CHICAGO, IL - A scheduled inspection at Kiss the Cook Bbq on 07/30/2025 documented several health code infractions.
Kiss the Cook Bbq is positioned at 4001 W Jackson Boulevard Chicago Illinois in the Near West Side area, drawing neighborhood patrons and tourists.
According to inspection records: "2-101. 012." This type of violation requires correction to maintain food safety standards.
The examination revealed violations related to pest control, which need to be addressed for proper compliance.
Health experts emphasize that pest activity can rapidly contaminate food preparation surfaces and stored ingredients Data compiled by food safety institutions reveals that The FDA Food Code mandates that food storage areas remain free from pest contamination at all times. Per FDA Pest Control Guidelines, such standards maintain that dining facilities comply with comprehensive protection measures.
Health department officials noted violations related to sanitation, which require attention for public health compliance.
Industry best practices require establishments to maintain rigorous cleaning schedules and equipment maintenance Research conducted by federal health agencies demonstrates that Federal regulators use FDA sanitation guidelines as the benchmark for evaluating food service establishment compliance. The Food Safety Modernization Act provides comprehensive guidance for preventing such violations.
In addition to regulatory requirements, these issues may affect the business's standing and public trust. Community health organizations track health department findings to provide education to local residents.
Regulatory authorities have scheduled an extensive follow-up review to confirm that every infraction has been adequately corrected. Management are required to show complete correction before these violations will be deemed closed.
Regular health inspections serve as critical safeguards for public health in Chicago's dining landscape. Transparency in reporting inspection findings ensures that community members can make informed decisions about their dining options.
| Inspection ID | 2621522 |
| DBA Name | KISS THE COOK BBQ |
| AKA Name | KISS THE COOK BBQ |
| License # | 2840847 |
| Facility Type | Restaurant |
| Risk | Risk 1 (High) |
| Address | 4001 W JACKSON BLVD |
| City | CHICAGO |
| State | IL |
| Zip | 60624 |
| Inspection Date | 07/30/2025 |
| Inspection Type | Complaint Re-Inspection |
| Results | Pass w/ Conditions |
| Violations | 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: 2-101.11 OBSERVED NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE: A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE IS REQUIRED ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED. | 38. INSECTS |
| & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments | 6-202.15 OBSERVED REAR EXTERIOR DOOR NOT RODENT PROOF WITH SPACES AND GAPS IN DOOR. OBSERVED FRONT DOUBLE DOORS ARE NOT TIGHT-FITTING IN THE MIDDLE. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR ALL OUTER OPENINGS TO BE TIGHT-FITTING AND RODENT-PROOF. | 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE |
| CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments | 4-501.11 OBSERVED FRONT PREP COOLER WITH DAMAGED GASKETS. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. | 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: 4-601.11(C) OBSERVED BUILDUP OF FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR OF WALK-IN COOLER AND SHELVING. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. | 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: O5-205.15 BSERVED HANDSINK IN RESTROOM WITH EXCESSIVE LEAK. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. | 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED |
| & CLEANED - Comments | 6-501.19 OBSERVED SELF-CLOSING DEVICE ON RESTROOM DOOR DAMAGED. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. | 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED |
| MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments | 6-501.12OBSERVED EXCESSIVE BUILD UP OF FOOD DEBRIS |
| OTHER DETRITUS ON FLOOR AND WALLS THROUGHOUT FACILITY. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO DETAIL CLEAN FACILITY AND MAINTAIN. | 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments | 4-202.18 OBSERVED FILTERS IN HOOD SYSTEM WITH EXCESSIVE HEAVY GREASE BUILDUP. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. |
| Latitude | 41.87697594883604 |
| Longitude | -87.72566593724505 |
| Location | (41.87697594883604 |
This inspection was conducted on July 30, 2025.
Chicago Department of Public Health
The following violations were found: pest-control, sanitation.
Health code violations can increase the risk of foodborne illness. Common concerns include improper food temperatures (which can allow bacteria growth), inadequate handwashing facilities (which can spread germs), pest activity (which can contaminate food), and cross-contamination risks. These violations are monitored by health departments to ensure public safety and prevent foodborne illness outbreaks.
All inspection data for this report is sourced directly from the Chicago Department of Public Health . View the original data source .
Food safety standards referenced in this report are based on:
Important Note: This article is based on official inspection reports at the time of inspection. Current conditions may differ. Always check the most recent inspection results before dining. Establishments have the opportunity to correct violations and request re-inspection.
