Japanese steakhouse & sushi bar hit with Consumer Alert on South Side

A Consumer Alert has been issued for a popular restaurant on the South Side.

Nakama Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar on the 1600 block of East Carson Street was hit with 18 total violations after an inspection last week.

Some of the “high risk” violations include cooked crab, fried tofu and cooked octopus in a sushi display cooler was measured at 48 degrees. Cold-holding foods must be at 41 degrees or lower.

Also, Old food was found on a can opener, a “dark” reside build up was found on the deflector panel of an ice machine, hibachi trays stacked together were still wet from a washing.

Dead mice, droppings, evidence of nesting material and rodent chewing marks were found throughout the restaurant in places like the basement and dining areas, along with fruit flies in the basement preparation area.

Other violations include, “Improper cross-contamination prevention, poor employee personal hygiene practices, Improper cleaning and sanitization, Improper and damaged plumbing, Handwashing Facilities, Improper use of toxic items, and more.”

The inspection was conducted on September 18 and as of Monday, September 23, the Consumer Alert remains active.

You can see the full report and any updates to the restaurant’s status here .