Tropicuba Cafe
Last inspected: Mar 17, 2026
100
Score
Inspectors have visited Tropicuba Cafe nine times, with records going back to 2021. The most recent report on file is from Mar 17, 2026. Diners can read the low risk label as a sign that recent inspections have gone well.
Recent visits have produced comparable findings, with counts hovering near two violations per visit.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable”, showing up eight times.
Among Chicago restaurants, the typical score is 81; Tropicuba Cafe is comfortably above that bar. The file should reassure diners considering a visit.
9
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 17, 2026
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Mar 10, 2026
Routine
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM 6-3-2025, REPORT #2618473. #49- 4-601.11//NOTED HEAVY GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE KITCHEN AND GREASE DEPOSITS IN COMPARTMENTS UNDERNEATH FRYERS. INSTRUCTED TO DEEP CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. #55--6-201.11//NOTED FLOORS BEHIND AND UNDERNEATH KITCHEN COOKING EQUIPMENT, ALONG THE WALLS IN KITCHEN, UNDER DISHROOM/KITCHEN HANDSINK, ALONG THE WALLS IN THE DISH ROOM, UNDERNEATH THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK, AND BEHIND/UNDERNEATH REAR PREP TABLES ARE NOT CLEAN. HEAVY GREASE, FOOD DEBRIS TRAPPED IN BASEBOARDS THAT ARE DETACHED FROM THE WALL. INSTRUCTED TO DEEP CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
60
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WATER FILTER ATTACHED TO HAND WASHING SINK FAUCET IN FRONT COFFEE AREA. MUST REMOVE.
10
86
Jun 3, 2025
Reinspection
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: 3-304.14// NOTED WIPING CLOTH STORED ON PREP COOLER, CUTTING BOARD IN KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A PROPER SANITIZING BUCKET WITH PROPER SANITIZING SOLUTION TO HOLD WIPING CLOTHS BETWEEN USES TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
41
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-501.12// NOTED STAINED AND DEEPLY CUTTING BOARDS ON BOTH PREP TABLES IN KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO DEEP CLEAN AND RESTORE TO A SMOOTH AND EASY TO CLEAN SURFACE, OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: 4-601.11//NOTED HEAVY GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE KITCHEN AND GREASE DEPOSITS IN COMPARTMENTS UNDERNEATH FRYERS. INSTRUCTED TO DEEP CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-201.11//NOTED FLOORS BEHIND AND UNDERNEATH KITCHEN COOKING EQUIPMENT, ALONG THE WALLS IN KITCHEN, UNDER DISHROOM/KITCHEN HANDSINK, ALONG THE WALLS IN THE DISH ROOM, UNDERNEATH THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK, AND BEHIND/UNDERNEATH REAR PREP TABLES ARE NOT CLEAN. HEAVY GREASE, FOOD DEBRIS TRAPPED IN BASEBOARDS THAT ARE DETACHED FROM THE WALL. INSTRUCTED TO DEEP CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS AND MAINTAIN
55
82
May 19, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER INTERNAL TEMPERATURES OF THE FOLLOWING TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD ITEMS INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER: GANDUNES (RICE) 46.8 F, & 56.7 F, GROUND BEEF 48.7 F, MANAGER DISCARDED AND DENATURED APPROXIMATELY 22 LBS VALUED AT $200.00. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
22
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF RODENT ACTIVITY ON THE PREMISES. NOTED APPROXIMATELY 20 MOUSE DROPPINGS UNDER KITCHEN/ DISHROOM HANDSINK. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS AND SANITIZE ALL AFFECTED AREAS TO MONITOR NEW ACTIVITY PROPERLY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
38
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING TCS DESSERTS: FLAN AND TRES LECHES CAKE IN LOBBY GRAB & GO COOLER NOT PROPERLY LABELED & DATE MARKED. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROPERLY LABEL ALL PACKAGED FOOD ITEMS WITH IDENTITY, NET WEIGHT, INGREDIENTS, AND MAJOR ALLERGENS LISTED, BUSINESS NAME AND ADDRESS WHERE MADE AND PACKAGED. PIC DISCARDED AND DENATURED APPROXIMATELY 7 LBS, VALUED AT $100 PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
37
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: NOTED WIPING CLOTH STORED ON PREP COOLER, CUTTING BOARD IN KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A PROPER SANITIZING BUCKET WITH PROPER SANITIZING SOLUTION TO HOLD WIPING CLOTHS BETWEEN USES TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
41
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: NOTED STAINED AND DEEPLY CUTTING BOARDS ON BOTH PREP TABLES IN KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO DEEP CLEAN AND RESTORE TO A SMOOTH AND EASY TO CLEAN SURFACE, OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: NOTED HEAVY GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE KITCHEN AND GREASE DEPOSITS IN COMPARTMENTS UNDERNEATH FRYERS. INSTRUCTED TO DEEP CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: NOTED FLOORS BEHIND AND UNDERNEATH KITCHEN COOKING EQUIPMENT, ALONG THE WALLS IN KITCHEN, UNDER DISHROOM/KITCHEN HANDSINK, ALONG THE WALLS IN THE DISH ROOM, UNDERNEATH THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK, AND BEHIND/UNDERNEATH REAR PREP TABLES ARE NOT CLEAN. HEAVY GREASE, FOOD DEBRIS TRAPPED IN BASEBOARDS THAT ARE DETACHED FROM THE WALL. INSTRUCTED TO DEEP CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS AND MAINTAIN.
55
58
Aug 29, 2024
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Aug 22, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation.
View 2 violations
Hands clean & properly washed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED COOK WEARING GLOVES, TOUCHED SOILED WIPING CLOTH THEN IMMEDIATELY TOUCHED READY TO EAT PASTELITO WITH GROUND BEEF. AFTERWARDS COOK PUT PASTELITO WITH GROUND BEEF INTO TO GO CONTAINER AND IMMEDIATELY AFTERWARDS WAS HANDLING PLAINTAINS AND PUT INTO FRYER. INSTRUCTED TO WASH HANDS AND CHANGE GLOVES AFTER CONTAMINATING HANDS. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.
8
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM 6/8/2023, REPORT #2576967. #37--OBSERVED PACKAGED DESSERTS NOT PROPERLY LABELED IN THE PREP COOLER.INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL DESSERTS WITH COMMON NAME, NAME OF MANUFACTURER AND ADDRESS, INGREDIENTS, NET CONTENTS, ETC. #38-OBSERVED REAR EXIT DOOR WITH SMALL OPENING AT BASE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL REAR EXIT DOOR OPENING TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY. #41-OBSERVED WIPING CLOTH LAYING ON PREP TABLE. ALL WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE HELD IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES. #47-OBSERVED TORN DOOR GASKET AT FRONT 2 DOOR PREP LINE COOLER. MUST REPLACE TORN GASKET. #47-OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS ON PREP TABLE DEEPLY SCRATCHED AND STAINED. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN. #49--OBSERVED MICROWAVE WITH FOOD SPILLAGE ON INTERIOR, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. #53--OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTABLE IN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE. #55-OBSERVED DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN WALKIN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR/REPLACE FLOOR TILES AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
60
78
Jun 8, 2023
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 18 minor violations.
View 21 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BEEF STEW HELD AT 49.8F AND GROUND BEEF HELD AT 52.7F IN WALK IN COOLER. ALL COLD TCS FOODS MUST BE HELD AT 41.0F OR LOWER. BEEF STEW AND GROUND BEEF(30LBS/$300) VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED BY MANAGER. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
22
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS AT HANDWASHING SINKS IN FRONT BEVERAGE AND REAR DISHWASHING AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN PAPER TOWELS AT ALL HANDWASHING SINKS. CORRECTED ON SITE PAPER TOWELS PROVIDED AT BOTH HANDWASHING STATIONS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED
10
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION FROM REPORT #2562312 DATED 8-17-22 NOT CORRECTED: #58 2-102.13: FOUND SANITATION MANAGERS WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
60
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LARGE WHITE AND GRAY CONTAINERS UNDER LARGE PREP TABLE IN REAR KITCHEN AREA WITHOUT COMMON NAME. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME OF FOOD.
37
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PACKAGED DESSERTS NOT PROPERLY LABELED IN THE PREP COOLER.INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL DESSERTS WITH COMMON NAME, NAME OF MANUFACTURER AND ADDRESS, INGREDIENTS, NET CONTENTS, ETC..
37
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED REAR EXIT DOOR WITH SMALL OPENING AT BASE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL REAR EXIT DOOR OPENING TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.
38
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WIPING CLOTH LAYING ON PREP TABLE. ALL WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE HELD IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.
41
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PANS AND POTS NOT INVERTED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT POTS AND PANS WHEN STORING. OBSERVED POTS AND PANS ON FLOOR IN REAR KITCHEN/ DISHWASHING AREA INSTRUCTED TO STORE POTS AND PANS ON SHELVES IN REAR KITCHEN AREA.
44
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS ON PREP TABLE, ABOVE SMALL COOLERS AND RED AND GREEN CUTTING BOARDS DEEPLY SCRATCHED AND STAINED. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MILK CRATES USED THROUGHOUT FACILITY FOR STORAGE. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE MILK CRATES FOR STORAGE AND TO PROVIDE SHELVING TO STORE FOOD AND NON FOOD ITEMS AT LEAST SIX INCHES OFF OF FLOOR FOR EASE OF CLEANABILITY. OBSERVED RUSTY SHELVES IN WALKIN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE SHELVES.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TORN DOOR GASKET AT FRONT 2 DOOR PREP LINE COOLER AND IN REAR 1 DOOR STAND-UP FREEZER.INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE TORN DOOR GASKETS AND MAINTAIN.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WOODEN SHELF IN FRONT SERVING AREA WITH PEELING PAINT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE PEELING PAINT, SEAL SMOOTHLY WITH FOOD GRADE SEALANT AND TO MAINTAIN SURFACE OF WOODEN SHELF.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SHELVES ABOVE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK WITH DUST BUILDUP ON SURFACE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED MICROWAVE WITH FOOD SPILLAGE ON INTERIOR, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW DEVICE ON COFFEE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL BACKFLOW ON COFFEE MACHINE.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTABLE IN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COVERED WASTE RECEPTABLE.
53
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DEBRIS ON GROUND SURROUNDING DUMPSTER AND GREASE CONTAINER INSTRUCTED TO SWEEP AND MAINTAIN AREA.
54
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DAMAGED CEILING TILES IN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE CEILING TILES. OBSERVED DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN WALKIN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR/REPLACE FLOOR TILES AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FLOORS UNDERNEATH THREE COMPARTMENT SINK, FLOORS THROUGHOUT REAR STORAGE , AND BEHIND SMALL TWO DOOR COOLERS IN FRONT SERVING AREA WITH DIRT AND GREASE BUILDUP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED WALK IN COOLER WITH DEBRIS AND FOOD SPILLS ON FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED REAR STORAGE WITH ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO ORGANIZE AND ELEVATE ALL ITEMS IN REAR STORAGE AREA.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HOODS WITH GREASE AND DUST BUILDUP ON INTERIOR. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUSTY VENT COVER IN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN VENT COVER.
56
29
Aug 17, 2022
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: FOUND LOOSE HOT WATER HANDLE FOR HAND SINK BY REAR DISHWASHING AREAS.MUST REPAIR/REPLACE.
51
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: FOUND SANITATION MANAGERS WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING. MUST PROVIDE.
58
90
Sep 2, 2021
License
1 major violation. 10 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON THE PREMISES.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010.
3
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ADEQUATE WORKING VISIBLE THERMOMETERS INSIDE HOT HOLDING UNITS AT FRONT PREP AREA.
36
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE AND INVERT MULTI-USE POTS AND PANS STORED ON KITCHEN SHELF TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION BEFORE USE.
44
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE FRONT 2 DOOR PREP COOLER.INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKET.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED STAINED CUTTING BOARD ON TOP OF THE KITCHEN 2 DOOR PREP COOLER AND PREP TABLE.INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE OR REPLACE THE CUTTING BOARDS
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A FOOD PREPARATION SINK IN THE FRONT PREP AREA DUE TO MAKING MILK SHAKES.
51
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE NOT LOCATED AT COFFEE ESPRESSO FRONT PREP AREA. MUST INSTALL SO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE MAY BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE DAMAGED CEILING TILES IN THE KITCHEN ABOVE THE HANDWASHING SINK AREA.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BROKEN FLOOR TILES INSIDE THE KITCHEN WALK-IN-COOLER.INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE BROKEN FLOOR TILES AND DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS WITH EXCESSIVE GREASE BUILD-UP UNDERNEATH THE KITCHEN DEEP FRYERS.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND ORGANIZE REAR STORAGE AREA AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES DUE TO POTENTIAL PEST HARBORAGE AND ELEVATE STOCK ITEMS OFF THE FLOOR AT LEAST 6" INCHES TO FACILITATE CLEANING.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN KITCHEN EXHAUST HOOD/FILTERS TO REMOVE ACCUMULATIONS OF GREASE BUILD-UP AND MAINTAIN.
56
55
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Tropicuba Cafe last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Tropicuba Cafe on file is from Mar 17, 2026. The public record contains nine inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Tropicuba Cafe?
Across the inspection record, “food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable” has been cited eight times, more than any other issue at Tropicuba Cafe.
Has Tropicuba Cafe's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Tropicuba Cafe have averaged around two violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Tropicuba 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 Tropicuba Cafe inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Tropicuba Cafe is inspected around two times per year on average.
Nearby Restaurants