Tropical Taste Restaurant
Last inspected: Mar 20, 2026
78
Score
Public records show eight inspections at Tropical Taste Restaurant stretching back to 2023. The most recent visit was on Mar 20, 2026. A low risk rating suggests inspectors haven't found much to be concerned about lately.
Recent visits have flagged more than earlier ones: around 10 violations per visit lately, up from roughly six violations before.
Across the inspection history, “food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded 12 times.
Tropical Taste Restaurant's latest score of 78 falls below the Chicago average of 81. On the whole, the file is mixed but not concerning.
8
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
5
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 20, 2026
Complaint
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS CONTAINING WORKING INGREDIENTS FLOUR, SUGAR, SEASONINGS WITHOUT COMMON NAME LABELS . INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN
37
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED INTERIOR SURFACES OF 2 DOOR COOLING UNIT IN NEED OF CLEANING WHERE PRODUCE AND SAUCES ARE STORED. NOTED FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP ON COOKING EQUIPMENT STORED THROUGHOUT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WALL IN FRONT PREP AREA WHERE PREP COOLER WITH COLD HOLD ATTACHED IS LOCATED WITH CHIPPED PAINT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACES AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CEILING ATTACHMENTS LOCATED IN FRONT PREP AREA WATER DAMAGED AND IN DISREPAIR. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH AND EASILY CLENABLE SURFACES.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FLOORS THROUGHOUT PREP AREA, BEHIND FREEZER LOCATED BY BASEMENT DOOR AND IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE TRASH AND UNNECESARY ITEMS . MUST ELEVATE ALL STORED ITEMS AT LEAST 6 INCHES OFF FLOOR
55
78
Aug 19, 2025
Complaint
12 minor violations.
View 12 violations
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: 3-307.11: **C** Miscellaneous Sources of Contamination OBSERVED NO SPLASHGUARD BETWEEN FRONT EXPOSED HAND SINK AND PREP TABLE AND REAR PREP/DISH HANDSINK. MUST INSTALL A WASHABLE SPLASHGUARD.
39
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: 3-304.12: **C** In-Use Utensils, Between-Use Storage OBSERVED KNIVES BEING STORED IN BETWEEN HAND SINK AND PREP TABLEIN FRONT PREP, INSTRUCTED PIC TO STOP THIS PRACTICE AND TO PROPERLY STORE ALL UTENSILS BETWEEN USE.
43
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-501.12: **C** Cutting Surfaces OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS IN THE REAR PREP AREA WITH OPEN SEAMS AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REFINISH OR REPLACE DAMAGED OR STAINED CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-101.19: **C** Nonfood-Contact Surfaces OBSERVED FOOD ENCRUSTED AND RUSTED STORAGE RACKS IN WALK IN COOLER, SURFACES MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-101.19: **C** Nonfood-Contact Surfaces OBSERVED CARDBOARD USED AS LINER ON FOOD PREP EQUIPMENT AND TABLES. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-102.11: **C** Characteristics- Single-Service and Single-Use OBSERVED TCS FOODS STORED IN PLASTIC THANK YOU BAGS IN WALK-IN AND REACH-IN COOLER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE PROPER FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS AND CONTAINERS ONLY.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: 4-601.11(B): (B) The FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES of cooking EQUIPMENT and pans shall be kept free of encrusted grease deposits and other soil accumulations. OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP ON COOKING EQUIPMENT, WALLS, SURROUNDING FLOORS AND SHELVING UNITS IN THE KITCHEN/PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO DEGREASE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
49
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: 4-602.13: NonFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES of EQUIPMENT shall be cleaned at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil residues. OBSERVED WALK-IN COOLERS WALL AN ENCRUSTED WITH AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND AMINTAIN
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.114: **C** Maintaining Premises, Unnecessary Items and Litter OBSERVED CLUTTER STORED ON FLOOR NEAR IN BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNUSED ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.12: **C** Cleaning, Frequency and Restrictions OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS AND SPILLS ON THE FLOORS AND SURFACES THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN UNDER ALL SHELVING UNITS, INTERIOR OF PREP COOLERS, HOT-HOLDING UNITS, PREP TABLES AND DEEP FRYERS TO REMOVE SPILLS, FOOD DEBRIS, DIRT BUILDUP AND/OR GREASE. MUST MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: 6-303.11: **C** Intensity- Lighting OBSERVED A BURNED OUT LIGHT-BULB IN THE HOOD SYSTEM. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE BULB AND MAINTAIN LIGHTING IN THE UNIT.
56
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: 3-305.11: **C** Food Storage-Preventing Contamination from the Premises OBSERVED FOOD CONTAINERS STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE WALK-IN COOLER, PREP, AND BASEMENT STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY STORE AND PROTECT FOOD ITEMS FROM CONTAMINATION WHILE STORED BY ELEVATING AT LEAST SIX INCHES FROM THE FLOOR ON RAISED SHELVING UNITS.
39
55
Aug 1, 2025
Reinspection
12 minor violations.
View 12 violations
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: 3-307.11: **C** Miscellaneous Sources of Contamination OBSERVED NO SPLASHGUARD BETWEEN FRONT EXPOSED HAND SINK AND PREP TABLE AND REAR PREP/DISH HANDSINK. MUST INSTALL A WASHABLE SPLASHGUARD.
39
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: 3-305.11: **C** Food Storage-Preventing Contamination from the Premises OBSERVED FOOD CONTAINERS STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE WALK-IN COOLER, PREP, AND BASEMENT STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY STORE AND PROTECT FOOD ITEMS FROM CONTAMINATION WHILE STORED BY ELEVATING AT LEAST SIX INCHES FROM THE FLOOR ON RAISED SHELVING UNITS.
39
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: 3-304.12: **C** In-Use Utensils, Between-Use Storage OBSERVED KNIVES BEING STORED IN BETWEEN HAND SINK AND PREP TABLEIN FRONT PREP, INSTRUCTED PIC TO STOP THIS PRACTICE AND TO PROPERLY STORE ALL UTENSILS BETWEEN USE.
43
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-501.12: **C** Cutting Surfaces OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS IN THE REAR PREP AREA WITH OPEN SEAMS AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REFINISH OR REPLACE DAMAGED OR STAINED CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-101.19: **C** Nonfood-Contact Surfaces OBSERVED CARDBOARD USED AS LINER ON FOOD PREP EQUIPMENT AND TABLES. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-101.19: **C** Nonfood-Contact Surfaces OBSERVED FOOD ENCRUSTED AND RUSTED STORAGE RACKS IN WALK IN COOLER, SURFACES MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-102.11: **C** Characteristics- Single-Service and Single-Use OBSERVED TCS FOODS STORED IN PLASTIC THANK YOU BAGS IN WALK-IN AND REACH-IN COOLER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE PROPER FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS AND CONTAINERS ONLY.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: 4-601.11(B): (B) The FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES of cooking EQUIPMENT and pans shall be kept free of encrusted grease deposits and other soil accumulations. OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP ON COOKING EQUIPMENT, WALLS, SURROUNDING FLOORS AND SHELVING UNITS IN THE KITCHEN/PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO DEGREASE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
49
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: 4-602.13: NonFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES of EQUIPMENT shall be cleaned at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil residues. OBSERVED WALK-IN COOLERS WALL AN ENCRUSTED WITH AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND AMINTAIN
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.114: **C** Maintaining Premises, Unnecessary Items and Litter OBSERVED CLUTTER STORED ON FLOOR NEAR IN BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNUSED ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.12: **C** Cleaning, Frequency and Restrictions OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS AND SPILLS ON THE FLOORS AND SURFACES THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN UNDER ALL SHELVING UNITS, INTERIOR OF PREP COOLERS, HOT-HOLDING UNITS, PREP TABLES AND DEEP FRYERS TO REMOVE SPILLS, FOOD DEBRIS, DIRT BUILDUP AND/OR GREASE. MUST MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: 6-303.11: **C** Intensity- Lighting OBSERVED A BURNED OUT LIGHT-BULB IN THE HOOD SYSTEM. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE BULB AND MAINTAIN LIGHTING IN THE UNIT.
56
55
Jul 30, 2025
Routine
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 12 minor violations.
View 15 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LIVING/SLEEPING QUARTERS (QUEEN SIZE BED, DRESSERS AND MOUNTED TV) IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA, INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL LIVING/SLEEPING QUARTER ITEMS AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
55
Proper hot holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING FOOD NOT MEETING REQUIREMENT FOR HOT HOLDING OF 135�F DEGREES OR ABOVE IN THE DESIGNATED HOT-HOLDING UNIT: CHICKEN STEW AT 114.3�F, CHICKEN SOUP AT 119.6F, BEEF WITH ONIONS AT 122.3F MANAGER IMMEDIATELY AND VOLUNTARILY DISPOSED OF 15 LBS OF PRODUCTS WORTH $250.00 THROUGH DENATURING PROCESS. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
21
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FACILITY WITHOUT A CHLORINE CHEMICAL TEST KIT FOR SANITIZER OR WARE WASHING AREA. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE A TEST KIT THAT ACCURATELY MEASURES THE CONCENTRATION IN MG/L OF SANITIZING SOLUTION MUST BE PROVIDED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
48
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SPLASHGUARD BETWEEN FRONT EXPOSED HAND SINK AND PREP TABLE AND REAR PREP/DISH HANDSINK. MUST INSTALL A WASHABLE SPLASHGUARD.
39
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD CONTAINERS STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE WALK-IN COOLER, PREP, AND BASEMENT STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY STORE AND PROTECT FOOD ITEMS FROM CONTAMINATION WHILE STORED BY ELEVATING AT LEAST SIX INCHES FROM THE FLOOR ON RAISED SHELVING UNITS.
39
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED KNIVES BEING STORED IN BETWEEN HAND SINK AND PREP TABLEIN FRONT PREP, INSTRUCTED PIC TO STOP THIS PRACTICE AND TO PROPERLY STORE ALL UTENSILS BETWEEN USE.
43
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS IN THE REAR PREP AREA WITH OPEN SEAMS AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REFINISH OR REPLACE DAMAGED OR STAINED CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CARDBOARD USED AS LINER ON FOOD PREP EQUIPMENT AND TABLES. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD ENCRUSTED AND RUSTED STORAGE RACKS IN WALK IN COOLER, SURFACES MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TCS FOODS STORED IN PLASTIC THANK YOU BAGS IN WALK-IN AND REACH-IN COOLER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE PROPER FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS AND CONTAINERS ONLY.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP ON COOKING EQUIPMENT, WALLS, SURROUNDING FLOORS AND SHELVING UNITS IN THE KITCHEN/PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO DEGREASE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
49
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WALK-IN COOLERS WALL AN ENCRUSTED WITH AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND AMINTAIN
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CLUTTER STORED ON FLOOR NEAR IN BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNUSED ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS AND SPILLS ON THE FLOORS AND SURFACES THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN UNDER ALL SHELVING UNITS, INTERIOR OF PREP COOLERS, HOT-HOLDING UNITS, PREP TABLES AND DEEP FRYERS TO REMOVE SPILLS, FOOD DEBRIS, DIRT BUILDUP AND/OR GREASE. MUST MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A BURNED OUT LIGHT-BULB IN THE HOOD SYSTEM. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE BULB AND MAINTAIN LIGHTING IN THE UNIT.
56
37
Jun 13, 2024
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jun 6, 2024
Routine
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: FOUND 2 LIVE ROACHES UNDER 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AREAS.PRIORITY FOUNDATION.CITATION ISSUED.7-38-020A.MUST NOTIFY PEST CONTROL OPERATOR AND RID OF ROACHES.
38
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: FOUND NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES AT ICE MACHINE.MUST PROVIDE WHERE IT CAN BE LOCATED AND SERVICED.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: FOUND RESTROOM DOORS NOT SELF CLOSING.MUST PROVIDE.
53
82
Aug 10, 2023
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: ONE FOOD MANAGER ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE HAS EXPIRED. INSTRUCTED MUST UPDATE SAID FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE.
58
95
Jul 25, 2023
License
2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: NO HANDWASH SINK AT DISHWASH AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE A HANDWASH SINK WITH RUNNING HOT AND COLD WATER AT DISHWASH AREA. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C). NO CITATION ISSUED.
10
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: NO COMMERCIAL OUTSIDE DUMPSTER OR OUTSIDE DUMPSTER CONTRACT. INSRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE A COMMERCIAL OUTSIDE DUMPSTER OR DUMPSTER CONTRACT FOR ESTABLISHMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(B). NO CITATION ISSUED.
54
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: ONE FOOD MANAGER ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE HAS EXPIRED. INSTRUCTED MUST UPDATE SAID FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE.
58
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: WALK IN COOLER THERMOMETER BROKEN. MUST PROVIDE A WORKING THERMOMETER INSIDE ALL COOLERS.
36
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 1/4 INCH GAP AT REAR EXIT DOOR. MUST RODENT PROOF SAID DOOR.
38
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: PREP AREA HANDWASH SINK PIPE LEAKING. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SAID SINK.
51
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: VENTILATION HOOD AND VENTILATION HOOD LIGHTS NOT WORKING. MUST REPAIR VENTILATION HOOD AND PROVIDE WORKING LIGHTS.
56
64
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Tropical Taste Restaurant last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Tropical Taste Restaurant on file is from Mar 20, 2026. The public record contains eight inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Tropical Taste Restaurant?
Across the inspection record, “food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable” has been cited 12 times, more than any other issue at Tropical Taste Restaurant.
Has Tropical Taste Restaurant's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Tropical Taste Restaurant have averaged around 10 violations per visit, up from roughly six earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Tropical Taste Restaurant 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 Taste Restaurant inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Tropical Taste Restaurant is inspected around three times per year on average.
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