafe's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Moti Cafe have averaged around eight violations per visit, up from roughly five earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Moti Cafe 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 Moti Cafe inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Moti Cafe is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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