Black Beetle Bar & Grill — the Beetle Bar & Grill
Last inspected: Aug 14, 2025
86
Score
Inspectors have visited Black Beetle Bar & Grill — the Beetle Bar & Grill 19 times, with records going back to 2010. Inspectors last stopped by on Aug 14, 2025. Low risk indicates the latest report didn't flag anything that would worry the average customer.
Recent visits have flagged more than earlier ones: around five violations per visit lately, up from roughly two violations before.
Looking across the full record, “food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed” is the recurring theme, flagged eight times.
Compared to the broader Chicago restaurant scene, where the average is 81, this is a stronger showing. The record is unremarkable in either direction.
19
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Aug 14, 2025
Reinspection
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-201.13 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES IN PREP AREA.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: 2-102.13 : OBSERVED MISSING FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR SOME EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: 2-102.13 : OBSERVED MISSING FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR SOME FOOD MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
58
86
Aug 7, 2025
Routine
3 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: MANAGER STATES THAT THEY HAVE FOOD ITEMS ON THE MENU THAT CAN BE CONSUMED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED.OBSERVED NO REMINDER ASTERISKING THE FOOD ITEMS ON MENU MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)
25
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SIGNED EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICIES FOR ALL EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010)(CITATION ISSUED)
3
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OUTSIDE GREASE CONTAINER LID ENCRUSTED WITH GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP MUST BE REMOVED, CLEANED, AND MAINTAINED.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(B)(CITATION ISSUED)
54
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST ELIMINATE CRATES USED FOR FOOD STORAGE IN BASEMENT AND PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING UNITS.MUST REMOVE FOIL FROM LID OF GREASE TRAP IN PREP AREA.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE OR REPLACE DEEP GROOVES ON CUTTING BOARD ON TOPSIDE OF PREP COOLER IN PREP AREA.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES IN PREP AREA.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES IN PREP & BAR AREA.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR SOME EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR SOME FOOD MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
58
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF PATIO DOOR MUST MAKE TIGHT FITTING.
38
52
Dec 3, 2024
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GREASE BUILD UP ON THE METAL SHELVING IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL SHELVING IN THE FOOD PREP AREA.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A BUILD UP OF DIRT AND DEBRIS UNDER AND AROUND THE EQUIPMENT IN THE BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AREA.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LOW LIGHTING IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE BRIGHTER LIGHTING AS A SOURCE OF BEING ABLE TO SEE BETTER WHEN CLEANING AND MAINTAINING THE FOOD SERVICE AREA.
56
86
Dec 8, 2023
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A SMALL AMOUNT OF BLACK SLIME RESIDUE ON THE CORNER INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO SCHEDULE A DETAIL CLEANING AND MAINTAIN.
16
95
Jun 10, 2022
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN RECORDS AT ALL TIMES.
57
95
Jun 3, 2022
Routine
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF RODENT ACTIVITY ON THE PREMISES. OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 65 RAT DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR UNDER THE STAIRS LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS FROM ALL AFFECTED AREAS. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
38
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN RECORDS AT ALL TIMES.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD CERTIFIED MANAGER WITH AN EXPIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS OBTAIN THIS CERTIFICATE.
58
82
Aug 13, 2019
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS OR POSTERS IN HAND WASHING SINKS IN FOOD PREPARATION AREA. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
10
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: SPLASH GUARD NEEDED AT THE EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK IN FOOD PREPARATION AREA. MUST INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
39
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ICE SCOOPS STORED ON TOP OF ICE MACHINE LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT. MUST PROPERLY STORE ICE SCOOPS IN A CLEAN CONTAINER TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
43
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RUSTY FOOD STORAGE SHELVING INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER AND FOOD STORAGE SHELVING IN BASEMENT. MUST REPAINT AND MAINTAIN.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRT ON CEILING LIGHT SHIELD COVERS IN FOOD PREPARATION AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GREASE AND DIRT BUILD UPON FLOOR UNDER AROUND AND BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT IN FOOD PREPARATION AREA AND FRONT BAR AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
74
May 30, 2017
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FISH STORED DIRECTLY IN GROCERY BAGS INSIDE OF THE REACH-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO USE FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS TO PROPERLY STORE MEATS AND FOOD ITEMS AT ALL TIMES.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE A LID OR COVER FOR THE CONSUMABLE ICE BIN BEHIND THE BAR TO PROTECT ICE IN BETWEEN USE.
32
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BLACK SUBSTANCE ON THE GASKETS OF THE DEEP FREEZER WHERE FRENCH FRIES ARE STORED LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN GASKETS.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE CONTAINER WHERE CHIPS ARE STORED IN. THE EXTERIOR IS SOILED AND MUST BE DETAIL CLEANED AND SANITIZED.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: THE WALL BEHIND THE SPRAYER SINK NEXT TO THE DISHMACHINE IN THE KITCHEN IS DETERIORATING AND HAS A BLACK SUBSTANCE ALONG THE WALL THAT MUST BE CLEANED AND SANITIZED.
35
78
Apr 13, 2016
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Apr 6, 2016
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Dish washing facilities: properly designed, constructed, maintained, installed, located and operated
Inspector notes: ONE COMPARTMENT SINK NOT MAINTAINED,WHEN LOW TEMP DISH MACHINE RELEASE WATER,WASTE WATER BACKS -UP INTO THE SINK.ALSO OBSERVED SMALL AMOUNT OF WATER FROM UNDER THE GREASE TRAP. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR CAUSE , SERIOUS VIOLATION:7-38-030
24
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: REACH-IN WHITE FREEZER IN THE BASEMENT EXTERIOR SURFACE IS EXTREMELY RUSTY UNABLE TO CLEAN,INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR REPLACE DOORS.SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH,CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: UNEVEN /BROKEN CEMENT FLOOR IN THE BASEMENT STORAGE AREA,INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.FLOOR MUST BE SMOOTH,CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE WOOD FLOOR BY THE BAR NOT STEADY INSTRUCTED TO RESEAL.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: BROKEN /DIRTY CAULKING BETWEEN THE WALL AND WASH BOWLS IN THE CUSTOMER WASHROOM NEED TO REPLACE WITH A SMOOTH CLEANABLE AND NON- ABSORBENT SURFACE
35
82
Sep 15, 2015
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN ALL SIDE OF COOKING EQUIPMENT TO REMOVE ALL GREASE BUILD UP. CLEAN INTERIOR OF REACH IN COOLER AT FRONT BAR AREA. MUST CLEAN THE TOPS OF ALL TRASH CANS, CLEAN POP GINS AND LINES. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS IN PREP AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING BY GRILL AND FRY AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: GREASE BUILD UP AT WALL BY GRILL AREA AND FRYER AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: LIGHT SHIELDS IN BASEMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: HOOD VENTILATION IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL GREASE BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
38
78
May 28, 2014
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: LABEL BULK CONTAINERS IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: REPAIR DAMAGED GASKET ON DRAWER COOLER.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES IN PREP AREA. SEAL LOOSE BASEBOARDS IN PREP AREA.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: REPLACE MISSING LIGHT SHIELD IN VENTILATION HOOD.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTALL AN EXPOSED HAND SINK, WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER, SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS IN BAR AREA.
38
78
Jun 14, 2013
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Cutting boards in maintained in prep area. Instructged to replace worn cutting boards.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Interior of ice machine, exterior between cooking equipment not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean and sanitize daily.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Exposed brick not sealed in dining area. Instructed to apply non-toxic sealant to surface. Gap noted along wallbase behind cooking equipment. Instructed to seal gap and install coving.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Drainline not attached in bar for soda dispenser. Instructed to connect drainline.
38
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: Food handler not wearing hair restraint in prep area. Instructed to provide proper hair restraint for all food handlers.
42
78
Apr 19, 2012
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Apr 11, 2012
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: All necessary control measures shall be used to effectively minimize or eliminate the presence of rodents, roaches, and other vermin and insects on the premises of all food establishments, in food-transporting vehicles, and in vending machines.FOUND EVIDENCE OF RODENTS APPROX. 20 RODENT RAT DROPPINGS INSIDE 1 SECTION OF CRAWL SPACE BY THE MANAGERS OFFICE.SEAL ALL NOTICE ABLE OPENINGS AROUND PIPE PENETRATIONS. FOUND OUTER OPENINGS ARE NOT RODENT PROOFED. OBSERVED A 1/4" GAP ALONG THE BOTTOM RIGHT CORNER OF THE FRONT SOUTH EAST DOOR. ALSO FOUND INADEQUATE PEST CONTROL I.E INCOMPLETE PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK DURING THIS INSPECTION MISSING DOCUMENTS A MAP OF ALL LOCATIONS OF ALL APPLICATIONS OF PESTICIDES,TRAP,AND MONITORING DEVICES.DETAIL CLEAN,SANITIZE ALL AFFECTED AREAS AND RODENT PROOF SAID DOOR,PEST CONTROL SERVICE NOW RECCOMENDED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
18
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: The licensee shall inform the public in writing of the Chicago Department of Public Health?s Consumer Advisory relating to consuming raw and undercooked animal products.PROVIDE A CONSUMARY ADVISORY SIGNAGE FOR PUBLIC VIEW.
30
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: Containers and utensils shall be inverted, covered, or otherwise protected from contamination until used. All single-service drinking straws and containers shall be discarded immediately after use.MUST INVERT THE TAKE-OUT STORAGE CONTAINERS STORED ON THE SHELF SO THAT THEY ARE PROTECTED FROM CONTAMINATION.
31
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. PROVIDE ICE BIN COVER FOR ICE BIN BEHIND BAR.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair.REPAIR BROKEN FLOOR TILES IN THE LADIES TOILET ROOM.
34
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: All food establishments that display, prepare, or store potentially hazardous foods shall have calibrated metal stem thermometers, provided and conspicuous, for refrigerated and hot food units.THERMOMETER IS NEEDED INSIDE THE WALK-IN-COOLER.
40
74
Apr 4, 2012
Routine
No violations found.
100
Apr 15, 2011
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. MUST PROVIDE KNOBS TO STOVE AREA, TO PROPERLY TURN ON STOVE
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. MUST CLEAN VENTS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT, TOPS, SIDES AND INTERIOR CABINETS OF COOKING EQUIPMENT
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. MUST REPAIR/REPAINT SOME CHIPPING WALL SURFACES IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA
35
86
Nov 9, 2010
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily.Clean and degrease the equipment and surfaces in detail.
33
95
Nov 3, 2010
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: All necessary control measures shall be used to effectively minimize or eliminate the presence of rodents, roaches, and other vermin and insects on the premises of all food establishments, in food-transporting vehicles, and in vending machines.FOUND EVIDENCE OF RODENTS THROUGH APPROXIMATELY 20 RAT DFROPPINGS IN CLUTTERED BENEATH STAIRCASE LEADING TO BASEMENT DRY STORAGE,NOTICEABLE OPENINGS ON GROUND IN SAID AREA,FRONT WEST DOOR NOT RODENT-PROOFED 1/2 " MODE OF ENTRY.MUST CLEAN,SANITIZE ALL AFFECTED AREAS,SEAL ALL NOTED OPENINGS AROUND PLUMBING/ELECTRICAL FIXTURES,PEST CONTROL CO SERVICE NOW FRECCOMENDED,RODENT PROOF SAID DOOR.
18
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair.MUST REPLACE/REPAIR RUSTY SHELVING INSIDE WALK-IN-COOLER,BAR COOLERS USING A NON-TOXIC FINISH.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily.Clean and degrease the equipment and surfaces in detail.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair.FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS THROUGHOUT REQUIRE DETAIL CLEANING.
34
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: All parts of the food establishment and all parts of the property used in connection with the operation of the establishment shall be kept neat and clean and should not produce any offensive odors.REMOVE ALL CLUTTER FROM PREMISES.
41
78
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Black Beetle Bar & Grill — the Beetle Bar & Grill last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Black Beetle Bar & Grill — the Beetle Bar & Grill on file is from Aug 14, 2025. The public record contains 19 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Black Beetle Bar & Grill — the Beetle Bar & Grill?
Across the inspection record, “food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed” has been cited eight times, more than any other issue at Black Beetle Bar & Grill — the Beetle Bar & Grill.
Has Black Beetle Bar & Grill — the Beetle Bar & Grill's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Black Beetle Bar & Grill — the Beetle Bar & Grill have averaged around five violations per visit, up from roughly two earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Black Beetle Bar & Grill — the Beetle Bar & Grill means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.
How often is Black Beetle Bar & Grill — the Beetle Bar & Grill inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Black Beetle Bar & Grill — the Beetle Bar & Grill is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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