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SANDERS BBQ

1742 W 99TH ST, CHICAGO, IL 60643 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

SANDERS BBQ has been inspected 14 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since April 8, 2024. The most recent inspection, on October 15, 2026, found no infractions.

6 of 14 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there were 5 inspections with 26 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Cleaning and sanitizing, Handwashing and staff hygiene and Protecting food from contamination.

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 9 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on October 8, 2026. For example: FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

  • 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 3 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on June 26, 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 2 times on January 10, 2025. For example: CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

  • Chemicals and toxic substancesHigher risk

    Cleaning products, sanitizers and pesticides must be labelled and stored away from food and food-contact surfaces. Inspectors flag chemicals that could end up in food, as well as pest treatments applied without proper supervision.

    Recorded once on January 10, 2025. For example: TOXIC SUBSTANCES PROPERLY IDENTIFIED, STORED, & USED

  • 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 January 10, 2025. For example: APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED

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.

14 inspections

  1. Complaint Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  2. Complaint

    4 infractions

    • 16. FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
      • FOUND THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE WITH A PINKISH SUBSTANCE ON THE BLUE SIDE PANEL. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • FOUND THE TRASH RECEPTACLE IN THE WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM HAS NO LID. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A LID/COVER OR REPLACE RECEPTACLE WITH A LID/COVER. MAINTAIN SAME.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • FOUND THE AREA WITH COOKING EQUIPMENT AND THE ICE MACHINE WITH VERY POOR LIGHTING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING PER CITY CODE. MAINTAIN SAME.
    • 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • FOUND THE PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT #2639090 DATED 06/26/2026 NOT CORRECTED AND/OR MAINTAINED. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN: -40. FOUND FOOD HANDLERS AND EMPLOYEES IN THE FOOD PREP AREAS NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL ENTERING/WORKING IN THE FOOD PREP AREAS TO WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT. MAINTAIN SAME. -41. FOUND THE WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON THE PREP SURFACES WHEN NOT IN USE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION (SANITIZER MUST BE AT THE REQUIRED PPM) WHEN NOT IN USE. MAINTAIN SAME. -47. FOUND THE RUBBER GASKET ON THE REAR AND FRONT HOT HOLDING UNIT IN POOR REPAIR AND UNATTACHED FROM UNIT. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE RUBBER GASKET AND MAINTAIN. -49. FOUND THE STORAGE RACKS BY THE COOKING EQUIPMENT WITH DIRT AND DUST BUILD UP. ALSO, THE INTERIOR OF THE OVENS WITH CHARRED MATERIAL ON THE LOWER SURFACE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN RACKS AND OVEN. -51. FOUND THE FAUCET ON THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN POOR REPAIR, LOOSE AND LEAKING FROM THE HOT WATER KNOB. INSTRUCTED TO FIX AND MAINTAIN GOOD PLUMBING. -55. FOUND THE WALLS THAT THE REAR HAND-WASHING SINK IS ATTACHED TO WITH DIRT AND FOOD SPLATTER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN WALLS. -56. FOUND THE LIGHT BULBS UNDER THE VENTILATION HOOD, ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT BLOWN. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE LIGHT BULBS AND MAINTAIN ADEQUATE LIGHTING. -56. FOUND THE FILTERS ON THE VENTILATION HOOD WITH A BUILD UP OF DIRT AND DUST. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN VENTILATION HOOD. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED
  3. Short Form Complaint

    10 infractions

    • 40. PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
      • FOUND FOOD HANDLERS AND EMPLOYEES IN THE FOOD PREP AREAS NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL ENTERING/WORKING IN THE FOOD PREP AREAS TO WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT. MAINTAIN SAME.
    • 41. WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
      • FOUND THE WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON THE PREP SURFACES WHEN NOT IN USE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION (SANITIZER MUST BE AT THE REQUIRED PPM) WHEN NOT IN USE. MAINTAIN SAME.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • FOUND THE RUBBER GASKET ON THE REAR AND FRONT HOT HOLDING UNIT IN POOR REPAIR AND UNATTACHED FROM UNIT. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE RUBBER GASKET AND MAINTAIN.
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • FOUND LARGE POTS IN USE TOO BIG TO PROPERLY FIT INSIDE THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK FOR PROPER WASHING AND SANITIZING. INSTRUCTED TO EITHER INSTALL A SINK TO ACCOMMODATE THE POTS OR REMOVE POTS FROM USE. MAINTAIN SAME.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • FOUND THE STORAGE RACKS BY THE COOKING EQUIPMENT WITH DIRT AND DUST BUILD UP. ALSO, THE INTERIOR OF THE OVENS WITH CHARRED MATERIAL ON THE LOWER SURFACE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN RACKS AND OVEN.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • FOUND THE FAUCET ON THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN POOR REPAIR, LOOSE AND LEAKING FROM THE HOT WATER KNOB. INSTRUCTED TO FIX AND MAINTAIN GOOD PLUMBING.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • FOUND THE WALLS THAT THE REAR HAND WASHING SINK IS ATTACHED TO WITH DIRT AND FOOD SPLATTER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN WALLS.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • FOUND THE LIGHT BULBS UNDER THE VENTILATION HOOD, ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT BLOWN. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE LIGHT BULBS AND MAINTAIN ADEQUATE LIGHTING.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • FOUND THE FILTERS ON THE VENTILATION HOOD WITH A BUILD UP OF DIRT AND DUST. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN VENTILATION HOOD.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • FOUND THE CFM ON SITE WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL CFMS OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN A VALID ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE.
  4. Canvass

    10 infractions

    • 40. PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
      • FOUND FOOD HANDLERS AND EMPLOYEES IN THE FOOD PREP AREAS NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL ENTERING/WORKING IN THE FOOD PREP AREAS TO WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT. MAINTAIN SAME.
    • 41. WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
      • FOUND THE WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON THE PREP SURFACES WHEN NOT IN USE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION (SANITIZER MUST BE AT THE REQUIRED PPM) WHEN NOT IN USE. MAINTAIN SAME.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • FOUND THE RUBBER GASKET ON THE REAR AND FRONT HOT HOLDING UNIT IN POOR REPAIR AND UNATTACHED FROM UNIT. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE RUBBER GASKET AND MAINTAIN.
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • FOUND LARGE POTS IN USE TOO BIG TO PROPERLY FIT INSIDE THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK FOR PROPER WASHING AND SANITIZING. INSTRUCTED TO EITHER INSTALL A SINK TO ACCOMMODATE THE POTS OR REMOVE POTS FROM USE. MAINTAIN SAME.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • FOUND THE STORAGE RACKS BY THE COOKING EQUIPMENT WITH DIRT AND DUST BUILD UP. ALSO, THE INTERIOR OF THE OVENS WITH CHARRED MATERIAL ON THE LOWER SURFACE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN RACKS AND OVEN.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • FOUND THE FAUCET ON THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN POOR REPAIR, LOOSE AND LEAKING FROM THE HOT WATER KNOB. INSTRUCTED TO FIX AND MAINTAIN GOOD PLUMBING.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • FOUND THE WALLS THAT THE REAR HAND WASHING SINK IS ATTACHED TO WITH DIRT AND FOOD SPLATTER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN WALLS.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • FOUND THE LIGHT BULBS UNDER THE VENTILATION HOOD, ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT BLOWN. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE LIGHT BULBS AND MAINTAIN ADEQUATE LIGHTING.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • FOUND THE FILTERS ON THE VENTILATION HOOD WITH A BUILD UP OF DIRT AND DUST. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN VENTILATION HOOD.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • FOUND THE CFM ON SITE WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL CFMS OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN A VALID ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE.
  5. Short Form Complaint

    2 infractions

    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED A LARGE AMOUNT OF SODA SITTING ON THE FLOOR NEAR THE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO ELEVATE ALL ITEMS AT LEAST SIX INCHES FROM THE FLOOR AS A MEANS OF MAKING THE AREA EASY TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN... ALSO OBSERVED A LARGE AMOUNT OF CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ITEMS IN THE BASEMENT AREA. INSTRUCTED THEY ***MUST ORGANIZE AND ELEVATE FROM THE FLOOR AT LEAST SIX INCHES OR REMOVE*** AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING A HARBORING SPACE FOR PEST AND INSECTS.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED THE WALL AND FLOOR AREA NEAR THE DEEP FYER UNITS WITH A BUILD UP OF FOOD SPLATTER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AREA AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE PEST AND OR INSECT ACTIVITY.
  6. Complaint

    2 infractions

    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED A LARGE AMOUNT OF SODA SITTING ON THE FLOOR NEAR THE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO ELEVATE ALL ITEMS AT LEAST SIX INCHES FROM THE FLOOR AS A MEANS OF MAKING THE AREA EASY TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN... ALSO OBSERVED A LARGE AMOUNT OF CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ITEMS IN THE BASEMENT AREA. INSTRUCTED THEY ***MUST ORGANIZE AND ELEVATE FROM THE FLOOR AT LEAST SIX INCHES OR REMOVE*** AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING A HARBORING SPACE FOR PEST AND INSECTS.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED THE WALL AND FLOOR AREA NEAR THE DEEP FYER UNITS WITH A BUILD UP OF FOOD SPLATTER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AREA AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE PEST AND OR INSECT ACTIVITY.
  7. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • OBSERVED THE TOILET ROOM NEAR THE PATIO DOOR WITH A MISSING SELF CLOSING DEVICE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD WORKING ORDER.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED A BUILD UP OF FOOD SPLATTER ON THE WALLS IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA AS WELL AS ON THE FLOOR UNDER AND AROUND ALL COOKING AND NON COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL AREAS.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED THE HAND WASHIND SINK LOCATED NEXT TO THE ICE MACHINE WITH A BUILD UP OF A DARK SUBSTANCE OF SOME SORT ALL OVER THE SINK, FAUCET AND HANDLES. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED A HEAVY BUILD UP OF DUST ON THE HOOD VENTILATION SYSTEM AND FILTERS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION OF FOOD CONTACT SURFACES BELOW AND ANY FOOD ITEMS COOKED IN THE AREA.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED TWO OF THE LIGHTS OUT UNDER THE HOOD VENTILATION SYSTEM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER LIGHTING FOR CLEANING AREA.
  8. Canvass

    16 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • ALL HANDWASHING SINKS IN NEED OF SIGNS FOR EMPLOYEES TO WASH HANDS. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
    • 28. TOXIC SUBSTANCES PROPERLY IDENTIFIED, STORED, & USED
      • OBSERVED OLD FLY STRIP IN 3 COMP SINK AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND NOT REPLACE.
    • 35. APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED
      • ALL FROZEN FISH MUST BE THAWED OUTSIDE OF PACKAGING. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • ALL BULK FOOD ITEMS BEING STORED IN CONTAINERS MUST BE PROPERLY IDENTIFIED WITH COMMODITY NAME. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • FOOD STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK IN COOLER MUST BE STORED ON STORAGE RACK. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
    • 45. SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED
      • ALL SINGLE SERVICE PLASTIC WARE MUST BE INVERTED TO ELIMINATE ANY CONTAMINATION. INVERT OR OBTAIN INDIVIDUALLY WRAPPED ARTICLES.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • ALL RAW WOOD IN NEED OF SEALING TO PREVENT ANY DAMAGE TO AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS AND BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • ALL SIDES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, TABLE LEGS, WHEELS ON EQUIPMENT AND BOTTOMS OF PREP TABLES ALL IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL GREASE AND FOOD BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • UNUSED OPEN DRAIN UNDER PREP TABLE IN NEED OF SEALING. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • UNISEX TOILET ROOMS IN NEED OF COVERED WASTE CAN RECEPTICLE. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 54. GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
      • WASTE CAN NEEDED AT ALL HANDSINK TO PROPERLY DISPOSE OF PAPRE TOWEL. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • ALL WEL MOPS AND BROOMS MUST BE CLEANED AND INVERTED TO PROPERLY AIR DRY. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • ALL UNNECESSARY CLUTTER IN BASEMENT MUST BE REMIVED AND OR ORGANIZED AND UP OFF THE FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • HOOD VENTILATION IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE DUST, GREASE AND CONDENSATION. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
  9. Short Form Complaint

    0 infractions

  10. Complaint Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  11. Short Form Complaint

    1 infraction

    • 54. GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
      • OUTSIDE GARBAGE AREA NOT MAINTAINED, CONTAINERS ARE OPEN AND OVERFLOWING WITH GARBAGE, GARBAGE ON THE GROUND. INSTRUCTED TO CONTACT GARBAGE COMPANY FOR PICK UP AND ADD ADDITONAL PICK UPS REGULARLY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(B) CITATION ISSUED
  12. Short Form Complaint

    0 infractions

  13. License

    0 infractions

  14. License

    0 infractions

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