Turtles
Last inspected: Aug 25, 2025
86
Score
Inspectors have visited Turtles 17 times, with records going back to 2014. The most recent visit was on Aug 25, 2025. Low risk means the most recent visit produced few or no significant findings.
Things are looking better lately, with recent visits averaging around four violations compared to roughly six violations earlier on.
Looking across the full record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” is the recurring theme, flagged 14 times.
Compared to the broader Chicago restaurant scene, where the average is 81, this is a stronger showing. The file should reassure diners considering a visit.
17
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Aug 25, 2025
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGN AT HAND WASHING SINK IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
10
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS PREPPING FOOD WITHOUT HAIR RESTRAINTS. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT.
40
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP, FOOD DEBRIS, AND DIRT ON FLOOR UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP, DISH WASHING, STORAGE AND BASEMENT AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN ALL AREAS. OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON FAN IN WALK-IN COOLER, LIGHT SHIELDS IN COOKING AREA AND CEILING AND WALL VENTS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL FANS, LIGHT SHIELDS AND CEILING/WALL VENTS.
55
86
Jun 10, 2024
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FLOORS IN THE CORNER, UNDER/AROUND ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT WITH FOOD, GREASE AND DIRT BUILD UP IN THE BASEMENT AND 1ST FL. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS. -WALLS AROUND THE SINKS, COOLERS AND COOKING EQUPMENT WITH GREASE, FOOD AND DIRT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN WALLS.
55
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLERS/EMPLOYEES NOT WEARING A HAIR RESTRAINT WHEN IN THE PREP AREA AND HANDLING FOOD. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL EMPLOYEES IN THE PREP AREA WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT. MAINTAIN SAME.
40
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: ALL WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE STORED IN A CLEAN SANITIZING SOLUTION AT ALL TIMES. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
41
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: ICE SCOOP NOT PROPERLY STORED IN THE BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED TO STORE IN A CLEAN BIN OR IN ICE HANDLE UP. MAINTAIN SAME.
43
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE CUTTING BOARDS WITH DEEP GROOVES AND STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO SAND OR REPLACE CUTTING BOARDS TO MAINTAIN A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: THE INTERIOR/EXTERIOR OF THE FRYERS AND COOKING EQUIPMENT WITH EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF GREASE, FOOD AND DIRT BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: LEAK AT THE PIPE UNDER THE MIDDLE COMPARTMENT OF THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO FIX LEAK AND MAINTAIN GOOD PLUMBING.
51
70
Nov 7, 2023
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING/WATER DAMAGED TILES IN CEILING OF KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
55
95
Oct 30, 2023
Routine
2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 20 RAT DROPPINGS SCATTERED IN BASEMENT AREA IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: BENEATH AND AROUND SODA SYRUP DISPENSER SHELF, UNDER UNUSED FRYER UNIT. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE ALL RAT DROPPINGS, SANITIZE ALL AREAS, AND INFORM PEST CONTROL SERVICE OF ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
38
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ICE MACHINE LOCATED IN REAR HALL WITH A BUILD-UP OF BLACK SLIME SUBSTANCE, DRIPPING ONTO ICE CUBES STORED AT BELOW ICE BIN.ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005.CITATION ISSUED
16
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING SINK STOPPERS AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE STOPPERS FOR ALL COMPARTMENTS OF SINK AND MAINTAIN.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING/WATER DAMAGED TILES IN CEILING OF KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BUILD UP OF GREASE ON FILTERS IN HOOD SYSTEM. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
70
May 31, 2022
Routine
9 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: ALL BULK FOOD ITEMS STORED IN CONTAINERS MUST BE PROPERLY LABEL WITH COMMODITY NAME. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
37
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: HANDWASHING SINGS MUST BE POSTED AT ALL HANDSINKS. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
10
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: REAR KITCHEN DOOR IN NEED OF RODENT PROOFING. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
38
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: ICE MACHINE IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CLEAN.
39
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: ALL FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN BASEMENT AND FIRST FLOOR PREP MUST BE UP OFF FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
39
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: ALL WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE STORED IN A CLEAN SANITIZING SOLUTION AT ALL TIMES. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
41
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: CUTTING BOARDS IN NEED OF CLENAING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
47
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: TOILET ROOM RECEPTACLE IN NEED OF COVER. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FLOORS IN BASEMENT AND UNDER PIZZA OVEN IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
55
64
Nov 1, 2021
Complaint
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CAN OPENER BLADE AT PREP TABLE IN THE KITCHEN. MUST CLEAN POTATO DICER ON WALL AND MAINTAIN. ALSO CLEAN UPPER INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FOLLOWING: EXTERIOR SURFACES OF FRYERS TO REMOVE GREASE AND INTERIORS OF REFRIGERATION AND FREEZER UNITS WHERE NEEDED.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOOR IN BASEMENT AREA AND KITCHEN UNDER AND BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN VENT FANS ON WASHROOM CEILINGS TO REMOVE DUST OBSERVED.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WATER STAINED CEILING TILES IN THE KITCHEN ABOVE THE PREP TABLE; INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE TILE WHERE NEEDED.
55
82
Sep 12, 2019
Reinspection
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN VENT SYSTEM ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND MAINTAIN TO REMOVE GREASE AND BUILD UP.
56
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CAN OPENER BLADE AT PREP TABLE IN THE KITCHEN. MUST CLEAN POTATO DICER ON WALL AND MAINTAIN.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FOLLOWING: INTERIOR BOTTOM OF FRYERS TO REMOVE GREASE, EXTERIOR SURFACES OF FRYERS, PREP TABLES, STOVE, INTERIORS OF REFRIGERATION AND FREEZER UNITS AND CAN OPENER BLADE ON PREP TABLE.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CEILING TILES MISSING OR IN POOR REPAIR IN WASHROOMS, KITCHEN (WATER STAINED), BASEMENT STORAGE, ABOVE ICE MACHINE; REPLACE ALL TILE WHERE NEEDED. OBSERVED A HOLE IN THE WALL ABOVE THE MOP SINK ON THE SECOND FLOOR; SEAL HOLE IN WALL. FOUND HOLES IN THE CEILING IN THE HALLWAY LEADING TO THE SECOND FLOOR AND BASEMENT AND IN WASHROOMS.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FOUND CLUTTER IN THE BASEMENT AREA; MUST REMOVE UNNECESSARY ITEMS TO AVOID CLUTTER AND RODENT HARBORAGE.
55
78
Sep 5, 2019
Routine
3 major violations. 9 minor violations.
View 12 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: ICE MACHINE INTERIOR NOT CLEAN. FOUND A BLACK SLIMY SUBSTANCE ON THE UPPER INTERIOR OF THE LARGE ICE MACHINE; MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREA AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 ISSUED.
16
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: NO CHEMICAL TEST STRIPS ON PREMISES. FOUND NO CHEMICAL TEST STRIPS ON PREMISES AS REQUIRED TO TEST THE STRENGTH OF THE SANITIZER WHEN WASH RINSE AND SANITIZING; MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 ISSUED.
48
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: EVIDENCE OF PEST ACTIVITY ON PREMISES. FOUND 4 HOUSE FLIES IN THE KITCHEN AND SECOND FLOOR BAR AREA, FOUND 15 FRUIT FLIES IN THE KITCHEN AND SECOND FLOOR BAR AREA, FOUND 40 RAT DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR AND WALL LEDGE OF THE BASEMENT AND 3 LARGE ROACHES. MUST HAVE PEST CONTROL COMPANY SERVICE AREAS AND CLEAN ALL AFFECTED AREAS PRIOR TO REINSPECTION NEXT WEEK. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A) ISSUED.
38
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: REAR SIDE EXIT DOOR NOT RODENT PROOFED AT THE BOTTOM AS REQUIRED; MUST RODENT PROOF DOOR. ALSO OBSERVED A HOLE AROUND A PIPE IN THE WALL ON THE STAIRWELL LEADING TO THE OUTSIDE; SEAL OPENING AROUND PIPE.
38
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: FOUND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES (SERVING CONTAINERS) IMPROPERLY STORED; INSTRUCTED TO STORE CONTAINERS TO PREVENT POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION BY FACING DOWNWARD TO PROTECT FOOD CONTACT SURFACE.
45
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CAN OPENER BLADE AT PREP TABLE IN THE KITCHEN. MUST CLEAN POTATO DICER ON WALL AND MAINTAIN.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FOLLOWING: INTERIOR BOTTOM OF FRYERS TO REMOVE GREASE, EXTERIOR SURFACES OF FRYERS, PREP TABLES, STOVE, INTERIORS OF REFRIGERATION AND FREEZER UNITS AND CAN OPENER BLADE ON PREP TABLE.
49
Sewage & waste water properly disposed
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN THE FLOOR IN THE BASEMENT NEAR THE FURNACE TO REMOVE STANDING WATER.
52
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN THE FLOOR UNDER AROUND AND BEHIND ALL KITCHEN EQUIPMENT AND MAINTAIN. CLEAN FLOOR DRAIN ON THE SECOND FLOOR UNDER THE THREE COMP SINK. CLEAN THE FLOOR IN THE BASEMENT STORAGE AREA AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FOUND CLUTTER IN THE BASEMENT AREA; MUST REMOVE UNNECESSARY ITEMS TO AVOID CLUTTER AND RODENT HARBORAGE.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CEILING TILES MISSING OR IN POOR REPAIR IN WASHROOMS, KITCHEN (WATER STAINED), BASEMENT STORAGE, ABOVE ICE MACHINE; REPLACE ALL TILE WHERE NEEDED. OBSERVED A HOLE IN THE WALL ABOVE THE MOP SINK ON THE SECOND FLOOR; SEAL HOLE IN WALL. FOUND HOLES IN THE CEILING IN THE HALLWAY LEADING TO THE SECOND FLOOR AND BASEMENT AND IN WASHROOMS.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN VENT SYSTEM ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND MAINTAIN TO REMOVE GREASE AND BUILD UP.
56
47
Sep 28, 2018
Reinspection
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: 6-602.11(E)(4)ICE MACHINE IN NEED OF CLEANING AT THE CHUTE. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
16
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST DISCONTINUE THE USE OF GROCERY BAGS FOR FOOD STORAGE CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: LEAK AT FURNACE AREA IN BASEMENT. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD REPAIR.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FLOORS BEHIND EQUIPMENT TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS IN 1ST FLOOR AND BASEMENT AREA. ALL PREP TABLES AND STORAGE SHELVES IN BASEMENT IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL DUST AND DIRT. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
55
82
Sep 19, 2018
Complaint
4 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: MANAGER MUST PROVIDE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR ALL EMPLOYEES AT ALL TIMES. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION NO CITIATION ISSUED
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: *2-501.11 MUST PROVIDE POLICY AND EQUIPMENT TO REMOVE DIAREHHA AND VOMIT. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION NO CITATION ISSUED
5
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: FOUND FRESH CUT FRY UTENSIL ENCRUSTED WITH OLD DRIED POTATO BITS MIXED WITH FRESH POTATO BITS. FOUND A PAN OF FRIES THAT HAD JUST BEEN CUT. POTATOES HAVE BEEN DISCARDED. INSTRUCTED MANGER TO DISCONTINUE USE UNTIL COMPLETELY WASHED, RINSED AND SANITIZED. UTENSIL HAS BEEN CLEANED AND SANITIZED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005
16
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: FOUND APPROXIMATELY 30-33 RAT DROPPINGS FOUND IN BASEMENT BEHIND FURNACE AND ON FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS. CONTACT PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A)
38
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: 6-602.11(E)(4)ICE MACHINE IN NEED OF CLEANING AT THE CHUTE. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
16
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST DISCONTINUE THE USE OF GROCERY BAGS FOR FOOD STORAGE CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: LEAK AT FURNACE AREA IN BASEMENT. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD REPAIR.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FLOORS BEHIND EQUIPMENT TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS IN 1ST FLOOR AND BASEMENT AREA. ALL PREP TABLES AND STORAGE SHELVES IN BASEMENT IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL DUST AND DIRT. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS IN NEED OF ALLERGEN CERTIFICATES. MUST OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN.
58
52
Mar 6, 2018
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Feb 26, 2018
Routine
12 minor violations.
View 12 violations
Source sound condition, no spoilage, foods properly labeled, shellfish tags in place
Inspector notes: FOUND FOOD ITEMS IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA WITH RODENT BAIT. BAGS OF ONIONS EXPOSED TO BAIT, FLOUR ON TABLE MIXED WITH BAIT, TOGO CONTAINERS MIXED WITH BAIT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DISCARD ALL PRODUCTS, CLEAN AND SANITIZE. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(B)
1
Hand washing facilities: with soap and sanitary hand drying devices, convenient and accessible to food prep area
Inspector notes: NO SOAP OR PAPER TOWELS AT HAND SINK IN BAR AREA WHERE EMPLOYEE IS MIXING, SERVING DRINKS AND FOOD, AND HANDLING MONEY. MANAGER CORRECTED CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030
12
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: ICE MACHINE FOUND WITH ORANGE SUBSTANCE AT ICE CHUTE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE ICE MACHINE. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-005(A)
16
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: FOUND NO PEST CONTROL LOGBOOK OR PROOF OF PEST CONTROL, FOUND 10-12 MOUSE DROPPINGS AND MOUSE ON GLUE BOARD 1ST FLOOR PREP AREA, FOUND APPROXIMATELY 50 RAT DROPPINGS IN BASEMENT, REAR EXIT DOOR NOT RODENT PROOFED, SIDE DOOR NOT RODENT PROOFED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND CORRECT ALL AREAS. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020
18
Outside garbage waste grease and storage area; clean, rodent proof, all containers covered
Inspector notes: OUTSIDE GREASE CONTAINER WITH GREASE ENCRUSTED TO TOP OF CONTAINER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. SERIOUS 7-38-020
19
Dish machines: provided with accurate thermometers, chemical test kits and suitable gauge cock
Inspector notes: NO CHEMICAL TEST STRIPS ON SITE TO ADEQUATELY TEST CONCENTRATION OF SANITIZING SOLUTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-030
22
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM 10-16-2017 REP# 2098897 #34 CLEAN FLOORS IN BASEMENT OF DEBRIS. #35 OBSERVED MISSING AND WATER DAMEGED CEILING TILES IN KITCHEN, MUST REPLACE TILE WHERE NEEDED. #36 REPLACE MISSING LIGHT BULBS AT HOOD ABOVE GRILL IN PREP AREA #42 FOOD HANDLER IN PREP AREA OBSERVED WITHOUT PROPER HAIR RESTRAINT. MUST PROVIDE. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT ALL VIOLATIONS. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-090
29
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS THROUGHOUT 2ND FLOOR AREA IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL DEBRIS. FLOOR AREA BEHIND 1ST FLOOR BAR IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL DEBIS AND WATER. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: HOLE IN 2ND FLOOR WALL AT MOP SINK IN NEED OF CORRECTING. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
35
Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters
Inspector notes: TOILET ROOMS AT 2ND FLOOR AREA IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
37
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: LEAKS AT 1ST FLOOR BAR SINKS IN NEED OF REPAIR. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: ALL UNNECESSARY CLUTTER IN BASEMENT AREA MUST BE REMOVED TO ELIMINATE RODENT HARBORAGE. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
41
55
Oct 16, 2017
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Hands washed and cleaned, good hygienic practices; no bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods.
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER SLICING READY-TO-EAT FOOD (BUNS)FOR SANDWICHES WITH BARE HAND CONTACT DURING PREPARATION AND PLACING THEM INTO FOOD BASKETS. INSTRUCTED ON NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH READY-TO-EAT-FOODS. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-010(A).
6
Hand washing facilities: with soap and sanitary hand drying devices, convenient and accessible to food prep area
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SOAP OR PAPER TOWELS AT EXPOSED HANDWASH SINK IN PREP AREA FOR PROPER HANDWASHING . MUST PROVIDE CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030.
12
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FOLLOWING: INTERIOR BOTTOM OF FRYERS, EXTERIOR SURFACES OF FRYERS AND OTHER COOKING EQUIPMENT, INTERIORS OF REFRIGERATION UNITS AND FREEZERS.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOORS IN BASEMENT OF DEBRIS.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING AND WATER DAMEGED CEILING TILES IN KITCHEN, MUST REPLACE TILE WHERE NEEDED.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: REPLACE. MISSING LIGHT BULBS AT HOOD ABOVE GRILL IN PREP AREA
36
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLER IN PREP AREA OBSERVED WITHOUT PROPER HAIR RESTRAINT. MUST PROVIDE.
42
70
Jul 14, 2016
Reinspection
9 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Previous serious violation corrected, 7-42-090
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS SERIOUS VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM JULY 7, 2016 AS DESCRIBED BELOW: #18 OBSERVED THIRTY FRUIT FLIES BEHIND THE FIRST FLOOR AND SECOND FLOOR BARS. OBSERVED TWENTY RODENT DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR OF THE BASEMENT BY THE STAIRS. RECOMMENDED THAT THE PEST CONTROL COMPANY SERVICE RESTAURANT PRIOR TO REINSPECTION NEXT WEEK. OBSERVED THE REAR SIDE EXIT DOOR BETWEEN THE FIRST AND SECOND FLOOR NOT RODENT PROOFED AT THE BOTTOM; MUST RODENT PROOF DOOR TO SEAL THE 1/2 INCH GAP UNDERNEATH. #22 NO CHEMICAL TEST STRIPS FOR THREE COMP SINKS TO TEST THE STRENGTH OF THE SANITIZER WHEN WASH RINSE AND SANITIZING. MUST PROVIDE CHEMICAL TEST STRIPS AS REQUIRED. VIOLATIONS CORRECTED DURING INSPECTION. DOOR REPAIRED, DROPPINGS CLEANED, TEST STRIPS PROVIDED. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-42-090 ISSUED.
14
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: BUMPED UP TO A CRITICAL.
18
Dish machines: provided with accurate thermometers, chemical test kits and suitable gauge cock
Inspector notes: BUMPED UP TO A CRITICAL.
22
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: FOUND THE GASKETS AT THE THREE DOOR PREP COOLER IN POOR REPAIR; MUST REPAIR GASKETS AT COOLER DOORS TO AVOID ESCAPING AIR FROM UNITS.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FOLLOWING: EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, CUTTING BOARD ON PREP TABLE, CAN OPENER BLADE AT PREP TABLE.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS NEED DETAIL CLEANING UNDER AND BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT TO REMOVE GREASE OBSERVED ON THE FLOOR. CLEAN FLOOR IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING CEILING TILE IN KITCHEN; MUST REPLACE TILE WHERE NEEDED. OBSERVED DUST ON LIGHT SHIELD IN KITCHEN; MUST CLEAN SHIELDS WHERE NEEDED TO REMOVE DUST OBSERVED. MUST CLEAN VENT ABOVE THE PIZZA OVEN TO REMOVE DUST OBSERVED.
35
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: NO INTERIOR THERMOMETERS FOUND IN REFRIGERATION UNITS IN KITCHEN; MUST PROVIDE INTERNAL THERMOMETERS FOR ALL UNITS.
40
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: FOUND UNNECESSARY ITEMS IN BASEMENT. REMOVE TO AVOID CLUTTER AND PEST HARBORAGE.
41
64
Jul 7, 2016
Routine
10 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FOLLOWING: EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, CUTTING BOARD ON PREP TABLE, CAN OPENER BLADE AT PREP TABLE.
33
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A VISIBLE BLACK SLIMY SUBSTANCE ON THE UPPER INTERIOR AREA WHERE ICE FALLS FROM THE MACHINE INTO THE BIN. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AS SUBSTANCE CAN CONTAMINATE THE EDIBLE ICE. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-005 A ISSUED.
16
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THIRTY FRUIT FLIES BEHIND THE FIRST FLOOR AND SECOND FLOOR BARS. OBSERVED TWENTY RODENT DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR OF THE BASEMENT BY THE STAIRS. RECOMMENDED THAT THE PEST CONTROL COMPANY SERVICE RESTAURANT PRIOR TO REINSPECTION NEXT WEEK. OBSERVED THE REAR SIDE EXIT DOOR BETWEEN THE FIRST AND SECOND FLOOR NOT RODENT PROOFED AT THE BOTTOM; MUST RODENT PROOF DOOR TO SEAL THE 1/2 INCH GAP UNDERNEATH. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020 ISSUED.
18
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER ON DUTY AT TIME OF INSPECTION WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE ON PREMISES. MUST HAVE A VALID CERTIFICATE AND A CERTIFIED MANAGER MUST BE ON DUTY AT ALL TIMES. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012 ISSUED. (RESTAURANT CITED FOR THIS VIOLATION LAST YEAR IN 2015).
21
Dish machines: provided with accurate thermometers, chemical test kits and suitable gauge cock
Inspector notes: NO CHEMICAL TEST STRIPS FOR THREE COMP SINKS TO TEST THE STRENGTH OF THE SANITIZER WHEN WASH RINSE AND SANITIZING. MUST PROVIDE CHEMICAL TEST STRIPS AS REQUIRED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-030 ISSUED.
22
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: FOUND THE GASKETS AT THE THREE DOOR PREP COOLER IN POOR REPAIR; MUST REPAIR GASKETS AT COOLER DOORS TO AVOID ESCAPING AIR FROM UNITS.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS NEED DETAIL CLEANING UNDER AND BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT TO REMOVE GREASE OBSERVED ON THE FLOOR. CLEAN FLOOR IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING CEILING TILE IN KITCHEN; MUST REPLACE TILE WHERE NEEDED. OBSERVED DUST ON LIGHT SHIELD IN KITCHEN; MUST CLEAN SHIELDS WHERE NEEDED TO REMOVE DUST OBSERVED. MUST CLEAN VENT ABOVE THE PIZZA OVEN TO REMOVE DUST OBSERVED.
35
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: NO INTERIOR THERMOMETERS FOUND IN REFRIGERATION UNITS IN KITCHEN; MUST PROVIDE INTERNAL THERMOMETERS FOR ALL UNITS.
40
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: FOUND UNNECESSARY ITEMS IN BASEMENT; REMOVE TO AVOID CLUTTER AND PEST HARBORAGE.
41
61
Jun 23, 2015
Routine
No violations found.
100
Jun 26, 2014
License
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FOLLOWING: INTERIOR BOTTOM OF FRYERS, EXTERIOR SURFACES OF FRYERS AND OTHER COOKING EQUIPMENT, INTERIORS OF REFRIGERATION UNITS AND FREEZERS.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: PROVIDE FLOOR DRAIN COVERS FOR DRAIN IN WALK-IN COOLER IN BASEMENT AND FLOOR DRAIN ON BASEMENT FLOOR. REPAIR/REPLACE FLOOR TILE AT BAR ON FIRST FLOOR AT ENTRANCE OF BAR. SOME STAIRS LEADING TO SECOND FLOOR OF RAW WOOD; INSTRUCTED TO SEAL WOOD OR PAINT SO THAT STAIRS ARE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: SOME CEILING TILES MISSING IN KITCHEN, DINING AREA ON FIRST FLOOR AND WASHROOM ON FIRST FLOOR; REPLACE WHERE NEEDED. CLEAN WALLS IN KITCHEN AROUND EQUIPMENT WHERE NEEDED. REMOVE DUST FROM VENT FANS ON CEILINGS OF WASHROOMS ON FIRST FLOOR (CDI).
35
Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters
Inspector notes: MUST INSTALL SELF-CLOSING DEVICES ON WASHROOM DOORS ON SECOND FLOOR.
37
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: SOME CLUTTER OBSERVED IN STORAGE CLOSETS IN BASEMENT; REMOVE UNNECESSARY ITEMS.
41
78
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Turtles last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Turtles on file is from Aug 25, 2025. The public record contains 17 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Turtles?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited 14 times, more than any other issue at Turtles.
Has Turtles' inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Turtles have averaged around four violations per visit, down from roughly six earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Turtles 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 Turtles inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Turtles is inspected around two times per year on average.
Nearby Restaurants