SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO

JERK YARD.

BEAT. 26/100

1310 E 53RD ST · HYDE PARK, CHICAGO

Last inspected January 16, 2026 · passed

Failed 2 of 6 inspections. 13 critical violations on the cumulative record. Pattern of issues, not a one-off.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS
6
3 passed · 1 w/ conditions · 2 failed
VIOLATIONS
49
includes 13 critical
RECORDS COVER
1 YEAR
since May 2024

INSPECTION HISTORY

JAN 16
2026
PASSED
2 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

4-101.19 OBSERVED MILK CRATES BEING USED AS SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE SHELVING THAT IS 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND PROVIDES FLOOR ACCESSIBILITY TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FACILITY CLEANING.

MINORSanitation
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

4-601.11(B) OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP ON COOKING EQUIPMENT, WALLS, SURROUNDING FLOORS AND SHELVING UNITS IN THE KITCHEN/PREP AREAS.OBSERVED AN EXCESSIVEAMOUNT OF DEBRIS ON THE FLOOR/WALLS/CEILING OF THE WALK IN FREEZER AND COOLER. MUST REMOVE EXCESS ICE, DETAIL CLEAN, DEGREASE SANITZE AND MAINTAIN.

JAN 7
2026
FAILED
10 violations4 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALDocumentation & Training
PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES

OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH VALID CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE.

CRITICALDocumentation & Training
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED, HANDLED AND SERVED SUCH AS (CHICKEN, RICE, BEANS, FISH, AND SHRIMP) MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.

CRITICALDocumentation & Training
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

OBSERVED BLANK COPIES OF EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO MAINTAIN POLICY WITH VERIFIABLE SIGNED COPIES ON SITE FOR ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES IN ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF REPORTING AGREEMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-010.

SERIOUSFood Temperature
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

OBSERVED TCS FOODS HELD AT IMPROPER INTERNAL TEMPERATURES IN THE FRONT PREP COLD HOLDING UNIT, SUCH AS 30LBS OF OXTAILS AT 62.2F AND 20LBS OF CHICKEN AT 63.3F. MANAGER DISCARDED AND DENATURED A TOTAL 60LBS AT $300. ALL COLD TCS FOOD MUST MAINTAIN 41F OR BELOW . PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.

MINORFood Temperature
PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL

OBSERVED FACILITY EQUIPMENT FOR COLD HOLDING IN DISREPAIR. NOTED WALK IN COOLER TO BE AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE AT 64F. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR OR REPLACE FOR PROPER COLD HOLDING OF 41 DEGREES F OR BELOW. TAGGED UNIT. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

CRITICALPest Activity
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

OBSERVED OVER 75 MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED ON SHELVES UNDER FRONT COUNTER, ON FLOOR ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS, BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT, SINKS, WATER HEATER IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. ADVISED MANAGER TO CALL AN EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED

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

OBSERVED MILK CRATES BEING USED AS SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE SHELVING THAT IS 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND PROVIDES FLOOR ACCESSIBILITY TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FACILITY CLEANING.

MINORSanitation
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP ON COOKING EQUIPMENT, WALLS, SURROUNDING FLOORS AND SHELVING UNITS IN THE KITCHEN/PREP AREAS.OBSERVED AN EXCESSIVEAMOUNT OF DEBRIS ON THE FLOOR/WALLS/CEILING OF THE WALK IN FREEZER AND COOLER. MUST REMOVE EXCESS ICE, DETAIL CLEAN, DEGREASE SANITZE AND MAINTAIN.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP, FOOD DEBRIS, AND DIRT ON FLOOR UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP, DISH WASHING, STORAGE AND BASEMENT AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN ALL AREAS. OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON FAN IN WALK-IN COOLER, LIGHT SHIELDS IN COOKING AREA AND CEILING AND WALL VENTS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL FANS, LIGHT SHIELDS AND CEILING/WALL VENTS.

MINOREmployee Hygiene
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED IN SPECIFIED TIME FRAME PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION FROM REPORT #2623432 ON 9/8/2025 WERE NOT CORRECTED: #40 2-402.11: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS. #57 2-102.13: OBSERVED MISSING FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. ALL EMPLOYEES HANDLING FOOD AND EQUIPMENT MUST PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. #58 2-102.13: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CERTIFIED MANAGER. ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.

SEP 29
2025
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
12 violations3 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALDocumentation & Training
PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES

OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH VALID CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DESIGNATE PERSON IN CHARGE DURING ALL HOURS OF OPERATION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION

CRITICALDocumentation & Training
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

1.11 Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE OR VALID CERTIFICATE POSTED WHEN TCS FOOD PREPARED AND SERVED. A CHICAGO FOOD SANITAITON MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AND VALID CERTIFICATE POSTED AT ALL TIMES TCS FOOD PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED

CRITICALPest Activity
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

OBSERVED 1/4" GAP AT BOTTOM OF FRONT AND REAR DOORS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS ON DOORS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.

MINOREmployee Hygiene
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

OBSERVED NO SPLASH GUARD ON LEFT SIDE OF REAR HAND WASHING SINK NEAR PREP SINK. INSRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

MINOREmployee Hygiene
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS.

MINORSanitation
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

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

MINORSanitation
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF SHELVING UNITS, HOLDING UNITS, PREP TABLES, COOKING EQUIPMENT, ROLLING CARTS, COOLERS, FREEZER INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED DIRT AND DEBRIS ON WALLS AND FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS IN ALL AREAS. OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON CEILING VENTS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED UNUSED ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT IN FRONT COUNTER, PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ARTICLES TO PREVENT PESY HARBORAGE

MINORSanitation
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP INSIDE VENTILATION HOOD. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN

MINOROther
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

OBSERVED MISSING FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. ALL EMPLOYEES HANDLING FOOD AND EQUIPMENT MUST PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.

MINOROther
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CERTIFIED MANAGER. ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING.

SEP 8
2025
FAILED
19 violations6 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALDocumentation & Training
PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES

OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH VALID CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DESIGNATE PERSON IN CHARGE DURING ALL HOURS OF OPERATION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION

CRITICALDocumentation & Training
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

OBSERVED NO CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE OR VALID CERTIFICATE POSTED WHEN TCS FOOD PREPARED AND SERVED. A CHICAGO FOOD SANITAITON MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AND VALID CERTIFICATE POSTED AT ALL TIMES TCS FOOD PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED

CRITICALEmployee Hygiene
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED REAR HAND WASHING SINK NOT ACCESSIBLE AND IN POOR REPAIR, WATER DRAINING ON FLOOR WHEN IN USE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED

SERIOUSFood Temperature
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

OBSERVED CHICKEN STORED AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER 51.6F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DISCARD. ALL COLD FOOD MUST MAINTAIN 41F OR BELOW. PRIORITY 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED

MINORFood Temperature
PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL

OBSERVED WALK-IN COOLER NOT MAINTAINING PROPER TEMPERATURE 47.8F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN COOLER AT 41F OR BELOW. COOLER IS TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION AND MUST NOT BE USED UNTIL REINSPECTED BY CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH. PRIORITY 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED

CRITICALPest Activity
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

OBSERVED OVER 100 MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED ON SHELVES UNDER FRONT COUNTER, ON FLOOR ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS, BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT, SINKS, WATER HEATER IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS.OBSERVED NUMEROUS FLYING INSECTS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALL AN EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED

CRITICALPest Activity
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

OBSERVED DEAD MOUSE ON GLUE BOARD UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE.

CRITICALPest Activity
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

OBSERVED 1/4" GAP AT BOTTOM OF FRONT AND REAR DOORS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS ON DOORS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.

MINOREmployee Hygiene
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

OBSERVED NO SPLASH GUARD ON LEFT SIDE OF REAR HAND WASHING SINK NEAR PREP SINK. INSRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

MINOREmployee Hygiene
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS.

MINORSanitation
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

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

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

OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL TEST KIT AVAILABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE TEST KIT FOR PROPER CONCENTRATION IN SANITIZING SOLUTIONS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED

MINORSanitation
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF SHELVING UNITS, HOLDING UNITS, PREP TABLES, COOKING EQUIPMENT, ROLLING CARTS, COOLERS, FREEZER INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED DIRT AND DEBRIS ON WALLS AND FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS IN ALL AREAS. OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON CEILING VENTS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED UNUSED ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT IN FRONT COUNTER, PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ARTICLES TO PREVENT PESY HARBORAGE.

MINORSanitation
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP INSIDE VENTILATION HOOD. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

MINOROther
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

OBSERVED MISSING FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. ALL EMPLOYEES HANDLING FOOD AND EQUIPMENT MUST PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.

MINOROther
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CERTIFIED MANAGER. ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING.

MINOROther
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2613202 ON 3-5-25:51-OBSERVED A LEAKY PIPE UNDERNEATH THE FRONT HAND SINK AND A LEAK AT THE FAUCET AT THE 3 COMP SINK. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED

MAR 5
2025
PASSED
4 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

MUST CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE WALK IN COOLERS(SHELVING,FLOORS AND WALL) TO REMOVE SPILLS AND DEBRIS.

MINORSanitation
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE EXTERIOR OF THE COOKING EQUIPMENT.

MINORPlumbing & Waste
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

OBSERVED A LEAKY PIPE UNDERNEATH THE FRONT HAND SINK AND A LEAK AT THE FAUCET AT THE 3 COMP SINK. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE FLOORS AND WALLS THROUGH OUT AND POP STORAGE AREA IN THE REAR.

show all 6 inspections →
MAY 13
2024
PASSED
2 violations
DETAILS
MINOROther
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL FOOD HANDLERS OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTFICATES.

MINOROther
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING.

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 HYDE PARK