Tropical Smoothie Cafe
Last inspected: Jun 17, 2025
90
Score
Inspectors have visited Tropical Smoothie Cafe 11 times, with records going back to 2020. The newest entry in the record is dated Jun 17, 2025. Low risk means the most recent visit produced few or no significant findings.
Inspection results have stayed in a similar range over the last few visits, averaging around three violations each.
Across the inspection history, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded five times.
Among Chicago restaurants, the typical score is 81; Tropical Smoothie Cafe is comfortably above that bar. Taken together, the history is a positive one.
11
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jun 17, 2025
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: : 4-602.13-- NOTED DIRTY, BLACKENED WASHBOWL IN THE WOMEN'S WASHROOM---NOTED DIRTY SHELVING INSIDE THE METAL CABINET UNDER THE FRONT PREP ICE BIN. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-201.11--- NOTED BLACKENED, MOLDY WALL CAULKING ON THE WALLS SURROUNDING THE FRONT PREP ICE BIN. MUST REPLACE.-----DIRTY FLOOR DRAIN NOTED UNDER THE FRONT PREP HAND AND ONE COMPARTMENT SINKS.-----DIRTY FLOORS UNDER THE REAR DRY STORAGE, AROUND/UNDER THE ICE MACHINE, UNDER THE FRONT PREP METAL CABINETS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.----MISSING WALL PANEL AND CEILING TILE ABOVE THE WALK-IN COOLER. MUST REPLACE.
55
90
Jun 9, 2025
Routine
4 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: PERSON IN CHARGE DURING THE INSPECTION DOES NOT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.
1
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS WERE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.
2
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE VERIFIED BY ALL EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE A WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR ALL EMPLOYEES AND MAKE AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW DURING HEALTH INSPECTIONS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 CITATION ISSUED.
3
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: NO CURRENT PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK OR SERVICE REPORT AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW DURING THE INSPECTION. LAST LEGIBLE REPORT ON PREMISES DATED 6-26-21. MUST PROVIDE A CURRENT PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK WITH A CURRENT SERVICE REPORT AND ALL OTHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION INCLUDING A CURRENT STATE OF ILLINOIS PEST CONTROL CO. LICENSE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(C) CITATION ISSUED.
38
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: EMPLOYEE NOTED WITHOUT AN EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINT. MUST PROVIDE.
40
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: LID OF THE BULK SUGAR CONTAINER DIRTY. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: NOTED DIRTY, BLACKENED WASHBOWLS IN THE WOMEN'S WASHROOM AND THE HAND SINK AT THE REAR PREP/DISH AREA.----NOTED DIRTY SHELVING INSIDE THE METAL CABINET UNDER THE FRONT PREP ICE BIN. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: NOTED BLACKENED, MOLDY WALL CAULKING ON THE WALLS SURROUNDING THE FRONT PREP ICE BIN. MUST REPLACE.-----DIRTY FLOOR DRAIN NOTED UNDER THE FRONT PREP HAND AND ONE COMPARTMENT SINKS.-----DIRTY FLOORS UNDER THE REAR DRY STORAGE, AROUND/UNDER THE ICE MACHINE, UNDER THE FRONT PREP METAL CABINETS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.----MISSING WALL PANEL AND CEILING TILE ABOVE THE WALK-IN COOLER. MUST REPLACE.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES FOR ALL REQUIRED EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE.
57
52
Apr 25, 2024
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Apr 18, 2024
Routine
2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: FOUND NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGER OR VALID DOCUMENTATION ON THE PREMISES AND TCS FOODS (CUT FRUIT SMOOTHIES,CHICKEN/PESTO SANDWICHES ETC.) ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED TO CUSTOMERS.INSTRUCTED PERSON-IN-CHARGE THAT A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGER MUST BE ON THE PREMISES AT ALL TIMES WHEN (TCS FOODS)ARE PREPARED,HANDLED, AND/OR SERVED.INSTRUCTED TO COMPLY AND POST ORIGINAL CERTIFICATES AS REQUIRED.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012,CITATION ISSUED.
2
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 20 LIVE SMALL FLIES ON THE WALLS AND CEILINGS IN THE FRONT SMOOTHIE FOOD PREP AREA AND IN THE CUSTOMER DINING ROOM AREAS.INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AFFECTED AREAS.ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A),CITATION ISSUED.
38
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
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRTY FLOORS WITH SPILLED DEBRIS UNDERNEATH THE ICE MAKER.INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS IN DETAIL AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN CEILING VENTILATION COVERS THROUGHOUT THE FOOD PREP AREAS AND INSIDE THE WASHROOMS TO REMOVE ACCUMULATION OF DUSTS AND MAINTAIN.
56
70
Jun 29, 2023
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jun 27, 2023
Routine
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED WITHIN SPECIFIED TIMEFRAME. REPORT #2554087 DATED APRIL 8 2022 INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO #38 RODENT PROOF DOOR MIDDLE OF FRONT/ EXIT DOOR AND #55 CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF FLOOR DRAIN IN FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS. OBSERVED 1/4 INCH GAP IN MIDDLE OF FRONT DOOR/EXIT DOOR; OBSERVED REAR PREP AND FRONT PREP FLOOR DRAINS WITH HEAVY SOIL BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ADDRESS ALL PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.
60
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE IN WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
53
86
Apr 8, 2022
License
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR SURFACES OF FLOOR DRAIN IN FRONT AND IN REAR PREP AREA TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
55
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER.
36
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO RODENT PROOF MIDDLE OF FRONT ENTRANCE/EXIT DOOR.
38
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO RECAULK BETWEEN HANDSINK AND WALL WITH BLACK MOLDLIKE ACCUMULATION INFRONT PREP/SERVICE AREA.
55
82
Jun 30, 2021
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jun 28, 2021
Reinspection
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Previous priority foundation violation corrected
Inspector notes: 8-404.13(B)(3) PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION FROM REPORT #2521636 ON 6/21/21 NOT CORRECTED: 38 - OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 40 LIVE SMALL FLYING INSECTS ON THE CEILING AND WALLS OF THE FOOD PREP AREAS AND DINING ROOM AREA. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
59
90
Jun 21, 2021
Routine
3 major violations.
View 3 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010.
3
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 50 LIVE SMALL FLYING INSECTS ON THE CEILING AND WALLS OF THE FOOD PREP AREAS AND DINING ROOM AREA. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
38
Summary report displayed and visible to the public
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY POSTED ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT WAS GIVEN A COPY OF TODAY'S INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY AND WAS INSTRUCTED TO POST IT IN VIEW OF ALL CUSTOMERS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-010(B).
61
74
Apr 27, 2020
License
3 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 4 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICY.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-7-38.010-NO CITATION ISSUED)
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CLEAN-UP OF VOMITING AND DIARRHEA PROCEDURE AND CLEAN-UP KIT ON PREMISES DURING INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE SAID PROCEDURE ALONG WITH REQUIRED EQUIPMENT FOR CLEAN-UP. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-005
5
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND DRYING PROVISION IN RESTROOMS ,EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINKS. MUST OBTAIN, REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) NO CITATION ISSUED
10
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER'S TRAINING CERTIFICATION FROM EMPLOYEE. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL EMPLOYEE'S MUST COMPLY WITH FOOD HANDLER'S TRAINING IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FOOD HANDLING REGULATION ENFORCEMENT ACT
57
70
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Tropical Smoothie Cafe last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Tropical Smoothie Cafe on file is from Jun 17, 2025. The public record contains 11 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Tropical Smoothie Cafe?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Tropical Smoothie Cafe.
Has Tropical Smoothie Cafe's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Tropical Smoothie Cafe have averaged around three violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Tropical Smoothie 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 Tropical Smoothie Cafe inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Tropical Smoothie Cafe is inspected around two times per year on average.
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