Skip to content
Loading map…

GAYLE'S BEST EVER GRILLED CHEEESE

108 N STATE ST, CHICAGO, IL 60602 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

GAYLE'S BEST EVER GRILLED CHEEESE has been inspected 11 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since January 24, 2022. The most recent inspection, on January 21, 2026, recorded 4 infractions.

3 of 11 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there were 2 inspections with 19 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Handwashing and staff hygiene, Cleaning and sanitizing and Food temperature control.

Recent inspections have recorded more infractions than earlier ones, so it is worth reading the latest reports closely.

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.

  • Handwashing and staff hygieneHigher risk

    Hands are the main way germs like norovirus move from people to food. Inspectors look for stocked, accessible handwashing sinks, staff washing hands when required, hair restraints, and sick employees being kept away from food. Gaps here can spread illness quickly.

    Recorded 4 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on January 14, 2026. For example: GLOVES USED PROPERLY

  • 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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on January 21, 2026. For example: NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

  • Food temperature controlHigher risk

    Bacteria multiply fastest between about 4 °C and 60 °C (40 °F to 140 °F). Inspectors check that cold food stays cold, hot food stays hot, cooked food is cooled quickly, and that staff have accurate thermometers. Temperature problems are one of the most common causes of food poisoning, so these are treated as critical findings.

    Recorded 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on June 22, 2023. For example: APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED

  • 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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on June 22, 2023. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

  • 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 June 22, 2023. For example: CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

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.

11 inspections

  1. Canvass Re-Inspection

    4 infractions

    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • 4-101.19 : OBSERVED CRATES BEING USED FOR FOOD STORAGE IN PREP/DISH WASHING AREA MUST ELIMINATE AND PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING UNITS FOR FOOD STORAGE TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • 4-601.11(C) Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM WALK IN COOLER FAN GUARD COVERS,DUST BUILD UP ON FRONT PREP AREA SHELVING UNITS.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-201.13 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES IN DINING AREA.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • 4-301.14 : OBSERVED TABLE TOP DEEP FRYERS ON REAR PREP TABLE AND NO VENTILATION HOOD ABOVE MUST PROVIDE UNDERNEATH VENTILATION AND MAINTAIN.
  2. Canvass

    15 infractions

    • 1. PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
      • PIC DOSEN'T HAVE A FOOD MANAGERS CERTIFICATE.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)
    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED,HANDLED AND SERVED SUCH AS (TURKEY,SAUSAGE,HAM SANDWICHES) MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)(CITATION ISSUED)
    • 8. HANDS CLEAN & PROPERLY WASHED
      • OBSERVED POOR HYGIENIC PRACTICES BY FOOD HANDLER OBSERVED HER TOUCH SCREEN ORDER AT REGISTER PUT ON PLASTIC GLOVES RETRIEVED WRAPPED SANDWICH FROM REACH IN COOLER AND PLACED ON GRILL WITHOUT WASHING HANDS,AS WELL ANOTHER EMPLOYEE DID THE SAME.INSTRUCTED TO WASH HANDS AFTER EVERY POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.(PRIORITY 7-38-010)(CITATION ISSUED)(COS)
    • 29. COMPLIANCE WITH VARIANCE/SPECIALIZED PROCESS/HACCP
      • OBSERVED VACUUM PACKAGED FOODS ON SITE WITHOUT AN CDPH-APPROVED HACCP PLAN.MUST BE APPROVED BEFORE FOOD CAN BE VACUUM PACKAGED ON PREMISES.APPX.56LBS. MACARONI & CHEESE $324. PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED BY PIC.A HELD FOR INSPECTION TAG PLACED ON VACUUM PACKAGE SEALER. (PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED)(COS)
    • 32. VARIANCE OBTAINED FOR SPECIALIZED PROCESSING METHODS
      • SEE VIOLATION #29.
    • 44. UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
      • MUST INVERT MULTI-USE UTENSILS ON STORAGE SHELVES.
    • 46. GLOVES USED PROPERLY
      • OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER MIUSAGE OF PLASTIC GLOVES.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED CRATES BEING USED FOR FOOD STORAGE IN FRONT PREP AREA MUST ELIMINATE AND PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING UNITS FOR FOOD STORAGE.MUST ELIMINATE CARDBOARD LINED ON LOWER SHELF OF PREP TABLE TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM WALK IN COOLER FAN GUARD COVERS & SHELVING UNITS,DUST BUILD UP ON FRONT PREP AREA SHELVING UNITS.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST REMOVE CARDBOARD FROM WALK IN COOLER FLOOR TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST CLEAN DEBRIS AND DUST BUILD UP FROM FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES THROUGHOUT PREMISES.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES & MISSING WALL BASE IN DINING AREA,MISSING CEILING TILE IN REAR PREP AREA,HOLE IN WALL IN FRONT PREP AREA.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED TABLE TOP DEEP FRYERS ON REAR PREP TABLE AND NO VENTILATION HOOD ABOVE MUST PROVIDE UNDERNEATH VENTILATION AND MAINTAIN.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED EXPIRED AND MISSING FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT #2616737 5/1/25 NOT CORRECTED-#47-4-101.19 : OBSERVED BOXES STORED ON MILK CRATES IN FREEZER. OBSERVED NON FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR UNDERNEATH SHELVING UNITS IN REAR STORAGE(WHERE UTILITY SINK IS LOCATED). INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD AND NONFOOD ITEMS AT LEAST SIX INCHES OFF OF FLOOR FOR EASE OF CLEANABILITY.#55- 6-501.12 : OBSERVED ICE BUILDUP ON RIGHT CONDENSOR LINE IN WALK IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ICE BUILDUP FROM CONDENSOR LINE IN WALK IN FREEZER AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED DUST ON WALLS ABOVE CLEAN EQUIPMENT ON SHELVES ABOVE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. OBSERVED DUST ON CEILING VENT COVER ABOVE PREP TABLE IN REAR PREP(ACROSS FROM WALK IN COOLER). OBSERVED DUST ON CEILING AROUND CEILING VENT COVER IN MIDDLE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN WALLS, CEILING VENT COVER AND CEILING IN SAID AREAS AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED BUILDUP ALONG BASE OF WALL UNDERNEATH THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AND BEHIND GREASE TRAP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALONG BASE OF WALL UNDERNEATH THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AND BEHIND GREASE TRAP.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090)(CITATION ISSUED)
  3. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • OBSERVED NO DISINFECTANT EFFECTIVE AGAINST NOROVIRUS FOR COMPLYING WITH PROCEDURE AVAILABLE ON SITE WHEN RESPONDING TO VOMITTING OR DIARRHEAL EVENTS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SOAP AT HANDWASHING SINK IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HANDWASHING SOAP AT HANDWASHING SINKS AT ALL TIMES. CORRECTED ON SITE HANDWASHING SOAP PROVIDED AT HANDWASHING SINK IN REAR PREP AREA BEFORE CONCLUSION OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.
    • 40. PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
      • OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINT WHILE PREPARING FOOD. INSTRUCTED FOOD HANDLERS SHALL WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS SUCH AS HATS, HAIR COVERINGS , BEARD RESTRAINTS AND CLOTHING THAT COVERS BODY HAIR THAT ARE DESIGNED AND WORN TO EFFECTIVELY KEEP THEIR HAIR FROM CONTACTING EXPOSED FOOD, CLEAN EQUIPMENT,UTENSILS AND LINENS AND UNWRAPPED SINGLE SERVICE AND SINGLE USE ARTICLES.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED BOXES STORED ON MILK CRATES IN FREEZER. OBSERVED NON FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR UNDERNEATH SHELVING UNITS IN REAR STORAGE(WHERE UTILITY SINK IS LOCATED). INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD AND NONFOOD ITEMS AT LEAST SIX INCHES OFF OF FLOOR FOR EASE OF CLEANABILITY.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED ICE BUILDUP ON RIGHT CONDENSOR LINE IN WALK IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ICE BUILDUP FROM CONDENSOR LINE IN WALK IN FREEZER AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED DUST ON WALLS ABOVE CLEAN EQUIPMENT ON SHELVES ABOVE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. OBSERVED DUST ON CEILING VENT COVER ABOVE PREP TABLE IN REAR PREP(ACROSS FROM WALK IN COOLER). OBSERVED DUST ON CEILING AROUND CEILING VENT COVER IN MIDDLE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN WALLS, CEILING VENT COVER AND CEILING IN SAID AREAS AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED BUILDUP ALONG BASE OF WALL UNDERNEATH THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AND BEHIND GREASE TRAP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALONG BASE OF WALL UNDERNEATH THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AND BEHIND GREASE TRAP.
  4. Short Form Complaint

    0 infractions

  5. Complaint

    0 infractions

  6. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED FACILITY USING CARDBOARD AS A LINER UNDER WALK-IN COOLER SHELVING AND ON THE SHELVING BELOW GREASE CONTAINERS. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CARDBOARD OR REPLACE WITH A MATERIAL THAT IS SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED MISSING CEILING TILES ABOVE WALK-IN COOLER AND WALK-IN FREEZER ENTRANCE. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE OR PROVIDE MISSING CEILING TILES.
  7. Canvass Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  8. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 35. APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED
      • 3-501.13 OBSERVED FACILITY INADEQUATELY THAWING TCS FOOD (SOUP) IN THE ONE COMPARTMENT SINK IN STAGNET WATER. INSTRUCTED TO ALWAYS PROPERLY THAW ALL TCS FOODS IN COLD RUNNING WATER (NOT EXCEEDING 70F) AT ALL TIMES.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • 6-501.111 OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF LIVE INSECT ACTIVITY ON SITE, OBSERVED ABOUT 5 LARGE FLIES FLYING AROUND THE REAR FOOD PREP AREAS, OBSERVED A FLY LAND ON A PIECE OF BREAD AT A PREP TABLE IN THE REAR. INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD THE PIECE OF BREAD, CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS, ELIMINATE LARGE FLIES ACTIVITY AND RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL FOR A SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020(C).
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • 3-307.11 OBSERVED AN INADEQUATE SPLASH GUARD ON THE HAND WASHING SINK LOCATED DIRECTLY NEXT TO THE PANINI GRILL AND INADEQUATE IN HEIGHT AND NOT PROPERLY PROTECTING THE PANINI GRILL FROM POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AN ADEQUATE SPLASH GUARD AT THE HAND WASHING SINK DIRECTLY NEXT TO THE PANINI GRILL OR MOVE THE PANINI GRILL THAT IS DIRECTLY NEXT TO SAID HAND WASHING SINK.
  9. Canvass Re-Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • 4-201.11 FOUND HANDWASHING SINK LOCATED IN REAR PREP ACROSS FROM WALK IN COOLER DETACHED (HANGING) FROM WALL INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
  10. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY THAT INCLUDES A SIGNED ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FROM EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7.38.010. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • FOUND APPROX. 7 LARGE FLIES IN REAR FOOD PREP AREA. ALSO NOTED APPROX 6 SMALL FLIES LOCATED IN DRY STORAGE AREA. AND 4 SMALL FLIES LOCATED IN FRONT PREP AREA/ DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO MINIMIZE ALL FLY ACTIVITY. RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • FOUND HANDWASHING SINK LOCATED IN REAR PREP ACROSS FROM WALK IN COOLER DETACHED (HANGING) FROM WALL INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • FOUND CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER (PIC) WITHOUT PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS.
  11. License

    1 infraction

    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • VISIBLE AND WORKING THERMOMETER NEEDED IN FRONT REACH-IN CHEESE REFRIGERATOR. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

Nearby inspected facilities

Own this business? Add a badge to your website