Sipping Turtle Cafe
Last inspected: Dec 5, 2025
82
Score
Inspectors have visited Sipping Turtle Cafe 10 times, with records going back to 2019. The most recent visit was on Dec 5, 2025. When a facility lands in the low risk tier, it usually means nothing alarming showed up at the most recent visit.
Recent inspections have found fewer violations than earlier ones, averaging around four violations lately and about seven violations before that.
Looking across the full record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” is the recurring theme, flagged six times.
Compared to the broader Chicago restaurant scene, this is about average. The full picture is one of consistent compliance.
10
Inspections
0
Critical latest
1
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Dec 5, 2025
Complaint
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND SOAP PROVIDED AT THE FRONT COFFEE BAR AREA HANDWASHING SINK. FACILITY HAS BULK BOTTLE OF HAND SOAP STORED BENEATH 3-COMPARTMENT SINK ADJACENT TO HANDWASHING SINK AND STATES FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES REACH ONTO FLOOR TO GRAB SOAP FOR HANDWASHING WHEN NEEDED. INSTRUCTED TO RELOCATE BOTTLE OF SOAP TO HANDWASHING SINK AND MAINTAIN EASILY-ACCESSIBLE AND AVAILABLE FOR USE IN HANDWASHING AT ALL TIMES. PERSON-IN-CHARGE PROVIDED HAND SOAP TO HANDWASHING SINK WITHOUT REQUIRING REACHING UNDER 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AT TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.
10
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CLEAN EQUIPMENT (PLATES) AND SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES (CUPS, BOWLS) STORED IN ORIGINAL BOXES DIRECTLY ON THE FLOOR OF THE REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO STORE CLEAN EQUIPMENT AND SINGLE-SERVIE ARTICLES AT LEAST 6 INCHES ABOVE THE FLOOR AND MAINTAIN.
44
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES OF THE FOLLOWING EQUIPMENT TO BE SOILED: BUILD UP OF GREASE AND DRIED FOOD DEBRIS AT THE COFFEE BAR COUNTERTOP OVEN, BUILD UP OF DRIED FOOD DEBRIS AND ICE AT THE STORAGE AREA UPRIGHT FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES OF EQUIPMENT AT ADEQUATE FREQUENCY TO PREVENT BUILD UP OF DRIED FOOD DEBRIS AND OTHER SOILS AND MAINTAIN.
49
82
Mar 18, 2025
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE BIN AND INTERIOR GUARD WITH SOME DIRT, NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
16
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED UNFINISHED WOOD ON THE SHELVING SHELVING UNITS IN REAR DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO FINISH THE WOOD ON THE SHELVING UNITS IN REAR DRY STORAGE AREA TO BE EASILY CLEANABLE AND MAINTAIN.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LEAK AT DRAIN PIPE UNDERNEATH THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED COFFEE BEANS AND DIRT ON FLOOR THROUGHOUT THE PREP AREA INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITHOUT FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRCUTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO COMPLY WITH IDPH FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS AND MAINTAIN.
57
78
Aug 23, 2024
Routine
3 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 4 violations
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: NOTED THE FOLLOWING PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION #58 RULE #PA-100-0367 FROM INSPECTION REPORT #2581453 DATED 09/11/2023 NOT CORRECTED.FOUND NO APPROVED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE AVAILABLE. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSON WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION VIOLATION#7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
60
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: NOTED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE CERTIFICATE ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS (SANDWICHES, SOUPS ETC.) WERE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO ORIGINAL FOOD SERVICE CERTIFICATE MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES TCS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED, AND ALSO THE PERSON IN CHARGE MUST HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFICATE BY NEXT INSPECTION (UPON BEING INSPECTED) PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: NO PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
1
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG WALL BASE ESPECIALLY AT THE BASEMENT DRY STORAGE.
55
70
Sep 11, 2023
Complaint
2 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: PERSON IN CHARGE DOES NOT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.
1
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: FOUND NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS (DAIRY, MILK, EGGS, SANDWICHES ETC) ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE, A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES WHEN HANDLING TCS FOODS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED
2
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLERS WITH NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE AVAILABLE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CERTIFICATE FOR EACH EMPLOYEE.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: FOUND NO APPROVED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE AVAILABLE. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSON WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION
58
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE INSIDE PREP AND REACH-IN COOLER IN PREP/SERVICE AREA.
36
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WATER FILTRATION ATTACHED TO THE HANDSINK FAUCET. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE. HAND WASHING SINK IS USED ONLY FOR WASHING HANDS AND NOT FOR DISPENSING OF DRINKING WATER.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR SLOW DRAINING HANDSINK IN PREP/DISHWASHING AREA.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE BROKEN SELF CLOSING DEVICE AT WASHROOM DOOR.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. MUST REORGANIZE AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
55
58
Jun 5, 2023
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR SURFACES OF ICE MACHINE WITH MINIMAL CALCIUM BUILD-UP.
16
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REORGANIZE INSIDE REAR BOILER CLOSET. USABLE ITEMS MUST BE STORED 6" OFF THE FLOOR FOR EASY ACCESS ON CLEANING.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS WITH DUST, DIRT AND SOME LITTER ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA.
55
86
May 23, 2022
Routine
1 major violation. 8 minor violations.
View 9 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE OR VALID DOCUMENTATION WHILE (TCS FOODS) (PREPARING DELI SANDWICHES,SOUP ETC.) IS BEING PREPARED/HANDLED AND SERVED TO THE CUSTOMERS. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE, A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE MUST BE PRESENT WHILE HANDLING (TCS FOODS).PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012,CITATION ISSUED.
2
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT WITH CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER CERTIFICATE.
1
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EMPLOYEES WITH NO HAIR RESTRAINTS IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HAIR RESTRAINTS FOR ALL EMPLOYEES IN THE FOOD PREP AREA.
40
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL WASHCLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION ESPECIALLY WHEN NOT IN USE AND MAINTAIN.
41
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE SPLASHED FOOD DEBRIS BUILDUP INSIDE OF THE MILK COOLER IN PREP AREA.
49
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE PROVIDED IN THE UNISEX WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE.
53
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SELF-CLOSING DOOR DEVICE ON THE WASHROOM DOOR.INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A SELF-CLOSING DOOR DEVICE ON WASHROOM DOOR.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND ORGANIZE UTILITY MOP SINK AREA AND THE DRY STORAGE RACKS LEADING TO BASEMENT AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES DUE TO POTENTIAL PEST HARBORAGE AND STOCK ITEMS OFF THE FLOOR AT LEAST 6" INCHES TO FACILITATE CLEANING.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE.INSTRUCTED TO SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES.
57
61
Apr 7, 2021
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Mar 31, 2021
Complaint
3 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER ON SITE TO MONITOR THE INTERNAL FOOD TEMPERATURE OF TCS FOODS (SOUP, MILK, DELI MEAT). FACILITY MUST OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN PROPER THERMOMETERS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED
36
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CURRENT PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK ON THE PREMISES. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT A LICENSED PEST CONTROL COMPANY AND OPERATOR MUST PROVIDE AT LEAST 2 PEST INSPECTIONS A YEAR AND THE REPORTS MUST BE MAINTAINED IN THE LOG BOOK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A CURRENT PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK AND PEST INSPECTION REPORT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(C). NO CITATION ISSUED.
38
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO ESTABLISH AN APPROPRIATE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AND MAINTAIN WITH VERIFIABLE SIGNED COPIES ON SITE FOR ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO LABEL FOR BULK SUGAR STORAGE CONTAINER STORED ON THE COUNTER. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE ALL BULK AND WORKING FOOD INGREDIENT CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH CONTENTS NAME.
37
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD CONTAINERS STORED ON THE FLOOR BEHIND THE FRONT COUNTER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY STORE AND PROTECT FOOD ITEMS FROM CONTAMINATION WHILE STORED BY ELEVATING AT LEAST 6 INCHES FROM THE FLOOR ON RAISED SHELVING UNITS.
39
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS IN THE INTERIOR OF THE DISPLAY COOLER WHERE THE BAKERY ITEMS ARE STORED. ALSO, OBSERVED FOOD SPLASH IN THE INTERIOR OF THE TWO DOOR PREP COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN.
49
64
Dec 24, 2019
Reinspection
2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AT PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-010. MUST PROVIDE
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: FOUND NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEAN UP POLICY/SPILL KIT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.7-38-005. MUST PROVIDE.
5
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: FOUND NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES FOR ICE MACHINE AND ESPRESSO MACHINE WATERLINES. MUST PROVIDE WHERE THEY CAN BE SERVICED AND LOCATED.
51
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: FOUND NO EXHAUST VENTS FOR RESTROOM. MUST PROVIDE.
56
74
Dec 12, 2019
License
2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AT PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-010. MUST PROVIDE.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: FOUND NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEAN UP POLICY/SPILL KIT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.7-38-005. MUST PROVIDE.
5
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: FOUND NO FOOD GUARDS FOR FRONT COUNTER AREAS/ESPRESSO MACHINE AREAS. MUST PROVIDE.
39
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: FOUND NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES FOR ICE MACHINE AND ESPRESSO MACHINE WATERLINES. MUST PROVIDE WHERE THEY CAN BE SERVICED AND LOCATED.
51
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: FOUND NO EXHAUST VENTS FOR RESTROOM. MUST PROVIDE.
56
70
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Sipping Turtle Cafe last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Sipping Turtle Cafe on file is from Dec 5, 2025. The public record contains 10 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Sipping Turtle Cafe?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at Sipping Turtle Cafe.
Has Sipping Turtle Cafe's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Sipping Turtle Cafe have averaged around four violations per visit, down from roughly seven earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Sipping Turtle Cafe 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 Sipping Turtle Cafe inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Sipping Turtle Cafe is inspected around two times per year on average.
Nearby Restaurants