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ROYAL BBQ & JERK INC

7518 S COTTAGE GROVE AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60619 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

ROYAL BBQ & JERK INC has been inspected 6 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since March 29, 2022. The most recent inspection, on March 23, 2026, recorded 2 infractions.

None of the 6 inspections on record were free of infractions. In the past 12 months there was 1 inspection with 2 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Food source, labelling and allergens, Food temperature control and Pests.

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.

  • 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 3 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on May 22, 2025. 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 3 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on April 15, 2024. For example: THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

  • 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 3 separate inspections, most recently on November 29, 2023. 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 March 23, 2026. For example: PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

  • 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 May 22, 2025. 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.

6 inspections

  1. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 40. PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
      • NOTED FOOD HANDLERS WITHOUT PROPER HAIR RESTRAINTS INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN
    • 54. GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED OUTSIDE STORAGE AND ENCLOSED RECEPTACLE AREA NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO DECLUTTER AND ORGANIZE AREA
  2. Canvass

    12 infractions

    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS NOT LABELED IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO LABEL ALL BULK CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME OF FOOD.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED CRACKED LIDS ON BULK CONTAINERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 45. SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED
      • OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES SOTRED UNDER AND NEXT TO FRONT HAND WASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES FROM SINK TO PROTECT FROM POTENTIAL SPLASH, LEAKAGE AND CONTAMINATION.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED DAMAGED GASKET ON REACH-IN FREEZER NEAR FRONT COUNTER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR/REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOLERS, FREEZERS, SHELVING UNITS, PREP TABLES, LEDGES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED LEAK UNDER FRONT(EAST) HAND WASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLES IN WASHROOMS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. OBSERVED MISSING AND LOOSE WALL PANELS AND BASEBOARDS ALONG WALLS. OBSERVED OPENINGS IN WALLS AND CEILINGS, ALONG BASEBOARDS IN PREP, STORAGE AND UTILITY AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR/REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED EXCESSIVE CLUTTER IN PREP, STORAGE AND OUTSIDE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ITEMS TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED SMOKE-STAINED WALLS AND CEILING SURFACES IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND PAINT WALLS AND CEILING SURFACES.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED MOP STORED INSIDE SOILED WATER IN MOP PAIL. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE SOILED WATER AND PROPERLY STORE MOP UPRIGHT TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED MISSING LIGHT SHIELDS IN PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELDS OR SHATTERPROOF BULBS IN PREP AREAS.
  3. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER FOR THE FRONT DISPLAY COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN A THERMOMETER INSIDE OF COOLER.
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • OBSERVED LARGE WHITE CONTAINERS WITH INGREDIENTS NOT LABELED. INSTRUCTED LABEL AND MAINTAIN.
    • 40. PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
      • OBSERVED MALE N IN THE FOOD PREP AREA AND NOT WEARING A HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED TO WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT WHENEVER IN THE FOOD PREP AND/OR HANDLING FOODS. MAINTAIN SAME.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED THE CUTTING BOARDS WITH DEEP DARK GROOVES AND STAINS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO EITHER SAND OR REPLACE CUTTING BOARDS. MUST MAINTAIN A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.
  4. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 35. APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED
      • OBSERVED TCS FOODS (GOAT) NOT BEING PROPERLY UNTHAWED, SITTING IN WATER INSIDE OF THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO THAW TCS FOODS UNDER COLD RUNNING WATER, MICROWAVE OR INSIDE OF COOLER.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED FLY STRIPS HANGING FROM THE CEILING IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE AND NOT TO HANG FLY STRIPS IN THE FOOD PREP AREA.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED THE CUTTING BOARDS WITH DEEP DARK GROOVES AND STAINS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO EITHER SAND OR REPLACE CUTTING BOARDS. MUST MAINTAIN A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED A HOLE IN THE CEILING IN FRONT OF THE DISPOSABLE CONTAINERS IN THE FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL OPENING AND MAINTAIN.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED A LIGHT SHIELD NOT ATTACHED IN THE FRONT ABOVE THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO ATTACH LIGHT SHIELD AND MAINTAIN.
  5. Short Form Complaint

    11 infractions

    • 23. PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
      • FOUND READY TO EAT TCS FOODS ( MACARONI, CURRY CHICKEN, AND RICE AND BEANS) IN REFRIGERATOR NOT DATE MARKED. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ALL READY TO EAT TCS FOODS HELD FOR 24 HOURS MUST BE PROPERLY DATE MARKED WITH THE DATE THE FOOD WILL BE SOLD, DISCARDED OR CONSUMED. MANAGER DISCARDED MANAGER DISCARDED 2 POUNDS OF MACARONI ($25), 4 POUNDS OF CURRY CHICKEN ($35), 10 POUNDS OF RICE AND BEANS ($50). PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.CITATION ISSUED.
    • 35. APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED
      • OBSERVED SEVERAL FOODS INCLUDING: FROZEN CHICKEN, FROZEN FISH, AND FROZEN BEEF THAWING AT ROOM TEMPERATURE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO THAW TCS FOODS UNDER COLD RUNNING WATER, IN THE REFRIGERATOR OR IN THE MICROWAVE AS PART OF A CONTINUOUS COOKING PROCESS.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED FRONT ENTRANCE AND REAR EXIT DOOR NOT COMPLETELY RODENT PROOFED AS REQUIRED. MUST COMPLETELY RODENT PROOF DOOR BY SEALING 1/4 GAP AT THE BOTTOM OF THE DOOR.
    • 43. IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
      • OBSERVED ICE SCOOP LAYING IN MACARONI PAN WITH HANDLE TOUCHING FOOD. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ICE SCOOP FROM PAN PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
    • 45. SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED
      • OBSERVED SEVERAL TAKE OUT BOXES STORED SOILED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE TAKE OUT BOXES AND STORE ALL SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES IN AN APPROPRIATE LOCATION TO AVOID CONTAMINATION.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS IN PREP AREA WITH SOME GROOVES AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH, CLEANABLE SURFACES.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED BROKEN HANDLE ON OVEN DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR OR REPLACE BROKEN DOOR HANDLE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED OPENINGS ALONG WALLS, AND BASEBOARDS AND AROUND FLOOR DRAIN OF FRONT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN SALES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL OPENINGS AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED CEILING WITH HOLE DRIPPING LIQUID ONTO FLOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR CEILING TO AVOID PEST HARBORAGE.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED MISSING LIGHT SHIELD OVER SMOKER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.
  6. License

    6 infractions

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED FRONT ENTRANCE AND REAR EXIT DOOR NOT COMPLETELY RODENT PROOFED AS REQUIRED. MUST COMPLETELY RODENT PROOF DOOR BY SEALING 1/4 GAP AT THE BOTTOM OF THE DOOR.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED BROKEN HANDLE ON OVEN DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR OR REPLACE BROKEN DOOR HANDLE.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS IN PREP AREA WITH SOME GROOVES AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH, CLEANABLE SURFACES.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED OPENINGS ALONG WALLS, AND BASEBOARDS AND AROUND FLOOR DRAIN OF FRONT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN SALES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL OPENINGS AND MAINTAIN.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED MISSING LIGHT SHIELD OVER SMOKER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.

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