Tortoise Club
Last inspected: Mar 19, 2025
64
Score
The health department has logged 17 inspections at Tortoise Club, the earliest from 2012. The most recent visit was on Mar 19, 2025. A medium risk score generally means inspectors found things to fix, though most weren't urgent.
Recent visits have flagged more than earlier ones: around five violations per visit lately, up from roughly two violations before.
When inspectors have written things up, “insects, rodents, & animals not present” has been the most frequent reason, cited five times.
That's lower than the typical Chicago restaurant, which scores around 81. Nothing in the record is alarming, but there's room to improve.
17
Inspections
0
Critical latest
1
Major latest
7
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 19, 2025
Routine
1 major violation. 7 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO IRREVERSIBLE TEMPERATURE INDICATOR FOR MEASURING SURFACE TEMPERATURE OF UTENSILS AND OTHER DISHES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE. CORRECTED ON SITE IRREVERSIBLE TEMPERATURE INDICATOR FOR MEASURING SURFACE TEMPERATURE OF UTENSILS AND OTHER DISHES DELIVERED TO FACILITY BEFORE CONCLUSION OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
48
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LEAKING FAUCET AT HANDWASHING SINK IN BAR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR LEAKING FAUCET AT HANDWASHING SINK IN BAR.
51
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CARDBOARD ON GROUND OUTSIDE OF DUMPSTER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN DUMPSTER AREA.
54
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SPLASHES AND SPILLAGE FLOORS AND ALONG BASES OF WALLS UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT AND SINKS IN BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN BASES OF WALLS AND FLOORS UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT AND SINKS IN BAR AREA AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS AT BASE OF WALLS, CORNERS AND FLOOR IN SMALL DRY STORAGE ROOM IN BASEMENT(NEXT TO LIQUOR ROOM). INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN BASE OF WALLS, CORNERS AND FLOOR IN SMALL DRY STORAGE ROOM IN BASEMENT(NEXT TO LIQUOR ROOM) AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GROUT MISSING IN BETWEEN TILES IN DISHWASHING AREA. OBSERVED GROUT MISSING BETWEEN TILES IN DISHWASHING AREA UNDERNEATH THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AND HANDWASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REGROUT IN BETWEEN TILES WHERE GROUT IS MISSING IN DISHWASHING AREA UNDERNEATH THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AND HANDWASHING SINK.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ONE EMPLOYEE WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE WITH NO ALLERGEN AWARENESS TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ALLERGEN AWARENESS TRAINING FOR ALL EMPLOYEES WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATES.
58
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OPENING IN MIDDLE OF FRONT ENTRANCE OUTER DOUBLE DOORS. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRANCE.
38
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED UNREADABLE DATA PLATE ON LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE IN THE BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AN EASILY ACCESSIBLE AND READABLE DATA PLATE AFFIXED TO THE MACHINE BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT INDICATES THE MACHINE'S DESIGN AND OPERATION SPECIFICATIONS.
48
64
Mar 13, 2024
Routine
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO DISCLOSURE ON MENU STATING THAT ASTERISKED ANIMAL DERIVED FOODS ARE SERVED RAW OR COOKED TO ORDER. INSTRUCTED TO ADD DISCLOSURE STATEMENT TO MENU STATING THAT ASTERISKED ANIMAL DERIVED FOODS ARE SERVED RAW OR COOKED TO ORDER. CORRECTED ON SITE DISCLOSURE WAS ADDED TO MENU STATING THAT ASTERISKED ANIMAL DERIVED FOODS ARE SERVED RAW OR COOKED TO ORDER BEFORE COMPLETION OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
25
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SPLASHES AND SPILLAGE ON WALLS AND FLOORS UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT AND SINKS IN BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN WALLS AND FLOORS UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT AND SINKS IN BAR AREA AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS AT BASE OF WALLS, CORNERS AND FLOOR IN SMALL DRY STORAGE ROOM IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN BASE OF WALLS, CORNERS AND FLOOR IN SMALL DRY STORAGE ROOM IN BASEMENT AND MAINTAIN.
55
86
Feb 28, 2023
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TWO ICE MACHINES LOCATED IN KITCHEN AREA SLIGHTLY SOILED. INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE DRIP PLATES. FACILITY MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
16
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: UTENSILS NOT PROVIDED IN BAR AREA FOR DRINK TOPPINGS SUCH AS ZEST FROM CITRUS FOODS AND VARIOUS DRINK TOPPINGS. FOOD EMPLOYEES SHALL USE SUITABLE UTENSILS SUCH AS DELI TISSUE, SPATULAS/TONGS, DISPENSING EQUIPMENT OR SINGLE USE GLOVES WHEN HANDLING READY TO EAT FOODS.
39
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: IN-USE WIPING CLOTHS ARE NOT STORED PROPERLY. FOUND ON PREP-COUNTER ACROSS THE COOKLINE. CLOTHS USED TO WIPE SURFACES AND EQUIPMENT SHALL BE HELD IN A PROPER SANITIZER SOLUTION. CLOTHS IN-USE FOR WIPING SURFACES IN CONTACT WITH RAW ANIMAL FOODS SHALL BE KEPT SEPARATE FROM CLOTHS USED FOR OTHER PURPOSES. IN-USE CLOTHS MUST BE LAUNDERED DAILIY.
41
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: EMPLOYEE CLOTHING ITEMS WERE FOUND STORED IMPROPERLY UNDER PREP-LINE SERVICE COUNTER ACROSS THE EXPEDITE AREA. FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS SHALL A) PROVIDE DESIGNATED DRESSING ROOMS OR DRESSING AREAS FOR EMPLOYEES THAT ROUTINELY CHANGE THEIR CLOTHES IN THE ESTABLISHMENTS; B) PROVIDE LOCKERS OR OTHER SUITABLE FACILITIES FOR THE ORDERLY STORAGE OF EMPLOYEES' CLOTHING AND OTHER POSSESSIONS.
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATIONS EXPIRED ON SITE. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES (WHO DO NOT HAVE A CITY MANAGER CERTIFCATION) MUST OBTAIN A VALID FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATION.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: FOOD ALLERGEN CERTIFICATIONS NOT PROVIDED ON SITE. ALL PENDING/CITY CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN A VALID FOOD ALLERGEN CERTIFICATION.
58
74
Feb 23, 2022
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LOOSE HOT WATER HANDLE AT EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK ON COOK LINE AND HOT WATER HANDLE UNABLE TO BE TURNED AT MIDDLE WASHBOWL IN MEN'S TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
51
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BUILD UP OF DEBRIS ON VENT OVER HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
56
90
Jan 23, 2020
Routine
No violations found.
100
Feb 15, 2019
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: BULK FOOD CONTAINERS NOT LABELED PROPERLY( SUGAR, SALT ) INSTRUCTED TO LABEL AND MAINTAIN.
37
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: SMALL DELI CONTAINERS NOT AIR DRIED AFTER WASHING, INSTRUCTED TO AIR DRY BEFORE STACKING.
44
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: CHIPPED DRY WALL NEXT TO MIXER AT BASEMENT PREP KITCHEN, INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A DURABLE SMOOTH SURFACE.
55
86
May 10, 2018
Routine
No violations found.
100
Feb 7, 2017
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Feb 2, 2017
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Dish machines: provided with accurate thermometers, chemical test kits and suitable gauge cock
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GAUGE COCK ON HOT WATER DISH MACHINE READING 160F. HIGH TEMP TEST STRIPS WERE USED TO INDICATE HOT WATER DISH MACHINE IS SANITIZING AT 180F. NEW GUAGE COCK MUST BE INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED TO MONITOR DISH MACHINE. SERIOUS VIOALTION 7-38-030
22
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SMALL LOW TEMP DISH MAHCINE AT BAR WITH HEAVY LIME BUILD UP UNDERNEATH. DELIME AND MAINTAIN.
33
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 6 PACK OF SODA ON FLOOR OF BAR AND BUCKET OF LIMES AND LEMONS ON FLOOR OF BAR. ALL FOOD ITEMS NEED TO BE STORED AT LEAST 6 INCHES OFF FLOOR AT ALL TIMES.
41
86
Jun 16, 2016
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: PREP AREA 2-DOOR REACH IN COOLER DOOR RUBBER GASKET RIPPED (ALONG COOKLINE). INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR/REPLACE DAMAGED DOOR RUBBER GASKET.
32
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: 1ST FLOOR EXPOSED HANDWASH BOWL PIPE DRAINING SLOWLY. MUST MAINTAIN SINK.
38
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ONE FOOD HANDLER NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS.
42
86
Jul 2, 2015
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jun 30, 2015
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Adequate number, convenient, accessible, designed, and maintained
Inspector notes: EXPOSED HAND SINK IN THE LOWER LEVEL PREP AREA NOT PROPERLY DESIGNED,CONSTRUCTED. WASTE WATER BACKING UP ON THE FLOOR DRAIN, GIVEN 48 HOURS TO CORRECT CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030.
11
95
Jun 23, 2015
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Source sound condition, no spoilage, foods properly labeled, shellfish tags in place
Inspector notes: RAW OYSTER INSIDE THE PREP COOLER IN THE COOK LINE WITHOUT TAG ATTACHED TO THE CONTAINER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT ALL SHELLFISH MUST HAVE A TAG ATTACHED TO THE CONTAINER DURING STORAGE AND THE TAG HAS TO BE SAVED FOR THE NEXT 90 DAYS AFTER ALL THE SHELLFISH HAS BEEN CONSUMED. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(B). MANAGER DISCARDED THE SAID PRODUCT WORTH $26.00 TOTAL 2.5 LBS.
1
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT # 1496980 DATED 9/22/14. #38- HAND SINK AT LOWER LEVEL PREP AREA IS A PORTABLE HAND SINK, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ONE THAT'S CONNECTED TO PLUMBING. SINK IS PROVIDED WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER AT THIS TIME FOR ADEQUATE HANDS WASHING. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-090
29
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: LABEL ALL BULK DRY FOOD CONTAINERS IN THE STORAGE /PREP AREA. ALSO ALL READY TO FOOD INSIDE THE CONTAINERS IN THE WALK IN COOLER MUST HAVE A LABEL AND DATE.
30
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: ALL BOXED FOODS INSIDE THE WALK IN FREEZER MUST BE ELEVATED 6" OFF THE FLOOR. ALSO CLEAN THE FLOOR INSIDE THE WALK IN FREEZER AND MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: HOOD/FILTER ABOVE THE DISH MACHINE WITH GREASE AND DUST BUILD-UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. WALLS BY THE DISH MACHINE WITH BLACK MOLDY LIKE SUBSTANCE. MUST CLEAN IN DETAIL AND MAINTAIN.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: ALL LIGHT SHIELD OF THE LIHT BULBS ON THE HOOD/CANOPY IN THE COOK LINE WITH GREASE ACCUMULATED. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. MUST REPLACE CRACKED AND DIRTY SOLID LIGHT SHIELD ON THE COOK LINE AND MAINTAIN.
36
74
Sep 22, 2014
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: ICE BINS STORED IMPROPERLY UNDER A DUSTY CEILING VENT, INSTRUCTED TO STORE IN A SANITARY PLACE.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: CHIPPED WALL AROUND LOWER LEVEL PREP AREA, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A DURABLE SMOOTH SURFACE AND MAINTAIN.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: HAND SINK AT LOWER LEVEL PREP AREA IS A PORTABLE HAND SINK, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ONE THAT'S CONNECTED TO PLUMBING. SINK IS PROVIDED WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER AT THIS TIME FOR ADEQUATE HANDS WASHING.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: OPEN CONTAINERS FOR EMPLOYEES DRINKS AT PREP TEABLE, INSTRUCTED TO KEEP A WAY, OR WITH A LID.
41
82
Nov 18, 2013
Complaint
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: ADDITIONAL HAND WASH SINK MUST BE INSTALLED IN THE LOWER LEVEL PREP AREA ( 4 PREP TABLES, DOUGH MIXER, ICE CREAM MAKER )NO HAND SINK AVILABE AT THIS TIME.
38
95
Oct 17, 2013
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE IN FRONT PREP AREA.
32
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: EXPOSED HANDWASH SINK IN DISHWASHING AREA IS SLOW DRAINING. MUST REPAIR.
38
90
Oct 18, 2012
License
No violations found.
100
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Tortoise Club last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Tortoise Club on file is from Mar 19, 2025. The public record contains 17 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Tortoise Club?
Across the inspection record, “insects, rodents, & animals not present” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Tortoise Club.
Has Tortoise Club's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Tortoise Club have averaged around five violations per visit, up from roughly two earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Tortoise Club 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 Tortoise Club inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Tortoise Club is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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