CHICAGO, IL - Health inspectors documented violations at JOE'S GRILL during a routine inspection conducted on 04/11/2023.
The facility operates from 5102 S Racine ST in Bridgeport, an area known for its diverse dining options. Health inspections in this district help ensure consistent food safety standards.
The inspection identified 5 distinct violations requiring correction. Each violation has established correction procedures that must be followed to achieve compliance.
The first violation involved storage procedures. Inspectors documented: Food Properly Labeled. Storing food at incorrect temperatures accelerates spoilage and pathogen growth.
The second violation regarded food storage practices. Inspectors documented: Original Container - Comments: Noted No Label for Bulk Storage Container for Rice. Instructed Person in Charge All Bulk and Working Food Ingredient Containers Must Be Labeled with Contents Name.. Allergen cross-contact during storage can trigger severe reactions in sensitive individuals.
The third violation related to pest management. Inspectors documented: Food & Non-food Contact Surfaces Cleanable, Properly Designed, Constructed & Used - Comments: Observed Milk Crates Being Used As Shelving Throughout the Rear Prep and Storage Areas. Must Remove and Provide Shelving That Is 6" Off the Floor and Provides Floor Accessibility to Ensure Adequate Facility Cleaning.. The FDA Food Code requires establishments to eliminate conditions that attract and harbor pests, including proper waste management and facility maintenance. For more information, see FDA pest control standards. Cockroaches can spread E. coli and Salmonella by contaminating food and surfaces.
The fourth violation related to sanitation and cleanliness. Inspectors documented: Food & Non-food Contact Surfaces Cleanable, Properly Designed, Constructed & Used - Comments: Observed Torn Door Gasket Inside of the 2 Door Rear Prep Cooler. Instructed to Replace.. FDA sanitation guidelines require regular cleaning and sanitizing of all food contact surfaces to prevent cross-contamination and bacterial growth. For more information, see FDA sanitation standards. Biofilms can form on inadequately cleaned surfaces, protecting bacteria from sanitizers.
The fifth violation related to cleaning procedures. Inspectors documented: Allergen Training As Required - Comments: Observed Food Service Sanitation Manager Without Food Allergen Training Certificate. Instructed to Meet Requirement.. FDA sanitation guidelines require regular cleaning and sanitizing of all food contact surfaces to prevent cross-contamination and bacterial growth. For more information, see FDA sanitation standards. Cross-contamination from improperly sanitized equipment is a common cause of foodborne illness.
The correction of health violations is monitored through follow-up inspections and documentation requirements. Establishments must demonstrate that they have addressed the root causes of violations, not just the immediate symptoms.
This inspection data is provided by Chicago Department of Public Health. The establishment had violations identified during the 04/11/2023 inspection. Conditions may have changed since this inspection. For current compliance status, consult the Chicago Department of Public Health. For more information about restaurant inspection regulations in this area, visit the Chicago Food Service Sanitation Rules. Learn more about food safety at FDA.gov and CDC.gov.
This inspection was conducted on August 21, 2025.
Chicago Department of Public Health
The following violations were documented: HANDS CLEAN & PROPERLY WASHED - Comments: OBSERVED EMPLOYEE WASH HANDS INSIDE 2 COMPARTMENT SINK USED FOR FOOD PREP AFTER PLACING SOILED DISHES INTO WASH BASIN OF 3 COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATED IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED WASH HANDS PROPERLY AT HANDASHING SINKS ONLY AS REQUIRED BYU CODE. MUST MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.; NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH RTE FOOD OR A PRE-APPROVED ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURE PROPERLY ALLOWED - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD EMPLOYEE PEEL 2 HARD BOILED EGGS WITH BARE HANDS, PLACE EGGS INSIDE WHITE BOWL AND PLACED ON PREP TABLE TO BE SERVED TO CUSTOMER. INSTRUCTED PIC THAT FOOD BARE HAND CONTACT WITH READY TO EAT FOODS ARE PROHIBITED WHILE OPERATING. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN. PIC VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED EGGS AT THIS TIME. PRIORITY VIOLATION. #7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.; ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO HAND SINK AVAILABLE IN (IN USE) REAR PREP/DISH WASHING AREA DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ACCESSIBLE HANDSINK FOR EMPLOYEES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-030 (C). NO CITATION ISSUED.; APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED - Comments: OBSERVED FROZEN BEEF AND CHICKEN STORED INSIDE LARGE ZIPLOCK BAGS ON PREP TABLE IN REAR PREP AREA THAWING IMPROPERLY. INSTRUCTED TO THAW UNDER RUNNING WATER OR UNDER REFRIGERATION. MUST MAINTAIN; WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED - Comments: OBSERVED SOILED GREEN WIPING CLOTHES STORED ON PREP TABLES THROUGHOUT PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO STORE INSIDE SANITIZER BUCKET WITH SOLUTION AT LEAST 50 PPM WHILE NOT IN USE.; PROPER EATING, TASTING, DRINKING, OR TOBACCO USE - Comments: OBSERVED PERSONAL FOOD ITEMS STORED INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PLACE FOOD IN DESIGNATED AREA AND LABEL AWAY FROM FOOD THAT IS CONSUMED BY CUSTOMERS. EMPLOYEES SHALL EAT AND DRINK ONLY IN DESIGNATED AREAS WHERE THE CONTAMINATION OF EXPOSED FOOD CANNOT RESULT.; ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGN AT THE HAND SINK LOCATED BEHIND THE WAITRESS COUNTER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.; FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: OBSERVED NO LABEL FOR THE BULK STORAGE CONTAINER (SUGAR) LOCATED BEHIND THE FRONT COUNTER WHERE THE COFFEE IS STORED. THE INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE OF ALL BULK AND WORKING FOOD INGREDIENT CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH THE CONTENTS' NAMES.; CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: OBSERVED A BAG OF CARROTS STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE WALK-IN COOLER. 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.; PERSONAL CLEANLINESS - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER COOKING AND PREPPING FOOD WITHOUT HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT.; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED FROZEN CHICKEN STORED IN PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS IN THE WALK-IN FREEZER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE PROPER FOOD-GRADE STORAGE BAGS AND CONTAINERS ONLY.; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF THE MICROWAVE TO HAVE FOOD SPLASH AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED RAW WOOD STAIRS LEADING TO THE BASEMENT AREA. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL OR PAINT TO PROVIDE A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.; NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF DEBRIS AND ICE BUILDUP ON THE FLOOR/WALLS/CEILING OF THE WALK-IN FREEZER. MUST REMOVE EXCESS ICE, DETAIL CLEAN, AND MAINTAIN.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED MOP IN A POSITION THAT DOES NOT ALLOW IT TO DRY PROPERLY AND PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE. MUST STORE MOP AFTER USE IN A MOUNTED POSITION THAT ALLOWS FOR AIR-DRYING WITHOUT SOILING AND PEST HARBORAGING.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED WATER-STAINED CEILING TILES IN THE EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM, PUBLIC WOMEN TOILET ROOM, AND HALLWAY OF THE KITCHEN AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE STAINED CEILING TILES AND MAINTAIN.; ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: OBSERVED NO PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN RECORDS AT ALL TIMES.; ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: OBSERVED ONE OUT OF TWO CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD CERTIFIED MANAGERS WITH NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS OBTAIN THIS CERTIFICATE.; PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: OBSERVED MISSING BACKFLOW PREVENTER DEVICE ON THE NEWLY INSTALLED ICE MACHINE IN THE FRONT COUNTER AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL TO ENSURE DEVICE CAN BE LOCATED, SERVICED, AND MAINTAINED.; PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: OBSERVED BEVERAGE SERVICE LINE WITHOUT A PREP SINK. INFORMED MANAGER THAT A MINIMUM OF ONE SINK USED FOR FOOD PREPARATION IS REQUIRED IN ANY FOOD PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.; TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLES FOR FEMININE HYGIENE PRODUCTS INSIDE OF UNISEX/ STAFF TOILET ROOM AND WOMENS RESTROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN..
Storing food at incorrect temperatures accelerates spoilage and pathogen growth. Allergen cross-contact during storage can trigger severe reactions in sensitive individuals. Cockroaches can spread E. coli and Salmonella by contaminating food and surfaces. Biofilms can form on inadequately cleaned surfaces, protecting bacteria from sanitizers. Cross-contamination from improperly sanitized equipment is a common cause of foodborne illness.
This inspection data is sourced directly from Chicago Department of Public Health. For the most current information, please visit the official health department website.
Federal Guidelines: Our reporting follows standards established by the FDA Food Code, CDC Food Safety Guidelines, and USDA Food Safety Standards.
📖 Food Safety Codes: Reference the specific regulations that govern this establishment: Chicago Food Code, FDA Food Code 2022
⚠️ Important Note: Restaurant conditions can change rapidly. This inspection represents a snapshot in time and may not reflect current conditions. For the most up-to-date information, consider checking recent reviews or contacting the establishment directly.
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