APR 29
2026
FAILED
10 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO
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JOEY G'S MAC AND CHEESE.
BEAT. 18/100
959 N WESTERN AVE · WICKER PARK, CHICAGO
Last inspected April 29, 2026 · failed
Failed 6 of 13 inspections. 23 critical violations on the cumulative record. Pattern of issues, not a one-off.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTIONS
13
6 passed · 1 w/ conditions · 6 failed
VIOLATIONS
61
includes 23 critical
RECORDS COVER
6 YEARS
since Jan 2020
INSPECTION HISTORY
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE AT START TIME OF INSPECTION WHILE TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY, TCS, FOODS ARE HANDLED/PREPARED, SERVED AND STORED. INSTRUCTED THE CERTIFIED CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE DURING OPERATING HOURS WHILE TCS FOODS ARE HANDLED/PREPARED, SERVED AND STORED. CERTIFIED MANAGER, CHRISTINE SCHILLER, ARRIVED ON SITE AT APPROXIMATELY 2:35PM. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT THE HANDWASHING SINK AT THE FRONTLINE/MAIN ICE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
OBSERVED ICE MACHINE LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT AREA WITH A BUILD-UP OF BLACK AND PINK SLIME SUBSTANCE, DRIPPING ONTO ICE CUBES STORED AT BELOW THE ICE BIN. ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE/DISCARD ICE AND CLEAN AND SANITIZE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
OBSERVED NO AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETER INSIDE THE REACH IN THE FRONTLINE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
OBSERVED FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE COMMON NAME OF FOODS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
OBSERVED IN-USE UTENSILS (KNIVES) STORED IMPROPERLY ON PREP SURFACE AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO STORE PROPERLY BETWEEN USAGE.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS IN THE REAR PREP AREA WITH OPEN SEAMS AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REFINISH/REPLACE.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED MOP STORED IMPROPERLY IN THE MOP SINK AREA. INSTRUCTED TO STORE PROPERLY IN A MOUNTED POSITION THAT ALLOWS FOR AIR-DRYING BETWEEN USAGE.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
OBSERVED AN ACCUMULATION OF DIRT/DEBRIS BUILDUP ON THE EXHAUST VENTILATION IN THE WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
OBSERVED NO FOOD EMPLOYEE WITH PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGERS.
OCT 62025PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
OCT 6
2025
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
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.
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.
JUL 212025FAILED8 violations4 CRITICALDETAILS
JUL 21
2025
FAILED
8 violations4 CRITICALDETAILS
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)
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)(CITATION ISSUED)
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
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
6-202.15 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT DOOR AND SIDE MUST MAKE TIGHT FITTING.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
4-101.19 : MUST REMOVE CARDBOARD FROM SHELVING UNITS IN ADJACENT REAR PREP AREA.
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.
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.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
2-102.13 : OBSERVED EXPIRED FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
JUL 142025FAILED13 violations7 CRITICALDETAILS
JUL 14
2025
FAILED
13 violations7 CRITICALDETAILS
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)
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)
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 CONTAMINATION.(PRIORITY 7-38-010)(COS)(CITATION ISSUED)
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
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LEAKY PIPE AT HAND SINK IN REAR PREP/DISH WASHING AREA.
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 FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A)(CITATION ISSUED)
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.
GLOVES USED PROPERLY
OBSERVED EMPLOYEE MISUSAGE OF GLOVES.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
MUST REMOVE CARDBOARD FROM SHELVING UNITS IN ADJACENT REAR PREP AREA.
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.
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
MUST ADJUST SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON TOILET ROOM DOOR TO CLOSE TIGHTLY LEADING INTO PREP AREA.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
MUST CLEAN EXCESSIVE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES THROUGHOUT PREMISES.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
OBSERVED EXPIRED FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
MAY 152024PASSED1 violation1 CRITICALDETAILS
MAY 15
2024
PASSED
1 violation1 CRITICALDETAILS
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
6-202.15 OBSERVED LARGE GAP AT BOTTOM OF SIDE DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL DOOR.
show all 13 inspections →
MAY 82024FAILED5 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
MAY 8
2024
FAILED
5 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
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.
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 CITATION ISSUED.
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.
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
OBSERVED LARGE GAP AT BOTTOM OF SIDE DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL DOOR.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED HEAVY CLUTTER IN THE BASEMENT AREA OF THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DECLUTTER BASEMENT.
MAY 112023FAILED7 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
MAY 11
2023
FAILED
7 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
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.
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.
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.
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
OBSERVED SEVERAL PREP COOLERS WITHOUT THERMOMETERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
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 ISSUED.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
OBSERVED BUILD-UP OF GREASE ON HOOD OVER COOK LINE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
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 MAINTAIN AREAS AT ALL TIMES." INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND COME INTO COMPLIANCE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
FEB 42022PASSED1 violationDETAILS
FEB 4
2022
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
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.
JAN 282022FAILED4 violationsDETAILS
JAN 28
2022
FAILED
4 violationsDETAILS
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 #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
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.
MISCELLANEOUS / PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS
OBSERVED NO RECORD OF EMPLOYEE VACCINATION STATUS ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN OF FILE.
MISCELLANEOUS / PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS
OBSERVED NO WRITTEN PROTOCOL FOR ENFORCING THE REQUIREMENT OF PROOF OF VACCINATION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN OF FILE.
NOV 152021PASS W/ CONDITIONS6 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
NOV 15
2021
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
6 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
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 SANITATION MANAGER CERTIFICATE MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WHILE TCS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED TO THE PUBLIC. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
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.
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.
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. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN, SANITIZE, AND MAINTAIN SAID AREA.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
FOUND UNNECESSARY BOXES AND CLUTTER THROUGHOUT BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.
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.
NOV 102020PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
NOV 10
2020
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
NO DRAIN BOARD AT 3-COMP SINK, INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
EXCESSIVE DIRT, FOOD DERIS AND GREASE BUILDUP NOTED BEHIND COOK LINE, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
JAN 302020PASSED2 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
JAN 30
2020
PASSED
2 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE IN THE RESTROOM AND PREP/WAREWASHING HAND SINKS. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLY.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
PIC UNABLE TO PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER'S CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLY.
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 →