SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO

LEON'S BBQ.

EAT. 93/100

4550 S ARCHER AVE · BRIGHTON PARK, CHICAGO

Last inspected November 18, 2025 · passed

15 of 19 inspections passed, with 4 critical violations on file.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS
19
15 passed · 3 w/ conditions · 1 failed
VIOLATIONS
58
includes 4 critical
RECORDS COVER
15 YEARS
since Mar 2010

INSPECTION HISTORY

NOV 18
2025
PASSED
3 violations
DETAILS
MINORPlumbing & Waste
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

OBSERVED HANDSINK IN PREP AREA SLOW DRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

MINORSanitation
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE IN UNISEX RESTROOM. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE COVERED RECEPTACLE IN RESTROOM AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

MINORSanitation
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

OBSERVED TOILET RESTROOM DOOR NOT SELF-CLOSING. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO MAINTAIN THE SELF-CLOSING RESTROOM DOOR

JUL 23
2024
PASSED
3 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

OBSERVED TOILET RESTROOM DOOR NOT SELF-CLOSING. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO MAINTAIN THE SELF-CLOSING RESTROOM DOOR.

MINORSanitation
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE IN UNISEX RESTROOM. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE COVERED RECEPTACLE IN RESTROOM AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED PEELING PAINT ABOVE THE THREE-COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.

JUL 21
2023
PASSED
2 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

OBSERVED CARDBOARD BEING USED AS FLOOR MATS AT FRONT PREP AREA IN FRONT OF PREP TABLE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED CEILING OF WALK IN COOLER HAS FOOD DERBRIS SPLATTER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

OCT 19
2022
PASSED
7 violations1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALEmployee Hygiene
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS AT HAND SINKS IN PREP AREAS & TOILET ROOM MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

MINORFood Storage & Handling
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.

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

MUST PROVIDE SINK STOPPERS FOR 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LOOSE HANDLE ON HOT HOLDING CABINET IN FRONT PREP AREA.

MINORSanitation
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP INTERIOR CABINET OF FRYERS.

MINORPlumbing & Waste
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LEAKY FAUCET AT FAR RIGHT SINK OF 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.

MINOROther
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

OBSERVED CARDBOARD BOXES BEING USED AS INSIDE GARBAGE CANS IN FRONT PREP AREA ELIMINATE AND PROVIDE PROPER GARBAGE CANS.

MINORFacility Condition
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE BURNTOUT LIGHT IN WALK IN COOLER.

MAY 14
2021
PASSED
0 violations
show all 19 inspections →
MAY 8
2020
PASSED
0 violations
MAR 19
2020
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
7 violations1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALEmployee Hygiene
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SINK IN FRONT PREP AREA FOR .MUST INSTALL A HAND SINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C)

MINORFood Storage & Handling
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.

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

MUST REMOVE FOIL AND CARDBOARD LINED ON SHELVING UNITS THROUGHOUT PREMISES ON SHELVING UNITS AND PREP TABLES.

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

MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP INSIDE OF MICROWAVE.

MINORSanitation
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

MUST CLEAN DEBRIS AND GREASE BUILD UP FROM FRYER CABINETS.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

MUST SEAL HOLES IN WALL NEAR COOKING EQUIPMENT IN REAR PREP AREA.

MINORFacility Condition
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

MUST REPLACE CRACKED LIGHT SHIELDS IN FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS.

JUL 10
2019
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
3 violations1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALOther
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

OBSERVED PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMIT AND DIARHEAL EVENTS, BUT MISSING SOME EQUIPMENT, AND A DISINFECTANT RATED FOR NOROVIRUS, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005, NO CITATION ISSUED.

MINORFacility Condition
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED ONE LIGHT OUT IN THE REAR WALK-IN COOLER, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.

MINOROther
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING ON PREMISES AT THIS TIME, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGERS.

OCT 17
2017
PASSED
3 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

OBSERVED CUTTING BOARD IN FRONT CHOPPING STATION WITH DEEP GROVES, PITTED, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.

MINORSanitation
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING NOT CLEAN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF MICROWAVE, 2 BURNER STOVE, AND THE FRONT AND REAR UPRIGHT FREEZER INTERIOR, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.

MINORSanitation
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

OBSERVED THE REAR LIGHT SHIELDS NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.

JUN 1
2016
PASSED
1 violation
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

REPAIR THE WALL AND REPLACE THE CEILING TILES IN THE REAR PREP AREA WHERE THE WALL HAS BEEN REMOVED FOR THE NEW WALK-IN COOLER. CLEAN THE WALLS IN THE DRY STORAGE AREA.

SEP 16
2015
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
4 violations1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALFood Temperature
POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE

OBSERVED 3 LARGE DEEP BUS PANS OF COOKED RIBS IN WALK-IN COOLER AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 58.8-86.7F. ALL PRODUCT DISPOSED OF AND DENATURED AT THIS TIME. APPROX 50LBS. $250 VALUE. CITATION ISSSUED 7-38-005A CRITICAL.

MINORChemical Safety
FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED

COOKED FOODS (RIBS, HOT LINKS) NOT LABELED OR DATED IN WALK-IN COOLER. INSTD TO PROPERLY LABEL SAME.

MINORSanitation
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

RAW WOOD STORAGE SHELVES ON SITE. INSTD TO PAINT SAME WITH NON TOXIC PAINT.

MINOROther
FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET

FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS NOT MET. NO RECORDS OR LOGS ON SITE. INSTD TO PROVIDE PROPER REQUIREMENTS.

NOV 24
2014
PASSED
5 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

OBSERVED RAW WOOD IN DRY STORAGE AND IN OUTDOOR WALK IN COOLER. ALL RAW WOOD MUST BE PAINTED, SEALED AND MAINTAINED.

MINORSanitation
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

OBSERVED INTERIOR OF REACH IN FREEZER UNCLEAN WITH FOOD DEBRIS. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR OF REACH IN FREEZER

MINORSanitation
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

OBSERVED CEILING VENTS NEAR SMOKER WITH DUST ACCUMULATION. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CEILING VENTS.

MINORSanitation
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

OBSERVED WALL NEAR REACH IN FREEZER IN FRONT COKING AREA UNCLEAN WITH FOOD SPLATTER. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN WALL IN A SANITIARY CONDITION AT ALL TIMES.

MINORSanitation
FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED

OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON COUNTER. ALL WIPING CLOTHS NEED TO BE STORED IN SANITIZER SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.

APR 24
2014
PASSED
2 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

CUTTING BOARD USED FOR RIBS IS WORN AND PITTED. REPLACE WORN CUTTING BOARD.

MINORSanitation
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

CART USED IN KITCHEN CONTAINING DUCT TAPE. REMOVE DUCT TAPE AND RESTORE CART TO AN EASILY CLEANABLE SMOOTH SURFACE OR REPLACE.

MAR 6
2013
PASSED
0 violations
FEB 27
2013
FAILED
4 violations
DETAILS
SERIOUSSanitation
PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION(S) CORRECTED 7-42-090

PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT#1202354 DATE 07-12-2012 NOT CORRECTED(32)REPLACE THE GASKET AROUND THE WALK-IN COOLER DOOR IT IS RIPPED AND TORN(33)CLEAN THE THREE FRYER CABINETS UNDER THE FRYERS AND THE FILTERS ABOVE CLEANTHE REACHIN FREEZER HAS FOOD DEBRIS INSIDE IT

MINORChemical Safety
FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED

MUST PROVIDE LABELS ON BULK FOOD CONTAINERS IN REAR AREA

MINORFood Temperature
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

MUST REPLACE CUTTING BOARD AT FRONT PREP AREA NEXT TO HOT HOLDING UNIT HAS OPEN SEAMS

MINOROther
REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

MUST PROVIDE THERMOMETERS INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER LOCATED OUTSIDE IN REAR AND INSIDE REACH-IN FREEZER IN REAR OF PREMISES

JUL 12
2012
PASSED
3 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

REPLACE THE GASKET AROUND THE WALKIN COOLER DOOR IT IS RIPPED AND TORN.

MINORSanitation
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

CLEAN THE THREE FRYER CABINETS UNDER THE FRYERS AND THE FILTERS ABOVE. CLEAN THE REACHIN FREEZER HAS FOOD DEBRIS INSIDE IT.

MINORPlumbing & Waste
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

THE VENT IN THE TOILET ROOM IS NOT WORKING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE IT.

JUL 7
2011
PASSED
2 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

LIGHTSHIELDS THRU-OUT REAR NOT CLEAN. CLEAN SAME. PEELING PAINT ON WALL IN REAR. REMOVE SAME AND REPAINT.

MINOROther
REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

PROVIDE THERMOMETER IN WALK-IN COOLER.

SEP 1
2010
PASSED
4 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair.MUST PROVIDE A SCREEN AT WINDOW EXHAUST FAN.MUST REPLACE MISSING HANDLE ON OUTSIDE WALK IN COOLER DOOR.

MINORSanitation
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily.MUST CLEAN INTERIOR OF DEEP FRYERS,WHEEL BASES OF EQUIPMENT.

MINORSanitation
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 REPLACE MISSING CEILING TILE IN REAR AREA.MUST SEAL ALL OPENINGS AROUND PIPES.MUST ADJUST REAR DOOR SWEEP.

MINORSanitation
PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED

All parts of the food establishment and all parts of the property used in connection with the operation of the establishment shall be kept neat and clean and should not produce any offensive odors.MUST ELEVATE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR IN CORNER OF GREASE RECEPTACLE INSIDE.

MAR 19
2010
PASSED
5 violations
DETAILS
MINORChemical Safety
FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED

All food not stored in the original container shall be stored in properly labeled containers.

MINORSanitation
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair.PROVIDE SINK STOPPERS.

MINORSanitation
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily.DEEP FRYER,FILTERS ,CART,LIGHT SHIELDS.

MINORSanitation
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 SEAL ALL OPENINGS AROUND PIPES,REPAIR OR REPLACE TORN SCREEN ON SCREEN DOOR,MISSING & STAINED CEILING TILES,LOWER WALL IN POOR REPAIR FRONT PREP AREA,LOOSE WALL BASES.

MINORPlumbing & Waste
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.LOOSE FAUCET AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.

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 →

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