Complaint
May 20, 2026
Pass
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, May 20, 2026 · Original Source
Restaurant · Chicago, IL
Lem's Bar-B-Q
311 E 75th St
Last inspected May 20, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗
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ImprovingThe latest inspection recorded fewer violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.
The full inspection history
6 inspectionsComplaint
Apr 22, 2026
Pass
3 recorded violations
notedCode 39Contamination
Official wording
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
Inspector’s notes
NOTED NO SPLASHGUARD AT KITCHEN AND DISHROOM HANDSINKS. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL
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 contaminationnotedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
Inspector’s notes
NOTED WORN/UNEVEN CUTTING BOARD WITH DEEP CUTS AND STAINS AT FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN A SMOOTH AND EASY TO CLEAN SURFACE
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 problemsnotedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage
Official wording
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
Inspector’s notes
NOTED SLOW DRAIN CENTER SINK OF 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSRTUCTED TO RESTORE SUFFIENT DRAINAGE
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 problemsOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Apr 22, 2026 · Original Source
Complaint Re-Inspection
Sep 12, 2025
Pass
6 recorded violations
notedCode 10Handwashing
Official wording
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGN AT HAND WASHING SINK IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGN AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS USED BY EMPLOYEES.
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 problemsnotedCode 37Food source and labeling
Official wording
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS NOT LABELED IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO LABEL ALL BULK CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME OF FOOD.
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 problemsnotedCode 39Contamination
Official wording
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
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 contaminationnotedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON VENTILATION FAN INSIDE WASHROOM. 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 problemsnotedCode 57Permits, training, and postings
Official wording
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED MISSING FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES. ALL EMPLOYEES HANDLING FOOD AND/OR EQUIPMENT MUST PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
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 issuesnotedCode 58Permits, training, and postings
Official wording
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CERTIFIED MANAGER ON DUTY. ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING.
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 issuesOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Sep 12, 2025 · Original Source
Complaint
Sep 4, 2025
Fail
8 recorded violations
notedCode 10Handwashing
Official wording
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGN AT HAND WASHING SINK IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGN AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS USED BY EMPLOYEES.
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 problemsnotedCode 37Food source and labeling
Official wording
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS NOT LABELED IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO LABEL ALL BULK CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME OF FOOD.
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 problemsnotedCode 38Pests
Official wording
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED NUMEROUS FLYING INSECTS LANDING ON BARBECUE SAUCE, HOT SAUCE, SPICE CONTAINERS AND SINGLE SERVICE PANS IN REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALL AN EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS. 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 insectsnotedCode 39Contamination
Official wording
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
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 contaminationnotedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON VENTILATION FAN INSIDE WASHROOM AND WALLS IN REAR PREP/DISH WASHING AREA. 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 problemsnotedCode 57Permits, training, and postings
Official wording
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED MISSING FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES. ALL EMPLOYEES HANDLING FOOD AND/OR EQUIPMENT MUST PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
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 issuesnotedCode 58Permits, training, and postings
Official wording
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CERTIFIED MANAGER ON DUTY. ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING.
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 issuesnotedCode 60Other
Official wording
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
Inspector’s notes
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2615438 ON 4-9-25 47-FRONT HAND WASHING SINK NEEDS A PARTITIONER/SPLASH GUARD TO PREVENT SPLASHING ONTO THE PREP TABLE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A PARTITIONER/SPLASH GUARD OR RELOCATE PREP TABLE. 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 findingOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Sep 4, 2025 · Original Source
Canvass
Apr 9, 2025
Pass
3 recorded violations
notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
Inspector’s notes
FRONT HAND WASHING SINK NEEDS A PARTITIONER/SPLASH GUARD TO PREVENT SPLASHING ONTO THE PREP TABLE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A PARTITIONER/SPLASH GUARD OR RELOCATE PREP TABLE.
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 problemsnotedCode 52Water, plumbing, and sewage
Official wording
SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED
Inspector’s notes
THE AIR CONDITIONER DRAIN TUBES ARE IN THE FIRST COMPARTMENT OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REROUTE TUBES TO A FLOOR DRAIN 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 problemsnotedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
FLOORS AROUND THE HOT WATER TANK, GREASE TRAPS AND SINKS WITH DIRT/DEBRIS BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS.
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 problemsOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Apr 9, 2025 · Original Source
Canvass
Apr 3, 2024
Pass
4 recorded violations
notedCode 41Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
Inspector’s notes
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.
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 problemsnotedCode 57Permits, training, and postings
Official wording
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLER WITH NO PROOF THEY MET THE FOOD HANDLER'S REQUIREMENTS. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN A CURRENT CERTIFICATE AT ALL TIMES.
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 issuesnotedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED THE FLOORS AROUND THE HOT WATER TANK, GREASE TRAPS AND SINKS WITH DIRT/DEBRIS BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS.
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 problemsnotedCode 58Permits, training, and postings
Official wording
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED THE CFM ON DUTY WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN A CURRENT CERTIFICATE AT ALL TIMES.
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 issuesOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Apr 3, 2024 · Original Source