MAR 16
2026
PASSED
0 violationsSANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO
✕
THE ORIGINAL UNCLE JOHNS BARBECUE.
YOUR CALL. 59/100
8247-8249 S COTTAGE GROVE AVE · CHATHAM, CHICAGO
Last inspected March 16, 2026 · passed
8 of 11 inspections passed, 2 failed, 1 passed with conditions. 7 critical violations across the record.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTIONS
11
8 passed · 1 w/ conditions · 2 failed
VIOLATIONS
59
includes 7 critical
RECORDS COVER
2 YEARS
since Apr 2023
INSPECTION HISTORY
OCT 162025PASSED1 violationDETAILS
OCT 16
2025
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED DEBRIS INSIDE FLOOR DRAINS AND ON FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
OCT 92025FAILED11 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
OCT 9
2025
FAILED
11 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED HAND WASHING SINK IN REAR PREP AREA FILLED WITH SOILED CLOTHS AND NOT ACCESSIBLE FOR HAND WASHING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL ITEMS FROM HAND WASHING SINK. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED NO SOAP AT REAR HAND WASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE SOAP AT HAND WASHING SINK FOR PROPER HAND WASHING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C)
APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED
OBSERVED CHICKEN IMPROPERLY THAWING IN 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO THAW UNDER COLD RUNNING WATER, UNDER REFRIGERATION OR PART OF COOKING PROCESS.
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS NOT PROPERLY LABELED IN PREP, COOLER AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO LABEL ALL BULK CONTAINERS.
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
OBSERVED OVER 100 MICE DROPPINGS ON FLOOR ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS, UNDER FRONT COUNTER, BEHIND COOLERS, NEAR HAND WASHING SINKS, 3-COMPARMENT SINK, NEAR WATER HEATER, PIT, ON CUTTING BOARDS, MULTI-USE EQUIPMENT, ON PALLETS AND FLOOR ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS IN SECOND FLOOR STORAGE AREA. OBSERVED NUMEROUS FLYING INSECTS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALL AN EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS.PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED IN SINKS AND ON PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED TO STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED ICE BUILDUP INSIDE WALK-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF FRYERS, PREP TABLES, COOKING EQUIPMENT, SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED DEBRIS INSIDE FLOOR DRAINS AND ON FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED UNUSED ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT IN SECOND FLOOR STORAGE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ARTICLES TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER STORE ITEMS SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALL FOR EASY CLEANING AND PEST CONTROL.
AUG 112025PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
AUG 11
2025
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF FRYERS, PREP TABLES, COOKING EQUIPMENT, SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
AUG 42025FAILED9 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
AUG 4
2025
FAILED
9 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
PROPER EATING, TASTING, DRINKING, OR TOBACCO USE
OBSERVED EMPLOYEES EATING IN FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE DESIGNATED AREA FOR EMPLOYEE MEALS OUTSIDE OF PREP AREA.
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGN AT FRONT HAND WASHING SINK. INSTUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGNS AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS USED BY EMPLOYEES.
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS NOT LABELED IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO LABEL ALL BULK CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME OF FOOD.
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
OBSERVED OVER 100 MICE DROPPINGS ON SHELVING UNITS, MULIT-UUSE EQUIPMENT, PALLETS ON FLOOR ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS IN FIRST FLOOR PREP AND SECOND FLOOR STORAGE AREAS. OBSERVED NUMEROUS FLYING INSECTS LANDING ON WALLS, PREP TABLES, BULK CONTAINERS, SHELVING UNITS IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALL AN EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF FRYERS, PREP TABLES, COOKING EQUIPMENT, SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED DEBRIS ON FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED OPENING IN FLOOR AROUND PIPE FITTING IN REAR AND MISSING GROUT ON TILES NEAR FRONT HAND WASHING SINK INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
OBSERVED MISSING FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ALL EMPLOYEES.
show all 11 inspections →
MAR 242025PASSED5 violationsDETAILS
MAR 24
2025
PASSED
5 violationsDETAILS
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
OBSERVED DEEP FRYERS IN THE FRONT PREP AREA WITH GREASE AND DIRT BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FRYERS.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
STORAGE RACKS INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER AND IN THE FOOD PREP AREA WITH FOOD, DIRT AND DUST BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN STORAGE RACKS.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
THE HOT WATER FAUCET IN THE WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM LEAKS AT THE BASE. INSTRUCTED TO FIX AND MAINTAIN GOOD PLUMBING.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
FLOORS BY THE PIT IN THE FRONT PREP AREA ARE PITTED/DAMAGED. INSTRUCTED TO FIX AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE FLOORS. WALL TILE BY THE FRONT HAND WASHING SINK HAS A CRACK. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL/REGROUT AND MAINTAIN. -
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
WALLS BY THE FRONT HAND WASHING SINK WITH GREASE, DIRT AND DUST BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN WALLS. -FLOORS IN THE CORNERS, UNDER/AROUND THE HEAVY EQUIPMENT, SINKS AND INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER/FREEZER WITH FOOD, DIRT AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS.
JAN 242025PASSED5 violationsDETAILS
JAN 24
2025
PASSED
5 violationsDETAILS
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
OBSERVED DEEP FRYERS IN THE FRONT PREP AREA WITH GREASE AND DIRT BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FRYERS.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
STORAGE RACKS INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER AND IN THE FOOD PREP AREA WITH FOOD, DIRT AND DUST BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN STORAGE RACKS.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
THE HOT WATER FAUCET IN THE WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM LEAKS AT THE BASE. INSTRUCTED TO FIX AND MAINTAIN GOOD PLUMBING.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
FLOORS BY THE PIT IN THE FRONT PREP AREA ARE PITTED/DAMAGED. INSTRUCTED TO FIX AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE FLOORS. WALL TILE BY THE FRONT HAND WASHING SINK HAS A CRACK. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL/REGROUT AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
WALLS BY THE FRONT HAND WASHING SINK WITH GREASE, DIRT AND DUST BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN WALLS. -FLOORS IN THE CORNERS, UNDER/AROUND THE HEAVY EQUIPMENT, SINKS AND INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER/FREEZER WITH FOOD, DIRT AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS.
MAY 62024PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
MAY 6
2024
PASSED
4 violationsDETAILS
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS NOT PROPERLY STORED WHEN NOT IN USE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION (MUST BE AT THE REQUIRED PPM) WHEN NOT IN USE. MAINTAIN SAME
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
OBSERVED DEEP FRYERS IN THE FRONT PREP AREA WITH GREASE AND DIRT BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FRYERS.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED THE FLOOR DRAINS AND FLOORS IN THE CORNERS AND UNDER/AROUND ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT WITH FOOD AND CHARRED DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOOR DRAIN AND FLOORS.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN A CURRENT CERTIFICATE AT ALL TIMES.
MAR 62024PASSED8 violationsDETAILS
MAR 6
2024
PASSED
8 violationsDETAILS
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
OBSERVED LARGE BULK INGREDIENT CONTAINERS NOT LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL AND MAINTAIN.
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS NOT PROPERLY STORED WHEN NOT IN USE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION (MUST BE AT THE REQUIRED PPM) WHEN NOT IN USE. MAINTAIN SAME
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED THE CAN OPENER WITH FOOD AND DIRT BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CAN OPENER.
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
OBSERVED LARGE GARBAGE CANS BEING USED TO STORE SAUCE. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE THE INTERIOR/EXTERIOR OF CANS BY EITHER GETTING A 3-COMPARMENT SINK LARGE ENOUGH TO FULLY SUBMERGE THE CANS. BY USING SMALLER CONTAINERS THAT CAN BE FULLY SUBMERGED IN THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK OR IMPLEMENTING A CLEAN IN PLACE (CIP) PROCEDURE.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
OBSERVED THE INTERIOR/EXTERIOR OF THE PIT WITH CHARRED FOOD AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
OBSERVED THE STORAGE RACKS IN THE PREP AREAS WITH DIRT AND FOOD BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN STORAGE RACKS.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED A LEAK AT THE RIGHT FAUCET ON THE 3-COMP. SINK AND A LEAK AT THE BASE OF THE 2-COMP. SINK. INSTRUCTED TO FIX LEAKS AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED THE WALLS IN THE FOOD PREP AND DISH WASHING AREA WITH STAINED WALL TILES. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN TILED WALLS.
JAN 262024PASSED8 violationsDETAILS
JAN 26
2024
PASSED
8 violationsDETAILS
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
OBSERVED LARGE BULK INGREDIENT CONTAINERS NOT LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL AND MAINTAIN.
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS NOT PROPERLY STORED WHEN NOT IN USE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION (MUST BE AT THE REQUIRED PPM) WHEN NOT IN USE. MAINTAIN SAME.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED THE CAN OPENER WITH FOOD AND DIRT BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CAN OPENER.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
OBSERVED THE INTERIOR/EXTERIOR OF THE PIT WITH CHARRED FOOD AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
OBSERVED THE STORAGE RACKS IN THE PREP AREAS WITH DIRT AND FOOD BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN STORAGE RACKS.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED A LEAK AT THE RIGHT FAUCET ON THE 3-COMP. SINK AND A LEAK AT THE BASE OF THE 2-COMP. SINK. INSTRUCTED TO FIX LEAKS AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED THE WALLS IN THE FOOD PREP AND DISH WASHING AREA WITH STAINED WALL TILES. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN TILED WALLS.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER (CFM) ON SITE WITH NO PROOF SHE TOOK THE ALLERGEN TRAINING COURSE. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN ON SITE.
APR 42023PASS W/ CONDITIONS6 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
APR 4
2023
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
6 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
OBSERVED NO THERMOMETERS INSIDE THE REFRIGERATION UNITS, CONSPICUOUSLY POSTED TO MONITOR THE AMBIENT TEMPERATURE OF EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO EQUIP ALL REFRIGERATION UNITS WITH ACCURATE AND WORKING THERMOMETERS.
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
OBSERVED MULTIPLE ELECTRICAL, INSECT CONTROL DEVICES INSTALLED ABOVE A FOOD PREP TABLES IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE MANAGER TO RELOCATE SAID INSECT CONTROL DEVICE, SO THAT THE DEVICE IS NOT LOCATED OVER ANY FOOD PREPARATION AREAS AND FOOD PREPARATION EQUIPMENT.
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
OBSERVED STYROFOAM CUPS STORED IN THE BULK DRY SPICE CONTAINERS AND SCOOPS WITH THE HANDLE MAKING CONTACT WITH THE DRY FOOD INGREDIENTS. INSTRUCTED TO USE PROPER UTENSILS WITH HANDLES AND REFRAIN FROM STORING THE UTENSILS WITH THE HANDLE MAKING CONTACT WITH THE FOOD ITEMS.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
OBSERVED THE MICROWAVE AT THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA WITH FOOD DEBRIS ON THE INSIDE OF THE EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN SAID EQUIPMENT MORE FREQUENTLY.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED THE FLOORS BEHIND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE FOOD PREP AREAS WITH DEBIRS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN SAID FLOORS OR FREQUENTLY.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
OBSERVED THE VENTILATION SYSTEM IN THE MEN'S EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM NOT WORKING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND NAINTAIN SAID VENTILATION SYSTEM.
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 →