ExplainersJun 29, 2026
What happens when a restaurant fails an inspection?
A Fail isn't just a result on a report. It triggers a defined process that can include closure, equipment tagging, and a re-inspection deadline.
By Bianca @ IsTheKitchenClean
Blog
Chicago restaurant inspections, food safety, and the stories behind the data.
Consumer TipsJun 25, 2026
How to check a restaurant's inspection history before you eat there
Two minutes on your phone can tell you whether a place is a clean record or has a string of failures. Here's the simplest workflow.
By Kevin @ IsTheKitchenClean
ExplainersJun 22, 2026
The difference between a Canvass, Complaint, and Re-Inspection
Every Chicago inspection has a 'type' — but they're not all the same. Each one happens for different reasons and changes how the inspector approaches the visit.
By Bianca @ IsTheKitchenClean
IndustryJun 18, 2026
How pest control actually works in commercial kitchens
Every clean Chicago restaurant has a pest control program — and the difference between effective and ineffective programs is bigger than most people realize.
By Bianca @ IsTheKitchenClean
ExplainersJun 15, 2026
Why your favorite restaurant might fail and pass a week later
It feels weird to see a Fail one week and a Pass the next. Here's why that happens — and why it's actually how the system is supposed to work.
By Kevin @ IsTheKitchenClean
Consumer TipsJun 11, 2026
What to do if you suspect food poisoning from a restaurant
It happens. Here's the practical, step-by-step guide — what to track, who to call, and what actually triggers a public health response.
By Bianca @ IsTheKitchenClean
ExplainersJun 8, 2026
What 'tagged equipment' means and why it matters
When an inspector 'tags' a piece of equipment, the kitchen can't legally use it again until it's fixed. Here's what that means in practice.
By Bianca @ IsTheKitchenClean
ChicagoJun 4, 2026
Chicago's inspection system compared to other major cities
New York grades restaurants A/B/C in the window. LA does color codes. What does Chicago do differently — and is our system better or worse?
By Kevin @ IsTheKitchenClean
ExplainersJun 1, 2026
What the violation numbers actually mean (#38, #22, etc.)
Every Chicago violation has a code number. Here's the cheat sheet — what they map to, and how to skim a report by number alone.
By IsTheKitchenClean Editor
DataMay 28, 2026
The worst violation types by frequency across Chicago
Some violations are almost universal across failed Chicago inspections. We crunched the numbers — here's what shows up most.
By IsTheKitchenClean Editor