Restaurant · Chicago, IL

Bobijoa

Name: Bobijoa
Address: 1140 W 18th St, Chicago, IL

1140 W 18th St

Last inspected Sep 10, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

Read Reviews on Google

Pass

Get the next inspection, free.

We'll email you when Bobijoa has a new health inspection. No spam, one-click unsubscribe.

Own this restaurant? Add an inspection badge to your website · Inspection prep checklist

SteadyThe last two inspections recorded a similar number of violations. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

10 inspections

Complaint Re-Inspection

Sep 10, 2026

Pass

4 recorded violations

notedCode 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

3-305.11: OBSERVED A SHEET TRAY WITH CARROTS ON A SPEED RACK NOT COVERED IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO COVER FOOD ITEMS TO PREVENT POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.

More about food not protected from contamination

notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

4-601.11(C): OBSERVED THE SHELF UNDER THE FOOD PREP TABLE IN THE REAR PREP AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

notedCode 39Contamination

Official wording

Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display

Inspector’s notes

3-305.11: OBSERVED A SHEET TRAY WITH CARROTS ON A SPEED RACK NOT COVERED IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO COVER FOOD ITEMS TO PREVENT POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

More about food not protected from contamination

notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

Inspector’s notes

4-601.11(C): OBSERVED THE SHELF UNDER THE FOOD PREP TABLE IN THE REAR PREP AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Sep 10, 2026 · Original Source

Complaint

Sep 2, 2026

Fail

4 recorded violations

notedCode 16Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED THE LOW-TEMPERATURE DISHWASHING MACHINE (NOT IN USE) NOT PROPERLY SANITIZING. SANITIZING STRENGTH OF SANITIZER (CHLORINE) AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION WAS 00 PPM. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE UNTIL EQUIPMENT IS PROPERLY SANITIZING. UNIT TAGGED FOR INSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-025, NO CITATION ISSUED

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

notedCode 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED A SHEET TRAY WITH CARROTS ON A SPEED RACK NOT COVERED IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO COVER FOOD ITEMS TO PREVENT POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

More about food not protected from contamination

notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED THE SHELF UNDER THE FOOD PREP TABLE IN THE REAR PREP AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

notedCode 60Other

Official wording

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM 07/18/2025, REPORT #2620902 #37: 3-302.12: OBSERVED DRY FOOD CONTAINERS AND SQUIRT BOTTLES NOT LABELED WITH COMMON FOOD NAME. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL AND MAINTAIN. #44: 4-903.11 (A;B;D): OBSERVED CLEAN FORKS STORED ON THE REAR STORAGE RACK, NOT INVERTED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT AND MAINTAIN. #55: 6-501.12: OBSERVED FLOORS AND WALLS IN THE REAR PREP AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING. ESPECIALLY UNDER THE COOKING EQUIPMENT, WHERE FRIES ARE PREPARED AND DEEP FRIED, AND UNDER THE DISHWASHING MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS AND WALLS. #55:6-501.114: OBSERVED THE REAR HOT WATER TANK STORAGE CLOSET WITH CLUTTER AND NOT ORGANIZED. INSTRUCTED TO ORGANIZE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION:7-42-090, CITATION ISSUED

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Sep 2, 2026 · Original Source

Complaint

Aug 10, 2026

No Entry

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Aug 10, 2026 · Original Source

Canvass

Jul 18, 2025

Pass w/ Conditions

6 recorded violations

notedCode 2Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE DURING THE INSPECTION WHILE OPEN AND OPERATING. FOUND EXPIRED CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE POSTED ON SITE. INSTRUCTED COURSE MUST BE TAKEN AND AN ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE WITH THE ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE POSTED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012, CITATION ISSUED

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues

notedCode 8Handwashing

Official wording

HANDS CLEAN & PROPERLY WASHED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED IMPROPER HAND WASHING PROCEDURE. OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER IN REAR PREP AREA RINSE HANDS IN WITH NO SOAP AND WIPED HANDS-ON APRON AND THEN ON NEARBY WIPING CLOTH STORED ON TOP OF A PREP COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY WASH HANDS WITH SOAP AND DRY WITH AN ADEQUATE HAND DRYING PROVISION. FOOD HANDLER PROPERLY WASHED HANDS AFTER NOTIFICATION. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-010, CITATION ISSUED

In plain English

Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.

Official wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED DRY FOOD CONTAINERS AND SQUIRT BOTTLES NOT LABELED WITH COMMON FOOD NAME. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.

More about food source, dating, or labeling problems

notedCode 44Equipment and utensils

Official wording

UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED CLEAN FORKS STORED ON THE REAR STORAGE RACK, NOT INVERTED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues

notedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

UNABLE TO LOCATE BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON WATER AND ICE MACHINE STORED IN LOBBY/DINING AREA FOR SELF SERVICE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.

More about water, plumbing, or sewage problems

notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FLOORS AND WALLS IN THE REAR PREP AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING. ESPECIALLY UNDER THE COOKING EQUIPMENT, WHERE FRIES ARE PREPARED AND DEEP FRIED, AND UNDER THE DISHWASHING MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS AND WALLS.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jul 18, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

Dec 13, 2024

Pass

2 recorded violations

notedCode 16Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

Inspector’s notes

4-602.11 OBSERVED MINOR BROWNISH SUBSTANCE IN THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE LOCATED BY THE ICE MAKER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

6-501.12 OBSERVED FLOORS WITH EXCESSIVE ACCUMULATED DIRT AND GREASE DEBRIS UNDER ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT, OBSERVED EXCESSIVE GREASE DEBRIS ON THE VENTS ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND EXCESSIVE DIRT AND DUST DEBRIS ON THE FLOORS INSIDE OF THE DRY STORAGE CLOSETS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALL.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Dec 13, 2024 · Original Source

Canvass

Dec 6, 2024

Fail

3 recorded violations

notedCode 16Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

Inspector’s notes

4-602.11 OBSERVED MINOR BROWNISH SUBSTANCE IN THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE LOCATED BY THE ICE MAKER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

notedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

5-205.15 OBSERVED NO HOT WATER AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HOT WATER AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030(C).

In plain English

The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.

More about water, plumbing, or sewage problems

notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Dec 6, 2024 · Original Source

Canvass

Dec 19, 2023

Pass

1 recorded violation

notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

FOUND UNNECESSARY ITEMS AND CLUTTER LOCATED IN BASEMENT INSTRUCTED TO MOVE ANY ITEMS THAT ARE NO LONGER NEEDED OR ORGANIZE TO PREVENT CLUTTER.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Dec 19, 2023 · Original Source

License

Dec 19, 2023

Pass

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Dec 19, 2023 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

Nov 17, 2023

Pass

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Nov 17, 2023 · Original Source

Canvass

Nov 8, 2023

Fail

5 recorded violations

notedCode 25Food temperature

Official wording

CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED EGGS ON MENU SAID ITEMS CAN BE ORDERED UNDERCOOKED. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO PROVIDE FOOTNOTE, DISCLOSURE (WRITTEN DISCLOSURE AND DISCLOSURE BY ASTERISK) AND REMINDER FOR MENU ITEMS THAT CAN BE ORDERED UNDER COOKED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.7-38-005.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature

notedCode 32Other

Official wording

VARIANCE OBTAINED FOR SPECIALIZED PROCESSING METHODS

Inspector’s notes

FOUND NO HACCP OR VARIANCE ON SITE. APPROVED HACCP AND VARIANCE IS REQUIRED FOR FERMENTING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION CONSOLIDATED WITH VIOLATION #29.

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding

notedCode 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

FOUND APPROX. 50 RAT DROPPINGS THROUGHOUT BASEMENT AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE DROPPINGS, CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN SAID AREAS. RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.

In plain English

The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.

More about signs of rodents or insects

notedCode 23Food source and labeling

Official wording

PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED READY-TO-EAT, TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS (TCS): COOKED NOODLES, BEEF SOUP AND COOKED RICE (THAT HAS MOLD ON IT), HELD FOR OVER 24 HOURS WITHOUT DISCARD DATE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO PROVIDE DISCARD DATE FOR ANY READY-TO-EAT TCS FOODS HELD FOR OVER 24 HOURS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED. MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDS.

In plain English

Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.

More about food source, dating, or labeling problems

notedCode 29Other

Official wording

COMPLIANCE WITH VARIANCE/SPECIALIZED PROCESS/HACCP

Inspector’s notes

FOUND KIMCHI, THE OPERATOR STATES IT IS MADE ON-SITE. A RETAIL FOOD ESTABLISHMENT SHALL OBTAIN AN APPROVED VARIANCE FROM CDPH BEFORE FERMENTING FOOD. KIMCHI WAS NOT LABENLED WITH A DATE. MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDS APPROX 4 QUARTS. INSTRUCTED OPERATOR TO NO LONGER SELL OR SERVE SAID FOOD ITEM UNTIL HACCP AND A VARIANCE ARE APPROVED BY CDPH. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.