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LITTLE JOE'S CIRCLE LOUNGE INC

1041 W TAYLOR ST, CHICAGO, IL 60607 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

LITTLE JOE'S CIRCLE LOUNGE INC has been inspected 19 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since November 16, 2010. The most recent inspection, on January 29, 2026, recorded 2 infractions.

9 of 19 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there were 3 inspections with 7 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Pests, Handwashing and staff hygiene and Cleaning and sanitizing.

The number of infractions per inspection has stayed roughly the same over time.

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 5 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on January 29, 2026. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

  • 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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on February 16, 2024. For example: ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

  • 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 once on January 22, 2026. For example: FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

  • 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 once on February 16, 2024. For example: THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

  • Food source, labelling and allergensHigher risk

    Food must come from approved suppliers, stay in labelled containers and be thrown out when it is spoiled or damaged, such as dented or swollen cans. Labelling matters for allergies: an unlabelled container can hide an allergen.

    Recorded once on February 16, 2024. For example: FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

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.

19 inspections

  1. Complaint Re-Inspection

    2 infractions

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • 6-202.15 REAR DOOR NOT PROTECTED, APPROX 1/4 INCH GAP NOTED ON BOTTOM, INBETWEEN AND TOP OF DOOR. INSTD TO REPAIR SAME SO AS TO BE TIGHT FITTING AND PROTECTED
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-501.12: EXCESSIVE MOUND OF GREASE BEHIND FRYERS IN PREP AREA. INSTD TO REMOVE GREASE AND MAINTAIN FLOOR CLEAN.
  2. Complaint

    5 infractions

    • 16. FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
      • INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE WITH EXCESSIVE BLACK MOLD LIKE SUBSTANCE. ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. INSTD TO REMOVE ICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE MACHINE. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005 PRIORITY FOUNDATION
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OVER 100 RAT DROPPINGS NOTED ON BASEMENT FLOOR IN STORAGE AREA. EXCESSIVE CLUTTER IN SAME AREA. INSTD TO REMOVE ALL DROPPINGS, REMOVE CLUTTER, ORGANIZE AND CLEAN/SANITIZE AREA. RECOMMEND ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE TO ELIMINATE PEST ACTIVITY. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-20(A) PRIORITY FOUNDATION
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • REAR DOOR NOT PROTECTED, APPROX 1/4 INCH GAP NOTED ON BOTTOM, INBETWEEN AND TOP OF DOOR. INSTD TO REPAIR SAME SO AS TO BE TIGHT FITTING AND PROTECTED
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MISSING FLOOR DRAIN COVER IN BASEMENT. INSTD TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • EXCESSIVE MOUND OF GREASE BEHIND FRYERS IN PREP AREA. INSTD TO REMOVE GREASE AND MAINTAIN FLOOR CLEAN.
  3. Complaint

    0 infractions

  4. Canvass Re-Inspection

    4 infractions

    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • 2-101.11 OBSERVED NO ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE ONSITE AT ALL TIMES WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED OR SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • 4-202.16 OBSERVED CARDBOARD USED AS LINER ON FOOD STORAGE RACKS IN WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-501.12 OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP, FOOD DEBRIS, AND DIRT ON FLOOR UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS, AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP, DISH WASHING, STORAGE, AND BASEMENT AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS, AND IN ALL CORNERS IN ALL AREAS.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-501.11 OBSERVED MULTIPLE OPENINGS IN THE FLOOR AND WALL JUNCTURES IN THE BASEMENT. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO SEAL ALL OPENINGS TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE CONSITIONS.
  5. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF RODENT ACTIVITY ON THE PREMISES. OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 100 RAT DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR NEXT TO THE REAR EXIT DOOR OF THE STORAGE AREA AND THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS FROM ALL AFFECTED AREAS. RECOMMENDED ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED CARDBOARD USED AS LINER ON FOOD STORAGE RACKS IN WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP, FOOD DEBRIS, AND DIRT ON FLOOR UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS, AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP, DISH WASHING, STORAGE, AND BASEMENT AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS, AND IN ALL CORNERS IN ALL AREAS.
  6. Non-Inspection

    0 infractions

  7. Canvass Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  8. Canvass

    6 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED MISSING HADWASH SIGNAGE IN BOTH RESTROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • OBSERVED NO AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETERS INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CONSPICUOUS AND EASILY READABLE THERMOMETERS INSIDE ALL REFRIGERATOR UNITS TO PROPERLY MONITOR THE AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF EQUIPMENT.
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • OBSERVED FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE COMMON NAME OF FOODS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF RODENT ACTIVITY ON THE PREMISES. OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 100 RAT DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR NEXT TO THE REAR EXIT DOOR OF THE STORAGE AREA AND THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS FROM ALL AFFECTED AREAS. RECOMMENDED ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED LEAK AT FAUCET OF THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED UNUSED EQUIPMENT AND UNNECESSARY ARTICLES IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNUSED, UNNECSSARY EQUIPMENT AND ARTICLES TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
  9. Non-Inspection

    0 infractions

  10. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED AN EMPLOYEE USING A PLASTIC GLOVE TO PLUG A DRAIN INSIDE THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST DISCONTINUE USE OF PLASTIC AND PROVIDE APPROVED DRAIN PLUGS FOR THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE FLOORS UNDERNEATH THE BAR EQUIPMENT AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED EXCESSIVE CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ARTICLES STORED THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT. MUST REMOVE ALL EQUIPMENT AND ITEMS UNNECESSARY TO THE OPERATION, DETAIL CLEAN AREA, AND STORE ALL REMAINING ITEMS OFF THE FLOOR TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FACILITY CLEANING.
  11. Non-Inspection

    0 infractions

  12. Complaint

    7 infractions

    • 1. PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
      • NO PERSON IN CHARGE ON SITE DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • NO PERSON IN CHARGE ON SITE WITH AN ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A PERSON IN CHARGE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WITH AN ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. 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. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED WATER SPRAYING FROM FAUCET HEAD AT HAND WASHING SINK IN KITCHEN WHEN WATER IS RUNNING. MUST REPAIR.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED NO GREASE TRAP ON SITE. ALL SINKS IN WHICH FOOD, UTENSILS AND EQUIPMENT ARE WASHED MUST BE CONNECTED TO A CATCH BASIN OR BE EQUIPPED WITH AN APPROVED GREASE TRAP.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS.
    • 61. SUMMARY REPORT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC
      • SUMMARY REPORT NOT POSTED FROM PREVIOUS INSPECTION ON 10/22/2020, REPORT #2453715. INSTRUCTED TO POST RECENT SUMMARY REPORT VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-42-010(B). CITATION ISSUED.
  13. Non-Inspection

    0 infractions

  14. Canvass

    9 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY 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.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEAN UP PROCEDURE ON PREMISES AS REQUIRED; MUST PROVIDE. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE THAT A VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEAN UP PROCEDURE MUST BE DOCUMENTED AND THE NECESSARY SUPPLIES ON HAND IN THE EVENT OF A VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL INCIDENT ON PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • FOUND NO UTILITY (MOP) SINK ON PREMISES; INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER AND A BACKFLOW DEVICE FOR THE DISPOSAL OF WASTE WATER.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COVERED GARBAGE RECEPTACLES FOR WASHROOMS.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • INSTRUCTED THAT TOILET ROOM DOORS MUST BE SELF CLOSING. PROVIDE SELF CLOSING DEVICES FOR TOILET ROOM DOORS. ALSO PROVIDE SIGNS IDENTIFYING WASHROOMS.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED TWO HOLES IN THE CONCRETE FLOOR OF THE BASEMENT STORAGE AREA; INSTRUCTED TO SEAL HOLES IN THE FLOOR.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A FLOOR DRAIN COVER FOR THE FLOOR DRAIN IN THE BASEMENT BETWEEN THE STAIRS AND STORAGE ROOM.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO ORGANIZE AND MAINTAIN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA BY REMOVING UNNECESSARY ITEMS TO AVOID CLUTTER.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
  15. Canvass

    0 infractions

  16. Canvass

    0 infractions

  17. Canvass

    0 infractions

  18. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • CLEAN INTERIOR BOTTOM OF FRYER TO REMOVE GREASE NOTED. CLEAN INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE BEHIND BAR AND MAINTAIN. CLEAN VENTS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN KITCHEN.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • CLEAN FLOOR UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT IN KITCHEN AND UNDER BAR AREA.
  19. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. The ice machine has a dirty interior buildup which needs to be sanitized and maintained regularly. Clean the reach in cooler (4-door) doors and remove the ice buildup on the coil.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair.

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