DataAug 3, 2026
Average number of violations per inspection — what's normal?
An inspection with zero violations is rare. So is one with twenty. Here's what the typical Chicago report actually looks like.
By Kevin @ IsTheKitchenClean
Blog
Chicago restaurant inspections, food safety, and the stories behind the data.
ChicagoJul 30, 2026
What happens during a complaint-triggered inspection
When someone files a complaint about a Chicago restaurant, an inspector shows up — but the visit looks different from a routine canvass.
By Kevin @ IsTheKitchenClean
DataJul 27, 2026
How pass rates have changed over the last 5 years
Chicago's overall pass rate has shifted noticeably over the last half-decade. Here's the trend, and a few theories about what's behind it.
By Kevin @ IsTheKitchenClean
IndustryJul 23, 2026
What restaurant owners wish you knew about inspections
Owners and operators often have a different perspective on inspections than diners or media. Here are the things they consistently say should be more widely understood.
By IsTheKitchenClean Editor
ChicagoJul 20, 2026
How Chicago food trucks get inspected differently
Food trucks have their own inspection rules — and their own quirks. Here's what's different and what that means for your tacos.
By IsTheKitchenClean Editor
DataJul 16, 2026
Which violation numbers show up most often in failed inspections
Failed inspections aren't random. The same handful of violation numbers carry the weight. Here's which ones, and what they say about the kitchen.
By IsTheKitchenClean Editor
IndustryJul 13, 2026
The lifecycle of a health violation — from citation to correction
A violation isn't a single event. It's a process — citation, deadline, correction, verification. Here's how that whole cycle works.
By Bianca @ IsTheKitchenClean
Consumer TipsJul 9, 2026
Red flags on a menu that might signal kitchen issues
Most menu signals are about taste. A few of them are about kitchen reliability. Here's the small set that's actually worth paying attention to.
By Bianca @ IsTheKitchenClean
ChicagoJul 6, 2026
The busiest inspection months in Chicago and why
Inspections aren't evenly distributed through the year. They cluster — and the clustering tells you something about how the system works.
By IsTheKitchenClean Editor
IndustryJul 2, 2026
How often restaurants go from Fail to Pass on re-inspection
Most failed restaurants pass on the next visit. But not all of them. Here's the data on how the recovery cycle actually plays out.
By Kevin @ IsTheKitchenClean