RestaurantLicence 2293013

Koko's Mediterranean Grill

1760 W Chicago Ave, Chicago 60622

Latest verdictPassNov 4, 2025 · 11 months ago

Inspections21since Jan 21, 2014

Fail rate19.0%4 of 21 verdictscitywide 22.4% · below average

City risk ratingHigh riskWhat this kind of business could do if it went wrong — not a grade it earned.

Read the pairs, not the count. A failure is normally followed within days by a re-inspection, and that re-inspection is a second row here. On the timeline below they sit almost on top of each other — one bad day, two marks.

The whole record

Pass62%
Conditional19%
Fail19%

21 inspections from 2014 to 2025 · hover a mark

201420162018202020222024

PassNov 4, 2025Canvass Re-InspectionRisk 1 (High)
1. 37
  Food properly labeled; original container
  3-302.12 : must label food storage containers when food is not in original package.
2. 38
  Insects, rodents, & animals not present
  6-202.15 : observed a gap along bottom of center prep area exit door must make door tight fitting.
3. 47
  Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
  4-501.11 : must repair or replace worn door gaskets on front prep cooler,rear 2- door reach in freezer & reach in cooler.
4. 47
  Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
  4-501.11 : must repair or replace worn door gaskets on front prep cooler,rear 2- door reach in freezer & reach in cooler.
5. 49
  Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
  4-601.11(c) : must clean debris build up from meat slicer,reach in & prep coolers,ice dispenser on soda machine.
6. 56
  Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
  6-501.14 : must clean debris build up from filters and hood at cooking equipment.
FailOct 28, 2025CanvassRisk 1 (High)
1. 8
  Hands clean & properly washed
  Observed male food handler rinsing gloved hands at 1- compartment sink and then removed gloves and rinse hands under running water and then placed on plastic gloves without washing hands proper at designated hand washing sink.instructed manager on hand washing & where needed. (priority foundation 7-38-010)(cos)(citation issued)
2. 21
  Proper hot holding temperatures
  Observed improper temperatures of tcs ready to eat foods such as 10lbs. Cooked chicken ranging from 116.7f-122.4f inside of hot holding unit. Product was discarded by manager must have hot holding foods at 135.0f or above. Appx. 10lbs.$30.(priority 7-38-005)(cos)(citation issued)
3. 22
  Proper cold holding temperatures
  Observed improper temperatures of tcs cooked ready to eat foods such as 10lbs. Cooked chicken breast ranging at 71.6f.10lbs. Cooked chicken kabobs-71.0f.10lbs.diced chicken-128.3f inside of cold holding unit. Product was discarded by manager must have cold holding foods at 41..0f or below. Appx. 30lbs.$90.(priority 7-38-005)(cos)(citation issued)(consolidated violation)
4. 37
  Food properly labeled; original container
  Must label food storage containers when food is not in original package.
5. 37
  Food properly labeled; original container
  Observed repackaged desserts on display for sale without proper info given.must provide and maintain.
6. 38
  Insects, rodents, & animals not present
  Observed evidence of appx. 25 or more live small flies flying around,on wall and exterior of walk in cooler on 1st fl.,in front mopsink closet,rear prep/dish washing areas.recommended to have a pest control operator to service premises on or after 10/28/25.(priority foundation 7-38-020(a)(citation issued)
7. 38
  Insects, rodents, & animals not present
  Observed a gap along bottom of center prep area exit door must make door tight fitting.
8. 39
  Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
  Observed several boxes of plastic cups and food storage trays underneath waste line pipes in basement must remove and store properly to prevent cross contamination.
9. 41
  Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
  Must store wiping cloths in a sanitizer solution when not in use from counters and cutting boards.
10. 46
  Gloves used properly
  Observed improper usage of gloves by employee .
11. 47
  Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
  Must repair or replace worn door gaskets on front prep cooler,rear 2- door reach in freezer & reach in cooler.
12. 47
  Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
  Must eliminate crates used for food storage throughout basement and provide adequate shelving units.
13. +8 more
PassDec 5, 2024Canvass Re-InspectionRisk 1 (High)
1. 57
  All food employees have food handler training
  2-102.13 observed several food handling employees without a food handler certificate. Management instructed that all food handling employees must show proof of training.
2. 58
  Allergen training as required
  2-102.13 observed the certified food managers without an allergen training certificate. Management instructed that all certified food managers must show proof of allergen training.
ConditionalNov 19, 2024CanvassRisk 1 (High)
1. 25
  Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
  Observed no consumer advisory disclosure or reminder statement on the menu board for raw or undercooked foods. Premises serves raw or undercooked steak and eggs. Management instructed to disclose or describe which foods can be ordered raw or undercooked and link those items to a reminder statement on the menu board. Must include the following sentence before the reminder statement:"these foods can be ordered raw or undercooked or may contain raw or undercooked ingredients." priority foundation violation 7-38-005.
2. 41
  Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
  Observed wet wiping cloths stored on top of the prep tables. Management instructed to store wet wiping cloths in a container of sanitizer when not in use.
3. 49
  Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
  Clean the storage shelves in the rear food prep area. Clean the prep tables in the front prep area.
4. 53
  Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
  Observed no covered waste receptacle provided in the employee washroom. Management instructed to provide.
5. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  Replace the broken and missing baseboard wall tiles inside of the basement walk-in cooler.
6. 57
  All food employees have food handler training
  Observed several food handling employees without a food handler certificate. Management instructed that all food handling employees must show proof of training.
7. 58
  Allergen training as required
  Observed the certified food managers without an allergen training certificate. Management instructed that all certified food managers must show proof of allergen training.
8. 61
  Summary report displayed and visible to the public
  Observed no inspection report summary posted in the public view. Management was given a copy of today's inspection report summary and was instructed to post it in the public view. Priority foundation violation 7-42-010(b). Citation issued.
PassDec 1, 2023CanvassRisk 1 (High)
1. 45
  Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
  Observed single service trays stored facing up on the shelves at the cook line. Instructed to invert trays to protect from overhead contamination.
2. 47
  Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
  Observed torn gaskets on the tall reach-in cooler at the end of line next to handsink. Instructed to repair and maintain.
3. 49
  Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
  Observed spilled food debris and soil residue on the shelving and at the bottom of two door reach-in prep cooler. Instructed to clean and maintain.
4. 49
  Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
  Observed dust accumulation on the fan guards in the upstairs walk-in cooler. Instructed to clean and maintain.
5. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  Observed wet mop stored inside the bucket in the utility area. Instructed to hang mops to allow to dry when not in use.
PassAug 24, 2022CanvassRisk 1 (High)
1. 40
  Personal cleanliness
  Observed two food handlers prepping food without hair restraints. Instructed person in charge that all food handlers must wear a hair restraint.
2. 41
  Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
  Observed wet wiping cloths on several prep surface areas. Instructed to properly store wiping cloths in a sanitizing solution between uses to prevent contamination of equipment & food. Must maintain
3. 47
  Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
  Observed tape on the 2-door refrigerator door handles in kitchen area. Instructed to repair or replace.
4. 47
  Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
  Observed milk crates being used as shelving throughout the walk-in cooler (upstairs) and storage area downstairs. Must remove and provide shelving that is 6" off the floor and provides floor accessibility to ensure adequate facility cleaning.
5. 57
  All food employees have food handler training
  Observed expired food handler certificates. Instructed to maintain records at all times.
PassDec 7, 2021Complaint Re-InspectionRisk 1 (High)
1. 53
  Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
  Observed no covered receptacle inside of womens toilet room. Instructed to provide.
ConditionalNov 17, 2021ComplaintRisk 1 (High)
1. 3
  Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
  Observed no employee health policy on site. Instructed to provide an employee health policy that includes a signed acknowledgement from each employee. Priority foundation. 7.38.010.
2. 10
  Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
  Found no hand washing signage at any handwashing sink. Instructed manager to provide.
3. 22
  Proper cold holding temperatures
  Observed time/temperature control for safety foods (chicken,sliced tomatoes) at improper cold holding temperatures located in the walk in cooler and in the prep cooler during the inspection; 80 lbs of chicken at temperatures ranging from 48f-53f, 5 gallons of tamotoes at 49f. Instructed to discard and denature all said tcs foods and always maintain a cold holding temperature of 40f. Priority violation. 7-38-005. Citation issued.
4. 23
  Proper date marking and disposition
  Found improper date marking located in cooler stored in dishwashing area. Noted ready to eat, time/temeperature control for safety food without discard date. Instructed manager to provide discard date for all ready to eat time/ temperature for saftey foods held fo over 24 hours. Priority foundation violation. 7-38-005. Citation issued.
5. 33
  Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
  Observed small reach in cooler located on the side of the dishwashing area at an improper cold holding temperature of 50f at time of inspection. Found onions stored in cooler. Cooler must maintain a proper cold holding temperature of 41f or below at all times. Reach in cooler tagged and held for inspection by the Chicago department of public health and may not be used until the walk in cooler is re-inspected by cdph and maintaining a proper cold holding temperature for 41f or below. Priority violation. 7-38-005.
6. 36
  Thermometers provided & accurate
  Found no thermometers inside walk in coolers, also noted no thermomthers inside reach in coolers. Insturcted manager to provide. In a mechanically refrigerated or hot food storage unit, the sensor of a temperature measuring device shall be located to measure the air temperature or a simulated product temperature in the warmest part of a mechanically refrigerated unit and in the coolest part of a hot food storage unit.
7. 40
  Personal cleanliness
  Found employee without hairnet located in food preparation area. Instructed manager to provide.
8. 47
  Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
  Found cutiing boards connected to prep coolers stained with deep grooves. Instructed to re-place and maintain
9. 53
  Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
  Observed no covered receptacle inside of womens toilet room. Instructed to provide.
PassFeb 19, 2021Canvass Re-InspectionRisk 1 (High)
FailFeb 10, 2021CanvassRisk 1 (High)
1. 60
  Previous core violation corrected
  Found the following previous core violation not corrected by correct by date from inspection report# no allergen certificate for food service managers, instructed to obtain priority foundation violation. No citation issued.
ConditionalMay 11, 2020CanvassRisk 1 (High)
1. 15
  Food separated and protected
  Observed open container of raw beef stored above open containers of cooked chicken, instructed to store food in away to prevent cross contamination. Priority violation 7-38-005. No citation.
2. 23
  Proper date marking and disposition
  Observed improper date marking on tcs foods ( soup, chicken..) held more than 24 hours. Instructed to properly date marking tcs foods and maintain. Priority foundation violation 7-38-005. No citation issued.
3. 56
  Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
  Inadequate lighting in walk-in cooler, instructed to provide more lighting.
4. 58
  Allergen training as required
  No allergen certificate for food service managers, instructed to obtain.
ConditionalAug 8, 2019CanvassRisk 1 (High)
1. 3
  Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
  The person in charge unable to provide employee health policy. Instructed to provide employee health policy and maintain.
2. 5
  Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
  The person in charge unable to provide procedure for employee to follow when responding to vomiting and diarrheal events. Instructed to provide procedure with the necessary items gloves, masks disposable mops and appropriate sanitizer. Priority foundation violation. No citation issued.
3. 10
  Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
  Observed no hand washing signs or posters near hand washing sinks throughout premises. Instructed to provide and maintain.
4. 23
  Proper date marking and disposition
  Observed improper date marking on tcs foods held more than 24 hours. Instructed to properly date marking tcs foods and maintain. Priority foundation violation 7-38-005. No citation issued.
5. 25
  Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
  Menu does not disclose or inform consumers the specific menu items that are raw or under cooked and potential hazard consuming such foods. Must provide a consumer advisory and disclose such food items. Priority foundation violation 7-38-005 no citation issued.
6. 41
  Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
  Observed wiping cloths stored on top of prep tables. Must properly store wiping cloths in a sanitizing solution when not in use.
7. 51
  Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
  Back flow preventer device not located at the ice machine. Instructed to install so that can be located to be service and maintain.
8. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  Observed dust and dirt accumulation inside light shields cover. Instructed to clean and maintain.
9. 58
  Allergen training as required
  Observed city of Chicago certified food managers on site without the required allergen training. Instructed that all certified food service managers must complete allergen training.
PassMay 29, 2018ComplaintRisk 1 (High)
1. 33
  Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
  Noted the rear storage frreezer dirty inside. Must clean and maintain.
PassJan 17, 2018CanvassRisk 1 (High)
1. 30
  Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
  Observerd prepared and precooked food items inside the walk in and reach in coolers not properly labeled. Instructed manager to label item with name and date(fifo).
2. 33
  Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
  Must clean the interior of the reach in cooler and freezers to remove spills and/or debris. Also clean shelving underneath cooking equipment to remove debris.
3. 34
  Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
  Floors need cleaning in the rear prep and dish washing area to remove spills and debris.
PassMay 30, 2017Canvass Re-InspectionRisk 1 (High)
FailMay 22, 2017CanvassRisk 1 (High)
1. 19
  Outside garbage waste grease and storage area; clean, rodent proof, all containers covered
  Observed grease accumulation on the exterior surface of the grease receptacle with grease droplets hanging from the sides and grease buildup on the ground surface below. Instructed to detail clean the exterior surface of the grease receptacle to remove all grease accumulation and maintain. Serious violation 7-38-020
2. 30
  Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
  Observed mushrooms stored directly in grocery bags inside of the reach-in refrigerator. Instructed to use food grade storage bags to properly store food at all times.
3. 31
  Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
  Observed the handled scoop stored in the container of fries and fallalfel with the handle facing down. Instructed to either store scoop in the food with the handle facing up or in a separate container in between use.
4. 32
  Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
  Instructed to detail clean the fan vent cover and the ceiling of the walk-in cooler located in the basement to remove dust buildup and maintain.
5. 33
  Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
  Instructed to detail clean the gasekts around the cold-holding unit in the kitchen to remove food debris buildup and maintain.
PassJun 23, 2016Canvass Re-InspectionRisk 1 (High)
1. 31
  Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
  Found sweets in selling containers (individually) at front counter without labels. Instructed to provide labels with: source and ingredients.
2. 32
  Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
  Observed employee using bottle caps at three compartment sink,broken stoppers stored on top the three compartment sink.instructed to provide working stoppers. Dirty/stained carboards are used for shelf liner inside the two door rach-in cooler at rear area,instructed to remove.surface must be smooth,cleanable and non-absorbent surface. Observed knives stored between the coolers,instructed to provide additional knife rack to minimze source of contamination.
3. 42
  Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
  Observed some of the employee not wearing hair restraint in prep area. Anyone entering prep area must wear hair restraint.
FailJun 16, 2016CanvassRisk 1 (High)
1. 2
  Facilities to maintain proper temperature
  Display prep cooler at improper temperature: presently air temp of 58.6f to 60f. Potentially hazardous food were stored inside the unit:chicken,feta cheeses,beef etc.cooler must maintain temp of 40f and below.tagged unit "held for inspection",do not use unit critical violation:7-38-005(a)
2. 3
  Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
  Potentially hazardous food at improper temperature: kabob chicken at temp of 50f; kabob beef at temp of 57.8f; raw hamburger patties at temp of 55.7f; diced feta cheese at temp of 45.3f; sliced ham at temp of 56.9f; pastries filled with feta cheese and spinach at temp of 62f;grilled mixed vegetable in oil at temp of 55.6f; raw chicken at temp of 57f. All food mentioned was stored inside the display prep cooler.cold food must maintain temp of 40f and below. Food discarded and denatured.pounds 15,value 70 critical violation:7-38-005(a).
3. 19
  Outside garbage waste grease and storage area; clean, rodent proof, all containers covered
  Outside garbage area not maintained. Two out of three garbage containers overflowing with garbage,unable to close lids and foul odor from them. Waste oil container with excess grease on top the lid,grease is dangling from edge of the container with spillage on ground and wall behind the container. We(manager and i) observed food liquid spillage from side door of the business onto sidewalk and to garbage container.must clean mentioned ground,lids must be closed at all times,waste oil container and wall must be cleaned and maintained. Serious violation:7-38-020
4. 32
  Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
  Observed employee using bottle caps at three compartment sink,broken stoppers stored on top the three compartment sink.instructed to provide working stoppers. Dirty/stained carboards are used for shelf liner inside the two door rach-in cooler at rear area,instructed to remove.surface must be smooth,cleanable and non-absorbent surface. Observed knives stored between the coolers,instructed to provide additional knife rack to minimze source of contamination.
5. 33
  Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
  Nozzle of ice dispenser at pop machine in selling area with the beginning of mineral build-up instructed to clean,sanitize and maintain
6. 42
  Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
  Observed some of the employee not wearing hair restraint in prep area. Anyone entering prep area must wear hair restraint.
PassMay 18, 2015CanvassRisk 1 (High)
1. 33
  Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
  Must clean interior of reach in coolers, freezer and hot holding oven to remove food spills. Clean and maintain at all times.
2. 34
  Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
  Floors under and around cooking equipment in need of cleaning to remove all food spills and build up. Must clean and maintain at all times.
3. 45
  Food handler requirements met
  All food handlers must have food handler certificates. Instructed manager to obtain and maintain.
PassNov 7, 2014CanvassRisk 1 (High)
1. 32
  Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
  Remove milk crates and provide adequate shelving in walk-in cooler, walk-in freezer, and storage areas.
2. 33
  Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
  Clean interior of ice dispenser on pop machine.
3. 35
  Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
  Seal openings in walls and ceilings, around pipe fittings in basement storage area.
4. 41
  Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
  Store mop head upright to prevent insect breeding. Elevate all stock off floor in basement walk-in cooler and freezer.
PassJan 21, 2014LicenseRisk 1 (High)

Fails sit above the line, passes below. Every inspection the city has published for this licence.

On the street

Apple Maps street-level imagery. Click to look around the block.

What it gets cited for

478×
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
337×
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
556×
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
495×
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
415×
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
584×
Allergen training as required
324×
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
373×
Food properly labeled; original container

Counted across every inspection on record here. A code that keeps coming back is the more telling signal.

Source

Published by the Chicago Department of Public Health as Food Inspections, updated weekly. This page shows every row the city holds under licence 2293013 — a business that changed hands may carry history from its predecessor.