SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO

JAY'S BACKYARD BBQ.

BEAT. 27/100

5604 W DIVISION ST · HUMBOLDT PARK, CHICAGO

Last inspected January 23, 2025 · passed with conditions

Failed 2 of 6 inspections. 12 critical violations on the cumulative record. Pattern of issues, not a one-off.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS
6
2 passed · 2 w/ conditions · 2 failed
VIOLATIONS
50
includes 12 critical
RECORDS COVER
6 YEARS
since Jan 2019

INSPECTION HISTORY

JAN 23
2025
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
8 violations1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALDocumentation & Training
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

OBSERVED NO CERFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE AT THE START TIME OF INSPECTION WHICH BEGAN AT 1:45PM, WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING STORED/PREPARED/SERVED. CERTIFIED MANAGER, JAMILA DODSON ARRIVED ON SITE AT 2:20PM. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.

MINORChemical Safety
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

OBSERVED CONDIMENT BOTTLES IN THE FOOS PREPARATION AREA WITH NO FOOD LABELS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

MINOREmployee Hygiene
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER WITH NO HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

MINOROther
SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED

OBSERVED SINGLE USE TO GO CONTAINERS NOT STORED PROPERLY ON THE TOP SHELF IN THE FOOD PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT AND STORE PROPERLY.

MINOROther
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

OBSERVED SURROUNDING AREA BY THE OUTSIDE DUMPSTER WITH WOOD AND OTHER DEBRIS AGAINST THE BACK GATE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED EXCESSIVE CLUTTER IN THE BOILER ROOM/STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND DISCARD UNNECESSARY EQUIPMENT.

MINORFacility Condition
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED MISSING LIGHT BULB COVERS/SHIELDING IN THE FOOD PREPARATION AND FRONTLINE AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

MINORDocumentation & Training
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE FOR CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER(S). INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

MAR 6
2024
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
6 violations1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALDocumentation & Training
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPPED AND SERVED (SUCH AS CHICKEN). INSTRUCTED MUST HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WHEN TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPPED/SERVED. INSTRUCTED MUST POST A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER CERTIFICATION IN PLAIN VIEW OF CUSTOMERS AT ALL TIMES.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.

MINORSanitation
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

OBSERVED THE INSIDE OF THE DEEP FRYER OIL FILTERING UNIT WITH A BUILD UP OF GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL

MINORSanitation
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED EXCESSIVE DUST ACCUMULATION ON CEILINGS AND WALLS NEAR BARBEQUE AREA, EMPLOYEE WASHROOM AND OVER COOKING LINE AND ON FANS ON PREP AREA. MUST REMOVE ALL DUST. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THESE AREAS.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED EXCESSIVE DUST ACCUMULATION ON CEILINGS AND WALLS NEAR BARBEQUE AREA, EMPLOYEE WASHROOM AND OVER COOKING LINE AND ON FANS ON PREP AREA. MUST REMOVE ALL DUST. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THESE AREAS.

MINORSanitation
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED THE HOOD VENTILATION FILTERS WITH A BUILD UP OF DUST AND GREASE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AS A MEANS OF HELPING PREVENT POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION OF FOODS BEING PREPARED AS IT SITS OVER A COLD PREP STATION.

FEB 21
2024
FAILED
9 violations3 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALDocumentation & Training
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPPED AND SERVED (SUCH AS CHICKEN). INSTRUCTED MUST HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WHEN TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPPED/SERVED. INSTRUCTED MUST POST A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER CERTIFICATION IN PLAIN VIEW OF CUSTOMERS AT ALL TIMES.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.

CRITICALSanitation
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

OBSERVED NO KIT AND PROCEDURE ON SITE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN KIT CONTAINING ALL NECESSARY SUPPLIES INCLUDING A SANITIZER RATED AS EFFECTIVE AGAINST NOROVIRUS ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

CRITICALPest Activity
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 30-50 RODENT DROPPINGS THROUGHOUT FURNACE AND DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE DROPPINGS, RECEIVE ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE, AND MAINTAIN PREMISES FREE OF PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.

MINORSanitation
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

OBSERVED THE INSIDE OF THE DEEP FRYER OIL FILTERING UNIT WITH A BUILD UP OF GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL

MINORSanitation
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED EXCESSIVE DUST ACCUMULATION ON CEILINGS AND WALLS NEAR BARBEQUE AREA, EMPLOYEE WASHROOM AND OVER COOKING LINE AND ON FANS ON PREP AREA. MUST REMOVE ALL DUST. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THESE AREAS.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED EXCESSIVE DUST ACCUMULATION ON CEILINGS AND WALLS NEAR BARBEQUE AREA, EMPLOYEE WASHROOM AND OVER COOKING LINE AND ON FANS ON PREP AREA. MUST REMOVE ALL DUST. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THESE AREAS.

MINORSanitation
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED THE HOOD VENTILATION FILTERS WITH A BUILD UP OF DUST AND GREASE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AS A MEANS OF HELPING PREVENT POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION OF FOODS BEING PREPARED AS IT SITS OVER A COLD PREP STATION.

SERIOUSEmployee Hygiene
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT# 2570215 ISSUED ON 01-25-2023. #10-OBSERVED WEAK HOT AND COLD-WATER PRESSURE AT HANDWASHING SINK, 3 COMPARTMENT SINKS AND TOILET ROOM HAND SINKS FAUCETS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE UNDER CITY PRESSURE.OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SINK IN REAR PREP AREA/DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INSTALL HAND WASHING SINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER, SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS IN FRONT SERVING AREA. 57-OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES MUST COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. 58- OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATES MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED

FEB 1
2023
PASSED
11 violations3 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALEmployee Hygiene
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SINK IN REAR PREP AREA/DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INSTALL HAND WASHING SINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER, SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS IN FRONT SERVING AREA. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030 NO CITATION. 90 DAYS GRACE PERIOD GIVEN

CRITICALEmployee Hygiene
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED WEAK HOT AND COLD-WATER PRESSURE AT HANDWASHING SINK, 3 COMPARTMENT SINKS AND TOILET ROOM HAND SINKS FAUCETS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE UNDER CITY PRESSURE

CRITICALEmployee Hygiene
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGNAGE FOR ALL HAND WASHING SINKS IN THE FACILITY

MINORSanitation
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.

SERIOUSEmployee Hygiene
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

OBSERVED TORN GASKET IN THE 3 DOOR COOLER BY THE FRONT HANDWASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN

MINORSanitation
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

MINORSanitation
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLES INSIDE OF UNISEX TOILET ROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

MINORPest Activity
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED SOILED MOP HEAD NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO HANG MOP HEADS TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED EXCESSIVE DUST ACCUMULATION ON CEILINGS AND WALLS NEAR BARBEQUE AREA, EMPLOYEE WASHROOM AND OVER COOKING LINE AND ON FANS ON PREP AREA. MUST REMOVE ALL DUST. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THESE AREAS.

MINORDocumentation & Training
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES MUST COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.

MINORDocumentation & Training
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATES MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.

JAN 25
2023
FAILED
15 violations4 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALDocumentation & Training
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPPED AND SERVED (SUCH AS CHICKEN). INSTRUCTED MUST HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WHEN TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPPED/SERVED. INSTRUCTED MUST POST A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER CERTIFICATION IN PLAIN VIEW OF CUSTOMERS AT ALL TIMES.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.

CRITICALEmployee Hygiene
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED WEAK HOT AND COLD-WATER PRESSURE AT HANDWASHING SINK, 3 COMPARTMENT SINKS AND TOILET ROOM HAND SINKS FAUCETS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE UNDER CITY PRESSURE

CRITICALEmployee Hygiene
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGNAGE FOR ALL HAND WASHING SINKS IN THE FACILITY

CRITICALEmployee Hygiene
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SINK IN REAR PREP AREA/DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INSTALL HAND WASHING SINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER, SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS IN FRONT SERVING AREA. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030 NO CITATION. 90 DAYS GRACE PERIOD GIVEN

SERIOUSFacility Condition
PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION

OBSERVED PREPARED TCS FOOD ITEMS (FRIED CHICKEN, SMOKED RIBS) IN CONTAINERS IN 3 DOOR COOLER WITHOUT LABELS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE DISCARD DATE LABELS (NOT TO EXCEED 7 DAYS) ON ALL FOODS PREPARED ON SITE AND HELD FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS AND MAINTAIN. MANAGER CORRECTED ON SITE PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

MINORFood Temperature
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

OBSERVED NO FOOD TEMPERATURE MEASURING DEVICE ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.CITATION ISSUED

MINORSanitation
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.

SERIOUSEmployee Hygiene
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

OBSERVED TORN GASKET IN THE 3 DOOR COOLER BY THE FRONT HANDWASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN

SERIOUSSanitation
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

OBSERVED NO CHLORINE OR QUATS SANITIZER TESTING DEVICES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

MINORSanitation
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

MINORSanitation
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLES INSIDE OF UNISEX TOILET ROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

MINORPest Activity
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED SOILED MOP HEAD NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO HANG MOP HEADS TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED EXCESSIVE DUST ACCUMULATION ON CEILINGS AND WALLS NEAR BARBEQUE AREA, EMPLOYEE WASHROOM AND OVER COOKING LINE AND ON FANS ON PREP AREA. MUST REMOVE ALL DUST. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THESE AREAS.

MINORDocumentation & Training
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES MUST COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.

MINORDocumentation & Training
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATES MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.

show all 6 inspections →
JAN 8
2019
PASSED
1 violation
DETAILS
MINOROther
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

PREMISES HAS NO ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH THE NEW CODE OR CITATIONS WILL FOLLOW.

Data sourced from Chicago Dept. of Public Health. We'd love to link you straight to this restaurant's record — turns out Chicago considers that a luxury. The full dataset is what's on offer →

NEARBY IN HUMBOLDT PARK