Blue Bayou
Last inspected: Oct 20, 2025
64
Score
Across the available record, Blue Bayou has 11 inspections on file, the first dated 2010. The newest entry in the record is dated Oct 20, 2025. When a facility lands in medium risk territory, it usually means a mixed inspection result.
Inspection results have stayed in a similar range over the last few visits, averaging around five violations each.
When inspectors have written things up, “food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed” has been the most frequent reason, cited six times.
Compared to other Chicago restaurants (averaging 81), there's room to close the gap. The full record sits in fairly typical territory for a working restaurant.
11
Inspections
0
Critical latest
2
Major latest
5
Minor latest
Inspection History
Oct 20, 2025
Routine
2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND SOAP PROVIDED IN THE EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINKS LOCATED IN BOTH BARS LOCATED IN THE 1ST AND 2ND FLOOR. MANAGEMENT PROVIDED HAND SOAP DURING INSPECTION AT THE BOTH HAND WASHING SINKS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HAND SOAP AT ALL TIMES AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
10
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HELATH POLICY FOREACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 CITATION ISSUED.
3
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ICE SCOOPS STORED INSIDE OF THE ICE BIN IN THE 2ND FLOOR BAR AREA. MUST PROPERLY STORE ICE SCOOPS IN A CLEAN CONTAINER TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
43
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE PROVIDED IN THE UNISEX WASHROOMS. MUST PROVIDE COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE AND MAINTAIN.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HEAVY DUST BUILD UP ON CEILING VENTILATION VENTS IN ALL UNISEX WASHROOMS LOCATED IN THE 1ST AND 2ND FLOOR. MUST CELAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGER ON SITE WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE FO EACH CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGER.
58
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS OR POSTERS NEAR HAND WASHING SINKS IN BOTH BARS. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
10
64
Oct 22, 2024
License
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: ALL STORED ITEMS THROUGHOUT ALL STORAGE CLOSETS IE: UNDER THE STAIRWELL AND WASHROOM CLOSETS, MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOORS.
45
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: RAW WOODEN SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE REAR HALLWAY TO KITCHEN AND RAW WOOD UNDER THE 2ND FLOOR BAR ICE BIN MUST BE PAINTED/SEALED AND NON-ABSORBENT.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MISSING/DAMAGED FLOOR DRAIN COVER AT THE BASEMENT SODA DISPENSING SYSTEM. MUST REPLACE.
55
86
Apr 25, 2013
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE LOCATED IN BASEMENT. MUST MAINTAIN.
32
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: LIGHT SHIELDS MISSINHG INSIDE DISPLAY CO0OLER IN SECOND FLOOR BAR.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: LEAKY FAUCET AT 3-COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATED IN FRONT FIRST FLOOR BAR. MUST REPAIR/MAINTAINED
38
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: ICE SCOOPS STORED INSIDE ICE BINS. MUST PROPERLY STORE IN A CLEAN CONTAINER.
43
82
Jun 4, 2012
Reinspection
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: DIRTY GLASSWARE STORED ON SHELVING BEHIND 1ST FLOOR BAR MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
31
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: DIRTY, STICKY SHELVING THROUGHOUT BOTH BARS.MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS UNDER BOTH BARS WITH DIRT, DEBRIS AND OLD FRUIT. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
34
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: LIGHT SHIELDS MUST BE PROVIDED THROUGHOUT BASEMENT DRY FOOD STORAGE.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: DRAIN FROM 1ST FLOOR BAR EXPOSED HAND SINK NOT DRAINING INTO FLOOR DRAIN, FOUND DRAINING ONTO FLOOR. MUST REPAIR.
38
78
May 24, 2012
Routine
10 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Source of cross contamination controlled i.e. cutting boards, food handlers, utensils, etc
Inspector notes: INTERIOR ICE MACHINES UPPER WATER RESERVOIR WITH BLACK SLIME SUBSTANCE ON ALL SURFACES IN CONTACT WITH WATER USED TO MAKE ICE AND DRIPPING DOWN INTO ICE BIN. ICE DISCARDED. MACHINE TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION AND MUST NOT USE UNTIL CLEAN, SANITIZED AND C.D.P.H CONTACTED BY FAX REQUEST TO 312-746-4240 FOR INSPECTION AND TAG REMOVAL. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005(A).
4
Dish washing facilities: properly designed, constructed, maintained, installed, located and operated
Inspector notes: THREE COMPARTMENT SINK BEHIND FIRST FLOOR FOUND EXTREMELY DIRTY WITH BLACK STAINS, EXCESSIVE RUST, BROWN SLIME AND SINK WAS SET AND BEING USED DURING THIS INSPECTION TO WASH GLASSWARE. EXPOSED HAND SINK BEHIND SAME BAR IN SAME CONDITION. MANAGEMENT HAS STAFF CLEANING AND SANITIZING ALL SINKS AT THIS TIME. SERIOUS CITCATION ISSUED 7-38-030.
24
Adequate number, convenient, accessible, properly designed and installed
Inspector notes: NO HOT WATER IN MENS WASHROOM. FAUCET IS ON A MIXED VALVE AND MANAGEMENT STATES THE HOT VALVE UNDER SINK WAS TURNED OFF. MANAGEMENT TURNED BACK ON. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030.
26
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION FROM 5-24-11 NOT CORRECTED. #32-REPLACE BROKEN LINER INSIDE CHEST FREEZER INSULATION IS EXPOSED. REPLACE BROKEN RUBBER GASKET INSIDE SMALL COOLER LOCATED IN THE PREP AREA, SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED. 7-42-090.
29
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: ALL PREPARED FOODS IN FREEZERS MUST BE LABELED AND DATED.
30
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: DIRTY GLASSWARE STORED ON SHELVING BEHIND 1ST FLOOR BAR MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZE. DIRTY GLASSWARE FOUND IN UNUSED 2ND FLOOR THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AND EXPOSED HAND SINK. MUST REMOVE.
31
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: DIRTY, STICKY SHELVING THROUGHOUT BOTH BARS. DIRTY, STICKY DINING ROOM TABLES. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. RUSTY SHELVING IN BOTH COOKS LINE COOLERS. MUST RE-PAINT OR REPLACE.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS UNDER BOTH BARS WITH DIRT, DEBRIS AND OLD FRUIT. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
34
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: LIGHT SHIELDS MUST BE PROVIDED IN 2ND FLOOR HALLWAY TO GO FOOD CONTAINER STORAGE. MISSING LIGHT SHIELD ABOVE DISH MACHINE. MUST REPLACE. LIGHT SHIELDS MUST BE PROVIDED THROUGHOUT BASEMENT DRY FOOD STORAGE.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: ALL SODA GUN HOLDERS BEHIND BOTH BARS MUST HAVE PROPER DRAINING TUBES TO FLOOR DRAIN. DRAIN FROM 1ST FLOOR BAR EXPOSED HAND SINK NOT DRAINING INTO FLOOR DRAIN, FOUND DRAINING ONTO FLOOR. MUST REPAIR. NO VENTILATION IN LADIES WASHROOM, MUST PROVIDE. BUCKET OF STANDING, MOLDY LIQUID ON FLOOR BEHIND SECOND FLOOR BAR. MUST REMOVE.
38
61
May 24, 2011
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: NEED TO DETAIL CLEAN WASTE OIL GREASE CONTAINER OUT SIDE. REPLACE BROKEN RUBBER GASKET INSIDE SMALL COOLER LOCATED IN THE PREP AREA,ALSO REPLACE BROKEN LINER INSIDE CHEST FREEZER INSULATION IS EXPOSED.
32
95
May 18, 2011
Complaint
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Source of cross contamination controlled i.e. cutting boards, food handlers, utensils, etc
Inspector notes: All food shall be protected from contamination and the elements, and so shall all food equipment, containers, utensils, food contact surfaces and devices, and vehicles. OBSERVED INTER AL ICE MACHINE WATER RESERVOIR WITH BLACK SLIME SUBSTANCE DRIPPING INTO THE WATER WHERE THE ICE IS MADE ALSO OBSERVED ICE CUBES WITH BLACK PARTICLES IN THE BAR AREA IN ICE BIN. TAGGED UNIT HELD FOR INSPECTION. INST TO TURN OFF THE ICE MACHINE INST TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE AND FAX A LETTER TO PUBLIC HEALTH 312 746 4240 WHEN UNIT IS CLEAN. ATTN MS LOPEZ. ALSO FAX INVOICE MUST PROVIDE INVOICE OF ICE PURCHASED. CRITICAL VIOLATION:7-38-005(A) H000072503-10
4
Hands washed and cleaned, good hygienic practices; no bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods.
Inspector notes: All employees who handle food shall wash their hands as often as necessary to maintain a high degree of personal cleanliness and should conform to hygienic practices prescribed by the Board of Health.OBSERVERD EMPLOYEE TOUCHING NON FOOD CONTACT SURFACE, SUCH AS DIRTY COOKING EQUIPMENT, AT THE SAME TIME PUTTING ON HIS HAT,AND HANDLING DIRTY DISHES AND REMOVE THE CLEAN DISHES AND STORED CLEAN DISHES ON SHELF WITHOUT WASHING HIS HANDS.CRITICAL VIOLATION:7-38-010(A) H000072503-10
6
Previous serious violation corrected, 7-42-090
Inspector notes: A separate and distinct offense shall be deemed to have been committed for each Serious violation that is not corrected upon re-inspection by the health authority. PREVIOUS SERIOUS VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM LAST INSPECTION DATED 2-10-11, REPORT #491732. NO CERTIFIED MANAGER WITH THE FOOD SANITATION ON SITE OR DISPLAY. INSTRUCTED SOMEONE MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIME OF OPERATION WITH A FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE. OF CITY OF CHICAGO.CRITICAL VIOLATION:7-42-090 H000072504-11
14
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector notes: A separate and distinct offense shall be deemed to have been committed for each Minor violation that is not corrected upon re-inspection by the health authority. PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM LAST REPORT DATED 2-10-11, 32. SPLASH GUARD IS NEEDED BETWEEN EXPOSED HAND SINK AND CLEAN GLASSES,BEHIND BAR AREA(1ST FLOOR)COVER IS NEEDED FRONT BIN AT 2ND FLOOR BAR AREA. 34. DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE FLOOR IN BASEMENT AREA STORONG FOUL OF URINE. 38. REPAIR PROPERLY OR REPLACE FAUCET NECK AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK REMOVE FILTHY PLASTIC AROUND IT. SERIOUS VIOLATION:7-42-0980 H000072504-11
29
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. NEED TO DETAIL CLEAN WASTE OIL GREASE CONTAINER OUT SIDE. REPLACE BROKEN RUBBER GASKET INSIDE SMALL COOLER LOCATED IN THE PREP AREA,ALSO REPLACE BROKEN LINER INSIDE CHEST FREEZER INSULATION IS EXPOSED.
32
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health. 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AT THE BAR AREA IS SLOWLY DRIAING ON THE 2ND FLOOR.
38
74
Feb 10, 2011
Complaint
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: All cold food shall be stored at a temperature of 40F or less. FOUND POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE:GUMBO AT TEMP OF 47.6F ,AND CHICKEN SOUP AT TEMP OF 44.5F TO 45.6F.DICED HAM AT TEMP OF 54F.NO PROOF OF TIME AND TEMPERATURE LOG PROVIDED.FOOD DISCARDED AND DENATURED AFTER I RECHECKED WALK-IN COOLER.POUND 15,VALUE 400.CRITICAL VIOLATION:7-38-005(A) HOOOO71102-13
3
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: A certified food service manager must be present in all establishments at which potentially hazardous food is prepared or served. NO FOOD HANDLER ON PREMISES WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD WERE PREPARED COOKED AND STORED.A SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED ON PREMISES(MR.ISRAEL SOSA)HOWEVER HE WAS OFF.INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ADDITIONAL EMPLOYEE REGISTER FOR SANITATION CLASS. SERIOUS VIOLATION:7-38-012 HOOOO71102-13
21
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. SPLASH GUARD IS NEEDED BETWEEN EXPOSED HAND SINK AND CLEAN GLASSES, BEHIND BAR AREA(1ST FLOOR).COVER IS NEEDED FORICE BIN AT 2ND FLOOR BAR AREA.
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.DETAIL CLEAN DEEP FRYERS, INSIDE GREASE BUILD-UP.
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. DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE FLOOR IN BASEMENT AREA,STRONG FOUL(URINE).
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health. REPAIR PROPERLY OR REPLACE FAUCET NECK AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.REMOVE FILTHY PLASTIC AROUND IT.
38
74
Feb 8, 2011
Complaint
No violations found.
100
May 4, 2010
Task Force Liquor 1475
No violations found.
100
Mar 12, 2010
Suspected Food Poisoning
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: All cold food shall be stored at a temperature of 40F or less.POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE.FOUND 3 CONTAINER OF COOKED JAMBALAYA(RICE,SAUSAGE, CHICKEN AND VEGETABLE), STORED IN WALK-IN COOLER AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE 97.6F; 103.3F; 98.3F AND 127.7F. NO PROOF OF TIME AND TEMPERATURE LOG PROVIDED.FOOD DISCARDED AND DENATURED. POUNDS 40, VALUE 560.CRITICAL VIOLATION:7-38-005(A) HOOOO59427
3
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: All utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each usage. All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily.ADDITIONAL CLEANING IS NEEDED INSIDE THE ICE MACHINE(MINERAL BUILD UP).FILTER ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENTS(GREASE BUILD-UP)
33
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health.NEED TO WELD SEAM AT DRAINBOARD AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK, WATER IS LEAKING ON FLOOR.
38
86
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Blue Bayou last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Blue Bayou on file is from Oct 20, 2025. The public record contains 11 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Blue Bayou?
Across the inspection record, “food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at Blue Bayou.
Has Blue Bayou's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Blue Bayou have averaged around five violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Blue Bayou means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.
How often is Blue Bayou inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Blue Bayou is inspected about once every two years on average.
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