Tropic Island Jerk Chicken

Not enough equipment, or the wrong method, to cool and hold food at safe temperatures.

Inspector’s note: Noted ambient air of walk-in cooler 53.1 f. Unit tagged. Instructed not to use walk-in cooler until it is serviced and inspected by cdph. Priority foundation 7-38-005 citation issued

Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.

Inspector’s note: Observed evidence of rodent activity on the premises. Observed approximately 50 mouse droppings on the floor throughout the kitchen. Noted droppings next to bait/trap under register, in right corner behind register, on bottom shelf to the right of buffet display hot holding unit, behind swing door from front to kitchen and on west wall of front prep area. Also noted approx. 15 small flies in dish area. Management instructed to remove all rodent droppings from all affected areas and sanitize. Additional pest control service is needed to eliminate the pest activity. Priority foundation #7-38-020(a). Citation issued.

Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.

Inspector’s note: Noted small dead rodent in trap under register. Instructed to monitor and remove all dead rodents when caught.

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: Noted cutting boards on prep table and at 3 compartment sink with deep cuts and stains. Instructed to restore to a smooth and easy to clean surface by sanding and sealing or replace and maintain.

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: Observed encrusted grease on cooking equipment and heavy grease deposits underneath equipment. Instructed to deep clean, degrease and sanitize.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Noted floors throughout facility in need of deep cleaning.noted broken base boards on south wall of 3 compartment sink next to walk-in cooler. Encrusted grime on floors underneath kitchen 3 compartment sink.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed grime in the stove, walk-in cooling unit floor in the corners and on shelving, under the three compartment area, cooking area. Instructed to thoroughly clean all areas prior to re-inspection.

A previously cited basic violation still wasn’t fixed.

Inspector’s note: Previous core violations not corrected from june 5, 2025 as required; must correct and maintain. 49 observed food debris on interior and exterior surfaces of cooking equipment, prep tables, coolers, freezers, shelving units, holding units, bulk containers. Instructed manager to clean and maintain. 55 instructed to clean floors, walls and ceiling vents in kitchen, storage and other areas to remove dirt and dust. Clean light shields where needed and vent fan covers in washrooms to remove dust build up. 58 observed an expired food allergen training certificate. Instructed that both city of chicago food service managers must obtain the required food allergen training as instructed.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Observed oil dripping from hood system in corner area. Oil dripping onto the floor; instructed to provide a drip pan.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: The ventilation system in the kitchen in need of cleaning; instructed to clean system and vents as required.

A previously cited basic violation still wasn’t fixed.

Inspector’s note: Previous core violations not corrected from june 5, 2025 as required; must correct and maintain. 49 observed food debris on interior and exterior surfaces of cooking equipment, prep tables, coolers, freezers, shelving units, holding units, bulk containers. Instructed manager to clean and maintain. 55 instructed to clean floors, walls and ceiling vents in kitchen, storage and other areas to remove dirt and dust. Clean light shields where needed and vent fan covers in washrooms to remove dust build up. 58 observed an expired food allergen training certificate. Instructed that both city of chicago food service managers must obtain the required food allergen training as instructed.

Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.

Inspector’s note: Observed dead mice and numerous dead roaches on glue boards in prep and storage areas. Instructed manager to remove all dead mice and roaches.

Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.

Inspector’s note: Observed 1/4" gap at bottom of front and rear doors. Instructed manager to seal all outer openings on doors to prevent pest entry.

Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.

Inspector’s note: Observed soiled wiping cloths stored on prep tables. Instructed manager to store wiping cloths in sanitizing solution between uses.

Single-use items weren’t stored or used properly.

Inspector’s note: Observed single service articles not inverted in prep and serving areas. Instructed manager to invert all single service articles to protect from contamination.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed food debris on interior and exterior surfaces of cooking equipment, prep tables, coolers, freezers, shelving units, holding units, bulk containers. Instructed manager to clean and maintain.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed dust, dirt and debris on ceiling tiles, ceiling vents, light shields, walls and floors under all equipment, along walls and in all corners in prep and storage areas. Instructed manager to clean and maintain.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed missing vent cover in front serving area, missing/damaged baseboards, and openings in walls, ceilings, along baseboards and around pipe fittings in prep and storage areas. Instructed manager to seal all openings and replace missing vent covers and baseboards in all areas.

Not enough equipment, or the wrong method, to cool and hold food at safe temperatures.

Inspector’s note: Observed reach-in cooler not maintaining proper temperature (60.2f) in rear prep area. Instructed manager to repair and maintain cooler at 41f or below. Cooler is tagged held for inspection and must not be used until reinspected by chicago department of health. Priority 7-38-005 citation issued

Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.

Inspector’s note: Observed dead mice and numerous dead roaches on glue boards in prep and storage areas. Instructed manager to remove all dead mice and roaches.

Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.

Inspector’s note: Observed over 200 mice droppings scattered on shelves under front counter and steam table, on table near register, on electrical outlets, piping, bulk containers, holding units, boxes of seasoning, on floor along walls and corners in prep, storage, office and furnace rooms. Observed numerous flying insects in men washroom. Instructed manager to call an exterminator for service, clean and sanitize all areas. Priority foundation 7-38-020(a) citation issued.

Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.

Inspector’s note: Observed 1/4" gap at bottom of front and rear doors. Instructed manager to seal all outer openings on doors to prevent pest entry.

Food wasn’t protected from contamination during prep, storage, or display.

Inspector’s note: Observed food items not covered in storage areas. Observed food items stored on floor in walk-in cooler and freezer instructed manager to cover and elevate all food items to protect from contamination.

Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.

Inspector’s note: Observed soiled wiping cloths stored on prep tables. Instructed manager to store wiping cloths in sanitizing solution between uses.

Single-use items weren’t stored or used properly.

Inspector’s note: Observed single service articles not inverted in prep and serving areas. Instructed manager to invert all single service articles to protect from contamination.

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: Observed exposed insulation and top cover in poor repair on chest freezer in rear storage area. Instructed manager to replace and maintain.

Dishwashing equipment wasn’t set up, maintained, or used correctly.

Inspector’s note: Observed no chemical test kit available. Instructed manager to provide test kit for proper concentration in sanitizing solutions.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed food debris on interior and exterior surfaces of cooking equipment, prep tables, coolers, freezers, shelving units, holding units, bulk containers. Instructed manager to clean and maintain.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed dust, dirt and debris on ceiling tiles, ceiling vents, light shields, walls and floors under all equipment, along walls and in all corners in prep and storage areas. Instructed manager to clean and maintain.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed missing vent cover in front serving area, missing/damaged baseboards, and openings in walls, ceilings, along baseboards and around pipe fittings in prep and storage areas. Instructed manager to seal all openings and replace missing vent covers and baseboards in all areas.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed soiled mop heads stored on floor in prep and storage areas. Instructed manager to properly hang mop heads to dry to prevent insect breeding.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Observed inadequate lighting in women washroom. Instructed manager to provide adequate lighting and maintain.

Frozen food was thawed the wrong way.

Inspector’s note: Compartment full of chicken sitting in water. Instructed to properly thaw under cool running water.

Staff personal cleanliness was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Food handlers handling food and in the prep area not wearing a hair restraint. Instructed to have all employees in the food prep areas and handling food to wear a hair restraint. Maintain same.

Single-use items weren’t stored or used properly.

Inspector’s note: To go containers not properly stored. Instructed to invert containers and maintain.

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: Observed the storage racks inside all of the coolers with rust. Instructed to remove rust and maintain.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: The floors in the walk in cooler are damaged and is a trip hazard. Instructed to repair/replace to make floor smooth and easily cleanable. Maintain same.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Floors in the corners and under/around all heavy equipment with dirt and debris. Instructed to clean and maintain.

Frozen food was thawed the wrong way.

Inspector’s note: Compartment full of chicken sitting in water. Instructed to properly thaw under cool running water.

Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.

Inspector’s note: Found rodent droppings on the premises. 80 on the side of the coolers in the rear prep, 60 in the front by the service line and 60 behind the chest freezers on the side dining area. Also, 10 large flies in the prep, dish washing and side area. Instructed to remove all droppings, clean/sanitize the area, eliminate flies and must contact pest control for service. Priority foundation 7-38-020(a) citation issued

Staff personal cleanliness was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Food handlers handling food and in the prep area not wearing a hair restraint. Instructed to have all employees in the food prep areas and handling food to wear a hair restraint. Maintain same.

Single-use items weren’t stored or used properly.

Inspector’s note: To go containers not properly stored. Instructed to invert containers and maintain.

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: Observed the storage racks inside all of the coolers with rust. Instructed to remove rust and maintain.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: The floors in the walk in cooler are damaged and is a trip hazard. Instructed to repair/replace to make floor smooth and easily cleanable. Maintain same.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Floors in the corners and under/around all heavy equipment with dirt and debris. Instructed to clean and maintain.

Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.

Inspector’s note: Observed the rear door not rodent/insect proofed. Instructed to rodent/insect proof the rear door and maintain.

Staff personal cleanliness was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Observed a food handler with a long beard in the food prep area. Instructed manager to have the food handler wear a beard restraint and maintain.

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: Observed the cutting boards in the rear prep area with deep, dark grooves and stains. Instructed to sand or replace cutting boards. Maintain a smooth and easily cleanable surface.

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: Observed the storage racks inside all of the coolers with rust. Instructed to remove rust and maintain.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed the following in need of cleaning to remove food and dirt build up: -storage racks inside all of the coolers. -prep tables -exterior of cooking/cooling equipment and sinks -interior of the coolers and freezers instructed to detail clean and maintain all.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed water stained ceiling tile in the toilet rooms. Instructed to replace ceiling tiles and maintain.

Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.

Inspector’s note: Observed rodent droppings on the premises. 80 on the side of the coolers in the rear, 30 in the front by the service line and 60 behind the chest freezers on the side dining area. Instructed to remove all droppings, clean/sanitize the area and recommended contacting pest control for assistance. Priority foundation 7-38-020(a) citation issued

Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.

Inspector’s note: Observed the rear door not rodent/insect proofed. Instructed to rodent/insect proof the rear door and maintain.

Staff personal cleanliness was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Observed a food handler with a long beard in the food prep area. Instructed manager to have the food handler wear a beard restraint and maintain.

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: Observed the cutting boards in the rear prep area with deep, dark grooves and stains. Instructed to sand or replace cutting boards. Maintain a smooth and easily cleanable surface.

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: Observed the storage racks inside all of the coolers with rust. Instructed to remove rust and maintain.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed the following in need of cleaning to remove food and dirt build up: -storage racks inside all of the coolers. -prep tables -exterior of cooking/cooling equipment and sinks -interior of the coolers and freezers instructed to detail clean and maintain all.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed water stained ceiling tile in the toilet rooms. Instructed to replace ceiling tiles and maintain.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed the floors in the corners, under/around all of the cooking/cooler equipment, inside the walkin cooler/freezer, storage racks and sinks with food, dirt and debris. Instructed to detail clean and maintain floors throughout. -walls and ceiling in the front/rear prep areas with food splatters, dirt and dust. Instructed to detail clean and maintain walls and ceilings.

Food wasn’t labeled or wasn’t in its original container.

Inspector’s note: 3-302.12: observed 2 dry food storage containers with no labels at the rear near the rear three compartment sink. Instructed to provide labels on all said dry ingredient containers and maintain.

Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.

Inspector’s note: Observed dead mouse on the side of the handwashing sink in the women's toilet room. Instructed to remove and maintain.

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: 4-101.19: observed rusty shelving units in the walk-in cooler/freezer. Instructed to remove rust and make shelving units smooth and easily cleanable.

Food wasn’t labeled or wasn’t in its original container.

Inspector’s note: Observed 2-4 dry food storage containers with no labels at the rear chemical storage/ food holding area. Instructed to provide labels on all said dry ingredient containers and maintain.

Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.

Inspector’s note: Observed a small opening at the rear exit door at the bottom. Instructed to rodent proof said door and maintain.

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: Observed rusty shelving units in the walk-in cooler. Instructed to remove rust and make shelving units smooth and easily cleanable.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed an accumlation of grease build up on the inside of the stoves and cooking equipment in the food prep area. Also observed the inside of the cold holding units in the rear food prep area not clean. Instructed to clean all said equipment and maintain.

Toilet rooms weren’t built, stocked, or cleaned properly.

Inspector’s note: Observed facility missing receptacle with a lid in the women's employee toilet room. Instructed to provide and maintain for disposal of feminine products.

Garbage wasn’t handled or stored properly.

Inspector’s note: Observed the outdoor enclosure behind the facility with garbage bags and trash. Instructed to maintain rear outdoor enclousure and maintain

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed two damaged walls in the charcoal storage area in the rear food prep area. One wall is near the front entrance it has a hole at the bottom and the eother hole is behind the storage of the charcoal. Instructed to repair said holes and maintain.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed the floors at the rear food prep areas and in the walk-in cooler with food debris, standing water, and not maintained. Instructed to clean said floors and maintain.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed walls with food splatters at the rear food prep areas. Instructed to clean said walls and maintain.

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: Observed raw wood panel and fixtures behind the front service counter in front prep area. Instructed to seal or paint to make smooth and easy to clean and sanitize surfaces.

Toilet rooms weren’t built, stocked, or cleaned properly.

Inspector’s note: Observed no covered receptacle in womens toilet room. Instructed to provide and maintain at all times.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed damaged wall at corner near three compartment sink. Instructed to repair and maintain for ease of cleaning and sanitizing.

Food wasn’t labeled or wasn’t in its original container.

Inspector’s note: Observed food stored in containers in all the coolers, walk in cooler and dry storage (bulk storage containers: flour, sugar etc.) without proper labeling of name. Instructed to provide proper label for the food item's name when food has been remove from its original packaging.

Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.

Inspector’s note: Observed evidence of mice activity with approx 25 droppings in front service area under cash drawer counter and behind hot hold unit. Observed another 20 droppings around hot water unit in rear dry storage area. Observed small flies in rear food service area. Instructed to contact pest control to have service before next inspection date of june 9th 2021. Citation issued 7-38-020 (a)

Food wasn’t protected from contamination during prep, storage, or display.

Inspector’s note: Observed food containers stored on the floor in the walk-in cooler. Instructed to properly store and protect food items from contamination while stored by elevating at least 6 inches from the floor on raised shelving units.

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: Observed raw wood panel and fixtures behind the front service counter in front prep area. Instructed to seal or paint to make smooth and easy to clean and sanitize surfaces.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed dust, food debris and heavy grease build up on cooking eqipment, stoves ,fryers and shelving in food prep area. Instructed to clean sanitize and maintain.

Toilet rooms weren’t built, stocked, or cleaned properly.

Inspector’s note: Observed no covered receptacle in womens toilet room. Instructed to provide and maintain at all times.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed damaged wall at corner near three compartment sink. Instructed to repair and maintain for ease of cleaning and sanitizing.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Observed heavy dust and grease build up on hood ventilation system. Instructed to clean and sanitize as a mean of preventing possible contamination of food and surface area around it.

Food wasn’t labeled or wasn’t in its original container.

Inspector’s note: Observed food stored in containers in all the coolers, walk in cooler and dry storage (bulk storage containers: flour, sugar etc.) without proper labeling of name. Instructed to person in charge to provide a label reflecting the food item's name when food has been remove from its original packaging.

Food wasn’t protected from contamination during prep, storage, or display.

Inspector’s note: Observed food containers stored on the floor in the walk-in cooler. Instructed person in charge to properly store and protect food items from contamination while stored by elevating at least 6 inches from the floor on raised shelving units.

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: Observed raw wood panel and fixtures behind the front service counter in front prep area. Instructed to either seal or paint to provide a smooth and easily cleanable surface.

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: Observed slow draining front prep handsink. Instructed to correct, repair and maintain.