Complaint Re-Inspection
Sep 4, 2026
Pass
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Sep 4, 2026 · Original Source
Restaurant · Chicago, IL
Cafe Istanbul
2014 W Division St
Last inspected Sep 4, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗
Pass
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ImprovingThe latest inspection recorded fewer violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.
The full inspection history
10 inspectionsComplaint Re-Inspection
Aug 24, 2026
Fail
4 recorded violations
notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
4-602.13 OBSERVED HEAVY GREASE SPILLS ON THE EXTERIOR OF COOKING EQUIPMENT. MUST 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 problemsnotedCode 38Pests
Official wording
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
Inspector’s notes
6-501.111 OBSERVED PEST INFESTATION THROUGHOUT THE ESTABLISHMENT. OBSERVED OVER 20 LIVE COCKROACHES THROUGHOUT THE ESTABLISHMENT. ALSO OBSERVED OVER 100 MICE DROPPINGS BEHIND PREP COOLERS AND OVER 100 LIVE SMALL FLIES THROUGHOUT THE ESTABLISHMENT. MUST ELIMINATE ALL EVIDENCE OF PEST ACTIVITY ON PREMISES. MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AFFECTED AREAS. PRIORITY 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 insectsnotedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
6-201.11 OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOORS THROUGHOUT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA AND UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT. MUST BE CLEANED AND MAINTAINED.
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 problemsnotedCode 60Other
Official wording
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
Inspector’s notes
8-404.13(B:4) PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM 2-23-2026, REPORT # 2631645. 58-OBSERVED CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 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 findingOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Aug 24, 2026 · Original Source
Complaint
Aug 17, 2026
Fail
5 recorded violations
notedCode 8Handwashing
Official wording
HANDS CLEAN & PROPERLY WASHED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER WEARING GLOVES WHILE WASHING HANDS AT 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY WASH BARE HANDS WITH SOAP AND WATER FOR 20 SECONDS AND USE HANDWASHING SINK ONLY TO WASH HANDS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 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.
More about handwashing problemsnotedCode 15Other
Official wording
FOOD SEPARATED AND PROTECTED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED RAW CHICKEN STORED OVER READY TO EAT FOODS IN PREP COOLER9COOKED NOODLES, COOKED EGGPLANT). OBSERVED RAW BEEF STORED OVER CHOPPED TOMATOES AND CHOPPED LETTUCE. MUST STORE FOOD PROPERLY TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingnotedCode 39Contamination
Official wording
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED BOXES OF CARROTS AND POTATOES STORED ON TABLE OUTSIDE BY BACK DOOR LOCATED IN REAR WALKWAY AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE FOOD TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
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 contaminationnotedCode 44Equipment and utensils
Official wording
UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED MOP STORED IN BUCKET AT MAIN PREP LINE. INSTRUCTED TO HANG SOIL MOP INVERTED AT MOP SINK AREA.
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 issuesnotedCode 60Other
Official wording
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
Inspector’s notes
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM 2-23-2026, REPORT # 2631645. #6--OBSERVED PERSONAL FOOD ITEM(S) STORED IN THE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE AND IDENTIFY A DESIGNATED AREA FOR EMPLOYEES TO STORE PERSONAL FOOD ITEMS. #10-OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT THE HANDWASH SINK IN THE BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. #39--OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED IMPROPERLY IN CONTAINERS STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE WALK-IN COOLER. MUST ELEVATE 6 INCHES FROM FLOOR. #58-OBSERVED CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 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 findingOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Aug 17, 2026 · Original Source
Non-Inspection
Aug 11, 2026
No Entry
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Aug 11, 2026 · Original Source
Complaint
Feb 23, 2026
Pass w/ Conditions
10 recorded violations
notedCode 6Employee health and hygiene
Official wording
PROPER EATING, TASTING, DRINKING, OR TOBACCO USE
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED PERSONAL FOOD ITEM(S) STORED IN THE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE AND IDENTIFY A DESIGNATED AREA FOR EMPLOYEES TO STORE PERSONAL FOOD ITEMS.
In plain English
This covers things like hair restraints, jewelry, clean clothing, eating or drinking in food prep areas, touching ready-to-eat food with bare hands, or not having a sick-employee policy.
More about employee hygiene or health policy issuesnotedCode 8Handwashing
Official wording
HANDS CLEAN & PROPERLY WASHED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER USE THE 3-COMP SINK AS A HANDWASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED TO USE HANDWASHING SINK ONLY TO WASH HANDS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 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.
More about handwashing problemsnotedCode 10Handwashing
Official wording
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT THE HANDWASH SINK IN THE BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
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.
More about handwashing problemsnotedCode 23Food source and labeling
Official wording
PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED TIME TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY (TCS) FOODS IN WALK-IN COOLER NOT DATE MARKED TO INDICATE THE PRODUCT'S NAME AND DATE IN WHICH THE FOOD MUST BE DISCARDED OR CONSUMED WITHIN 7 DAYS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER LABELS FOR DATE MARKING TCS FOODS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
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 problemsnotedCode 37Food source and labeling
Official wording
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE COMMON NAME OF FOODS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
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 problemsnotedCode 39Contamination
Official wording
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED IMPROPERLY IN CONTAINERS STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE WALK-IN COOLER, WALK-IN FREEZER AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO STORE PROPERLY BY ELEVATING AT LEAST SIX INCHES FROM THE FLOOR ON RAISED SHELVING UNITS. OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED IN PREP AREA COOLER UNCOVERED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDED FOOD GRADE LIDS AND/OR COVERS TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
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 contaminationnotedCode 41Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED WET WIPING CLOTHS STORED IMPROPERLY ON PREP SURFACE AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO STORE PROPERLY BETWEEN USAGE.
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 problemsnotedCode 43Equipment and utensils
Official wording
IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED IN-USE UTENSILS (SCOOPS) STORED IMPROPERLY DIRECTLY INSIDE OF THE FOOD CONTAINER(S). INSTRUCTED TO STORE PROPERLY BETWEEN USAGE.
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 issuesnotedCode 44Equipment and utensils
Official wording
UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED PLATES NOT STORED PROPERLY IN THE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT PLATES.
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 issuesnotedCode 58Permits, training, and postings
Official wording
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE WITHOUT ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION.
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 issuesOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Feb 23, 2026 · Original Source
Complaint
Feb 17, 2026
No Entry
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Feb 17, 2026 · Original Source
Canvass Re-Inspection
Apr 22, 2025
Pass
2 recorded violations
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
6-501.11 OBSERVED MISSING AND STAINED CEILING TILES NEAR ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE CEILING TILES.
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 problemsnotedCode 58Permits, training, and postings
Official wording
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
Inspector’s notes
2-102.13 OBSERVED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENT.
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 issuesOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Apr 22, 2025 · Original Source
Canvass
Apr 14, 2025
Fail
4 recorded violations
notedCode 8Handwashing
Official wording
HANDS CLEAN & PROPERLY WASHED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED FOOD EMPLOYEE PREPARE RAW CHICKEN AND PROCEED TO MOVE TO OTHER TASKS WITHOUT WASHING HANDS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL EMPLOYEES WASH HANDS AFTER HANDLING RAW MEAT. EMPLOYEE WASHED HANDS. 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.
More about handwashing problemsnotedCode 54Facility maintenance
Official wording
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED OUTSIDE RECYCLE RECEPTACLE FILLED PAST CAPACITY WITH LID UNABLE TO CLOSE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE LID IS CLOSED AND TIGHT FITTING AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(B) CITATION ISSUED.
In plain English
Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.
More about building upkeep issuesnotedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED MISSING AND STAINED CEILING TILES NEAR ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE CEILING TILES.
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 problemsnotedCode 58Permits, training, and postings
Official wording
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENT.
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 issuesOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Apr 14, 2025 · Original Source
Canvass Re-Inspection
Apr 12, 2024
Pass
2 recorded violations
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
6-501.11 NOTED HEAVY CLUTTER IN DRY STORAGE FOOD AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN, ORGANIZE, AND REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY OR UNUSED ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PESTS.
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 problemsnotedCode 39Contamination
Official wording
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
Inspector’s notes
3-305.11 OBSERVED FOOD STORED ON THE FLOOR IN A WALK-IN COOLER. MUST KEEP 6 INCHES ABOVE THE FLOOR.
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 contaminationOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Apr 12, 2024 · Original Source
Canvass
Apr 4, 2024
Fail
6 recorded violations
notedCode 23Food source and labeling
Official wording
PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED READY-TO-EAT TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS (COOKED BEANS) NOT PROPERLY DATED AND STORED LONGER THAN 24 HOURS IN COOLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER DATE MARKING WITH DISPOSITION DATE FOR RTE FOODS PREPARED ON SITE AND HELD OVER 24 HOURS IN COLD HOLDING UNIT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-005
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 problemsnotedCode 39Contamination
Official wording
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED FOOD STORED ON THE FLOOR IN A WALK-IN COOLER. MUST KEEP 6 INCHES ABOVE THE FLOOR.
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 contaminationnotedCode 14Food source and labeling
Official wording
REQUIRED RECORDS AVAILABLE: SHELLSTOCK TAGS, PARASITE DESTRUCTION
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED MUSSELS STORED IN REFRIGERATOR WITHOUT TAGS. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY DATE AND MAINTAIN SHELLSTOCK TAGS ON SITE FOR AT LEAST 90 DAYS AFTER SELLING LAST MUSSEL AND DATE SHELLSTOCK TAGS WITH DATE OF LAST ITEM SOLD. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED
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 problemsnotedCode 25Food temperature
Official wording
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
Inspector’s notes
ACCORDING TO THE MANAGER'S STATEMENT, THE FACILITY SERVES UNDERCOOKED FOOD, SUCH AS STEAKS, WITHOUT REMINDER, DISCLOSURE, OR IDENTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED TO ADD REMINDERS, DISCLOSURE, AND IDENTIFICATION TO ALL VERSIONS OF THE MENU. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION WAS ISSUED.
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 temperaturenotedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage
Official wording
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED SMALL LEAK FROM PIPES UNDER 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR THE LEAK 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 problemsnotedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
NOTED HEAVY CLUTTER IN DRY STORAGE FOOD AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN, ORGANIZE, AND REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY OR UNUSED ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PESTS.
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 problemsOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Apr 4, 2024 · Original Source