Buddy Guy's Legends
Last inspected: Aug 6, 2025
100
Score
Buddy Guy's Legends has been inspected 19 times since 2010. Inspectors last stopped by on Aug 6, 2025. A low risk rating suggests inspectors haven't found much to be concerned about lately.
Things are looking better lately, with recent visits averaging around zero violations compared to roughly four violations earlier on.
“Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing six times across the record.
Compared to the broader Chicago restaurant scene, where the average is 81, this is a stronger showing. The file should reassure diners considering a visit.
19
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Aug 6, 2025
Complaint
No violations found.
100
Feb 26, 2025
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: FOUND A MINIMAL AMOUNT OF UNKNOWN SUBSTANCE ON SURFACE IF ICE MACHINE. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
16
95
Mar 15, 2023
Routine
No violations found.
100
Jul 5, 2019
Routine
7 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FOR INSPECTION 2213436. 2-102.13 PERFORMED ON 8/24/18. OBSERVED FACILITY FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGERS WITHOUT REQUIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. MUST OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.
60
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: 3-603.11 OBSERVED FACILITY MISSING CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE STATEMENT FOR FOOD ITEMS/PRODUCTS OFFERED AND REMINDER * STATEMENT FOR THE FOOD PRODUCTS OFFERED. MUST OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN ON MENU. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
25
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: 4-203.11 OBSERVED FACILITY WITHOUT THERMOMETER (TEMPERATURE MEASURING DEVICE) FOR MEASURING (PROBING) HOT & COLD FOOD ITEMS/ PRODUCTS INTERNAL TEMPERATURE IN FACILITY FOR ACCURACY. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGED THERMOMETERS ARE REQUIRED FOR MEASURING FOOD ACCURACY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
36
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: 2-501.11 OBSERVED NO VOMITOUS AND DIARRHEAL INCIDENT CLEAN UP KIT IN PLACE KIT (GLOVES, FACE MASKS, DISPOSABLE MOPS, SANITIZER) ON SITE. KIT MUST MATCH POLICY MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FACILITY WITH OUT HAND SOAP AT HAND SINK IN REAR PREP AREA HAND SINK. MUST OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN HAND SOAP AT HAND SINK IN FACILITY AT ALL TIME. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030 (C) CITATION ISSUED
10
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FACILITY HAND SINK IN UPSTAIRS PREP AREA WITHOUT HAND DRYING PROVISION (NO PAPER TOWELS). INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE HAND DRYING PROVISION ARE REQUIRED AT ALL TIME AT ALL HAND SINKS IN FACILITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION CONSOLIDATED WITH BELOW.
10
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: 3-501.17 OBSERVED FACILITY MISSING DATE MARKING FOR READY TO EAT TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR FOOD SAFETY ITEM,CHICKEN,FISH, FISH EGGS, SHRIMP, SOUP, HOUSE-SAUCES ETC. STORED INSIDE REACH IN COOLER LOCATED AND REAR PREP REFRIGERATOR IN REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE TO ALWAYS DATE MARK FOOD ITEMS STORE MORE THAN 24 HOURS IN FACILITY WITH DISCARD DATE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
23
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: 3-302.12 OBSERVED FACILITY BULK ITEMS NOT IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER NOT LABEL WITH COMMON NAME; FACILITY SUGAR, FLOUR, AND WHEAT ITEMS NOT LABELED INSIDE LARGE CLEAR CONTAINER IN REAR PREP AREA AND DRY STORAGE. MUST LABEL AND MAINTAIN.
37
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: 3-305.12 (F) OBSERVED FOOD AND SINGLE USE/ SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES STORED UNDER SEWER LINES IN DOWNSTAIRS IN BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AREA. MUST ENCASE ALL SEWER LINE AND WASTE WATER LINES IN DRY STORAGE AREA AND MAINTAIN.
39
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-201.11 OBSERVED FLOORS, WALL, STAIRS BARE CEMENT POROUS NOT EASY CLEANABLE. FLOORS AND STAIRS LEADING TO AND INSIDE BASEMENT DRY STORAGE PREP AREA INCLUDING DRY STORAGE CLOSET. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN FOR SMOOTH NON POROUS EASY TO CLEAN.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: SEE VIOLATION #60
58
41
Aug 24, 2018
Complaint
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT THE REQUIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT AND MAINTAIN.
58
95
May 10, 2018
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE WITH A SLIT BROWNISH SUBSTANCE LOCATED BEHIND THE BAR ON THE 2ND FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
95
Feb 2, 2017
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: FOUND THE CUTTING BOARDS IN THE PREP AREA WITH DEEP, DARK GROOVES. INSTRUCTED TO SAND OR REPLACE ALL THE CUTTING BOARDS WITH DEEP GROOVES. MAINTAIN A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: FOUND THE INTERIOR/EXTERIOR OF THE DEEP FRYERS WITH GREASE,FOOD AND DIRT BUILD UP. STORAGE RACKS IN THE PREP AND WALK IN COOLER UP STAIRS ARE IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE THE DIRT AND FOOD DEBRIS.INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN DEEP FRYERS AND STORAGE RACKS.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FOUND THE FLOORS IN THE 2ND FL WALK IN FREEZER AND FLOORS UNDER THE DEEP FRYERS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE FOOD, GREASE AND DEBRIS. MAINTAIN SAME.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: FOUND THE WALLS AND CEILING IN THE PREP AREA WITH FOOD AND DIRT ON THEM AND THE VENTILATION HOOD IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN WALLS/CEILING AND VENTILATION HOOD.
35
82
Aug 24, 2016
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: BULK FOOD CONTAINERS AND BAGS NOT LABELED, INSTRUCTED TO STORE AND MAINTAIN.
30
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: ICE BUCKETS AND SCOOP NOT STORED PROPERLY AT FRONT BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED TO STORE BUCKETS OFF FLOOR AND SCOOPS AWAY FROM SOILED RAGS.
31
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: SODA GUN DISPENSERS NOT CLEAN INSIDE, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: CRACKS IN WALL NOTED UNDER SERVERING SHELF, INSTRUCTED TO SEAL.
35
82
Jan 29, 2016
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: BULK FOOD BAGS NOT LABELED, INSTRUCTED TO LABEL AND MAINTAIN.
30
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: INACCURATE METAL STEM THERMOMETER FOUND IN KITCHEN, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE GOOD WORKING ONES.
40
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: FLY STRIPS MOUNTED ABOVE DISH MACHINE, INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.
41
86
Jan 30, 2015
Routine
No violations found.
100
Apr 1, 2014
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ICE MACHINE IN BASEMENT AREA.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN FLOORS UNDER AND AROUND ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT. MUST MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
34
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR LEAKING 1 COMPARTMENMT SINK AT FRONT BAR AREA. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
40
86
Aug 8, 2013
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE COVERS TO THE ICE BIN IN THE BARS.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE AND DEEP FRYERS.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF ALL FLOOR DRAINS.
34
86
Aug 24, 2012
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: FOUND FOOD CONTAINERS NOT STORED PROPERLY ON SHELVING UNITS. MUST STORE INVERTED.
31
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: FOUND EXTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE NOT CLEAN.(BASEMENT)
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FOUND FLOORS NOT CLEAN UNDER ICE MACHINE AREAS AT BASEMENT.
34
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: FOUND CLUTTER STORED AT DRY STORAGE AREAS. (TOOLS,CLOTHES,ETC.) DISHWASHING AREAS NEED CLEANING AND ORDER.
41
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: FOUND ICE SCOOPS NOT PROPERLY STORED.
43
78
Apr 1, 2011
Suspected Food Poisoning
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
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. PREP AREA WALL PANELS LOOSE AT CORNER ABOVE PICK UP STATION. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
35
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: Between uses and during storage ice dispensing utensils and ice receptacles shall be stored in a way that protects them from contamination. OBSERVED SLIGHT LIME BUILD UP INSIDE ICE MACHINES. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR OF ALL ICE MACHINES.
43
90
Feb 1, 2011
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: SEE REPORT DATED 11/19/10
31
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: SEE REPORT DATED 11/19/10
34
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: SEE REPORT DATED 11/19/10
43
86
Nov 19, 2010
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
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. FOUND FOOD CONTAINERS NOT STORED PROPERLY ON SHELVING UNITS.(MUST STORE INVERTED)
31
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FOUND FLOORS NOT CLEAN AT 2ND FLOOR DRY STORAGE AREAS.(NEEDS ORDER AND CLEANING)
34
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: FOUND WASH CLOTHS NOT STORED PROPERLY ON SHELVING UNITS.(TOO CLOSE TO DIRTY DISHES)
43
86
Jul 15, 2010
Complaint
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: Found wash cloths not properly stored at bar countertops.
43
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: Found ice scoop not properly stored.
43
90
May 19, 2010
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Apr 6, 2010
License
No violations found.
100
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Buddy Guy's Legends last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Buddy Guy's Legends on file is from Aug 6, 2025. The public record contains 19 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Buddy Guy's Legends?
Across the inspection record, “food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at Buddy Guy's Legends.
Has Buddy Guy's Legends' inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Buddy Guy's Legends have averaged around zero violations per visit, down from roughly four earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Buddy Guy's Legends 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 Buddy Guy's Legends inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Buddy Guy's Legends is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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