ImprovingThe latest inspection recorded fewer violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.
Quick Answers
When was Best BBQ last inspected?
The most recent inspection on record was on Sep 28, 2026. The result listed by Chicago Department of Public Health was “Pass”.
Were any violations recorded at the last inspection?
Yes: 3 violations recorded. Each one is listed below with the official wording.
How many inspections are on record?
9 inspections on record, from Oct 25, 2023 to Sep 28, 2026.
Has Best BBQ ever been closed by the health department?
No closure appears in the 9 inspection records we hold for this business. The earliest is dated Oct 25, 2023.
The Full Inspection History
9 inspections
Complaint
Sep 28, 2026
Pass
3 recorded violations
notedCode 40Employee health and hygiene
Official Wording
Personal cleanliness
Inspector’s Notes
FOUND MOD WEARING A SLEEVELESS TOP IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO WEAR THE PROPER CLOTHING WHEN IN THE FOOD PREP AREA.
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.
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.
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector’s Notes
FOUND THE TOILET ROOM WITH POOR LIGHTING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING PER CITY CODE 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.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Sep 28, 2026 · Original Source
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.