SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO

ROYAL BBQ & JERK INC.

EAT. 93/100

7518 S COTTAGE GROVE AVE · CHATHAM, CHICAGO

Last inspected March 23, 2026 · passed

Passed all 6 inspections, but 3 critical violations on file.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS
6
5 passed · 1 w/ conditions
VIOLATIONS
40
includes 3 critical
RECORDS COVER
4 YEARS
since Mar 2022

INSPECTION HISTORY

MAR 23
2026
PASSED
2 violations
DETAILS
MINOREmployee Hygiene
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

NOTED FOOD HANDLERS WITHOUT PROPER HAIR RESTRAINTS INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN

MINORSanitation
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

OBSERVED OUTSIDE STORAGE AND ENCLOSED RECEPTACLE AREA NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO DECLUTTER AND ORGANIZE AREA

MAY 22
2025
PASSED
12 violations
DETAILS
MINORFood Storage & Handling
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS NOT LABELED IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO LABEL ALL BULK CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME OF FOOD.

MINORFood Storage & Handling
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

OBSERVED CRACKED LIDS ON BULK CONTAINERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.

SERIOUSEmployee Hygiene
SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED

OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES SOTRED UNDER AND NEXT TO FRONT HAND WASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES FROM SINK TO PROTECT FROM POTENTIAL SPLASH, LEAKAGE AND CONTAMINATION.

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

OBSERVED DAMAGED GASKET ON REACH-IN FREEZER NEAR FRONT COUNTER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR/REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.

MINORSanitation
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

OBSERVED DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOLERS, FREEZERS, SHELVING UNITS, PREP TABLES, LEDGES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

SERIOUSEmployee Hygiene
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

OBSERVED LEAK UNDER FRONT(EAST) HAND WASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

MINORSanitation
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLES IN WASHROOMS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. OBSERVED MISSING AND LOOSE WALL PANELS AND BASEBOARDS ALONG WALLS. OBSERVED OPENINGS IN WALLS AND CEILINGS, ALONG BASEBOARDS IN PREP, STORAGE AND UTILITY AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR/REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.

MINORPest Activity
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED EXCESSIVE CLUTTER IN PREP, STORAGE AND OUTSIDE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ITEMS TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED SMOKE-STAINED WALLS AND CEILING SURFACES IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND PAINT WALLS AND CEILING SURFACES.

MINORPest Activity
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED MOP STORED INSIDE SOILED WATER IN MOP PAIL. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE SOILED WATER AND PROPERLY STORE MOP UPRIGHT TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING.

MINORFacility Condition
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED MISSING LIGHT SHIELDS IN PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELDS OR SHATTERPROOF BULBS IN PREP AREAS.

APR 15
2024
PASSED
4 violations
DETAILS
MINOROther
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER FOR THE FRONT DISPLAY COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN A THERMOMETER INSIDE OF COOLER.

MINORChemical Safety
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

OBSERVED LARGE WHITE CONTAINERS WITH INGREDIENTS NOT LABELED. INSTRUCTED LABEL AND MAINTAIN.

MINOREmployee Hygiene
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

OBSERVED MALE N IN THE FOOD PREP AREA AND NOT WEARING A HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED TO WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT WHENEVER IN THE FOOD PREP AND/OR HANDLING FOODS. MAINTAIN SAME.

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

OBSERVED THE CUTTING BOARDS WITH DEEP DARK GROOVES AND STAINS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO EITHER SAND OR REPLACE CUTTING BOARDS. MUST MAINTAIN A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.

NOV 29
2023
PASSED
5 violations1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
MINORFood Temperature
APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED

OBSERVED TCS FOODS (GOAT) NOT BEING PROPERLY UNTHAWED, SITTING IN WATER INSIDE OF THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO THAW TCS FOODS UNDER COLD RUNNING WATER, MICROWAVE OR INSIDE OF COOLER.

CRITICALPest Activity
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

OBSERVED FLY STRIPS HANGING FROM THE CEILING IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE AND NOT TO HANG FLY STRIPS IN THE FOOD PREP AREA.

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

OBSERVED THE CUTTING BOARDS WITH DEEP DARK GROOVES AND STAINS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO EITHER SAND OR REPLACE CUTTING BOARDS. MUST MAINTAIN A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED A HOLE IN THE CEILING IN FRONT OF THE DISPOSABLE CONTAINERS IN THE FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL OPENING AND MAINTAIN.

MINORFacility Condition
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED A LIGHT SHIELD NOT ATTACHED IN THE FRONT ABOVE THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO ATTACH LIGHT SHIELD AND MAINTAIN.

APR 21
2022
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
11 violations1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
SERIOUSFood Storage & Handling
PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION

FOUND READY TO EAT TCS FOODS ( MACARONI, CURRY CHICKEN, AND RICE AND BEANS) IN REFRIGERATOR NOT DATE MARKED. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ALL READY TO EAT TCS FOODS HELD FOR 24 HOURS MUST BE PROPERLY DATE MARKED WITH THE DATE THE FOOD WILL BE SOLD, DISCARDED OR CONSUMED. MANAGER DISCARDED MANAGER DISCARDED 2 POUNDS OF MACARONI ($25), 4 POUNDS OF CURRY CHICKEN ($35), 10 POUNDS OF RICE AND BEANS ($50). PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.CITATION ISSUED.

MINORFood Temperature
APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED

OBSERVED SEVERAL FOODS INCLUDING: FROZEN CHICKEN, FROZEN FISH, AND FROZEN BEEF THAWING AT ROOM TEMPERATURE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO THAW TCS FOODS UNDER COLD RUNNING WATER, IN THE REFRIGERATOR OR IN THE MICROWAVE AS PART OF A CONTINUOUS COOKING PROCESS.

CRITICALPest Activity
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

OBSERVED FRONT ENTRANCE AND REAR EXIT DOOR NOT COMPLETELY RODENT PROOFED AS REQUIRED. MUST COMPLETELY RODENT PROOF DOOR BY SEALING 1/4 GAP AT THE BOTTOM OF THE DOOR.

MINORSanitation
IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED

OBSERVED ICE SCOOP LAYING IN MACARONI PAN WITH HANDLE TOUCHING FOOD. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ICE SCOOP FROM PAN PREVENT CONTAMINATION.

MINOROther
SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED

OBSERVED SEVERAL TAKE OUT BOXES STORED SOILED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE TAKE OUT BOXES AND STORE ALL SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES IN AN APPROPRIATE LOCATION TO AVOID CONTAMINATION.

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

OBSERVED BROKEN HANDLE ON OVEN DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR OR REPLACE BROKEN DOOR HANDLE.

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

OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS IN PREP AREA WITH SOME GROOVES AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH, CLEANABLE SURFACES.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED OPENINGS ALONG WALLS, AND BASEBOARDS AND AROUND FLOOR DRAIN OF FRONT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN SALES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL OPENINGS AND MAINTAIN.

MINORPest Activity
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED CEILING WITH HOLE DRIPPING LIQUID ONTO FLOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR CEILING TO AVOID PEST HARBORAGE.

MINORFacility Condition
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED MISSING LIGHT SHIELD OVER SMOKER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.

MINORDocumentation & Training
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

OBSERVED FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.

show all 6 inspections →
MAR 29
2022
PASSED
6 violations1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALPest Activity
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

OBSERVED FRONT ENTRANCE AND REAR EXIT DOOR NOT COMPLETELY RODENT PROOFED AS REQUIRED. MUST COMPLETELY RODENT PROOF DOOR BY SEALING 1/4 GAP AT THE BOTTOM OF THE DOOR.

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

OBSERVED BROKEN HANDLE ON OVEN DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR OR REPLACE BROKEN DOOR HANDLE.

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

OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS IN PREP AREA WITH SOME GROOVES AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH, CLEANABLE SURFACES.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED OPENINGS ALONG WALLS, AND BASEBOARDS AND AROUND FLOOR DRAIN OF FRONT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN SALES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL OPENINGS AND MAINTAIN.

MINORFacility Condition
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED MISSING LIGHT SHIELD OVER SMOKER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.

MINORDocumentation & Training
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

OBSERVED FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.

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 →

NEARBY IN CHATHAM