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Restaurant · Chicago, IL

Best BBQ

1648 W 115th St

Last inspected Jul 23, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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SteadyThe last two inspections recorded a similar number of violations. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

8 inspections

Short Form Complaint

Jul 23, 2026

Pass

6 recorded violations

notedCode 40Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

Inspector’s notes

ALL FOOD HANDLERS OR PERSONNELL IN THE PREP AREAS MUST WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN WEARING A HAIR RESTRAINT WHILE IN THE FOOD PREP AREA(S).

In plain English

This covers things like hair restraints, jewelry, clean clothing, eating or drinking in food prep areas, touching ready-to-eat food with bare hands, or not having a sick-employee policy.

More about employee hygiene or health policy issues
notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

FOUND THE NOZZLES ON THE BEVERAGE MACHINE IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL NOZZLES.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

FOUND THE CEILING TILES AND VENTS IN THE PREP AREA WITH STAINS, DIRT AND DUST BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN TILES AND VENTS

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 56Facility maintenance

Official wording

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector’s notes

FOUND LIGHT SHIELDS IN THE PREP AREA IN FRONT OF THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK DAMAGED AND/OR MISSING.INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN LIGHT SHIELDS.

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues
notedCode 57Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

Inspector’s notes

FOUND FOOD HANDLERS ON SITE WITH NO FOOD HANDLER'S CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN A VALID FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATE.

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues
notedCode 58Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Inspector’s notes

CFM ON SITE HAS NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN A VALID ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE.

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jul 23, 2026 · Original Source

Complaint

Apr 29, 2026

Pass

6 recorded violations

notedCode 40Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

Inspector’s notes

ALL FOOD HANDLERS OR PERSONNELL IN THE PREP AREAS MUST WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN WEARING A HAIR RESTRAINT WHILE IN THE FOOD PREP AREA(S).

In plain English

This covers things like hair restraints, jewelry, clean clothing, eating or drinking in food prep areas, touching ready-to-eat food with bare hands, or not having a sick-employee policy.

More about employee hygiene or health policy issues
notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

FOUND THE NOZZLES ON THE BEVERAGE MACHINE IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL NOZZLES.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

FOUND THE CEILING TILES AND VENTS IN THE PREP AREA WITH STAINS, DIRT AND DUST BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN TILES AND VENTS

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 56Facility maintenance

Official wording

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector’s notes

FOUND LIGHT SHIELDS IN THE PREP AREA IN FRONT OF THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK DAMAGED AND/OR MISSING.INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN LIGHT SHIELDS.

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues
notedCode 57Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

Inspector’s notes

FOUND FOOD HANDLERS ON SITE WITH NO FOOD HANDLER'S CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN A VALID FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATE.

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues
notedCode 58Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Inspector’s notes

CFM ON SITE HAS NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN A VALID ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE.

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Apr 29, 2026 · Original Source

Complaint

Jun 10, 2025

Pass

2 recorded violations

notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED 2-DOOR REACH IN COOLER WITH DUCT TAPE ON SIDE BY HANDLE, HOLDING GASKET IN PLACE. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE GASKET AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD WORKING CONDITION.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 56Facility maintenance

Official wording

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED AC VENTS IN REAR PREP AREA WITH A HEAVY BUILDUP OF DUST. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION OF FOOD CONTACT SURFACES AND FOODS PREPARED IN AREA.

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jun 10, 2025 · Original Source

Complaint

Mar 17, 2025

Pass

6 recorded violations

notedCode 41Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

Inspector’s notes

ALL WIPING CLOTHS WHEN NOT IN USE MUST BE STORED IN A CLEAN SANITIZING SOLUTION. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

ALL CUTTING BOARDS IN NEED OF CLEANING AND OR REPLACING. CUTS DEEP GROOVES. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS AND BUILD UP. CLEAN ALL GREASE AND CHARCOL RESIDUE. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 54Facility maintenance

Official wording

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

Inspector’s notes

OUTDOOR ENCLOSURE IN POOR REAIR. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

FLOORS THROUGHOUT IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS, GREASE AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 56Facility maintenance

Official wording

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector’s notes

HOOD VENTS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL DUST AND GREASE BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Mar 17, 2025 · Original Source

Complaint Re-Inspection

Jan 30, 2025

Pass

5 recorded violations

notedCode 41Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

Inspector’s notes

ALL WIPING CLOTHS WHEN NOT IN USE MUST BE STORED IN A CLEAN SANITIZING SOLUTION. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

ALL CUTTING BOARDS IN NEED OF CLEANING AND OR REPLACING. CUTS DEEP GROOVES. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS AND BUILD UP. CLEAN ALL GREASE AND CHARCOL RESIDUE. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

FLOORS THROUGHOUT IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS, GREASE AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 56Facility maintenance

Official wording

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector’s notes

HOOD VENTS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL DUST AND GREASE BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jan 30, 2025 · Original Source

Complaint

Jan 22, 2025

Fail

6 recorded violations

notedCode 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 35-45 DROPPINGS ALONG WALL BASES UNDER 3 COMPARTMENT AND 1 COMPARTMENT SINK. IN REAR AREA AND MIDDLE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN ALL AREAS AND CONTACT PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020 (A) CITATION ISSUED

In plain English

The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.

More about signs of rodents or insects
notedCode 41Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

Inspector’s notes

ALL WIPING CLOTHS WHEN NOT IN USE MUST BE STORED IN A CLEAN SANITIZING SOLUTION. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

ALL CUTTING BOARDS IN NEED OF CLEANING AND OR REPLACING. CUTS DEEP GROOVES. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS AND BUILD UP. CLEAN ALL GREASE AND CHARCOL RESIDUE. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

FLOORS THROUGHOUT IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS, GREASE AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 56Facility maintenance

Official wording

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector’s notes

HOOD VENTS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL DUST AND GREASE BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jan 22, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

Oct 2, 2024

Pass

2 recorded violations

notedCode 56Facility maintenance

Official wording

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector’s notes

HOOD VENT SYSTEM IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE SOME SRIPPING GREASE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues
notedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

COLD WATER FAUCET HANDLE ON REAR 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN NEED OF REPAIR. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL NEW HANDLE. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.

More about water, plumbing, or sewage problems

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Oct 2, 2024 · Original Source

Complaint

Oct 25, 2023

Pass

3 recorded violations

notedCode 40Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

Inspector’s notes

FOUND EMPLOYEES IN THE FOOD PREP AREAS NOT WEARING A HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO WEAR AND HAVE ALL EMPLOYEES IN THE FOOD PREP AREAS WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT. MAINTAIN SAME.

In plain English

This covers things like hair restraints, jewelry, clean clothing, eating or drinking in food prep areas, touching ready-to-eat food with bare hands, or not having a sick-employee policy.

More about employee hygiene or health policy issues
notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

FOUND CUTTING BOARDS WITH DEEP GROOVES AND STAINS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE OR SAND CUTTING BOARDS TO MAINTAIN SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACES.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED DEBRIS ON FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Oct 25, 2023 · Original Source

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