Boston's Bar B-Q
Last inspected: Jan 26, 2017
78
Score
Boston's Bar B-Q has been inspected 12 times since 2011. On Jan 26, 2017, the health department conducted the most recent visit. Low risk means the most recent visit produced few or no significant findings. No fresh inspection data is available: the latest entry for Boston's Bar B-Q dates to Jan 26, 2017.
There hasn't been much movement either way: counts have stayed near five violations per visit across recent inspections.
“Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing nine times across the record.
Compared to other Chicago restaurants (averaging 81), there's room to close the gap. The full picture is one of consistent compliance.
12
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
5
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 26, 2017
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES: INSIDE THE 2-DOOR REFRIGERATOR IN THE REAR FOUND 10 WHOLE ROAST CUTS OF BEEF AT 71.0F, 5 CONTAINERS OF SLICED BEEF AT 49.0F, AND A CONTAINER OF MEAT BALLS AT 62F. FOUND A CONTAINER OF BEEF BARLEY SOUP AT 123.5F AND A CONTAINER OF MEATBALLS AT 125F INSIDE OF THE STEAM TABLE LOCATED ON THE LEFT SIDE NEXT TO THE STEAM TABLE WHERE BEEF IS HOT HOLDING. MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED 100# OF FOOD WORTH $350. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A
3
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HEAVY FROST BUILDUP ON THE WALLS OF THE ICE CREAM FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO DEFROST FREEZER AND MAINTAIN.
32
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO HAVE THE HOOD VENTS SERVICED TO ELIMINATE GREASE BUILDUP AND MAINTAIN.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS BUILDP ON THE CAN OPENER AND HOLSTER ATTACHED TO THE PREP TABLE. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS IN THE KITCHEN NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS. ALL EMPLOYEES SHALL BE REQUIRED TO USE AN EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINT TO CONFINE HAIR.
42
78
Mar 18, 2016
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Mar 11, 2016
Complaint
9 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: FOOD NOT PROTECTED DURING STORAGE.FOUND COOKED ROAST BEEF STORED ON TOP THE SHELVES WHICH IS COVERED WITH ALUMINUM FOIL,SURFACE IS ENCRUSTED WITH FOOD. ROAST BEEF ALSO IS STORED AGAINST THE DIRTY/ENCRUSTED SPLATTERED COOLER PANELS.(REAR PREP AREA. FOUND COOKED PIECES OF CHICKEN STORED INSIDE A PLASTIC CONTAINER WITH FRESH UNWASHED TOMATOES AND LETTUCE ON TOP THE COOKED PRODUCTS. LETTUCE AND TOMATOES WERE INSIDE THE ORIGINAL PLASTIC BAGS.COOKED FOOD AND READY TO EAT FOOD MUST BE PROPERLY STORED TO MINIMIZE SOURCE OF CONTAMINATION.PROVIDED FOOD GRADE BAGS OR FOOD CONTAINERS WITH LID TO STORE FOOD. SERIOUS VIOLATION:7-38-005(A)
16
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: EVIDENCE OF MICE(30 OR MORE) DROPPINGS IN DIFFERENT LOCATIONS OF PREMISES: UNDER THE PREP TABLES BETWEEN FOOD CONTAINERS,UNDER EQUIPMENT ALONG THE BASE BOARD WALLS UNDER THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK NORTH-WEST AREA. ON TOP THE GRIME FOAM WHICH WAS USED TO SEAL HOLES. UNDER THE FRONT AREA AT EAST FRONT PREP /SERVING AREA. REAR PREP AREA: DROPPINGS WERE OBSERVED INSIDE POTS,IN THE OFFICE,UNDER THE PREP TABLES,REAR STORAGES,INSIDE THE UNUSED DIRTY WITH GREASE EQUIPMENTS. ALSO UNDER THE JUICE BOXES,NOT AN INFESTATION. INSTRUCED TO SEAL ALL OPENINGS ON WALL AND FLOORS,ELEVATE ITMES 6" OOF THE FLOOR STORED ON FLOOR IN REAR PREP AREA,OFFICE AND ALL STORAGE AREAS.NEED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL MENTIONED AREA. SERIOUS VIOLATION:7-38-020
18
Outside garbage waste grease and storage area; clean, rodent proof, all containers covered
Inspector notes: OUTSIDE GARBAGE AREA NOT CLEANED. WE OBSERVED SATURATED GROUND WITH EXCESS WASTE OIL AROUND THE WASTE OIL CONTAINER AND ON SIDEWALK. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AREA AND SIDE WALK. AREA MUST BE FREE OF ANY SPILLAGE TO MINIMIZE RODENT/INSECTS ACTIVITY . SERIOUS VIOLATION:7-38-020
19
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: POROUS MATERIAL UNDER COUNTER TOPS AND SHELVES,UNABLE TO CLEAN. THROUGHOUT THE PREMISES.SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT MATERIAL WHITE BROKEN DRY INGREDIENTS CONTAINERS,INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE STOPPERS IS NEEDED AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINKS AT FRONT PREP AREA
32
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: BROKEN AND POROUS CONTER TOP ON TOP THE PREP TABLE AT REAR AREA NEED TO BE REPLACED. SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH ,CLEANABLE AND NN-ABSORBENT SURFACE
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: GREASE BUILD-UP ON FILTERS AND DEEP FRYERS.INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.ALSO CLEAN DUST BUILD-UP AT UN-USED EQUIPMENTS LOCATED AT PREP AREA,INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE THEM OR MAINTAIN BLACK SLIME SUBSTANCE INSIDE THE FRONT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: HOLE ON WALL BETWEEN THE FLOOR AND BASEBOARD WALL BEHIND HOT WATER TANK BY THE STOVE.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR. GREASE AND GRIMES ON WOOD /POROUS FLOOR BEHIND AND UNDER THE STOVE/EQUIPMENT NOT ABLE TO CLEAN.FLOOR MUST BE SMOOTH CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OPENINGS ON WALLS AT REAR PREP AREA,INSTRUCTED TO SEAL
35
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: EMPLOYEE NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINT FOR HAIR IN PREP AREA,INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE .HAIR MUST BE CONFINED
42
64
Jan 11, 2016
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: POROUS MATERIAL UNDER COUNTER TOPS AND SHELVES,UNABLE TO CLEAN. THROUGHOUT THE PREMISES.SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT MATERIAL WHITE BROKEN DRY INGREDIENTS CONTAINERS,INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE STOPPERS IS NEEDED AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINKS AT FRONT PREP AREA
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: GREASE BUILD-UP ON FILTERS AND DEEP FRYERS.INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.ALSO CLEAN DUST BUILD-UP AT UN-USED EQUIPMENTS LOCATED AT PREP AREA,INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE THEM OR MAINTAIN BLACK SLIME SUBSTANCE INSIDE THE FRONT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: HOLE ON WALL BETWEEN THE FLOOR AND BASEBOARD WALL BEHIND HOT WATER TANK BY THE STOVE.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR. GREASE AND GRIMES ON WOOD /POROUS FLOOR BEHIND AND UNDER THE STOVE/EQUIPMENT NOT ABLE TO CLEAN.FLOOR MUST BE SMOOTH CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OPENINGS ON WALLS AT REAR PREP AREA,INSTRUCTED TO SEAL
35
82
May 14, 2015
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF REACH IN COOLERS, AND INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD AND GREASE BUILD UP. MUST SEAL WALL BASE IN REAR PREP AREA CORNER. WATER AND DEBRIS BUILD UP UNDER SODA DISPENSOR. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN DRY.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: WALLS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL DUST BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
35
Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters
Inspector notes: CUSTOMER WASHROOM IN NEED OF CLEANING. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
37
82
Dec 3, 2014
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLOEAN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE, POP MACHINE NOZZLES AND SPIGOTS.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOORS IN BASEMENT NEAR GREASE TRAP.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: CLEAN VENTILATION FAN IN CUSTOMER WASHROOM(DUST BUILDUP).
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: INCREASE HOT WATER PRESSURE IN CUSTOMER WASHROOM.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: REMOVE ALL UNUSED EQUIPMENT AND ARTICLES IN REAR STORAGE AREAS TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
41
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: STORE ICE SCOOP HANDLE UP TO PREVENT BARE HAND CONTACT. REMOVE SOILED WASH CLOTHS IN REAR STORAGE AREA TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING.
43
74
Mar 17, 2014
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Mar 10, 2014
Complaint
10 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THREE UNLABELED CONTAINERS OF COOKED, SLICED ITALIAN BEEF STORED IN REACH-IN COOLER AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE 51.4F-64.9F, NO TIME AND TEMPERATURE LOGS AVAILABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DISCARD APPROXIMATELY 50LBS AND $150 OF ITALIAN BEEF. ALL COLD FOOD MUST MAINTAIN 40F OR BELOW DURING STORAGE. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A CITATION ISSUED.
3
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 40-50 MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED ALONG WALLS AND LEDGES IN REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALL AN EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020 CITATION ISSUED.
18
Dish washing facilities: properly designed, constructed, maintained, installed, located and operated
Inspector notes: REAR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK NOT PROPERLY DESIGNED FAUCET DOES NOT REACH ALL THREE COMPARTMENTS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INSTALL EXTENDING FAUCET TO PROPERLY WASH, RINSE, AND SANITIZE FOOD EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-030 CITATION ISSUED.
24
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: LABEL AND DATE ALL PREPARED FOOD IN COOLER.
30
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF ALL CABINETS, DRAWERS, COOKING EQUIPMENT, POP MACHINE, COOLERS(USED AND UNUSED).
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN REAR STORAGE AND BASEMENT AREAS.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: STORE STOCK AWAY FROM WALLS IN STORAGE AREA FOR EASY CLEANING AND PEST CONTROL. SEAL OPENINGS AROUND PIPE FITTINGS UNDER SINKS IN WASHROOM. REPLACE MISSING BASEBOARDS IN CUSTOMER WASHROOM. SEAL LOOSE BASEBOARDS NEAR REAR EXPOSED SINK.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: REPLACE MISSING LIGHT SHIELDS IN FRONT PREP AREA.
36
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: REMOVE ALL UNUSED EQUIPMENT AND ARTICLES IN REAR STORAGE AREA TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
41
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: STORE ICE SCOOP HANDLE UP OR IN SEPARATE CONTAINER TO MINIMIZE BARE HAND CONTACT.
43
61
Jun 26, 2013
Reinspection
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: PREMISES IS STILL OPERATING WITHOUT A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED SUCH AS ITALIAN BEEF,ITALIAN SAUSAGE,AND HOT DOGS OWNER'S SANITATION CERTIFICATE EXPIRED ON 03-31-2013 CITATION ISSUED 7-38-012
21
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: STOPPERS MISSING AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK MUST INSTALL AND REMOVE RUST FROM SHELVES INSIDE 2 DOOR REACH-IN COOLER IN REAR PREP AREA
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN BOTTOM COMPARTMENT OF DEEP FRYER HAS HEAVY GERASE BUILD-UP INSIDE COMPARTMENTS AND CLEAN FILTERS AND HOOD OF STOVE HAS GREASE BUILD-UP
33
86
Jun 19, 2013
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: OPERATING WITHOUT A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED SUCH AS HOT DOGS ITALIAN BEEF,SOUP ITALIAN SAUSAGE CITATION ISSUED 7-30-012 CURRENT SANITATION CERTIFICATE EXPIRED OF SPERO KUTRUBIS,OWNER ON 03-31-2013
21
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT#1277700 DATE02-26-2013 (33) EXPOSED HANDSINK INSTALLED NEXT TO THREE COMPRTMENT SINK IN REAR INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL SHIELD BETWEEN BOTH SINKS(35) GAP NOTED ALONG WALLBASE BEHIND 2 DOOR COOLER INSTRUCTED TO SEAL GAP(41) UNNECESSARY ARTICLES STORED IN REAR INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL UNUSED ARTICLES INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT VIOLATIONS SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED 7-38-090
29
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: 2 STOPPERS MISSING AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK MUST INSTALL AND REMOVE RUST FROM SHELVES INSIDE 2 DOOR REACH-IN COOLER IN REAR PREP AREA
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN BOTTOM COMPARTMENT OF DEEP FRYER HAS HEAVY GERASE BUILD-UP INSIDE COMPARTMENTS AND CLEAN FILTERS AND HOOD OF STOVE HAS GREASE BUILD-UP
33
82
Feb 26, 2013
Routine
8 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: Bulk storage containers not labeled. Instructed to label exterior of all containers.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Interior panel of ice machine, can opener attached to prep table and interior cabinet of deep fryer not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean and sanitize
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Exposed handsink installed next to three compartment sink in rear. Instructed to install shield between both sinks.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Floor through-out premises not maintained. Instructed to detail clean through-out and repair floor under 2 door cooler in rear.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Ceiling not maintained in rear prep area. Instructed to repair and seal openings and repaint. Coving not installed in employees toilet room. Instructed to install coving along wallbase. Gap noted along wallbase behind 2 door cooler. Instructed to seal gap. Opening in ceiling noted in dining room. Instructed to seal opening.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Ventilation not working in customers toilet room. Instructed to repair exhaust fan. Water leaking and seepage noted in basment. Instructed to repair overhead leak and seal wall to prevent water seepage.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: Unnecessary articles stored in rear. Instructed to remove all unused articles.
41
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: Food handlers not wearing hair restraints. Instructed to provide proper hair restraint for all employees.
42
67
Jan 6, 2011
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 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 RESEAL ALL RUSTY CHIPPING WIRE SHELVES INSIDE REACH IN COOLER, REPAINT ALL RAW WOOD SHELVING AND COUNTER SURFACES IN KITCHEN PREP AREA
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. MUST CLEAN AND REPAIR FLOOR SURFACES THROUGH-OUT PREMISES
34
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 CLEAN AND REPAIR WALL AND CEILING VARIOUS AREAS THROUGH-OUT KITCHEN
35
Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters
Inspector notes: MUST STORE EMPLOYEES BELONGING ONE DESIGNATED AREA NICE AND NEATLY
37
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. MUST CLEAN AREA LANDING LEADING DOWN TO BASEMENT AND REMOVE ALL UNUSED, UNWANTED EQUIPMENT FROM PREMISES
41
78
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Boston's Bar B-Q last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Boston's Bar B-Q on file is from Jan 26, 2017. The public record contains 12 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Boston's Bar B-Q?
Across the inspection record, “food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed” has been cited nine times, more than any other issue at Boston's Bar B-Q.
Has Boston's Bar B-Q's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Boston's Bar B-Q have averaged around five violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Boston's Bar B-Q means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.
Nearby Restaurants