Chicago
18
BEAT

Joey G'S Mac and Cheese

959 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 · Wicker Park · Restaurant · High risk
BEAT
18/100

Troubled record — failed 5 of 12 inspections for documentation & training, pest activity

Inspections
12
6 passed
Last Inspected
2025-10-06
Pass Rate
50%
5 failures
Score
18/100
BEAT
Passed most recent inspection (2025-10-06)
Failed 5 inspections (2025, 2025, 2024...)
Documentation & Training issues found across 9 inspections
Pest Activity issues found across 7 inspections
Issues were corrected on re-inspection
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Sanitation serious 19×
📋
Documentation & Training critical
📌
Other minor
🐀
Pest Activity critical
🧼
Employee Hygiene critical
🌡
Food Temperature critical
2025-10-06 Pass Canvass Re-Inspection
2
minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

4-601.11(C) : MUST CLEAN EXCESSIVE GREASE AND FOOD DENRIS BUILD UP FROM GRILL TABLE, PREP TABLES,FRYER CABINETS,MEAT SLICER,UNUSED COOLERS.

minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

6-501.13 : MUST CLEAN EXCESSIVE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES THROUGHOUT PREMISES.

2025-07-21 Fail Canvass Re-Inspection
CRITICAL 8
critical Documentation & Training

PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES

PIC DOESN'T HAVE A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS CERTIFICATE MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)

critical Documentation & Training

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

2-101.11 OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY NOR CERTIFICATE POSTED TO VIEW WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED, HANDLED, AND SERVED, SUCH AS (ITALIAN BEEF, TURKEY, MEATBALLS, ETC.)MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. (PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)(CITA...

critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

5-204.11 : OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SINK FOR MAIN PREP AREA AND ICE CREAM PREP AREA. MUST INSTALL A HAND SINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER, SOAP, AND TOWELS, AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C) NO CITATION ISSUED

critical Pest Activity

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

6-202.15 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT DOOR AND SIDE MUST MAKE TIGHT FITTING.

minor Sanitation

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

4-101.19 : MUST REMOVE CARDBOARD FROM SHELVING UNITS IN ADJACENT REAR PREP AREA.

minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

4-601.11(C) : MUST CLEAN EXCESSIVE GREASE AND FOOD DENRIS BUILD UP FROM GRILL TABLE, PREP TABLES,FRYER CABINETS,MEAT SLICER,UNUSED COOLERS.

minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

6-501.13 : MUST CLEAN EXCESSIVE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES THROUGHOUT PREMISES.

minor Other

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

2-102.13 : OBSERVED EXPIRED FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

2025-07-14 Fail Canvass
CRITICAL 13
critical Documentation & Training

PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES

PIC DOESN'T HAVE A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS CERTIFICATE MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)

critical Documentation & Training

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY NOR CERTIFICATE POSTED TO VIEW WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED,HANDLED AND SERVED SUCH AS (CHICKEN,TURKEY,MEATBALLS,ETC)MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)(CITATION ISSUED)

critical Employee Hygiene

HANDS CLEAN & PROPERLY WASHED

OBSERVED POOR HYGIENIC PRACTICES BY FOOD HANDLER SHE WAS ON HER CELL PHONE AND THEN CAME BACK INTO PREP AREA AND PUT ON PLASTIC GLOVES AND REMOVE BREAD FROM BAG TO MAKE A SANDWICH WITHOUT WASHING HANDS. MUST WASH HANDS AFTER EVERY POSSIBLE CONTAMINAT...

critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SINK FOR MAIN PREP AREA AND ICE CREAM PREP AREA. MUST INSTALL A HAND SINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER, SOAP, AND TOWELS, AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C) NO CITATION ISSUED

critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LEAKY PIPE AT HAND SINK IN REAR PREP/DISH WASHING AREA.

critical Pest Activity

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX. 50 OR MORE RAT DROPPINGS ON FLOOR IN BASEMENT AND ON A PIECE OF WOOD ON FLOOR MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS. RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 7/14/25.(PRIORITY FOU...

critical Pest Activity

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT DOOR AND WINDOW FRAME AND SIDE DOOR MUST MAKE TIGHT FITTING.

minor Employee Hygiene

GLOVES USED PROPERLY

OBSERVED EMPLOYEE MISUSAGE OF GLOVES.

minor Sanitation

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

MUST REMOVE CARDBOARD FROM SHELVING UNITS IN ADJACENT REAR PREP AREA.

minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

MUST CLEAN EXCESSIVE GREASE AND FOOD DENRIS BUILD UP FROM GRILL TABLE, PREP TABLES,FRYER CABINETS,MEAT SLICER,UNUSED COOLERS.

minor Sanitation

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

MUST ADJUST SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON TOILET ROOM DOOR TO CLOSE TIGHTLY LEADING INTO PREP AREA.

minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

MUST CLEAN EXCESSIVE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES THROUGHOUT PREMISES.

minor Other

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

OBSERVED EXPIRED FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

2024-05-15 Pass Canvass Re-Inspection
CRITICAL 1
critical Pest Activity

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

6-202.15 OBSERVED LARGE GAP AT BOTTOM OF SIDE DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL DOOR.

2024-05-08 Fail Canvass
CRITICAL 5
critical Documentation & Training

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

OBSERVED NO CURRENT CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE POSTED ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.

serious Food Temperature

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

OBSERVED TCS FOODS STORED AT AN INADEQUATE TEMPERATURE OF 46 F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL COLD TCS FOODS ARE STORED AT 41 F AND BELOW. THE MANAGER DISCARDED 1/4 POUND SLICED TOMATOES AND 1 POUND SLICED TURKEY. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITAT...

critical Pest Activity

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

OBSERVED 25 RODENT DROPPINGS IN THE BASEMENT OF THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE DROPPINGS AND SANITIZE AREA. OBSERVED LIVE RAT ACTIVITY ON SITE IN THE BASEMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED.

critical Pest Activity

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

OBSERVED LARGE GAP AT BOTTOM OF SIDE DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL DOOR.

minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED HEAVY CLUTTER IN THE BASEMENT AREA OF THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DECLUTTER BASEMENT.

2023-05-18 Pass Canvass Re-Inspection

No violations found.

2023-05-11 Fail Canvass
CRITICAL 7
critical Documentation & Training

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE AT TIME AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN AN EMPLOYEE HOLDING THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.

critical Documentation & Training

MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

OBSERVED NO VERIFIABLE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY SIGNED BY ALL EMPLOYEES ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.

minor Other

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

OBSERVED NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

minor Other

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

OBSERVED SEVERAL PREP COOLERS WITHOUT THERMOMETERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

critical Pest Activity

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 40 RODENT DROPPINGS IN THE BASEMENT STORAGE AREA CORNER. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE DROPPINGS, RECEIVE ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE, AND MAINTAIN FACILITY FREE OF PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A). CITATION ...

minor Sanitation

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED BUILD-UP OF GREASE ON HOOD OVER COOK LINE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.

minor Sanitation

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2549394 DATED 2/4/2022: #55 "OBSERVED EXCESS CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ARTICLES STORED IN THE BASEMENT. MUST REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEAN ALL CLUTTER, ORGANIZE, AND MAI...

2022-02-04 Pass Canvass Re-Inspection
1
minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED EXCESS CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ARTICLES STORED IN THE BASEMENT. MUST REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEAN ALL CLUTTER, ORGANIZE, AND MAINTAIN AREAS AT ALL TIMES.

2022-01-28 Fail Canvass
4
serious Sanitation

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

OBSERVED FACILITY WITHOUT A CHLORINE CHEMICAL TEST KIT FOR SANITIZER OR FOR WARE WASHING AREA. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE A TEST KIT THAT ACCURATELY MEASURES THE CONCENTRATION OF SANITIZING SOLUTION MUST BE PROVIDED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-3...

minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED EXCESS CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ARTICLES STORED IN THE BASEMENT. MUST REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEAN ALL CLUTTER, ORGANIZE, AND MAINTAIN AREAS AT ALL TIMES.

minor Other

MISCELLANEOUS / PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS

OBSERVED NO RECORD OF EMPLOYEE VACCINATION STATUS ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN OF FILE.

minor Other

MISCELLANEOUS / PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS

OBSERVED NO WRITTEN PROTOCOL FOR ENFORCING THE REQUIREMENT OF PROOF OF VACCINATION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN OF FILE.

2021-11-15 Pass w/ Conditions Complaint
CRITICAL 6
critical Food Temperature

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

FOUND NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER CERTIFICATE POSTED ON SITE WHILE TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS (COOKED NOODLES AND BEEF) ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED TO THE PUBLIC. A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SAN...

critical Documentation & Training

MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY THAT INCLUDES A SIGNED ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FROM EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7.38.010.

serious Sanitation

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

FOUND ICE MACHINE STORED IN BASEMENT FILLED WITH A MINIMAL AMOUNT OF PINK UNKNOWN SUBSTANCE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.

serious Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

FOUND AN ACCUMILATION OF GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS UNDER ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT IN FRONT FOOD PREPARATION AREA, ALSO NOTED AN ACCUMILATION OF FOOD DEBRIS UNDER PREP COOLER IN REAR FOOD PREPARATION AREA AND ON THE SIDE OF COOLER LOCATED IN REAR PREP. INST...

serious Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

FOUND UNNECESSARY BOXES AND CLUTTER THROUGHOUT BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.

minor Other

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

FOUND NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ALLEGREN TRAINING FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS.

2020-11-10 Pass Canvass
2
minor Other

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

NO DRAIN BOARD AT 3-COMP SINK, INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL.

minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

EXCESSIVE DIRT, FOOD DERIS AND GREASE BUILDUP NOTED BEHIND COOK LINE, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

2020-01-30 Pass License
CRITICAL 2
critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE IN THE RESTROOM AND PREP/WAREWASHING HAND SINKS. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLY.

minor Documentation & Training

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

PIC UNABLE TO PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER'S CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLY.

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Data sourced from Chicago Dept. of Public Health · Score calculated from inspection outcomes, violation severity & recency. · How we score
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