What is Northern Taste's health inspection score?

Northern Taste has a SafeDine safety score of 91 out of 100 (Grade A). This score is calculated from official government health inspection data, factoring in violation severity, recency, and trends.

When was Northern Taste last inspected?

Northern Taste was last inspected on November 14, 2025. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does Northern Taste have?

Northern Taste has 20 total violations across 6 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is Northern Taste safe to eat at?

Yes, Northern Taste has an excellent safety record with a score of 91/100. This indicates strong compliance with health and safety standards.

Official Health Record

Northern Taste

Name: Northern Taste
Address: 3409 S HALSTED ST, Chicago, 60608
Rating: 91

3409 S HALSTED ST, Chicago

Last Inspected: 11/14/2025

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0Excellent

Pilsen

Ranked #77 of 405 in Pilsen

Stable

6 inspections

Last: Nov 14, 2025

high confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

17%

Clean Rate

3.3

Avg Violations

5 months ago

Last Inspected

Top Concerns

Most common issues from recent inspections

Temperature control

Food not kept at safe temperatures — risk of bacterial growth

Plumbing issues

Plumbing or waste disposal problems

Facility condition

Building maintenance or structural issues

Permit/documentation

Administrative or documentation issue

Other violation

Regulatory compliance issue

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-9

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-0 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-3 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-5 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Inspection Timeline

0 pts

Latest

100% weight

2nd

60% weight

100

3rd

30% weight

How scoring works: Every restaurant starts at 100 points. Points are deducted for violations found during inspections.

Recent inspections are weighted more heavily. High priority violations (direct health hazards) have the greatest impact.

Location

3409 S HALSTED ST, Chicago, IL 60608

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Violation Timeline

Sep 2023

2 inspections

2 high priority

3 intermediate

6 basic

Sep

Oct 2023

1 inspections

1 basic

Nov 2024

2 inspections

2 intermediate

3 basic

Nov

Nov 2025

1 inspections

3 basic

Inspection History

6 records on file

2 Canvass1 Non-Inspection2 Complaint Re-Inspection1 Complaint

Nov 25

Canvass InspectionLatestPass

3 Basic

3 total

94/100inspection score

−6 pts

Basic (3)

−6 pts

49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
THE LOWER SURFACE OF THE REACH IN FREEZERS WITH ICE BUILD UP, FOOD AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE LOWER SURFACE OF ALL FREEZERS.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
FLOORS IN THE CORNERS AND UNDER/AROUND THE HEAVY EQUIPMENT IN THE KITCHEN PREP AND STORAGE AREA WITH FOOD, DIRT AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN SAND MAINTAIN FLOORS THROUGHOUT.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
MOPS STORED INSIDE THE MOP BUCKETS. INSTRUCTED TO STORE HANGING UP FOR PROPER AIR DRYING. MAINTAIN SAME.

Base deductions−6 pts

Nov 24

Canvass InspectionPass

2 Med3 Basic

5 total

84/100inspection score

−16 pts

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

36THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE−5
4-204.112(B) NOTED NO THERMOMETERS INSIDE REFRIGERATION UNIT CONSPICUOUSLY POSTED TO MONITOR THE AMBIENT TEMPERATURE OF EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO EQUIP ALL REFRIGERATION UNITS WITH ACCURATE AND WORKING THERMOMETERS.
37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
3-302.12 OBSERVED SEVERAL LARGE FOOD CONTAINERS WITH DRY PRODUCTS. (RICE, FLOUR) WITHOUT PROPER COMMON FOOD NAME MARKINGS. MUST LABEL BULK AND WORKING FOOD CONTAINERS WITH CONTENTS COMMON NAME. MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.

Basic (3)

−6 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
4-501.12 CUTTING BOARDS WITH OPEN SEAMS AND DARK STAINS. MUST REFINISH OR REPLACE DAMAGED OR STAINED CUTTING BOARDS.
53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
5-501.17 NO COVERED RECEPTACLES IN TWO STOOLS IN LADY'S BATHROOM. MUST PROVIDE TOILET ROOMS RECEPTACLE WITH COVER FOR SANITARY NAPKINS IN LADY'S BATHROOM.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
6-501.13 OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ON THE FLOOR IN THE BASEMENT AND NEAR THE REAR EXIT DOOR. MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FLOOR THROUGHOUT PREMISES AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−16 pts

Nov 24

Non-Inspection InspectionCleanNo Entry

No violations

100/100inspection score

Oct 23

Complaint Re-Inspection InspectionPass

1 Basic

1 total

98/100inspection score

−2 pts

Basic (1)

−2 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
4-201.11 FOUND CONDENSER LOCATED IN WALK IN COOLER LEAKING. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−2 pts

Sep 23

Complaint Re-Inspection InspectionFail

3 Basic

3 total

94/100inspection score

−6 pts

Basic (3)

−6 pts

41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
3-304.14 FOUND MOIST WIPING CLOTHS STORED THROUGHOUT PREP TABLE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE WIPING CLOTHES IN CHEMICAL SANITIZER IN BETWEEN USE.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
4-201.11 FOUND CONDENSER LOCATED IN WALK IN COOLER LEAKING. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
59PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
8-404.13 (B:3)FOUND CONTINUED NON- COMPLIANCE FROM INSPECTION REPORT # 2581859 CONDUCTED ON 9/18/23. THE FOLLOWING PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION CONTINUED NON COMPLIANCE VIOLATIONS WERE NOT CORRECTED: 3-302.12: **C** Food Storage Containers Identified with Common Name of Food OBSERVED BULK STORAGE CONTAINER NOT LABELED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY LABEL STORAGE CONTAINER WITH THE PRODUCTS NAME. 4-601.11(C): (C) NonFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES of EQUIPMENT shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, FOOD residue, and other debris. MUST CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE PREP COOLERS TO REMOVE SPILLS AND DEBRIS. ALSO CLEAN THE EXTERIOR OF THE BULK STORAGE CONTAINER. 6-501.13: **C** Cleaning Floors, Dustless Methods FLOORS NEED CLEANING ALONG THE WALL BASE AND IN CORNERS TO REMOVE SPILLS. DEBRIS AND/OR GREASE. 6-201.17:**C** Walls and Ceilings, Attachments OBSERVED WATER STAINED CEILING TILES IN THE PARTY ROOM. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN. ALSO CLEAN THE LIGHT SHIELDS IN THE HALLWAY LEADING

Base deductions−6 pts

Sep 23

Complaint InspectionFail

2 High3 Med3 Basic

8 total

59/100inspection score

−41 pts

High Priority (2)

−20 pts

11FOOD OBTAINED FROM APPROVED SOURCE−10
FOUND KIMCHI ON SITE STORED IN A CONTAINER THAT IS NOT LABELED. MANAGER STATES KIMCHI IS BOUGHT FROM A GROCERY STORE IT IS THEN TAKEN OUT OF ITS ORIGINAL GALLON CONTAINER AND STORED IN NEW CONTAINER IN REFRIGERATOR. ORIGINAL CONTAINER OR PROOF OF PURCHASE/ PROOF OF FOOD SOURCE NOT PROVIDED AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDS KIMCHI AT 3LBS COST $30. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
15FOOD SEPARATED AND PROTECTED−10
OBSERVED INADEQUATE FOOD STORAGE PRACTICES. OBSERVED RAW CHICKEN STORED OVER READY TO EATS SAUCES AND RAW BEEF. FOOD SHALL BE PROTECTED FROM CROSS CONTAMINATION BY ARRANGING ALL FOODS TO BE STORED, HELD AND DISPLAYED IN ORDER OF MINIMUM COOKING TEMPERATURES. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005.CITATION ISSUED. ITEMS STORED CORRECTLY AT TIME OF INSPECTION.

Intermediate (3)

−15 pts

22PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES−5
OBSERVED TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS (BEEF, FISH, PORK, EGGS) AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 58F - 48F LOCATED IN THE PREP COOLER DURING THE INSPECTION. MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDS AND DENATURE ALL SAID TCS FOODS . INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN A MINIMUM COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 41F. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
23PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION−5
OBSERVED READY-TO-EAT, TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS (TCS): COOKED CHICKEN, COOKED BEEF, AND COOKED PORK HELD FOR OVER 24 HOURS WITHOUT DISCARD DATE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO PROVIDE DISCARD DATE FOR ANY READY-TO-EAT TCS FOODS HELD FOR OVER 24 HOURS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
FOUND 2 INCH GAP BETWEEN DOUBLE DOOR FRONT ENTRANCE. MUST PROVIDE CLOSED TIGHT FITTING DOORS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRANCE.

Basic (3)

−6 pts

41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
FOUND MOIST WIPING CLOTHS STORED THROUGHOUT PREP TABLE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE WIPING CLOTHES IN CHEMICAL SANITIZER IN BETWEEN USE.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
FOUND CONDENSOR LOCATED IN WALK IN COOLER LEAKING. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
60PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
FOUND CONTINUED NON- COMPLIANCE FROM INSPECTION REPORT # 2535135 CONDUCTED ON 10/21/21. THE FOLLOWING PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS WERE NOT CORRECTED: 3-302.12: **C** Food Storage Containers Identified with Common Name of Food OBSERVED BULK STORAGE CONTAINER NOT LABELED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY LABEL STORAGE CONTAINER WITH THE PRODUCTS NAME. 4-601.11(C): (C) NonFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES of EQUIPMENT shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, FOOD residue, and other debris. MUST CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE PREP COOLERS TO REMOVE SPILLS AND DEBRIS. ALSO CLEAN THE EXTERIOR OF THE BULK STORAGE CONTAINER. 6-501.13: **C** Cleaning Floors, Dustless Methods FLOORS NEED CLEANING ALONG THE WALL BASE AND IN CORNERS TO REMOVE SPILLS. DEBRIS AND/OR GREASE. 6-201.17: **C** Walls and Ceilings, Attachments OBSERVED WATER STAINED CEILING TILES IN THE PARTY ROOM. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN. ALSO CLEAN THE LIGHT SHIELDS IN THE HALLWAY LEADING TO THE KITCHEN. 4-202.18: **C** Ventilation Hoo

Base deductions−41 pts

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Community Safety Reports

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Data source: Chicago CDPH · Official government inspection records

Grading System

85 – 100

Excellent

70 – 84

Good

Below 70

Fair

About SafeDine Scores

Scores are calculated using official government inspection data. High Priority violations (direct health hazards) have the greatest impact, followed by Intermediate and Basic violations. Community reviews can adjust the score by up to 5 points when 3+ reviews are submitted.

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