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IsTheKitchenClean displays publicly available food inspection data from the Chicago Department of Public Health. Trending rankings and summaries are automated interpretations of that data and are not official health department assessments. Inspection findings reflect conditions at a specific point in time and may not represent current conditions at a restaurant.

Cafe Istanbul

Restaurant

2014 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622

Wicker Park

Aug 24, 2026 — Complaint re-inspection

Fail

A follow-up to confirm complaint-related violations were fixed.

Inspector found over 20 live cockroaches, 100+ mice droppings, and 100+ live flies throughout the kitchen.

Standout Inspection

We flagged this inspection for serious public health concerns.

Key Findings

  • Widespread pest infestation with over 20 live cockroaches, over 100 mice droppings behind coolers, and over 100 live flies throughout the establishment.
  • Multiple dead cockroaches found throughout the facility and not removed.
  • Heavy grease buildup on exterior of cooking equipment.
  • Food debris left on kitchen floors and under cooking equipment, and certified food service manager lacks required allergen training.

Key findings are derived directly from the inspector's notes from the Chicago Department of Public Health. See the full violation notes below.

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Violation code #38 — 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.

Violation code #38 — INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
Inspector's Notes:

6-501.112 OBSERVED SEVERAL DEAD COCKROACHES THROUGHOUT THE ESTABLISHMENT. MUST REMOVE FROM THE PREMISES.

Inspection History

Cafe Istanbul has had 15 inspections in the last 5 years with a 54% pass rate. Last inspection was on Sep 4, 2026.

Sep 4, 2026Pass

Complaint Re-Inspection — A follow-up to confirm complaint-related violations were fixed.

Standout inspection
Aug 24, 2026FailVIEWING NOW

Complaint Re-Inspection — A follow-up to confirm complaint-related violations were fixed.

5 violations
Aug 17, 2026Fail

Complaint — Triggered by a public complaint about this restaurant.

5 violations