What is Grota Restaurant's health inspection score?

Grota Restaurant has a SafeDine safety score of 63 out of 100 (Grade C). This score is calculated from official government health inspection data, factoring in violation severity, recency, and trends.

When was Grota Restaurant last inspected?

Grota Restaurant was last inspected on May 29, 2026. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does Grota Restaurant have?

Grota Restaurant has 41 total violations across 3 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is Grota Restaurant safe to eat at?

Grota Restaurant has a safety score of 63/100, which suggests room for improvement. Review the detailed inspection history on SafeDine for more information.

What type of cuisine does Grota Restaurant serve?

Grota Restaurant serves American cuisine. Visit their SafeDine page for safety scores, inspection history, and more details.

Official Health Record

Grota Restaurant

Name: Grota Restaurant
Address: 3108-3112 N CENTRAL AVE, Chicago, 60634
Rating: 63

3108-3112 N CENTRAL AVE, Chicago

Last Inspected: 5/29/2026

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0Fair

American•Portage Park

Ranked #61 of 67 in Portage ParkBetter than 22% of american restaurants

Improving

10 inspections

Last: May 29, 2026

high confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

30%

Clean Rate

4.1

Avg Violations

1 month ago

Last Inspected

Top Concerns

Most common issues from recent inspections

HandwashingHigh Priority

Employees not properly washing hands — contamination risk

SanitationHigh Priority

Equipment or surfaces not properly cleaned/sanitized

Facility condition

Building maintenance or structural issues

Other violation

Regulatory compliance issue

Permit/documentationHigh Priority

Administrative or documentation issue

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-41

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-0 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-11 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-0 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Inspection Timeline

+48 pts

Latest

100% weight

2nd

60% weight

3rd

30% weight

Real-time Score: 59/100 — This score includes today's freshness penalty and may differ slightly from the displayed score (63/100) which is computed during our regular data sync.

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

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3108-3112 N CENTRAL AVE, Chicago, IL 60634

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Violation Timeline

Jul 2023

2 inspections

6 high priority

2 intermediate

16 basic

Jul

Aug 2023

1 inspections

Aug 2024

1 inspections

Aug

Sep 2024

1 inspections

Nov 2024

1 inspections

1 basic

Nov

May 2025

1 inspections

2 basic

May 2026

3 inspections

6 high priority

8 intermediate

May

Inspection History

10 records on file

4 Canvass Re-Inspection4 Canvass2 Non-Inspection

May 26

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionLatestPass

1 Med

1 total

95/100inspection score

−5 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−5

Base deductions−5 pts

May 26

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionFail

3 High3 Med

6 total3 risk factors

40/100inspection score

−45 pts

High Priority (3)

−30 pts

2CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATERisk Factor−10
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLERisk Factor−10
16FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZEDRisk Factor−10

Intermediate (3)

−15 pts

54GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED−5
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−5
60PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED−5

Base deductions−45 pts

Risk factor bonus (3× +5)−15 pts

May 26

Canvass InspectionFail

3 High4 Med

7 total3 risk factors

35/100inspection score

−50 pts

High Priority (3)

−30 pts

2CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATERisk Factor−10
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLERisk Factor−10
16FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZEDRisk Factor−10

Intermediate (4)

−20 pts

54GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED−5
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−5
60PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED−5
61SUMMARY REPORT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC−5

Base deductions−50 pts

Risk factor bonus (3× +5)−15 pts

May 25

Canvass InspectionPass

2 Basic

2 total

96/100inspection score

−4 pts

Basic (2)

−4 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
NOTED FOOD STORAGE RACKS IN WALK-IN COOLER WITH MOLD AN FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED REMOVE AND DEEP CLEAN/SANITIZE.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
OBSERVED NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSONS WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH COMPLETION OF TRAINING AND MAINTAIN DOCUMENTATION ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.

Base deductions−4 pts

Nov 24

Canvass InspectionPass

1 Basic

1 total

98/100inspection score

−2 pts

Basic (1)

−2 pts

55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED CRACKED FLOOR TILE IN FRONT OF DISH MACHINE. MUST REPAIR.

Base deductions−2 pts

Sep 24

Non-Inspection InspectionCleanNo Entry

No violations

100/100inspection score

Aug 24

Non-Inspection InspectionCleanNo Entry

No violations

100/100inspection score

Aug 23

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionCleanPass

No violations

100/100inspection score

Jul 23

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionFail

2 High1 Med6 Basic

9 total

63/100inspection score

−37 pts

High Priority (2)

−20 pts

16FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED−10
4-601.11(A)--OBSERVED BLACK SLIMY SUBSTANCES ON INTERIOR WATER COMPONENTS OF THE ICE MAKER,DRIPPING INTO ICE "ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION". MANAGEMENT WAS INSTRUCTED TO TURN OFF MACHINE, REMOVE ICE AND HAVE INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE CLEANED AND SANITIZED AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. MUST HAVE TOP ICE MAKING PORTION OF EQUIPMENT ACCESSIBLE.
16FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED−10
4-501.114 (A, B, C, D, E, F: 1 & 2)--OBSERVED TWO (2) LOW TEMPERATURE DISH WASHING MACHINES LOCATED IN KITCHEN AND MAIN BAR AREA AT IMPROPER FINAL SANITIZING RINSE AT "0" PPM CHLORINE CONCENTRATION.(DISHMACHINES IS NOT IN USE AT THIS TIME).INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.A MECHANICAL DISHWASHING MACHINE SHOULD PROVIDE A FINAL SANITIZING RINSE OF EITHER 50 ? 100 PPM CHLORINE (FOR CHEMICAL SANITIZING MACHINE) OR 180F FINAL RINSE (FOR HOT WATER SANITIZING MACHINE). DISHMACHINE TAGGED "HELD FOR INSPECTION" AT THIS TIME. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE UNTIL REPAIRED (SEE COMMENTS BELOW). PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-025.

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
6-501.111--WE CONTINUE TO OBSERVE EVIDENCE OF PEST ACTIVITY APRROX 30-40 MICE DROPPINGS IN ACCESS PANEL IN FRONT OF BAR AND IN CLUTTERED STORAGE ROOM LOCATED ACROSS FROM MAIN BAR ALSO,IN THE CLUTTERED SIDE SMALL BAR ON FLOOR AND INSIDE CABINETS. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE MICE DROPPING AND DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A).

Basic (6)

−12 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
4-501.12--OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS IN THE PREP AREA IN POOR CONDITION. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
4-501.11--OBSERVED DAMAGED GASKETS INSIDE OF TWO DOOR REACH-IN COOLER IN THE KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
5-205.15--OBSERVED A WATER LEAK AT DRAIN PIPE UNDERNEATH THE HANDWASHING SINK AT THE END OF COOK LINE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.ADDITIONAL WATER LEAKS NOTED AT THIS TIME FROM OVERHEAD PIPES FROM BASEMENT CEILING AND INSIDE THE FRONT WATER METER ROOM AND MAINTAIN. MUST REPAIR ALL LEAKS, DRY AND MAINTAIN FLOORS.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
6-501.114--OBSERVED UNUSED REFRIGERATION STORED OUTSIDE IN THE BACK OF PREMISES AND MULTIPLE BOXES OF TO-GO CONTAINERS. MUST REMOVE REFRIGERATION AND ALL OTHER ITEMS FROM OUTSIDE REAR OF PREMISES.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
6-501.114--OBSERVED CLUTTERED CONDITIONS IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREAS & UTILITY MOP SINK AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND RE-ORGANIZE MENTIONED AREAS AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES AND UNUSED EQUIPMENTS DUE TO POTENTIAL PEST HARBORAGE.
60PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
8-404.13(B:4)--OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED. SEE REPORT #2560585 DATED 7/12/2022 VIOLATION #51 FOUND NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE AT ICE MACHINE WATERLINE.

Base deductions−37 pts

Jul 23

Canvass InspectionFail

4 High1 Med10 Basic

15 total2 risk factors

25/100inspection score

−65 pts

High Priority (4)

−40 pts

1PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIESRisk Factor−10
OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DESIGNATE PERSON IN CHARGE DURING ALL HOURS OF OPERATION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION.
2CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATERisk Factor−10
OBSERVED NO CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE OR VALID CERTIFICATE POSTED WHEN TCS FOOD PREPARED AND SERVED. A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES TCS FOOD PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.
16FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED−10
OBSERVED BLACK SLIMY SUBSTANCES ON INTERIOR WATER COMPONENTS OF THE ICE MAKER,DRIPPING INTO ICE "ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION".MANAGEMENT WAS INSTRUCTED TO TURN OFF MACHINE, REMOVE ICE AND HAVE INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE CLEANED AND SANITIZED AND MAINTAIN.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005,CITATION ISSUED.
16FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED−10
OBSERVED TWO (2) LOW TEMPERATURE DISH WASHING MACHINES LOCATED IN KITCHEN AND MAIN BAR AREA AT IMPROPER FINAL SANITIZING RINSE AT "0" PPM CHLORINE CONCENTRATION.(DISHMACHINES IS NOT IN USE AT THIS TIME).INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.A MECHANICAL DISHWASHING MACHINE SHOULD PROVIDE A FINAL SANITIZING RINSE OF EITHER 50 ? 100 PPM CHLORINE (FOR CHEMICAL SANITIZING MACHINE) OR 180F FINAL RINSE (FOR HOT WATER SANITIZING MACHINE). DISHMACHINE TAGGED "HELD FOR INSPECTION" AT THIS TIME. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE UNTIL REPAIRED (SEE COMMENTS BELOW). PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-025,NO CITATION ISSUED.

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED APRROX 50 MICE DROPPINGS IN ACCESS PANEL IN FRONT OF BAR AND IN CLUTTERED STORAGE ROOM LOCATED ACROSS FROM MAIN BAR. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE MICE DROPPING AND DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A), CITATION ISSUED.

Basic (10)

−20 pts

43IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED−2
OBSERVED ICE SCOOP STORED ON TOP OF ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE ICE SCOOP ON A CLEAN SURFACE.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS IN THE PREP AREA IN POOR CONDITION. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED DAMAGED GASKETS INSIDE OF TWO DOOR REACH-IN COOLER IN THE KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED OLD LEFT-OVER FOOD DEBRIS ON THE CAN OPENER IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
50HOT & COLD WATER AVAILABLE; ADEQUATE PRESSURE−2
OBSERVED NO HOT RUNNING WATER AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT THE ESTABLISHMENT WATER TEMPERATURE AT (70.0 F-70.2F). INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PROVIDE HOT RUNNING WATER ABOVE 110F AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND MINIMUM 100F AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS THROUGHOUT THE ESTABLISHMENT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C), CITATION ISSUED.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
OBSERVED A WATER LEAK AT DRAIN PIPE UNDERNEATH THE HANDWASHING SINK AT THE END OF COOK LINE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED WET MOP STORED IN BUCKET IN THE UTILITY AREA. INSTRUCTED TO HANG MOPS WHEN NOT IN USE TO ALLOW TO DRY.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED MISSING CEILING TILES IN THE STORAGE ROOM NEXT TO MAIN BAR AND BROKEN FLOOR TILES IN IN KITCHEN ENTRY WAY NEXT TO TWO DOOR COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED UNUSED REFRIGERATION STORED OUTSIDE IN THE BACK OF PREMISES. MUST REMOVE REFRIGERATION FROM PREMISES IF NOT IN USE.
60PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED. SEE REPORT #2560585 DATED 7/12/2022 VIOLATION #57 FOOD HANDLERS WITHOUT FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED THAT ANY FOOD HANDLERS OBTAIN FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.VIOLATION #58 NO ALLERGEN AWARENESS TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED THAT EVERY CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE HOLDER MUST OBTAIN ALLERGEN AWARENESS TRAINING. VIOLATION #51 FOUND NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES AT ICE MACHINE WATERLINE. MUST PROVIDE WHERE THEY CAN BE LOCATED AND SERVICED. VIOLATION #51 FOUND HAND SINK NOT FASTENED PROPERLY AT BAR AT SMALLER BANQUET ROOM. MUST REPAIR. VIOLATION #53 FOUND TRASH CANS NOT COVERED IN THE WOMEN RESTROOM. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION,7-42-090, CITATION ISSUED.

Base deductions−65 pts

Risk factor bonus (2× +5)−10 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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