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FRIEND'S BBQ

2358 S WENTWORTH AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60616 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

FRIEND'S BBQ has been inspected 7 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since April 7, 2023. The most recent inspection, on September 17, 2025, recorded 5 infractions.

2 of 7 inspections on record found no infractions at all. No inspections are on record from the past 12 months. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Pests, Cleaning and sanitizing and Protecting food from contamination.

Recent inspections have recorded fewer infractions than earlier ones, so the record is improving.

What these findings mean

Health authorities word their violations differently, so we group them by what they mean for food safety. Higher-risk findings are the ones inspectors treat as critical, because they can directly make someone sick.

  • PestsHigher risk

    Signs of mice, rats, cockroaches or flies, or gaps and clutter that let them get in or hide. Pests carry bacteria and can contaminate food and surfaces, so evidence of activity is treated seriously and usually triggers a follow-up visit.

    Recorded 7 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on July 10, 2024. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

  • Cleaning and sanitizingHigher risk

    Anything that touches food, such as cutting boards, dishes and utensils, must be washed, rinsed and sanitized. Inspectors check dishwasher temperatures, sanitizer strength and how wiping cloths are stored. Poor sanitizing lets bacteria survive from one use to the next.

    Recorded 5 times across 5 separate inspections, most recently on September 17, 2025. For example: NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

  • Protecting food from contaminationHigher risk

    This covers how food is stored, prepared and displayed: raw meat kept away from ready-to-eat food, food covered and stored off the floor, and nothing dripping or splashing into it. Cross-contamination from raw to cooked food is a direct route for salmonella and E. coli.

    Recorded once on September 17, 2025. For example: CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

  • Building, plumbing and upkeepLower risk

    Floors, walls and ceilings must be smooth and clean, with working lighting, ventilation, plumbing, hot and cold water, and washrooms. These are rarely an immediate food-safety risk on their own, but persistent problems can lead to pest or sanitation issues.

    Recorded 11 times across 5 separate inspections, most recently on September 17, 2025. For example: PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

  • Food safety training and certificationLower risk

    Most jurisdictions require a certified food handler or manager on site, and some require allergen or food-worker training. These findings mean the paperwork or the trained person was missing at the time. They do not by themselves mean food was handled unsafely.

    Recorded 5 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on April 18, 2023. For example: ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

About this data

These results come from Chicago Department of Public Health, which inspects food premises and other public facilities in this area. We republish the authority's public disclosure data and refresh it regularly; the official record is the final word.

7 inspections

  1. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED FOOD CONTAINERS STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE WALK-IN COOLER, PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. 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.
    • 45. SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED
      • OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES NOT INVERTED AND SERVICE AREA AND STORED ON FLOOR IN BASEMENT AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INVERT AND ELEVATE ALL SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES OFF FLOOR.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED CARDBOARD USED AS LINER ON FOOD PREP EQUIPMENT AND TABLES. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP ON COOKING EQUIPMENT, WALLS, SURROUNDING FLOORS AND SHELVING UNITS IN THE KITCHEN/PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO DEGREASE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED LOOSE DEBRIS, DIRT AND DUST BUILDUP ON THE FLOORS AND CORNERS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND INCREASE CLEANING FREQUENCY OF FLOORS. MUST MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
  2. Canvass

    0 infractions

  3. Canvass Re-Inspection

    5 infractions

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • 6-501.112: OBSERVED DEAD ROACHES ON THE WOOD PLANKS AND FLOORS NEAR THE DEEP FREEZER CHEST IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE DEAD ROACHES AND MAINTAIN.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • 4-601.11(B): OBSERVED SLIGHT FOOD SPLATTERS INSIDE THE MICROWAVE IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 54. GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
      • 5-501.115: OBSERVED THE OUTDOOR GARBAGE AREA NOT MAINTAINED. PILES OF TRASH NEAR RECEPTACLES OBSERVED DURING THE INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN TO PREVENT PEST.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-501.13: OBSERVED THE FLOORS NEAR THE ICE MACHINE AND UNDER THE DEEP-FRYING UNIT IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA WITH GREASE BUILD UP AND A STICKY SUBTANCE IN THE MENTIONED AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-501.13: OBSERVED THE FLOORS NEAR THE ICE MACHINE AND UNDER THE DEEP-FRYING UNIT IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA WITH GREASE BUILD UP AND A STICKY SUBTANCE IN THE MENTIONED AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
  4. Canvass

    6 infractions

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED DEAD ROACHES ON THE WOOD PLANKS AND FLOORS NEAR THE DEEP FREEZER CHEST IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE DEAD ROACHES AND MAINTAIN.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 50 MICE DROPPINGS AND 2 LIVE ROACHES ON SITE DURING THE INSPECTION. THE MICE DROPPINGS WERE OBSERVED ON THE LOWER SHELVES UNDER A FOOD PREP TABLE NEAR THE REAR EXIT DOOR AND IN THE FLOORS WHERE THE CHEMICALS ARE STORED NEARTHE REAR EXIT DOOR IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. THE LIVE ROACHES WERE OBSERVED ON THE FLOORS SURROUNDING THE FREEZER CHEST IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE LIVE ROACH ACTIVITY AND REMOVE MICE DROPPINGS AND MAINTAIN. PEST CONTROL ARRIVED ON SITE, DURING THE INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A), CITATION ISSUED
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED SLIGHT FOOD SPLATTERS INSIDE THE MICROWAVE IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 54. GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED THE OUTDOOR GARBAGE AREA NOT MAINTAINED. PILES OF TRASH NEAR RECEPTACLES OBSERVED DURING THE INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN TO PREVENT PEST.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED THE FLOORS NEAR THE ICE MACHINE AND UNDER THE DEEP-FRYING UNIT IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA WITH GREASE BUILD UP AND A STICKY SUBTANCE IN THE MENTIONED AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED THE LOWER SHELVES UNDER THE FOOD PREP TABLES WITH BROKEN DOWN CARDBOARD BOXES. ALSO, OBSERVED CLUTTER IN THE REAR CHEMICAL STORAGE AREA, NEAR THE EXIT DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE UNNECESSARY ITEMS, DECLUTTER, AND MAINTAIN.
  5. Non-Inspection

    0 infractions

  6. License Re-Inspection

    5 infractions

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED TAPE AT BOTTOM OF REAR EXIT DOOR TO THE KITCHEN; INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND PROVIDE A PROPER DOOR SWEEP. OBSERVED A 1/4 INCH OPENING AT BOTTOM OF THE FRONT DOOR; INSTRUCTED TO RODENT PROOF DOOR TO SEAL OPENING.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALL KITCHEN EQUIPMENT (COOKING, REFRIGERATION UNITS, PREP TABLES).
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE FOLLOWING: FLOORS UNDER AROUND AND BEHIND KITCHEN EQUIPMENT, CLEAN FLOOR IN BASEMENT, CLEAN FLOOR DRAIN UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT. CLEAN WALLS AROUND AND BEHIND KITCHEN EQUIPMENT. CLEAN CEILING TILE/PANELING. CLEAN CEILING VENT FANS IN WASHROOMS TO REMOVE DUST.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS NEED THE REQUIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS NEED THE REQUIRED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING.
  7. License

    10 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICIES ON PREMISES AS REQUIRED; MUST PROVIDE. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION OF EMPLOYEES RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT ANY ILLNESS TRANSMISSIBLE THROUGH FOOD. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED TAPE AT BOTTOM OF REAR EXIT DOOR TO THE KITCHEN; INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND PROVIDE A PROPER DOOR SWEEP. OBSERVED A 1/4 INCH OPENING AT BOTTOM OF THE FRONT DOOR; INSTRUCTED TO RODENT PROOF DOOR TO SEAL OPENING.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED 8-10 BABY ROACHES INSIDE OF DEEP FRYER IN THE KITCHEN; INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FRYER. FOUND 80 OR MORE MOUSE DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR AND WALL LEDGE IN THE BASEMENT AREA; INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALL DROPPINGS. HAVE PEST CONTROL COMPANY SERVICE ESTABLISHMENT FOR ROACHES AND MICE PRIOR TO REINSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A).
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • FOUND A DEAD MOUSE ON THE BASEMENT FLOOR; INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE. CORRECTED DURING INSPECTION.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALL KITCHEN EQUIPMENT (COOKING, REFRIGERATION UNITS, PREP TABLES).
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE FOLLOWING: FLOORS UNDER AROUND AND BEHIND KITCHEN EQUIPMENT, CLEAN FLOOR IN BASEMENT, CLEAN FLOOR DRAIN UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT. CLEAN WALLS AROUND AND BEHIND KITCHEN EQUIPMENT. CLEAN CEILING TILE/PANELING. CLEAN CEILING VENT FANS IN WASHROOMS TO REMOVE DUST.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • FOUND UNNECESSARY ITEMS IN BASEMENT AREA; INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE TO AVOID CLUTTER AND RODENT HARBORAGE.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • VENTILATION SYSTEM ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT NEEDS CLEANING TO REMOVE DUST/GREASE OBSERVED.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS NEED THE REQUIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS NEED THE REQUIRED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING.

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