JAN 29
2026
PASSED
2 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO
✕
LITTLE JOE'S CIRCLE LOUNGE INC.
BEAT. 23/100
1041 W TAYLOR ST · WEST LOOP, CHICAGO
Last inspected January 29, 2026 · passed
Failed 3 of 11 inspections. 13 critical violations on the cumulative record. Pattern of issues, not a one-off.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTIONS
11
5 passed · 3 w/ conditions · 3 failed
VIOLATIONS
43
includes 13 critical
RECORDS COVER
15 YEARS
since Nov 2010
INSPECTION HISTORY
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
6-202.15 REAR DOOR NOT PROTECTED, APPROX 1/4 INCH GAP NOTED ON BOTTOM, INBETWEEN AND TOP OF DOOR. INSTD TO REPAIR SAME SO AS TO BE TIGHT FITTING AND PROTECTED
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
6-501.12: EXCESSIVE MOUND OF GREASE BEHIND FRYERS IN PREP AREA. INSTD TO REMOVE GREASE AND MAINTAIN FLOOR CLEAN.
JAN 222026FAILED5 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
JAN 22
2026
FAILED
5 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE WITH EXCESSIVE BLACK MOLD LIKE SUBSTANCE. ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. INSTD TO REMOVE ICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE MACHINE. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005 PRIORITY FOUNDATION
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
REAR DOOR NOT PROTECTED, APPROX 1/4 INCH GAP NOTED ON BOTTOM, INBETWEEN AND TOP OF DOOR. INSTD TO REPAIR SAME SO AS TO BE TIGHT FITTING AND PROTECTED
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
OVER 100 RAT DROPPINGS NOTED ON BASEMENT FLOOR IN STORAGE AREA. EXCESSIVE CLUTTER IN SAME AREA. INSTD TO REMOVE ALL DROPPINGS, REMOVE CLUTTER, ORGANIZE AND CLEAN/SANITIZE AREA. RECOMMEND ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE TO ELIMINATE PEST ACTIVITY. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-20(A) PRIORITY FOUNDATION
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
MISSING FLOOR DRAIN COVER IN BASEMENT. INSTD TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
EXCESSIVE MOUND OF GREASE BEHIND FRYERS IN PREP AREA. INSTD TO REMOVE GREASE AND MAINTAIN FLOOR CLEAN.
JUL 102025PASS W/ CONDITIONS4 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
JUL 10
2025
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
4 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
2-101.11 OBSERVED NO ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE ONSITE AT ALL TIMES WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED OR SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
4-202.16 OBSERVED CARDBOARD USED AS LINER ON FOOD STORAGE RACKS IN WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
6-501.12 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.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
6-501.11 OBSERVED MULTIPLE OPENINGS IN THE FLOOR AND WALL JUNCTURES IN THE BASEMENT. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO SEAL ALL OPENINGS TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE CONSITIONS.
APR 242025FAILED3 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
APR 24
2025
FAILED
3 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF RODENT ACTIVITY ON THE PREMISES. OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 100 RAT DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR NEXT TO THE REAR EXIT DOOR OF THE STORAGE AREA AND THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS FROM ALL AFFECTED AREAS. RECOMMENDED ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED CARDBOARD USED AS LINER ON FOOD STORAGE RACKS IN WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.
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.
show all 11 inspections →
FEB 162024FAILED6 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
FEB 16
2024
FAILED
6 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED MISSING HADWASH SIGNAGE IN BOTH RESTROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
OBSERVED NO AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETERS INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CONSPICUOUS AND EASILY READABLE THERMOMETERS INSIDE ALL REFRIGERATOR UNITS TO PROPERLY MONITOR THE AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF EQUIPMENT.
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
OBSERVED FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE COMMON NAME OF FOODS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF RODENT ACTIVITY ON THE PREMISES. OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 100 RAT DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR NEXT TO THE REAR EXIT DOOR OF THE STORAGE AREA AND THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS FROM ALL AFFECTED AREAS. RECOMMENDED ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED LEAK AT FAUCET OF THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED UNUSED EQUIPMENT AND UNNECESSARY ARTICLES IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNUSED, UNNECSSARY EQUIPMENT AND ARTICLES TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
JAN 272023PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
JAN 27
2023
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED AN EMPLOYEE USING A PLASTIC GLOVE TO PLUG A DRAIN INSIDE THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST DISCONTINUE USE OF PLASTIC AND PROVIDE APPROVED DRAIN PLUGS FOR THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE FLOORS UNDERNEATH THE BAR EQUIPMENT AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED EXCESSIVE CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ARTICLES STORED THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT. MUST REMOVE ALL EQUIPMENT AND ITEMS UNNECESSARY TO THE OPERATION, DETAIL CLEAN AREA, AND STORE ALL REMAINING ITEMS OFF THE FLOOR TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FACILITY CLEANING.
FEB 32022PASS W/ CONDITIONS7 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
FEB 3
2022
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
7 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
NO PERSON IN CHARGE ON SITE DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
NO PERSON IN CHARGE ON SITE WITH AN ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A PERSON IN CHARGE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WITH AN ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION OF EMPLOYEES RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT ANY ILLNESS TRANSMISSIBLE THROUGH FOOD. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED NO GREASE TRAP ON SITE. ALL SINKS IN WHICH FOOD, UTENSILS AND EQUIPMENT ARE WASHED MUST BE CONNECTED TO A CATCH BASIN OR BE EQUIPPED WITH AN APPROVED GREASE TRAP.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED WATER SPRAYING FROM FAUCET HEAD AT HAND WASHING SINK IN KITCHEN WHEN WATER IS RUNNING. MUST REPAIR.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS.
SUMMARY REPORT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC
SUMMARY REPORT NOT POSTED FROM PREVIOUS INSPECTION ON 10/22/2020, REPORT #2453715. INSTRUCTED TO POST RECENT SUMMARY REPORT VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-42-010(B). CITATION ISSUED.
OCT 222020PASS W/ CONDITIONS9 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
OCT 22
2020
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
9 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES AS REQUIRED; MUST PROVIDE. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION OF EMPLOYEES RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT ANY ILLNESS TRANSMISSIBLE THROUGH FOOD. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010.
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEAN UP PROCEDURE ON PREMISES AS REQUIRED; MUST PROVIDE. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE THAT A VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEAN UP PROCEDURE MUST BE DOCUMENTED AND THE NECESSARY SUPPLIES ON HAND IN THE EVENT OF A VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL INCIDENT ON PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
FOUND NO UTILITY (MOP) SINK ON PREMISES; INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER AND A BACKFLOW DEVICE FOR THE DISPOSAL OF WASTE WATER.
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COVERED GARBAGE RECEPTACLES FOR WASHROOMS.
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
INSTRUCTED THAT TOILET ROOM DOORS MUST BE SELF CLOSING. PROVIDE SELF CLOSING DEVICES FOR TOILET ROOM DOORS. ALSO PROVIDE SIGNS IDENTIFYING WASHROOMS.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED TWO HOLES IN THE CONCRETE FLOOR OF THE BASEMENT STORAGE AREA; INSTRUCTED TO SEAL HOLES IN THE FLOOR.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A FLOOR DRAIN COVER FOR THE FLOOR DRAIN IN THE BASEMENT BETWEEN THE STAIRS AND STORAGE ROOM.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
INSTRUCTED TO ORGANIZE AND MAINTAIN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA BY REMOVING UNNECESSARY ITEMS TO AVOID CLUTTER.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
DEC 132013PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
DEC 13
2013
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
CLEAN INTERIOR BOTTOM OF FRYER TO REMOVE GREASE NOTED. CLEAN INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE BEHIND BAR AND MAINTAIN. CLEAN VENTS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN KITCHEN.
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
CLEAN FLOOR UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT IN KITCHEN AND UNDER BAR AREA.
NOV 162010PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
NOV 16
2010
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
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. The ice machine has a dirty interior buildup which needs to be sanitized and maintained regularly. Clean the reach in cooler (4-door) doors and remove the ice buildup on the coil.
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.
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 →