The Original Uncle Johns Barbecue

8247-8249 S COTTAGE GROVE AVE, Chicago, IL 60619 · Cook County

59cited violations

0serious tier

12inspections

55tier not stated

Establishment

Type: Restaurant (retail food serving meals) (Restaurant)
Inspected by: Chicago Department of Public Health
License / ID: 2900877
Status: Risk 1 (High)
Official record: Chicago Department of Public Health inspection reports

Other public records for this business

Year by year

Year	Inspections	Violations
2026	2	0
2025	6	33
2024	3	20
2023	1	6

Inspections

Aug 17, 2026 Complaint · Pass — Risk 1 (High)

Result: Pass.
Mar 16, 2026 Complaint · Pass — Risk 1 (High)

Result: Pass.
Oct 16, 2025 Complaint Re-Inspection · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
- Severity not stated
  PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
  
  OBSERVED DEBRIS INSIDE FLOOR DRAINS AND ON FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
Oct 9, 2025 Complaint · Fail — Risk 1 (High)
- Not serious Priority Foundation
  ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
  
  OBSERVED HAND WASHING SINK IN REAR PREP AREA FILLED WITH SOILED CLOTHS AND NOT ACCESSIBLE FOR HAND WASHING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL ITEMS FROM HAND WASHING SINK. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.
- Not serious Priority Foundation
  ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
  
  OBSERVED NO SOAP AT REAR HAND WASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE SOAP AT HAND WASHING SINK FOR PROPER HAND WASHING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C)
- Severity not stated
  APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED
  
  OBSERVED CHICKEN IMPROPERLY THAWING IN 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO THAW UNDER COLD RUNNING WATER, UNDER REFRIGERATION OR PART OF COOKING PROCESS.
- Severity not stated
  FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
  
  OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS NOT PROPERLY LABELED IN PREP, COOLER AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO LABEL ALL BULK CONTAINERS.
- Not serious Priority Foundation
  INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
  
  OBSERVED OVER 100 MICE DROPPINGS ON FLOOR ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS, UNDER FRONT COUNTER, BEHIND COOLERS, NEAR HAND WASHING SINKS, 3-COMPARMENT SINK, NEAR WATER HEATER, PIT, ON CUTTING BOARDS, MULTI-USE EQUIPMENT, ON PALLETS AND FLOOR ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS IN SECOND FLOOR STORAGE AREA. OBSERVED NUMEROUS FLYING INSECTS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALL AN EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS.PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED
- Severity not stated
  CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
  
  OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
- Severity not stated
  WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
  
  OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED IN SINKS AND ON PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED TO STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.
- Severity not stated
  FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
  
  OBSERVED ICE BUILDUP INSIDE WALK-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
- Severity not stated
  NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
  
  OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF FRYERS, PREP TABLES, COOKING EQUIPMENT, SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
- Severity not stated
  PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
  
  OBSERVED DEBRIS INSIDE FLOOR DRAINS AND ON FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
- Severity not stated
  PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
  
  OBSERVED UNUSED ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT IN SECOND FLOOR STORAGE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ARTICLES TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER STORE ITEMS SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALL FOR EASY CLEANING AND PEST CONTROL.
Aug 11, 2025 Complaint Re-Inspection · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
- Severity not stated
  CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
  
  OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
- Severity not stated
  NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
  
  OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF FRYERS, PREP TABLES, COOKING EQUIPMENT, SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
Aug 4, 2025 Complaint · Fail — Risk 1 (High)
- Severity not stated
  PROPER EATING, TASTING, DRINKING, OR TOBACCO USE
  
  OBSERVED EMPLOYEES EATING IN FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE DESIGNATED AREA FOR EMPLOYEE MEALS OUTSIDE OF PREP AREA.
- Severity not stated
  ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
  
  OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGN AT FRONT HAND WASHING SINK. INSTUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGNS AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS USED BY EMPLOYEES.
- Severity not stated
  FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
  
  OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS NOT LABELED IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO LABEL ALL BULK CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME OF FOOD.
- Not serious Priority Foundation
  INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
  
  OBSERVED OVER 100 MICE DROPPINGS ON SHELVING UNITS, MULIT-UUSE EQUIPMENT, PALLETS ON FLOOR ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS IN FIRST FLOOR PREP AND SECOND FLOOR STORAGE AREAS. OBSERVED NUMEROUS FLYING INSECTS LANDING ON WALLS, PREP TABLES, BULK CONTAINERS, SHELVING UNITS IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALL AN EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED
- Severity not stated
  CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
  
  OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
- Severity not stated
  NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
  
  OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF FRYERS, PREP TABLES, COOKING EQUIPMENT, SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
- Severity not stated
  PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
  
  OBSERVED OPENING IN FLOOR AROUND PIPE FITTING IN REAR AND MISSING GROUT ON TILES NEAR FRONT HAND WASHING SINK INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
- Severity not stated
  PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
  
  OBSERVED DEBRIS ON FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
- Severity not stated
  ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
  
  OBSERVED MISSING FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ALL EMPLOYEES.
Mar 24, 2025 Short Form Complaint · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
- Severity not stated
  NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
  
  OBSERVED DEEP FRYERS IN THE FRONT PREP AREA WITH GREASE AND DIRT BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FRYERS.
- Severity not stated
  NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
  
  STORAGE RACKS INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER AND IN THE FOOD PREP AREA WITH FOOD, DIRT AND DUST BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN STORAGE RACKS.
- Severity not stated
  PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
  
  THE HOT WATER FAUCET IN THE WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM LEAKS AT THE BASE. INSTRUCTED TO FIX AND MAINTAIN GOOD PLUMBING.
- Severity not stated
  PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
  
  FLOORS BY THE PIT IN THE FRONT PREP AREA ARE PITTED/DAMAGED. INSTRUCTED TO FIX AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE FLOORS. WALL TILE BY THE FRONT HAND WASHING SINK HAS A CRACK. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL/REGROUT AND MAINTAIN. -
- Severity not stated
  PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
  
  WALLS BY THE FRONT HAND WASHING SINK WITH GREASE, DIRT AND DUST BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN WALLS. -FLOORS IN THE CORNERS, UNDER/AROUND THE HEAVY EQUIPMENT, SINKS AND INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER/FREEZER WITH FOOD, DIRT AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS.
Jan 24, 2025 Complaint · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
- Severity not stated
  NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
  
  OBSERVED DEEP FRYERS IN THE FRONT PREP AREA WITH GREASE AND DIRT BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FRYERS.
- Severity not stated
  NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
  
  STORAGE RACKS INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER AND IN THE FOOD PREP AREA WITH FOOD, DIRT AND DUST BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN STORAGE RACKS.
- Severity not stated
  PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
  
  THE HOT WATER FAUCET IN THE WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM LEAKS AT THE BASE. INSTRUCTED TO FIX AND MAINTAIN GOOD PLUMBING.
- Severity not stated
  PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
  
  FLOORS BY THE PIT IN THE FRONT PREP AREA ARE PITTED/DAMAGED. INSTRUCTED TO FIX AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE FLOORS. WALL TILE BY THE FRONT HAND WASHING SINK HAS A CRACK. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL/REGROUT AND MAINTAIN.
- Severity not stated
  PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
  
  WALLS BY THE FRONT HAND WASHING SINK WITH GREASE, DIRT AND DUST BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN WALLS. -FLOORS IN THE CORNERS, UNDER/AROUND THE HEAVY EQUIPMENT, SINKS AND INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER/FREEZER WITH FOOD, DIRT AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS.
May 6, 2024 Complaint · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
- Severity not stated
  WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
  
  OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS NOT PROPERLY STORED WHEN NOT IN USE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION (MUST BE AT THE REQUIRED PPM) WHEN NOT IN USE. MAINTAIN SAME
- Severity not stated
  NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
  
  OBSERVED DEEP FRYERS IN THE FRONT PREP AREA WITH GREASE AND DIRT BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FRYERS.
- Severity not stated
  PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
  
  OBSERVED THE FLOOR DRAINS AND FLOORS IN THE CORNERS AND UNDER/AROUND ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT WITH FOOD AND CHARRED DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOOR DRAIN AND FLOORS.
- Severity not stated
  ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
  
  OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN A CURRENT CERTIFICATE AT ALL TIMES.
Mar 6, 2024 Short Form Complaint · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
- Severity not stated
  FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
  
  OBSERVED LARGE BULK INGREDIENT CONTAINERS NOT LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL AND MAINTAIN.
- Severity not stated
  WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
  
  OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS NOT PROPERLY STORED WHEN NOT IN USE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION (MUST BE AT THE REQUIRED PPM) WHEN NOT IN USE. MAINTAIN SAME
- Severity not stated
  FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
  
  OBSERVED THE CAN OPENER WITH FOOD AND DIRT BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CAN OPENER.
- Severity not stated
  WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
  
  OBSERVED LARGE GARBAGE CANS BEING USED TO STORE SAUCE. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE THE INTERIOR/EXTERIOR OF CANS BY EITHER GETTING A 3-COMPARMENT SINK LARGE ENOUGH TO FULLY SUBMERGE THE CANS. BY USING SMALLER CONTAINERS THAT CAN BE FULLY SUBMERGED IN THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK OR IMPLEMENTING A CLEAN IN PLACE (CIP) PROCEDURE.
- Severity not stated
  NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
  
  OBSERVED THE INTERIOR/EXTERIOR OF THE PIT WITH CHARRED FOOD AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
- Severity not stated
  NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
  
  OBSERVED THE STORAGE RACKS IN THE PREP AREAS WITH DIRT AND FOOD BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN STORAGE RACKS.
- Severity not stated
  PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
  
  OBSERVED A LEAK AT THE RIGHT FAUCET ON THE 3-COMP. SINK AND A LEAK AT THE BASE OF THE 2-COMP. SINK. INSTRUCTED TO FIX LEAKS AND MAINTAIN.
- Severity not stated
  PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
  
  OBSERVED THE WALLS IN THE FOOD PREP AND DISH WASHING AREA WITH STAINED WALL TILES. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN TILED WALLS.
Jan 26, 2024 Complaint · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
- Severity not stated
  FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
  
  OBSERVED LARGE BULK INGREDIENT CONTAINERS NOT LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL AND MAINTAIN.
- Severity not stated
  WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
  
  OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS NOT PROPERLY STORED WHEN NOT IN USE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION (MUST BE AT THE REQUIRED PPM) WHEN NOT IN USE. MAINTAIN SAME.
- Severity not stated
  FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
  
  OBSERVED THE CAN OPENER WITH FOOD AND DIRT BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CAN OPENER.
- Severity not stated
  NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
  
  OBSERVED THE INTERIOR/EXTERIOR OF THE PIT WITH CHARRED FOOD AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
- Severity not stated
  NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
  
  OBSERVED THE STORAGE RACKS IN THE PREP AREAS WITH DIRT AND FOOD BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN STORAGE RACKS.
- Severity not stated
  PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
  
  OBSERVED A LEAK AT THE RIGHT FAUCET ON THE 3-COMP. SINK AND A LEAK AT THE BASE OF THE 2-COMP. SINK. INSTRUCTED TO FIX LEAKS AND MAINTAIN.
- Severity not stated
  PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
  
  OBSERVED THE WALLS IN THE FOOD PREP AND DISH WASHING AREA WITH STAINED WALL TILES. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN TILED WALLS.
- Severity not stated
  ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
  
  OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER (CFM) ON SITE WITH NO PROOF SHE TOOK THE ALLERGEN TRAINING COURSE. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN ON SITE.
Apr 4, 2023 License · Pass w/ Conditions — Risk 1 (High)
- Severity not stated
  THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
  
  OBSERVED NO THERMOMETERS INSIDE THE REFRIGERATION UNITS, CONSPICUOUSLY POSTED TO MONITOR THE AMBIENT TEMPERATURE OF EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO EQUIP ALL REFRIGERATION UNITS WITH ACCURATE AND WORKING THERMOMETERS.
- Severity not stated
  INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
  
  OBSERVED MULTIPLE ELECTRICAL, INSECT CONTROL DEVICES INSTALLED ABOVE A FOOD PREP TABLES IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE MANAGER TO RELOCATE SAID INSECT CONTROL DEVICE, SO THAT THE DEVICE IS NOT LOCATED OVER ANY FOOD PREPARATION AREAS AND FOOD PREPARATION EQUIPMENT.
- Severity not stated
  CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
  
  OBSERVED STYROFOAM CUPS STORED IN THE BULK DRY SPICE CONTAINERS AND SCOOPS WITH THE HANDLE MAKING CONTACT WITH THE DRY FOOD INGREDIENTS. INSTRUCTED TO USE PROPER UTENSILS WITH HANDLES AND REFRAIN FROM STORING THE UTENSILS WITH THE HANDLE MAKING CONTACT WITH THE FOOD ITEMS.
- Severity not stated
  NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
  
  OBSERVED THE MICROWAVE AT THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA WITH FOOD DEBRIS ON THE INSIDE OF THE EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN SAID EQUIPMENT MORE FREQUENTLY.
- Severity not stated
  PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
  
  OBSERVED THE FLOORS BEHIND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE FOOD PREP AREAS WITH DEBIRS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN SAID FLOORS OR FREQUENTLY.
- Severity not stated
  ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
  
  OBSERVED THE VENTILATION SYSTEM IN THE MEN'S EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM NOT WORKING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND NAINTAIN SAID VENTILATION SYSTEM.

Source: Chicago Department of Public Health. History last read Oct 1, 2026. Violation text is the inspector's wording. “Serious” is the source's own top tier. About this data.