Byrd's Hot Chicken
Last inspected: Mar 10, 2026
90
Score
Byrd's Hot Chicken has been inspected seven times since 2023. On Mar 10, 2026, the health department conducted the most recent visit. A low risk tier reflects an inspection that turned up minimal issues.
Inspection results have stayed in a similar range over the last few visits, averaging around eight violations each.
“Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” comes up most often, recorded nine times in the inspection record.
The city-wide average for Chicago sits at 81, putting Byrd's Hot Chicken on the better side of that line. There isn't much in the file that would give a customer pause.
7
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 10, 2026
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-101.11(B, C, D, E)-- MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD BOXES AS FOOD CONTAINERS INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER. MUST BE WASHABLE CONTAINERS.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: : 6-201.11--- FLOORS UNDER THE DEEP FRYERS AND ALSO IN THE WALK-IN COOLER WITH DIRT, WITH GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS.---- WALLS AT THE BACKSPLASH WALL AT THE GLASS WINDOW WITH GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.----WALL MOUNTED RAW WOOD BRACE FOR PLUMBING MUST BE PAINTED/SEALED AND NON ABSORBENT. : 6-501.114--- ALL UNNECESSARY ITEMS STORED THROUGHOUT THE REAR HALLWAY STORAGE MUST BE REMOVED FROM THE PREMISES AND ALL OTHER ITEMS STORED ELEVATED AND ORGANIZED.
55
90
Feb 26, 2026
Routine
2 major violations. 15 minor violations.
View 17 violations
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM 3-25-25 REPORT #2614483 NOT CORRECTED.#47- OBSERVED PREP TABLE COVERED WITH A TORN PLASTIC PROTECTIVE LAYER BELOW THE GRILL NEXT TO FRYERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE AND PROVIDE A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.#49-- OBSERVED THE TOP OF THE FRYER UPPER COMPARTMENTS AND THE SIDES OF ALL FRYERS/DOORS TO BE HEAVILY COVERED IN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL EQUIPMENT FREE OF EXCESSIVE BUILD UP OF GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.
60
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: THE PERSON IN CHARGE DURING THE INSPECTION DOES NOT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.
1
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: PREP AREA WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE HELD IN A CONTAINERS WITH A SANITIZING SOLUTION.
41
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: ALL STORED ITEMS THROUGHOUT THE PREMISES MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOORS.
45
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD BOXES AS FOOD CONTAINERS INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER. MUST BE WASHABLE CONTAINERS.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: UTILITY MOP SINK NOTED EXTREMELY DIRTY. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
47
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: BOTH TOILETS IN BOTH WASHROOMS NOTED DIRTY WITH FECES. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: ALL UNNECESSARY ITEMS STORED THROUGHOUT THE REAR HALLWAY STORAGE MUST BE REMOVED FROM THE PREMISES AND ALL OTHER ITEMS STORED ELEVATED AND ORGANIZED.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: ALL FLOORS THROUGHOUT THE PREMISES ESPECIALLY UNDER THE DEEP FRYERS AND ALSO IN THE WALK-IN COOLER, WALK-IN FREEZER WITH DIRT AND EXCESSIVE ICE AND ALL FLOOR DRAINS UNDER SINKS WITH GREASE DIRTY AND FOOD DEBRIS.----ALL WALLS THROUGHOUT THE PREMISES INCLUDING THE BACKSPLASH WALL AT THE GLASS WINDOW WITH GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.----WALL MOUNTED RAW WOOD BRACE FOR PLUMBING MUST BE PAINTED/SEALED AND NON ABSORBENT.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: NOTED EMPLOYEES PERSONAL BELONGINGS BEING STORED IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. MUST PROVIDE A DESIGNATED STORAGE AREA IN A NON-FOOD CONTACT AREA FOR EMPLOYEES BELONGINGS.
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES FOR ALL EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE.
57
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: BULK FOOD CONTAINERS NOTED DIRTY. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: ALL SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE PREMISES NOTED DIRTY WITH FOOD DEBRIS AND GREASE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE DURING THE INSPECTION WHILE TCS FOODS WERE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. MANAGER WAS TELEPHONED BY EMPLOYEE ON SITE AND ARRIVE APPROXIMATELY 50 MINUTES LATER. FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.
2
Proper eating, tasting, drinking, or tobacco use
Inspector notes: NOTED TWO EMPLOYEES EATING IN THE FOOD PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED ALL FOODS MUST BE CONSUMED IN THE DINING AREA.
6
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: PLASTIC ICE SHOOT ON THE ICE/SODA DISPENSING SYSTEM IN THE DINING ROOM DIRTY. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
16
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: NOTED BULK FLOUR CONTAINER NOT LABELED WITH THE PRODUCT COMMON NAME. MUST PROPERLY LABEL.
37
39
Mar 25, 2025
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PREP TABLE COVERED WITH A TORN PLASTIC PROTECTIVE LAYER BELOW THE GRILL NEXT TO FRYERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE AND PROVIDE A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: 4-601.11(C) - OBSERVED THE TOP OF THE FRYER UPPER COMPARTMENTS AND THE SIDES OF ALL FRYERS/DOORS TO BE HEAVILY COVERED IN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL EQUIPMENT FREE OF EXCESSIVE BUILD UP OF GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS.
49
90
Mar 18, 2025
Routine
2 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 12 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER ON SITE WHEN TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED SUCH AS CHICKEN NUGGETS, CHICKEN SANDWICHES, POTATO SALAD, MAC N CHEESES ETC. INSTRCUED ABOVE THAT CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER HAS TO BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES FOOD IS BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION, 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED. MUST PROVIDE CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE DURING HOURS OF OPERATION.
2
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO MAINTAINED PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK CONTAINING RECENT SERVICE REPORTS OR THE PEST CONTROL COMPANY'S ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH LICENSE NUMBER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE A MAINTAINED PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK CONTAINING ALL NECESSARY INFORMATION AS SPECIFIED IN THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF CHICAGO. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION, 7-38-020(c). CITATION ISSUED.
38
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: THE PERSON IN CHARGE AT THIS TIME DOES NOT HAVE CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE. PRIORIY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.
1
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: NO THERMOMETER PRESENT IN 2 DOOR REACH IN COOLER AT FRONT PREP AREA NEAR FRYERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE A THERMOMETER TO MEASURE INTERNAL AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE.
36
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MULTIPLE FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES IN THE FOOD PREPARATION AREAS TO BE WORKING WITHOUGH EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT ALL FOOD HANDLER EMPLOYEES MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS WHEN WORKING AND IN FOOD HANDLING AREAS.
40
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED UTENSILS, TONGS, KNIVES STORED IN STAGNANT WATER AT THE FRONT PREP AREA NEAR HOT HOLDING IN BETWEEN USE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO APPROPRIATELY STORE ALL UTENSILS IN A CLEAN AND PROTECTED AREA IF NOT UNDER RUNNING WATER.
43
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE ITEMS STORED WITH FOOD CONTACT SURFACES EXPOSED AT THE FRONT PREP AREA AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INVERT OR PROTECT ALL SINGLE SERVICE FOOD CONTACT SURFACES FROM POTENTIAL SOURCES OF CONTAMINATION.
45
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PREP TABLE COVERED WITH A TORN PLASTIC PROTECTIVE LAYER BELOW THE GRILL NEXT TO FRYERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE AND PROVIDE A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE TOP OF THE FRYER UPPER COMPARTMENTS AND THE SIDES OF ALL FRYERS/DOORS TO BE HEAVILY COVERED IN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL EQUIPMENT FREE OF EXCESSIVE BUILD UP OF GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE HOT WATER HANDLE OF THE FRONT HAND SINK NEAR REGISTER TO BE LEAKING FROM HANDLE/BACK OF SPOUT WHEN HOT WATER IS TURNED ON. OBSERVED HAND SINK NEAR ENTRANCE TO KITCHEN TO BE LEAKING HOT WATER FROM SPOUT EVEN WHEN HANDLE IS TURNED OFF FULLY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SERVICE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD REPAIR.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FLOORS BEHIND AND BELOW THE FRYERS AND GRILL PREP AREA TO BE HEAVILY COVERED IN BUILD UP GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS; OBSERVED HEAVY FOOD DEBRIS BELOW THE COOLERS IN FRONT PREP AND REAR PREP TABLES; OBSERVED HEAVY BUILD UP OF SPILLAGE AND GREASE BELOW RACKS IN WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DETAIL CLEAN ALL AREAS AND MAINTAIN FREE OF HEAVY GREASE, FOOD DEBRIS, AND SPILLAGE BUILD UP.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EMPLOYEE PERSONAL ITEMS STORED THROUGHOUT FOOD PREP AREAS ON SHELVES, ON FOOD BOXES, AND ON RACKS WITH SINGLE SERVICE ITEMS STORED. INSTUCTED MANAGER TO DESIGNATE EMPLOYEE PERSONAL ITEM AREA AND ENSURE ALL ITEMS ARE STORED IN SAID AREA.
56
50
Apr 10, 2024
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING AND BROKEN FLOOR TILES AT THE FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
55
95
Apr 1, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER ON PREMISES TO MONITOR FOOD TEMPERATURES. MUST OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN PROPER THERMOMETER. PRIORITY FOUNDTION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
36
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER ON SITE NOR CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFOCATE POSTED WHEN TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED SUCH AS CHICKEN NUGGETS, CHICKEN SANDWICHES, POTATO SALAD, MAC N CHEESES ETC. INSTRCUED ABOVE THAT CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER HAS TO BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES FOD IS BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION CITATION ISSUED.
2
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT#2578147 ON 06/30/22023. #55.MUST INSTALL A SMOOTH CLEANABLE CEILING ABOVE THE ENTRANCE TO THE WALK-IN COOLER AND SEAL OPENING ABOVE THE WALK-IN COOLER.BROKEN/MISSING BASEBOARD COVING AT THE UTILITY SERVICE SINK MUST BE REPLACED. MOLDY, DAMAGED WALL CAULKING AT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REPLACE. WATER DAMAGED AND RUSTY CEILING TILES/METAL TILE FRAME MUST BE REPLACE. 55.ALL UNNECESSARY ITEMS STORED THROUGHOUT THE REAR COMMON SHARED HALLWAY TO THE OUTSIDE WASTE RECEPTACLES MUST BE REMOVED FROM THE PREMISES TO PREVENT PEST HARBORING AND ALL NEEDED ITEMS MUST BE STORED ELEVATED AND ORGANIZED. 55. CEILING VENT COVERS IN BOTH WASHROOMS NOTED WITH EXCESSIVE DUST. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.
60
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND DRYING PROVISION AT THE FRONT HAND WASHING SINK NEXT TO COOKING EQUIPMENT INFRONT FOOD PREPARATION AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS MUST BE EQUIPPED WITH HAND DRYING PROVISIONS AT ALL TIMES. MANAGEMENT PROVIDED HAND DRYING PROVISION DURING INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-30-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
10
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: THE PERSON IN CHARGE AT THIS TIME DOES NOT HAVE CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE. PRIORIY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.
1
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BULK FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS NOT PROPERLY LABELED. MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS AND MAINTAIN.
37
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EMPLOYEES IN KITCHEN FOOD PREPARATION AREA NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS WHEN FOOD IS BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS AT ALL TIMES FOOD IS PREPAED AND SERVED.
40
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON TOP OF REFRIGERATION UNITS AND PREP TABLES. MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
41
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING AND BROKEN FLOOR TILES AT THE FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MECHANICAL REFRIGERATION INSIDE WOMEN'S WASHROOM NOT WORKING. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES FOR ALL REQUIRED EMPLOYEES. MUST OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN.
57
45
Jun 30, 2023
License
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST INSTALL A SMOOTH CLEANABLE CEILING ABOVE THE ENTRANCE TO THE WALK-IN COOLER AND SEAL OPENING ABOVE THE WALK-IN COOLER.----BROKEN/MISSING BASEBOARD COVING AT THE UTILITY SERVICE SINK MUST BE REPLACED.-----MOLDY, DAMAGED WALL CAULKING AT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REPLACE.----WATER DAMAGED AND RUSTY CEILING TILES/METAL TILE FRAME MUST BE REPLACE.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: ALL UNNECESSARY ITEMS STORED THROUGHOUT THE REAR COMMON SHARED HALLWAY TO THE OUTSIDE WASTE RECEPTACLES MUST BE REMOVED FROM THE PREMISES TO PREVENT PEST HARBORING AND ALL NEEDED ITEMS MUST BE STORED ELEVATED AND ORGANIZED.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: CEILING VENT COVERS IN BOTH WASHROOMS NOTED WITH EXCESSIVE DUST. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
86
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Byrd's Hot Chicken last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Byrd's Hot Chicken on file is from Mar 10, 2026. The public record contains seven inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Byrd's Hot Chicken?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited nine times, more than any other issue at Byrd's Hot Chicken.
Has Byrd's Hot Chicken's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Byrd's Hot Chicken have averaged around eight violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Byrd's Hot Chicken 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 Byrd's Hot Chicken inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Byrd's Hot Chicken is inspected around three times per year on average.
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