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NO SAUCE AZ SMOKE HOUSE

2055 W 79TH ST, CHICAGO, IL 60620 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

NO SAUCE AZ SMOKE HOUSE has been inspected 6 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since January 28, 2022. The most recent inspection, on August 6, 2025, found no infractions.

1 of 6 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: Cleaning and sanitizing, Handwashing and staff hygiene and Pests.

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.

  • 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 4 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on June 21, 2024. For example: NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

  • 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 June 12, 2024. For example: ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

  • 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 3 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on June 12, 2024. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

  • 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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on June 21, 2024. For example: FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

  • 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 on June 12, 2024. For example: PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES

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.

6 inspections

  1. Canvass

    0 infractions

  2. Canvass Re-Inspection

    9 infractions

    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • 3-302.12 : MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORGINAL PACKAGE.
    • 44. UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
      • 4-903.11 (A;B;D) : MUST INVERT MULTI-USE UTENSILS ON OVERHEAD DISH STORAGE SHELVES.
    • 45. SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED
      • 4-903.11(A;C) : MUST STORE PLASTIC WEAR WITH HANDLES IN UPRIGHT POSITION.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • 4-601.11(C) Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FRYER CABINET,OVEN, GRILL TABLE
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • : 5-205.15 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LEAKY PIPE AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-201.13 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES AND FLOOR TILES.MUST REMOVE EXCESSIVE CAULKING AROUND WALL BASES TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • 6-202.11 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE MISSING END CAPS ON LIGHT SHIELDS IN PREP/DISH WASHING AREA
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • 6-501.14 : MUST CLEAN GREASE & DEBRIS BUILD UP ON HOOD & FILTERS AT HOOD OF COOKING EQUIPMENT.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • : 2-102.13 : OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEE MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
  3. Canvass

    21 infractions

    • 1. PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
      • PIC DOESN'T HAVE A CERTIFIED 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 RIB TIPS, MACARONI & CHEESE AT THIS TIME.MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.FOOD MANAGER ARRIVED ON SITE AT 2:16 P.M.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)(CITATION ISSUED)(COS)
    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • OBSERVED NO SIGNED EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICIES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010)(CITATION ISSUED)
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED HAND WASHING SINK IN PREP/DISH WASHING AREA NOT ACCESSIBLE OBSERVED A RED BUCKET AND A LARGE BOTTLE OF DISH WASHING LIQUID INSIDE OF HAND SINK BASIN.I REMOVED THE ARTICLES DURING INSPECTION. MUST KEEP ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIMES.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C)(CITATION ISSUED)(COS)
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO SOAP AT HAND SINK IN TOILET ROOM MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. SOAP WAS PROVIDED DURING INSPECTION.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C)(COS)(CONSOLIDATED VIOLATION)
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED LEAKY PIPE AT HAND WASHING SINK IN PREP /DISH WASHING AREA MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 16. FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
      • OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL SANITIZER FOR USE WITH THE MANUAL WAREWASHING AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK TO SANITIZE MULTI-USE UTENSILS. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED)
    • 21. PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES
      • OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURES OF TCS READY TO EAT COOKED FOODS SUCH AS 35LBS. RIB TIPS 105.6F-114.1F.50LBS. MACARONI & CHEESE-107.4F-110.7F PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED BY MANAGER. MUST HAVE HOT HOLDING FOODS AT 135.0F OR ABOVE. APPX. 85LBS. $160.(PRIORITY 7-38-005)(COS)(CITATION ISSUED)
    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • OBSERVED NO INTERNAL PROBE THERMOMETER TEMPERATURE MEASURING DEVICE THAT VERIFY THE SCALING OF THE TEMPERATURE RANGE.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED)
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORGINAL PACKAGE.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED NO PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK WITH REQUIRED DOCUMENTS MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(C)(CITATION ISSUED)
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX.100 OR MORE MICE DROPPINGS ON TOP OF GREASE TRAP AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK AND ON EXCESSIVE CAULKING BEHIND GREASE TRAP,ON FLOOR NEXT TO CHEST FREEZER,ON FLOOR & ON TOP OF CAN GOODS IN DRY FOOD STORAGE AREA,ON FLOOR NEXT TO 2- DOOR REACH IN COOLER ON BOTH SIDES,ON FLOOR BEHIND SMALL REFRIGERATORS IN FRONT SERVICE COUNTER AREA,ON ALL SHELVING UNITS AT SERVICE COUNTER,WALL OUTLET,IN LOBBY BEHIND TABLE.MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS CLEAN AND AND SANITIZE AREAS. RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 6/12/24.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A)(CITATION ISSUED)
    • 44. UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
      • MUST INVERT MULTI-USE UTENSILS ON OVERHEAD DISH STORAGE SHELVES.
    • 45. SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED
      • MUST STORE PLASTIC WEAR WITH HANDLES IN UPRIGHT POSITION.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FRYER CABINET,PREP TABLES,OVEN GRILL TABLE.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LEAKY PIPE AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES AND FLOOR TILES.MUST REMOVE EXCESSIVE CAULKING AROUND WALL BASES TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE AND ORGANIZE ARTICLES FROM IN BETWEEN WALLS AND EQUIPMENT.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE MISSING END CAPS ON LIGHT SHIELDS IN PREP/DISH WASHING AREA.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • MUST CLEAN GREASE & DEBRIS BUILD UP ON HOOD & FILTERS AT HOOD OF COOKING EQUIPMENT.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEE MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
  4. Canvass Re-Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED MISSING END CAPS ON LIGHT SHIELDS IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
  5. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED 15 MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED ON THE FLOOR BEHIND THE DEEP FREEZER, NOTED 10 MICE DROPPINGS INSIDE THE BOTTOM CABINET OF THE HAND SINK IN THE WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE DROPPINGS AND DETAIL CLEAN AFFECTED AREAS. ALSO CONTACT PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION CITATION ISSUED #7-38-020(A).
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED THE DEEP FREEZER WITH ICE BUILD UP. MUST DEFROST, CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • FLOORS NEED CLEANING THROUGH ALONG THE WALL BASE AND IN CORNERS ESPECIALLY WHERE DROPPINGS WERE NOTED.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED MISSING END CAPS ON LIGHT SHIELDS IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH THE ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED OR CITATIONS WILL FOLLOW.
  6. License

    9 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AVAILABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE SIGNED ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF EMPLOYEE RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT ANY ILLNESS TRANSMISSIBLE THROUGH FOOD. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGN AT HAND WASHING SINK IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSSERVED NO SHELVING INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING FOR STORAGE.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED NO BACK FLOW DEVICE ON UTILITY SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED DEBRIS ON FLOOR ALONG WALLS INSIDE OFFICE CLOSET. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED MISSING END CAPS ON LIGHT SHIELDS IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AVAILABLE. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING AVAILABLE. ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST HAVE ALLERGEN TRAINING.
    • 64. MISCELLANEOUS / PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS
      • OBSERVED NO MASK REQUIREMENT SIGNAGE AT ENTRANCE TO BUSINESS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO POST MASK SIGNAGE AT FRONT ENTRANCE INFORMING CUSTOMERS THAT MASKS ARE REQUIRED TO BE WORN INDOORS, REGARDLESS OF VACCINATION STATUS. PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER 2-112-340

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