NOV 4
2025
PASSED
4 violationsDETAILS
SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO
✕
J'S CORNER HOT DOG.
YOUR CALL. 51/100
3845 N ELSTON AVE · NORTH CENTER, CHICAGO
Last inspected November 4, 2025 · passed
10 of 14 inspections passed, 2 failed, 2 passed with conditions. 6 critical violations across the record.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTIONS
14
10 passed · 2 w/ conditions · 2 failed
VIOLATIONS
45
includes 6 critical
RECORDS COVER
15 YEARS
since Sep 2010
INSPECTION HISTORY
SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED
OBSERVED DISPOSABLE PAPER TOWELS IN ORIGINAL PACKAGING STORED IN THE REAR EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO RELOCATE DISPOSABLE PAPER TOWELS AND STORE SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES OUTSIDE OF PROHIBITED AREAS SUCH AS TOILET ROOMS AND MAINTAIN.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
OBSERVED NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES OF UPRIGHT FREEZER IN THE REAR KITCHEN AREA TO BE HEAVILY-SOILED BY ICE AND OTHER DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES OF EQUIPMENT TO PREVENT BUILD UP OF ICE AND OTHER SOILS AND MAINTAIN.
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
OBSERVED INDOOR WASTE RECEPTACLE HEAVILY-SOILED WITH GREASE AND DRIED FOOD DEBRIS BEYOND FEASIBLE CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD INDOOR WASTE RECEPTACLE AND REPLACE WITH NEW RECEPTACLE MADE OF A DURABLE, NON-ABSORBENT MATERIAL AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED WALL BENEATH STEAM TABLE IN THE FRONT KITCHEN AREA TO BE SOILED WITH DRIED GREASE AND OTHER DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN WALLS AND OTHER PHYSICAL FACILITIES AT ADEQUATE FREQUENCY TO PREVENT BUILD UP OF SOIL AND MAINTAIN.
DEC 302024PASSED1 violationDETAILS
DEC 30
2024
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERIVCE MANAGER CERTIFICATES MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
DEC 172024FAILED4 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
DEC 17
2024
FAILED
4 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK LOCATED IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
OBSERVED BROKEN THERMOMETER IN FRONT MINI REFRIGERATOR LOCATED NEXT TO GYROS SPIT. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN WORKING THERMOMETER INSIDE ALL COOLERS.
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
OBSERVED NO PEST CONTROL LOGBOOK ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO CONTRACT WITH A LICENSED PEST CONTROL PROVIDER, RECEIVE SERVICE, AND MAINTAIN ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(C). CITATION ISSUED.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERIVCE MANAGER CERTIFICATES MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
MAR 222022PASS W/ CONDITIONS1 violation1 CRITICALDETAILS
MAR 22
2022
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
1 violation1 CRITICALDETAILS
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
5-204.11--OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SINK IN THE FRONT PREP AREA. HAND WASHING SINKS MUST BE CONVENIENTLY ACCESSIBLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INSTALL HAND WASHING SINK IN FRONT PREP AREA. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030 (C).
MAR 152022FAILED8 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
MAR 15
2022
FAILED
8 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SINK IN THE FRONT PREP AREA. HAND WASHING SINKS MUST BE CONVENIENTLY ACCESSIBLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INSTALL HAND WASHING SINK IN FRONT PREP AREA. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030 (C) NO CITATION ISSUED
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
OBSERVED NO EVIDENCE OF 2 PEST CONTROL SERVICES WITHIN THE LAST YEAR. ALL RETAIL FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS SHALL CONTRACT WITH A LICENSED EXTERMINATOR WHO SHALL PROVIDE INSECT AND VERMIN SERVICES AT THE ESTABLISHMENT AT LEAST TWICE A YEAR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CONTACT A LICENSED PEST CONTROL SERVICE AND MAINTAIN AN UPDATED LOG BOOK THAT INCLUDES A COPY OF IDPH LICENSE NUMBER FOR SAID PEST CONTROL COMPANY. ALL INFORMATION IN THE LOG BOOKS SHALL BE KEPT FOR A PERIOD OF TWELVE MONTHS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020 (C)
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
OBSERVED DRIED USED SPONGES IN DISH AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CHANGE SPONGES REGULARLY.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED STAINED AND DEEPLY SCRATCHED CUTTING BOARD IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO RESURFACE OR REPLACE CUTTING BOARD
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED DAMANGED GASKET ON FREEZER CHEST DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE GASKETS.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
MEAT FOUND STORED IN PLASTIC GROCERY BAG. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE ALL FOOD IN FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS OR BAGS.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED CRACKED AND MISSING TILES AROUND TOILET. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE TILES.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE FOR EMPLOYEE IS EXPIRED AS OF 9/6/2021. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL EMPLOYEES ARE UP TO DATE ON FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
show all 14 inspections →
NOV 262019PASS W/ CONDITIONS3 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
NOV 26
2019
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
3 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
SOME VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEAN UP PROCEDURE ITEMS MISSING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE ALL VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEAN UP ITEMS AS OUTLINED IN POLICY ON PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
STAND UP REACH IN PREP COOLER (TRUE COOLER) MISSING THERMOMETER. MUST PROVIDE WORKING THERMOMETER OR SAID COOLER.
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
METAL STEM THERMOMETER NOT CALIBRATED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST CALIBRATE METAL STEM THERMOMETER FOR FOOD HANDLERS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
SEP 192017PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
SEP 19
2017
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
3-COMPARTMENT SINK FAUCET LEAKING AT BASE. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SINK.
APPROPRIATE METHOD OF HANDLING OF FOOD (ICE) HAIR RESTRAINTS AND CLEAN APPAREL WORN
OBSERVED ONE FOOD HANDLER NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS.
FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET
FOUND ONE FOOD HANDLER WITHOUT FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST HAVE FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATES ON PREMISES.
JUN 272016PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
JUN 27
2016
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
MUST DEFROST UPRIGHT REACH-IN FREEZER TO REMOVE ENCRUSTED ICE AND FROST FROM ALL SHELVING RACKS INSIDE FREEZER.
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
MUST REPAIR DIFFICULT TO CLOSE FAUCET HANDLES AT THE RESTROOM HAND SINK.
PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
MUST REMOVE CARD BOARD BOXES FROM THE INSIDE OF THE 2-SLIDING DOOR COOLER IN THE FRONT AREA.
OCT 272015PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
OCT 27
2015
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
MUST CLEAN FLOOR UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT, REMOVE ALL GREASE SPILLS,
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
MUST REPAIR LEAKING FAUCET AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK,
FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET
NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING IN ILLINOIS CERTIFICATES AT THIS TIME OF INSPECTION, MUST PROVIDE,
SEP 102014PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
SEP 10
2014
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
MUST DETAIL CLEAN ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT, REMOVE ALL GREASE BUILD-UP,
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
MUST CLEAN FLOOR UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT, REMOVE ALL GREASE SPILLS,
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
MUST REPAIR LEAKING FAUCET AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK,
NOV 272012PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
NOV 27
2012
PASSED
4 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE BROKEN CUTTING BOARD.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
EXCESSIVE ICE BUILD-UP ON ALL FREEZERS, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN/SANITIZE, ALSO MUST CLEAN/SANITIZE CABINETS AT REAR DISH WASHING AREA.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN WALLS BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT AND COOLERS AT FRONT PREP/COOKING AREA, NOTED DUST BUILD-UP.
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
MUST SEAL/REPAINT RUSTY GREASE TRAP UNDER 3PART SINK.
SEP 132011PASSED5 violationsDETAILS
SEP 13
2011
PASSED
5 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
All utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each usage. MUST CLEAN/SANITIZE; COOLERS, COOKING EQUIPMENT, MICROWAVE OVENS AND STORAGE SHELVES, AND REMOVE CARDBOARDS FROM SHELVES AND OTHER EQUIPMENT.
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. EXCESSIVE GREASE BUILD-UP UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT AND DEBRIS, MUST CLEAN FLOORS UNDER, BEHIND EQUIPMENT AT CORNERS AND ALONG WALLS THRU-OUT.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. MUST CLEAN HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND WALLS BEHIND AND ON SIDES OF SAME EQUIPMENT.
PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
MUST REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES THU-OUT REAR STORAGE/DISH WASHING AREA, CLEAN AND ORGANIZE TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE. ARTICLES MUST BE STORED OFF FLOORS, AWAY FROM WALLS.
APPROPRIATE METHOD OF HANDLING OF FOOD (ICE) HAIR RESTRAINTS AND CLEAN APPAREL WORN
All employees shall be required to use effective hair restraints to confine hair.
SEP 152010PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
SEP 15
2010
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair.OBSERVED STANDING WATER ON REAR FLOOR UNDER HAND SINK INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.
LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
All rooms in which food or drink is prepared, or in which utensils are washed, shall be lighted so that a minimum of 50-foot candles of light is available on all work surfaces. Shielding to protect against broken glass falling into food shall be provided for all artificial lighting sources in preparation, service, and display facilities.OBSERVED ONE BROKEN LIGHT SHIELD REAR PREP AREA INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health.OBSERVED THE P-TRAP LEAKING AT REAR HAND SINK INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
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 →