Restaurant · Chicago, IL

Tabaq Restaurant

Name: Tabaq Restaurant
Address: 1245 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago, IL

1245 N Clybourn Ave

Last inspected Apr 15, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

Read Reviews on Google

Pass

Get the next inspection, free.

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

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

More issues recentlyThe latest inspection recorded more violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

6 inspections

Canvass

Apr 15, 2026

Pass

5 recorded violations

notedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED THE FAUCET OF THE HAND WASHING SINK NEXT TO THE TOILET ROOM VERY LOOSE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR 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 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED A HEAVY BUILD UP OF RUST ON THE INSIDE TWO DOOR REACH IN COOLING UNIT RACK LOCATED ACROSS FROM THE UTILITY SINK IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION OF FOODS STORED IN COOLING UNIT.

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 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED THE GASKET SEAL ON BOTH OF THE DOORS OF THE TWO DOOR REACH ACROSS FROM THE UTILITY SINK DAMANGED AND IN NEED OF REPAIR. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AS NEEDED AS A MEANS OF KEEPING PROPER TEMPERATURE AT ALL TIMES.

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 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED THE SIDES OF THE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA IN NEED OF A DETAIL CLEANING FROM GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN 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

notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED THE FLOOR IN THE REAR FOOD SERVICE AREA...THE LOBBY AREA...FRONT FOOD SERVICE AREA AND REAR GARAGE STORAGE AREA IN NEED OF A DETAIL CLEANING UNDER AND AROUND COOKING AND NON COOKING EQUIPMENT, COUNTERS AND AROUND THE UTILITY SINK. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL AREAS.

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, Apr 15, 2026 · Original Source

Canvass

Mar 27, 2025

Out of Business

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Mar 27, 2025 · Original Source

License

Mar 27, 2025

Pass

4 recorded violations

notedCode 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

STRIP ON FRONT ENTRY DOOR COMING LOOSE AT THE BOTTOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE STRIP AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE PEST AND OR INSECTS FROM ENTERING AND HARBORING.

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 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED THE METAL SHELVING IN THE REAR RIGHT SIDE FROM WHERE THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IS WITH A BUILD UP OF DIRT AND GREASE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION OF CLEAN DISHES BEING STORED.

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 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED THE TWO DOOR REACH IN COOLING UNIT ACROSS FROM THE UTILITY SINK WITH A BUILD UP OF FOOD PLATTER ON BASE FLOOR OF THE UNIT.. 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 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FLOORS THROUGHOUT FOOD SERVICE AREA AND REAR PREP WITH A BUILD UP OF GREASE AND DEBRIS UNDER AND AROUND COOKING AND NON COOKING EQUIPMENT. 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, Mar 27, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

Feb 24, 2025

Pass

4 recorded violations

notedCode 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

STRIP ON FRONT ENTRY DOOR COMING LOOSE AT THE BOTTOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE STRIP AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE PEST AND OR INSECTS FROM ENTERING AND HARBORING.

In plain English

More about signs of rodents or insects

notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

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

notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED THE TWO DOOR REACH IN COOLING UNIT ACROSS FROM THE UTILITY SINK WITH A BUILD UP OF FOOD PLATTER ON BASE FLOOR OF THE UNIT.. 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 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FLOORS THROUGHOUT FOOD SERVICE AREA AND REAR PREP WITH A BUILD UP OF GREASE AND DEBRIS UNDER AND AROUND COOKING AND NON COOKING EQUIPMENT. 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, Feb 24, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

Jul 18, 2024

Pass w/ Conditions

9 recorded violations

notedCode 22Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

Inspector’s notes

FOUND COOKED FOODS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE IN TWO DOOR REFRIGERATOR. TEN POUNDS OF COOKED BEEF AT 60.8F (VALUED AT $130.00) AND FIFTEEN POUNDS OF COOKED GOAT MEAT AT 58F (VALUED AT $250.00) WAS DISCARDED AS INSTRUCTED. FOOD WAS IMPROPERLY COOLED AND WAS COOKED YESTERDAY. INSTRUCTED ON PROPER COOLING. TOTAL POUNDS DISCARDED 25 AND TOTAL VALUE $380.00 PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION 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 temperature

notedCode 37Food source and labeling

Official wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED THE FOOD STORAGE CONTAINER UNDER THE PREP TABLE NOT LABELED WITH NAME OF PRODUCT INSIDE OF THE CONTAINER; INSTRUCTED TO LABEL CONTAINER 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 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED THE FRONT ENTRANCE DOORS NOT COMPLETELY RODENT PROOFED AS REQUIRED IN THE CENTER AREA AND BOTTOM AREA; INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETELY RODENT PROOF DOORS BY SEALING OPENINGS FOUND.

In plain English

More about signs of rodents or insects

notedCode 58Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Inspector’s notes

THE PERSON IN CHARGE HAS AN EXPIRED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE; INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN A VALID CERTIFICATE.

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 40Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

Inspector’s notes

INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS WHILE HANDLING AND PREPARING FOODS.

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 issues

notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED THE RUBBER GASKETS OF THE TWO DOOR REFRIGERATION UNIT ACROSS FROM THE UTILITY SINK IN POOR REPAIR AND MISSING; INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE GASKETS TO AVOID AIR ESCAPING FROM UNIT RESULTING IN AN IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF THE UNIT. UNIT CURRENTLY HOLDING AT 42F.

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 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

THE FOLLOWING NEEDS TO BE CLEANED AND MAINTAINED: BOTTOM OF THE PREP TABLES, EXTERIOR SURFACES OF THE COOKING EQUIPMENT, INTERIOR BOTTOM OF FRYERS, EXTERIOR SURFACE OF THE BULK STORAGE CONTAINER AT PREP TABLE, INTERIORS OF REFRIGERATION UNITS AND AREA UNDERNEATH THE STEAMTABLE.

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

INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS AROUND UNDER AND BEHIND ALL KITCHEN EQUIPMENT AND OTHER AREAS (WASHROOMS AND STORAGE).

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 57Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

Inspector’s notes

THE TWO FOOD HANDLERS ON PREMISES HAVE FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE THE FOOD HANDLERS OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES.

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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jul 18, 2024 · Original Source

Canvass

Dec 27, 2023

Pass

9 recorded violations

notedCode 37Food source and labeling

Official wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s notes

PREPACKAGED FOODS IN THE 2 DOOR STAND UP COOLER IS NOT PROPERLY LABELED WITH ADDRESS. ALL PREPACKAGED FOOD MUST BE LABELED WITH: 1) COMMON NAME OF FOOD, 2) INGREDIENTS, 3) NET QUANTITIES, 4) NAME AND ADDRESS OF PACKAGER, 5) FOOD ALLERGENS (IF APPLIED TO FOODS).

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 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED BROKEN TILES NEAR THE MOP SINK ON WALLS/FLOORS. FACILITY MUST PROVIDE A SMOOTH, EASILY CLEANABLE, DURABLE, AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE.

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 57Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

Inspector’s notes

FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATIONS NOT PROVIDED ON SITE. FACILITY MUST ENSURE ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES OBTAIN A VALID FOOS HANDLER CERTIFICATION AND PROVIDE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.

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 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED DEAD ROACHES ON GLUE BOARD BEHIND 2 DOOR STAND UP COOLER AND GASKETS OF CHEST FREEZER LOCATED AT NORTH END OF WALL. FACILITY MUST REMOVE AND ELIMINATE DEAD ROACHES FROM FACILITY AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

More about signs of rodents or insects

notedCode 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

CONTAINER OF FROZEN MEAT STORED IN MOP SINK. FOOD EMPLOYEE RELOCATED CONTAINER OF MEAT.

In plain English

More about food not protected from contamination

notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FOIL AND CARDBOARD USED AS LINING FOR SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE KITCHEN AREA. FACILITY 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 problems

notedCode 48Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

Inspector’s notes

EQUIPMENT (LARGE POTS) USED IN THE FACILITY IS TOO LARGE TO FIT AND FULLY IMMERSE WITHIN THE COMPARTMENTS OF THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. FACILITY MUST INSTALL A LARGER 3COMPARTMENT SINKTHAT WILL ALLOW ALL EQUIPMENT TO BE IMMERSED, USE SMALLER EQUIPMENT THAT CAN FIT IN THE EXISTING 3 COMPARTMENT SINK OR USE AN ALTERNATIVE METHOD OF MANUAL WAREWASHING APPROVED BY THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT.

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 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED DIRTY GASKETS ON ALL COLD HOLDING UNITS IN THE FACILITY AND AN ACCUMILATION OF FOOD DEBRIS STUCK INSIDE ALL THE CHEST FREEZERS. FACILITY 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 problems

notedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED MISSING BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE AT THE 1ST FLOOR MOP SINK. FACILITY MUST PROVIDE.

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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Dec 27, 2023 · Original Source