Northern Taste
Last inspected: Nov 14, 2025
86
Score
Across the available record, Northern Taste has 12 inspections on file, the first dated 2017. Northern Taste was last inspected on Nov 14, 2025. When a facility lands in the low risk tier, it usually means nothing alarming showed up at the most recent visit.
The picture has improved over the last few visits: recent inspections have averaged around three violations, down from roughly five violations earlier in the record.
“Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” comes up most often, recorded eight times in the inspection record.
Among Chicago restaurants, the typical score is 81; Northern Taste is comfortably above that bar. The full picture is one of consistent compliance.
12
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Nov 14, 2025
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: THE LOWER SURFACE OF THE REACH IN FREEZERS WITH ICE BUILD UP, FOOD AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE LOWER SURFACE OF ALL FREEZERS.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FLOORS IN THE CORNERS AND UNDER/AROUND THE HEAVY EQUIPMENT IN THE KITCHEN PREP AND STORAGE AREA WITH FOOD, DIRT AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN SAND MAINTAIN FLOORS THROUGHOUT.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MOPS STORED INSIDE THE MOP BUCKETS. INSTRUCTED TO STORE HANGING UP FOR PROPER AIR DRYING. MAINTAIN SAME.
55
86
Nov 21, 2024
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: 4-204.112(B) NOTED NO THERMOMETERS INSIDE REFRIGERATION UNIT CONSPICUOUSLY POSTED TO MONITOR THE AMBIENT TEMPERATURE OF EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO EQUIP ALL REFRIGERATION UNITS WITH ACCURATE AND WORKING THERMOMETERS.
36
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: 3-302.12 OBSERVED SEVERAL LARGE FOOD CONTAINERS WITH DRY PRODUCTS. (RICE, FLOUR) WITHOUT PROPER COMMON FOOD NAME MARKINGS. MUST LABEL BULK AND WORKING FOOD CONTAINERS WITH CONTENTS COMMON NAME. MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
37
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-501.12 CUTTING BOARDS WITH OPEN SEAMS AND DARK STAINS. MUST REFINISH OR REPLACE DAMAGED OR STAINED CUTTING BOARDS.
47
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: 5-501.17 NO COVERED RECEPTACLES IN TWO STOOLS IN LADY'S BATHROOM. MUST PROVIDE TOILET ROOMS RECEPTACLE WITH COVER FOR SANITARY NAPKINS IN LADY'S BATHROOM.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.13 OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ON THE FLOOR IN THE BASEMENT AND NEAR THE REAR EXIT DOOR. MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FLOOR THROUGHOUT PREMISES AND MAINTAIN.
55
78
Oct 2, 2023
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-201.11 FOUND CONDENSER LOCATED IN WALK IN COOLER LEAKING. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
47
95
Sep 25, 2023
Reinspection
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Previous priority foundation violation corrected
Inspector notes: 8-404.13 (B:3)FOUND CONTINUED NON- COMPLIANCE FROM INSPECTION REPORT # 2581859 CONDUCTED ON 9/18/23. THE FOLLOWING PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION CONTINUED NON COMPLIANCE VIOLATIONS WERE NOT CORRECTED: 3-302.12: **C** Food Storage Containers Identified with Common Name of Food OBSERVED BULK STORAGE CONTAINER NOT LABELED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY LABEL STORAGE CONTAINER WITH THE PRODUCTS NAME. 4-601.11(C): (C) NonFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES of EQUIPMENT shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, FOOD residue, and other debris. MUST CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE PREP COOLERS TO REMOVE SPILLS AND DEBRIS. ALSO CLEAN THE EXTERIOR OF THE BULK STORAGE CONTAINER. 6-501.13: **C** Cleaning Floors, Dustless Methods FLOORS NEED CLEANING ALONG THE WALL BASE AND IN CORNERS TO REMOVE SPILLS. DEBRIS AND/OR GREASE. 6-201.17:**C** Walls and Ceilings, Attachments OBSERVED WATER STAINED CEILING TILES IN THE PARTY ROOM. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN. ALSO CLEAN THE LIGHT SHIELDS IN THE HALLWAY LEADING TO THE KITCHEN. 4-202.18: **C** Ventilation Hood Systems, Filters MUST CLEAN THE FILTERS AND HOOD ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT TO REMOVE GREASE AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY . PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
59
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: 3-304.14 FOUND MOIST WIPING CLOTHS STORED THROUGHOUT PREP TABLE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE WIPING CLOTHES IN CHEMICAL SANITIZER IN BETWEEN USE.
41
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-201.11 FOUND CONDENSER LOCATED IN WALK IN COOLER LEAKING. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
47
82
Sep 18, 2023
Complaint
3 critical violations. 2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS (BEEF, FISH, PORK, EGGS) AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 58F - 48F LOCATED IN THE PREP COOLER DURING THE INSPECTION. MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDS AND DENATURE ALL SAID TCS FOODS . INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN A MINIMUM COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 41F. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
22
Food obtained from approved source
Inspector notes: FOUND KIMCHI ON SITE STORED IN A CONTAINER THAT IS NOT LABELED. MANAGER STATES KIMCHI IS BOUGHT FROM A GROCERY STORE IT IS THEN TAKEN OUT OF ITS ORIGINAL GALLON CONTAINER AND STORED IN NEW CONTAINER IN REFRIGERATOR. ORIGINAL CONTAINER OR PROOF OF PURCHASE/ PROOF OF FOOD SOURCE NOT PROVIDED AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDS KIMCHI AT 3LBS COST $30. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
11
Food separated and protected
Inspector notes: OBSERVED INADEQUATE FOOD STORAGE PRACTICES. OBSERVED RAW CHICKEN STORED OVER READY TO EATS SAUCES AND RAW BEEF. FOOD SHALL BE PROTECTED FROM CROSS CONTAMINATION BY ARRANGING ALL FOODS TO BE STORED, HELD AND DISPLAYED IN ORDER OF MINIMUM COOKING TEMPERATURES. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005.CITATION ISSUED. ITEMS STORED CORRECTLY AT TIME OF INSPECTION.
15
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: FOUND CONTINUED NON- COMPLIANCE FROM INSPECTION REPORT # 2535135 CONDUCTED ON 10/21/21. THE FOLLOWING PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS WERE NOT CORRECTED: 3-302.12: **C** Food Storage Containers Identified with Common Name of Food OBSERVED BULK STORAGE CONTAINER NOT LABELED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY LABEL STORAGE CONTAINER WITH THE PRODUCTS NAME. 4-601.11(C): (C) NonFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES of EQUIPMENT shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, FOOD residue, and other debris. MUST CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE PREP COOLERS TO REMOVE SPILLS AND DEBRIS. ALSO CLEAN THE EXTERIOR OF THE BULK STORAGE CONTAINER. 6-501.13: **C** Cleaning Floors, Dustless Methods FLOORS NEED CLEANING ALONG THE WALL BASE AND IN CORNERS TO REMOVE SPILLS. DEBRIS AND/OR GREASE. 6-201.17: **C** Walls and Ceilings, Attachments OBSERVED WATER STAINED CEILING TILES IN THE PARTY ROOM. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN. ALSO CLEAN THE LIGHT SHIELDS IN THE HALLWAY LEADING TO THE KITCHEN. 4-202.18: **C** Ventilation Hood Systems, Filters MUST CLEAN THE FILTERS AND HOOD ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT TO REMOVE GREASE AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY . PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
60
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED READY-TO-EAT, TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS (TCS): COOKED CHICKEN, COOKED BEEF, AND COOKED PORK HELD FOR OVER 24 HOURS WITHOUT DISCARD DATE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO PROVIDE DISCARD DATE FOR ANY READY-TO-EAT TCS FOODS HELD FOR OVER 24 HOURS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
23
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: FOUND MOIST WIPING CLOTHS STORED THROUGHOUT PREP TABLE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE WIPING CLOTHES IN CHEMICAL SANITIZER IN BETWEEN USE.
41
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: FOUND CONDENSOR LOCATED IN WALK IN COOLER LEAKING. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
47
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: FOUND 2 INCH GAP BETWEEN DOUBLE DOOR FRONT ENTRANCE. MUST PROVIDE CLOSED TIGHT FITTING DOORS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRANCE.
38
45
Oct 21, 2021
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BULK STORAGE CONTAINER NOT LABELED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY LABEL STORAGE CONTAINER WITH THE PRODUCTS NAME.
37
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE PREP COOLERS TO REMOVE SPILLS AND DEBRIS. ALSO CLEAN THE EXTERIOR OF THE BULK STORAGE CONTAINER.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WATER STAINED CEILING TILES IN THE PARTY ROOM. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN. ALSO CLEAN THE LIGHT SHIELDS IN THE HALLWAY LEADING TO THE KITCHEN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FLOORS NEED CLEANING ALONG THE WALL BASE AND IN CORNERS TO REMOVE SPILLS. DEBRIS AND/OR GREASE.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN THE FILTERS AND HOOD ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT TO REMOVE GREASE AND DEBRIS.
56
78
Oct 15, 2020
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jun 30, 2020
Complaint
3 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Summary report displayed and visible to the public
Inspector notes: 8-304.11(A) OBSERVED PREVIOUS INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY NOT DISPLAYED FOR PUBLIC VIEW. INSTRUCTED TO ALWAYS DISPLAY THE PREVIOUS INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY FOR PUBLIC VIEW AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-010(B).
61
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: 2-102.14(O) OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010.
3
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: 5-501.15 OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE DEBRIS ON THE OUTSIDE GREASE DUMPSTER LID. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(B).
54
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: 4-602.11(B-E) OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE WITH AN ACCUMULATED BROWN SUBSTANCE BY THE ICE MAKER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
16
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: 4-204.112(B) OBSERVED THERMOMETERS ARE NEEDED INSIDE OF THE REACH IN FREEZERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
36
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: 3-302.12 OBSERVED THE SPICES THAT ARE OUT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS MUST BE LABEL WITH THE NAMES OF THE SPICES ON THE CONTAINERS USED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
37
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: 5-204.12 UNABLE TO LOCATE THE BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON THE ICE MACHINE IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO LOCATE.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.12 OBSERVED FLOORS UNDER THE WOK STATION WITH ACCUMULATED DIRT AND GREASE DEBRIS. OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS ON THE HANDLES OF THE REFRIGERATORS. OBSERVED THE WOK STATION WITH ACCUMULATED GREASE DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALL.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: 2-102.13 OBSERVED SOME FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ARE EXPIRED. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.
57
55
Jan 27, 2020
Complaint
1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: 6-301.11 OBSERVED NO CLEANSER AVAILABLE AT TEH FOOD PREP AREA HAND WASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED TO ALWAYS MAINTAIN HAND WASHING CLEANSER AT THE FOOD PREP AREA HAND WASHING SINK AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030(C).
10
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: 4-602.11(B-E) OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE WITH AN ACCUMULATED BROWN SUBSTANCE BY THE ICE MAKER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
16
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: 4-502.13 OBSERVED GROCERY BAGS BEING USED AS FOOD STORAGE BAGS IN THE REACH IN FREEZERS. INSTRUCTED TO NOT USE GROCERY BAGS AS FOOD STORAGE BAGS AND ONLY USE FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS OR FOOD GRADE STORAGE CONTAINERS.
45
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: 4-601.11(C) OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE DEBRIS ON THE WOK STATION AND ON THE HANDLES OF THE PREP COOLERS LOCATED ACROSS FROM THE WOK STATION. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: 5-204.12 UNABLE TO LOCATE THE BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON THE ICE MACHINE IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO LOCATE.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.12 OBSERVED FLOORS UNDER THE WOK STATION WITH ACCUMULATED DIRT DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: 2-102.13 OBSERVED 4 MALE FOOD HANDLERS WITHOUT FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.
57
67
May 14, 2019
Routine
2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH 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 PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005, NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BULK DRY GOODS ie. RICE, FLOUR etc. STORAGE CONTAINERS NOT PROPERLY LABELED, INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL ALL DRY GOODSAND MAINTAIN.
37
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED STANDING WATER ON THE FLOOR UNDER HANDSINK AND UNDER DISH MACHINE, INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE STANDING WATER AND MAINTAIN.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
58
70
May 1, 2018
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MULTI-USE UTENSIL BETWEEN PREP TABLE AND COLD HOLDING PREP STATION. MUST PROERLY STORE MEAT CLEAVER, CLEANED AND SANITIZED.
31
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN EXTERIOR OF COLD PREP STATION DOORS AND HEAVY COOKING EQUIPMENT IN KITCHEN AREA. CLEAN/SANITIZE PREP TABLES AND INTERIOR BOTTOM OF REFRIGERATION UNITS.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS AROUND WOK STATION AND UNDER STORAGE SHELVES AT OUTER REAR AREA. REMOVE EXCESS WATER ON FLOORS IN WALK-IN COOLER AND IN KITCHEN PREP AREA. KEEP FLOORS DRY AT ALL TIMES.
34
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: REMOVE CLUTTER IN BASEMENT UNDER STAIRS TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE, ORGANIZE AND MAINTAIN AREA AT ALL TIMES.
41
82
Apr 21, 2017
License
No violations found.
100
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Northern Taste last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Northern Taste on file is from Nov 14, 2025. The public record contains 12 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Northern Taste?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited eight times, more than any other issue at Northern Taste.
Has Northern Taste's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Northern Taste have averaged around three violations per visit, down from roughly five earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Northern Taste 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 Northern Taste inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Northern Taste is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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