GOOD INFORMATION. BETTER PEACE OF MIND.Español · Always free. No signup required.

Restaurant · Chicago, IL

Bronzeville Soul

4655 S Dr Martin Luther King Jr Dr

Last inspected Dec 4, 2025 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

Read Reviews on Google

Pass

Get the next inspection, free.

We'll email you when Bronzeville Soul has a new health inspection. No spam, one-click unsubscribe.

No account needed. Unsubscribe at any time.

ImprovingThe latest inspection recorded fewer violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

7 inspections

Complaint Re-Inspection

Dec 4, 2025

Pass

5 recorded violations

notedCode 37Food source and labeling

Official wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s notes

3-602.11 OBSERVED WORKING INGREDIENTS REMOVED FROM ORIGINAL PACKAGING WITHOUT LABELS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN

In plain English

Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.

More about food source, dating, or labeling problems
notedCode 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

6-202.15 OBSERVED BACK DOOR LEADING TO OUTSIDE RECEPTACLE AREA NOT RODENT PROOF. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE BARRIER IN MIDDLE DOOR WHERE RUST IS PRESENT AND MAINTAIN TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.

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 54Facility maintenance

Official wording

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

Inspector’s notes

5-501.116 OBSERVED GREASE RECEPTACLE WITH EXTERIOR SURFACES ACCUMULATED WITH GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS. 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 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

6-501.114 OBSERVED FLOORS THROUGHOUT FACILITY IN NEED OF CLEANING ALONG THE WALL BASE IN CORNERS TO REMOVE SPILLS, AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO ORGANIZE, REMOVE UNNECESARY ITEMS AND ELEVATE OFF FLOORS AT LEAST 6 INCHES TO PREVENT HIDING SPACES FOR PEST.

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 BOTH VENTILATION HOODS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT WITH ACCUMMULATED DUST, DIRT AND GREASE BUILD UP. 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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Dec 4, 2025 · Original Source

Complaint

Nov 25, 2025

Fail

9 recorded violations

notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO HAND DRYING PROVISION AVAILABLE AT HANDSINK LOCATED IN BOTH UNISEX TOILET ROOMS WASHBOWLS AS WELL AS HANDSINK LOCATED IN REAR PREP/DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN FOR PROPER HANDWASHING. PRIROITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-030 (C). CITATION ISSUED.

In plain English

Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.

More about handwashing problems
notedCode 22Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 50 LBS COOKED CHICKEN PARTS, 4 LBS MASHED POTATOES, 5 LBS GRAVY STORED INSIDE 2 DOOR COOLING UNIT AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. NOTED SAID FOOD ITEMS TEMPERATURE RANGING BETWEEN 55-103F. INSTRUCTED TO HOLD ALL COLD TCS FOODS @41F AND MAINTAIN. PIC VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AND DENATURED SAID FOOD AT THIS TIME. PRIORITY VIOLATION. #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
notedCode 36Equipment and utensils

Official wording

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

Inspector’s notes

NO METAL STEM PROBE THERMOMETER AVAILABLE ON-SITE DURING TIME OF INSPECTION TO TEST INTERNAL TEMPERATURES OF HOT AND COLD TCS FOODS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ON SITE AS REQUIRED.

In plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues
notedCode 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED BACK DOOR LEADING TO OUTSIDE RECEPTACLE AREA NOT RODENT PROOF. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE BARRIER IN MIDDLE DOOR WHERE RUST IS PRESENT AND MAINTAIN TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.

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 40Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS HANDLING FOOD WITHOUT HAIR AND BEARD HAIR RESTRAINTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION

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

OBSERVED ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT LOCATED IN PREP AREA (FRYERS, STOVES, PREP TABLE, COOLING UNITS' INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES WITH HEAVY BUILD UP ACUUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AT FREQUENCY TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE 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

OBSERVED GREASE RECEPTACLE WITH EXTERIOR SURFACES ACCUMULATED WITH GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS. 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 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FLOORS THROUGHOUT FACILITY IN NEED OF CLEANING ALONG THE WALL BASE IN CORNERS TO REMOVE SPILLS, AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO ORGANIZE, REMOVE UNNECESARY ITEMS AND ELEVATE OFF FLOORS AT LEAST 6 INCHES TO PREVENT HIDING SPACES FOR PEST.

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 BOTH VENTILATION HOODS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT WITH ACCUMMULATED DUST, DIRT AND GREASE BUILD UP. 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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Nov 25, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

Apr 16, 2025

Pass w/ Conditions

4 recorded violations

notedCode 2Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON DUTY UPON ARRIVE AS REQUIRED WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED, HANDLED AND SERVED SUCH SHORT RIBS, OX TAILS AND MAC & CHEESE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT A VALID CITY CERTIFIED MANAGER MUST BE ON DUTY AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION CITATION ISSUED #7-38-012.

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 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE EXTERIOR OF THE BULK STORAGE CONTAINERS IN THE PREP AREA. MUST REMOVE DEBRIS.

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 NEED CLEANING ALONG THE WALL BASE AND IN CORNERS TO REMOVE SPILLS,AND DEBRIS.

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

MUST CLEAN THE HOODS ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT TO REMOVE GREASE AND DEBRIS.

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, Apr 16, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

Dec 20, 2024

Pass

5 recorded violations

notedCode 16Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

Inspector’s notes

INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE POTS, PANS ACCUMULATED IN THE REAR DISH WASHING AREA.

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

OBSERVED THE RUBBER GASKET AT THE TOP OF THE DOOR OF REACH IN COOLER IN POOR REPAIR. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SO DOOR CLOSE PROPERLY.

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

OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF THE REAR PREP COOLERS DIRTY. ALSO NOTED ICE BUILD UP INSIDE THE 2 DOOR FREEZER. MUST DEFROST, 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

MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE FLOORS, WALLS AND AIR VENT COVERS IN THE PREP AREA AND DISH WASHING AREA.

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 THE HOOD,FILTERS AND LIGHTS ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT DIRTY. MUST 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, Dec 20, 2024 · Original Source

Canvass

Apr 19, 2024

Pass

2 recorded violations

notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF THE REAR PREP COOLER DIRTY. ALSO NOTED ICE BUILD UP INSIDE THE 2 DOOR FREEZER. MUST DEFROST, 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

OBSERVED THE FLOORS AND WALLS AROUND THE DEEP FRYERS NEED CLEANING TO REMOVE SPILLS, DEBRIS AND/OR GREASE.

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, Apr 19, 2024 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

Dec 5, 2023

Pass

1 recorded violation

notedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

5-205.15 OBSERVED SMALL LEAK NEAR DRAINPIPE AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR 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, Dec 5, 2023 · Original Source

Canvass

Nov 28, 2023

Fail

7 recorded violations

notedCode 37Food source and labeling

Official wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s notes

NOTED NO LABELS FOR BULK STORAGE CONTAINERS (FLOUR AND SUGAR). INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE ALL BULK AND WORKING FOOD INGREDIENT CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH CONTENTS NAME.

In plain English

Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.

More about food source, dating, or labeling problems
notedCode 44Equipment and utensils

Official wording

UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED EATING UTENSILS NOT INVERTED. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO AVOID CONTAMINATION BY INVERTING UTENSILS WITH HANDLES EXPOSED AFTER SANITIZING AND AIR DRYING.

In plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues
notedCode 56Facility maintenance

Official wording

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED AN ACCUMULATION OF DIRT/DEBRIS BUILDUP ON THE KITCHEN EXHAUST VENTILATION. MUST 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
notedCode 60Other

Official wording

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

Inspector’s notes

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION FROM REPORT #2560496 ON 7/8/22 WERE NOT CORRECTED: 58 -OBSERVED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH REGULATIONS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
notedCode 25Food temperature

Official wording

CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED MENU WITH A FOOTNOTE REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU AND MISSING DISCLOSURE BY ASTERICKS FOR RELATED MENU ITEMS . INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE BOTH DISCLOSURE STATEMENT AND REMINDER ON THE MENU FOR RAW OR UNCOOKED ANIMAL-BASED FOOD ITEMS OFFERED (EX. STEAK, RAW TUNA, SALMON ETC.). (REFER TO ONLINE CDPH CONSUMER ADVISORY GUIDE). PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
notedCode 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FOOD CONTAINERS STORED ON THE CHAIRS PREP STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY STORE AND PROTECT FOOD ITEMS FROM CONTAMINATION WHILE STORED BY ELEVATING AT LEAST SIX INCHES FROM THE FLOOR ON RAISED SHELVING UNITS.

In plain English

Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.

More about food not protected from contamination
notedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED SMALL LEAK NEAR DRAINPIPE AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR 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, Nov 28, 2023 · Original Source

More restaurants nearby