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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.

Cedars Meditherranean Kitchen

Restaurant

1206 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL 60615

Hyde Park

Jul 1, 2026 — Canvass inspection

Fail

A routine, unannounced visit by a city health inspector.

Inspectors found approximately 70 mouse droppings throughout the second-floor prep area.

Standout Inspection

We flagged this inspection for serious public health concerns.

Key Findings

  • Extensive rodent activity detected with roughly 70 mouse droppings on floors around wall perimeters in the second-floor prep area. Additional pest control services required.
  • Beef barbacoa stored in cooler measured 47.6°F to 50.5°F, well above safe temperature. Manager discarded 10 lbs of product.
  • Food containers and single-service items stored directly on floors in prep and storage areas instead of elevated shelving.
  • Significant buildup of grease, food debris, and dirt found on floors under cooking equipment, along walls, and in corners throughout facility. Dust accumulation noted on ventilation fans and light fixtures.

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:

OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF RODENT ACTIVITY ON THE PREMISES. OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 70 MOUSE DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR AROUND WALL PERIMETER OF THE ENTIRE ROOM OF THE SECOND-FLOOR PREP AREA. ADVISED MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS FROM ALL AFFECTED AREAS. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED. "

Violation code #39 — CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
Inspector's Notes:

OBSERVED FOOD CONTAINERS STORED ON THE FLOOR IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY STORE AND PROTECT FOOD ITEMS FROM CONTAMINATION WHILE STORED BY ELEVATING AT LEAST SIX INCHES FROM THE FLOOR ON RAISED SHELVING UNITS.

Inspection History

Cedars Meditherranean Kitchen has had 7 inspections in the last 5 years with a 86% pass rate. Last inspection was on Aug 20, 2026.

Aug 20, 2026Pass

Short Form Complaint — A shorter, targeted check prompted by a public complaint.

Jul 9, 2026Pass

Canvass Re-Inspection — A follow-up to confirm violations from a routine visit were fixed.

Standout inspection
Jul 1, 2026FailVIEWING NOW

Canvass — A routine, unannounced visit by a city health inspector.

7 violations