Chez Joel
Last inspected: Aug 19, 2025
100
Score
Going back to 2010, Chez Joel has 22 inspections in the public record. The latest inspection on file is from Aug 19, 2025. When a facility lands in the low risk tier, it usually means nothing alarming showed up at the most recent visit.
Inspection results have stayed in a similar range over the last few visits, averaging around three violations each.
Across the inspection history, “insects, rodents, & animals not present” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded 10 times.
Restaurants in Chicago average 81, so Chez Joel is doing better than most peers. The file should reassure diners considering a visit.
22
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Aug 19, 2025
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Aug 12, 2025
Reinspection
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 3 LIVE COCKROACHES ON THE WALL OF THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP AREA AROUND THE EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
38
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: 4-602.13 CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE DEEP FRYER AND OVENS.
49
86
Aug 5, 2025
Routine
1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LIVE INSECTS AND EVIDENCE OF RODENT ACTIVITY ON THE PREMISES. OBSERVED APPROX. 50 LIVE SMALL FLYING INSECTS IN AND AROUND THE COUNTERTOP IN FRONT OF THE COFFEE SERVICE AREA AND IN THE BASEMENT. ALSO OBSERVED APPROX. 100 MOUSE DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR, IN THE MOTOR CAVITY OF THE CHEST FREEZER, ON THE WOOD AND LEDGES IN THE BASEMENT SURROUNDING THE WATER HEATER, ICE MACHINE, IN THE DRY STORAGE AND DRESSING ROOM. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY THROUGHOUT. ALL MOUSE DROPPINGS MUST BE CLEANED AND REMOVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
38
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RUST AND CHIPPED PAINT ON THE STORAGE SHELVES IN THE BASEMENT MEAT WALK-IN COOLER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAINT OR REPLACE THE SHELVES.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE DEEP FRYER AND OVENS.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE TOP CAP MISSING FROM THE BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE CONNECTED TO THE LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE AND THE DEVICE TO BE LEAKING WATER FROM THE TOP. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MULTIPLE AREAS OF CHIPPED PAINT ON THE CEILING DRYWALL IN THE 1ST FLOOR FOOD PREP AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO SCRAPE AND REPAINT THE AFFECTED AREAS.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT A VALID ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST SHOW VALID PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING.
58
70
Jun 14, 2024
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: NOTED NO LABELS FOR BULK STORAGE CONTAINERS (PASTA). THE INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE OF ALL BULK AND WORKING FOOD INGREDIENT CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH THE CONTENTS' NAMES.
37
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MILK CRATES BEING USED AS SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE SHELVING 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND PROVIDE FLOOR ACCESSIBILITY TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FACILITY CLEANING.
47
90
Jun 6, 2023
Routine
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PREPARED TCS FOODS (COOKED CHICKEN, COOKED DUCK, COOKED VEGETABLES, AND PREPARED ONION SOUP) HELD FOR OVER 24 HOURS WITHOUT DISCARD DATES. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO PROVIDE DISCARD DATES FOR ANY PREPARED TCS FOODS HELD FOR OVER 24 HOURS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED. FOOD DISCARDED.
23
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HEAVY ICE BUILD-UP AND OTHER DEBRIS INSIDE THE CHEST FREEZERS LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT. MUST DEFROST, REMOVE ICE, CLEAN, AND MAINTAIN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PLASTIC TAPE WRAPPED AROUND THE FLOOR DRAIN BENEATH THE SPRAYER ARM SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REMOVE PLASTIC AND PROVIDE CLEANABLE FIXTURES ONLY.
51
82
Sep 1, 2022
Complaint
2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: 5-204.11--OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SINK CONVENIENTLY LOCATED AT DISH WASHING AREA. MUST INSTALL HAND WASHING SINK THAT IS CONVENIENTLY LOCATED FOR EMPLOYEES TO WASH HANDS. HAND SINK MUST HAVE HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER THAT IS CONNECTED TO CITY AND SEWAGE LINE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-030(C).
10
Required records available: shellstock tags, parasite destruction
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SHELLSTOCK TAG ATTACHED TO CONTAINER IN WHICH MUSSELS WERE BEING STORED IN WALK IN COOLER. MUST ATTACH SHELLSTOCK TAG TO CONTAINER UNTIL THE LAST ITEM IS SOLD. MUSSELS HAVE BEEN DISCARDED AND DENATURED. WEIGHING APPROXIMATELY 20 LBS AT A COST OF $100.00. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
14
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN DEBRIS FROM GASKET IN REFRIGERATOR LOCATED IN MAIN KITCHEN.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HEAVY DUST ON FAN VENT IN WOMEN'S BATHROOM. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
74
Jun 24, 2022
Routine
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SINK CONVENIENTLY LOCATED AT DISH WASHING AREA. MUST INSTALL HAND WASHING SINK THAT IS CONVENIENTLY LOCATED FOR EMPLOYEES TO WASH HANDS. HAND SINK MUST HAVE HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER THAT IS CONNECTED TO CITY AND SEWAGE LINE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-030(C).
10
90
Aug 11, 2021
Suspected Food Poisoning
1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY FOR RAW OR UNDERCOOKED FOODS. INSTRUCTED TO IDENTIFY SUCH FOODS BY ASTERISKING THEM TO A FOOT NOTE THAT STATES: "ITEMS CAN BE SERVED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED OR CONTAIN UNDERCOOKED INGREDIENTS" AND ADD A STATEMENT THAT READS: ""CONSUMING RAW OR UNDERCOOKED ANIMAL PRODUCTS MAY INCREASE YOUR RISK OF FOOD BORNE ILLNESS, ESPECIALLY IF YOU HAVE MEDICAL CONDITIONS." NOTE: FACILITY PRESENTED CORRECTED MENU DURING REVISIT ON 8/12/21 PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005"
25
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HANDSINKS IN BAR NOR PREP AREA. A sign or poster that notifies FOOD EMPLOYEES to wash their hands shall be provided at all HANDWASHING SINKS used by FOOD EMPLOYEES and shall be clearly visible to FOOD EMPLOYEES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
10
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE ICE BIN INTERIOR IN NEED OF CLEANING FOR ICE MACHINE LOCATED IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ICE, CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
16
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: NOTED SPLASHGUARD NEEDED IN TWO AREAS. OBSERVED NO SPLASHGUARD BETWEEN MAIN PREP AREA HANDSINK AND REACH IN COOLER PREP COUNTER AND ALSO BETWEEN BAR HANDSINK AND DRAINBOARD OF 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN BAR AREA. MUST INSTALL A WASHABLE SPLASHGUARD TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
39
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PLATES, BOWLS AND CONTAINERS STORED IN PREP AREA NOT INVERTED. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO INVERT PLATES AFTER SANITIZING AND AIR DRYING.
44
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PEELING PAINT AND EXPOSED FOAM-LIKE CAULK ON THE WALLS AND CEILING OF DRY STORAGE BASEMENT ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE TO ENSURE A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.
55
70
Feb 25, 2020
Routine
3 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES AS REQUIRED; MUST PROVIDE. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION OF EMPLOYEES RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT ANY ILLNESS TRANSMISSIBLE THROUGH FOOD. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 ISSUED.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEAN UP PROCEDURE ON PREMISES AS REQUIRED; MUST PROVIDE. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE THAT A VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEAN UP PROCEDURE MUST BE DOCUMENTED AND THE NECESSARY SUPPLIES ON HAND IN THE EVENT OF A VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL INCIDENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 ISSUED.
5
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION FROM JANUARY 10, 2019 WAS NOT CORRECTED AS REQUIRED; MUST CORRECT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 ISSUED. #58. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING.
60
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN COOKING EQUIPMENT EXTERIOR AND BOTTOM OF FRYER.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS AROUND AND UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT AND IN BASEMENT.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: SEE VIOLATION #60.
58
64
Jan 10, 2019
Routine
3 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 13 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY PROVIDED ON THE PREMISES. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: 2-501.11 NO CLEAN-UP PROCEDURE ON PREMISES FOR VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A CLEAN-UP PROCEDURE AND SUPPLIES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: CONSUMER ADVISORY MUST BE POSTED FOR ALL CONSUMERS TO VIEW AT ALL TIMES. MUST POST OR PROVIDE ON MENU PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
25
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: ALL REFRIGERATION UNITS IN NEED OF THERMOMETERS TO BE VISIBLE AT ALL TIMES. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
36
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: REAR EXIT DOOR NOT RODENT PROOFED MUST CORRECT TO PROTECT ALL OUTER OPENINGS.
38
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: ALL WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE STORED IN A CLEAN SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
41
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: ALL WORN WOOD UTENSILS UST BE REPLACED. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: CUTTING BOARD AT REACHIN COOLER AT HOT LINE IN NEED OF REPLACING. WORN DISCOLORED. CUTTING BOARD AT FRONT BAR IN NEED OF REPLACING WORN AND DISCOLORED. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: LEAK AT P-TRAP AT FRONT BAR SINK. LEAK AT FAUCER AT HANDSINK IN BASEMENT PREP AREA. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FLOORS UNDER DISH MACHINE IN NEED DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: CEILING HAS CHIPPING PAINT THAT MUST BE REMOVED. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: LIGHT IN PREP AREA IN NEED OF SHEILDING. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: PA 100-0367 THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER DID NOT HAVE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING. MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING
58
45
Feb 7, 2018
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST INSTALL SPLASH GUARD BETWEEN HAND SINK AND PREP TABLE/COOLER IN PREP AREA. DISCONTINUE USING MILK CRATES FOR STORAGE RACKS THROUGHOUT PREP, WALK-IN COOLER AND BASEMENT PREP AREAS. REPLACE BROKEN DOOR GASKETS ON PREP COOLER ACROSS FROM GRILL, SALAD PREP COOLER AND WALK-IN COOLER IN BASEMENT. REPLACE CUTTING BOARD IN PREP AREA, DARK STAINS AND GROOVE PRESENT.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: CLEAN EXCESSIVE GREASE ACCUMULATION FROM KITCHEN HOOD.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MUST REPLACE BURNED OUT LIGHTS IN PREP AREA AND IN DRY STORAGE ROOM IN BASEMENT. ALSO, CLEAN UNKNOWN DEBRIS FROM LIGHT SHIELDS IN BOTH TOILET ROOMS.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR LEAKY PIPE UNDERNEATH EXPOSED HAND SINK BEHIND THE BAR. ALSO, INCREASE COLD WATER PRESSURE AT EXPOSED HAND SINK IN WOMENS TOILET ROOM.
38
82
Feb 7, 2017
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: CHIPPING WIRE SHELVING BASEMENT WALK-IN COOLERS, CHIPPING BOTTOM COUNTER TABLE BASEMENT PREP AREA, CHIPPING RAW WOOD SHELVES IN HALLWAY STORAGE AREA, AND CRACKED LID TO DRY STORAGE CONTAINERS, ALL IN POOR REPAIR, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE OR REPAIR, ALL SURFACES MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE,
32
95
Jan 31, 2017
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: ICE MACHINE NOT CLEAN, SOURCE OF CROSS CONTAMINATION, INTERIOR TOP AREA, HAVE BLACK SUBSTANCE BUILD-UP, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND BETTER MAINTAIN, SERIOUS VIOLATION: 7-38-005 (A)
16
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: CHIPPING WIRE SHELVING BASEMENT WALK-IN COOLERS, CHIPPING BOTTOM COUNTER TABLE BASEMENT PREP AREA, CHIPPING RAW WOOD SHELVES IN HALLWAY STORAGE AREA, AND CRACKED LID TO DRY STORAGE CONTAINERS, ALL IN POOR REPAIR, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE OR REPAIR, ALL SURFACES MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE,
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS NOT CLEAN BASEMENT AREA, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN DAILY,
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: LIGHT SHIELDS FIRST FLOOR PREP AREA NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN DAILY,
35
Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters
Inspector notes: EMPLOYEES STORAGE AREA IN BASEMENT NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN DAILY,
37
78
Apr 25, 2016
Complaint
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: RUSTY SHELVES ON BOTTOM OF ALL PREP TABLES AND ON WIRE RACKS IN COOLERS. INSTD TO REMOVE ALL RUSTY SURFACES
32
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: LIGHT OUT IN WALK-IN COOLER. REPLACE SAME.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: EXPOSED HANDSINK MISSING AT BAR AREA. PROVIDE SAME
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: EXTREME CLUTTER IN BASEMENT REAR STORAGE AREAS (MULTIPLE ROOMS), AND ALSO BACK PORCH AREA. INSTD TO REMOVE ANY UNNECESSARY ARTICLES AND ORGANIZE
41
82
Feb 11, 2016
Reinspection
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: MULTI USE UTENSILS/PLACE SETTINGS IMPROPERLY STORED, SILVERWARE, GLASSES, PLATES ARE SET ON TABLE AND ARE NOT RESET AS CUSTOMERS ARE SEATED. INSTD TO RE SET TABLE AS CUSTOMERS ARE SEATED, OR HAVE PLACE SETTING WRAPPED
31
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: RUSTY SHELVES ON BOTTOM OF ALL PREP TABLES AND ON WIRE RACKS IN COOLERS. INSTD TO REMOVE ALL RUSTY SURFACES
32
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: EXPOSED HANDSINK MISSING AT BAR AREA. PROVIDE SAME.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: EXTREME CLUTTER IN BASEMENT REAR STORAGE AREAS (MULTIPLE ROOMS), AND ALSO BACK PORCH AREA. INSTD TO REMOVE ANY UNNECESSARY ARTICLES AND ORGANIZE.
41
82
Feb 4, 2016
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Hand washing facilities: with soap and sanitary hand drying devices, convenient and accessible to food prep area
Inspector notes: NO SOAP NOR SANITARY HAND DRYING DEVICE AT EXPOSED HANDSINKS IN EITHER PREP AREAS. BASEMENT EXPOSED HANDSINK NOT ACCESSIBLE OR MAINTAINED, BASIN COVERED AND CONTAINER OF SOILED CLOTHS IN SINK BASIN. INSTD TO MAINTAIN SINKS AT ALL TIMES. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030 CRITICAL.
12
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: MICE DROPPINGS (OVER 40) NOTED SCATTERED ON FLOOR AROUND HOT WATER TANK. FRONT DOOR NOT RODENT PROOF, APPROX 1/2 INCH GAP NOTED AT BOTTOM OF DOOR. INSTD TO REMOVE ALL DROPPINGS, CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS, RODENT PROOF DOOR SO AS TO BE TIGHT FITTING. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020 SERIOUS.
18
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: MULTI USE UTENSILS/PLACE SETTINGS IMPROPERLY STORED, SILVERWARE, GLASSES, PLATES ARE SET ON TABLE AND ARE NOT RESET AS CUSTOMERS ARE SEATED. INSTD TO RE SET TABLE AS CUSTOMERS ARE SEATED, OR HAVE PLACE SETTING WRAPPED.
31
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: CUTTING BOARDS STAINED WITH DEEP, DARK GROOVES. INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL CUTTING BOARDS. RUSTY SHELVES ON BOTTOM OF ALL PREP TABLES AND ON WIRE RACKS IN COOLERS. INSTD TO REMOVE ALL RUSTY SURFACES.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: WALK IN COOLER CEILING IN POOR REPAIR, UNEVEN SURFACE WITH MOLD LIKE SUBSTANCE. INSTD TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SURFACE. LIGHTSHIELDS THROUGH OUT 1ST FLOOR PREP AREA NOT CLEAN. CLEAN SAME AND MANTAIN. CEILING AND WALLS IN BASEMENT NOT CLEAN, DEBRIS, SPIDER WEBS. INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN SAME.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: EXPOSED HANDSINK MISSING AT BAR AREA. PROVIDE SAME. SPLASHGUARD MISSING AT 1ST FLOOR EXPOSED HANDSINK AND CUTTING BOARD. INSTD TO PROVIDE PROPER BARRIER TO PREVENT POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION ON CUTTING BOARD.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: EXTREME CLUTTER NOTED IN BASEMENT REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTD TO REMOVE ANY UNNECESSARY ARTICLES AND ORGANIZE AREA.
41
70
May 1, 2015
Complaint
8 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector notes: 2-DOOR REACH-IN COOLER ON COOK LINE NOT PROPERLY MAINTAINED, AIR TEMP RECORDED AT 55.1F. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS FROM UNIT WHICH WERE SITTING ON TOP OF ICE AND STILL WITHIN ACCEPTABLE RANGE AND PLACE PRODUCT IN A UNIT HOLDING PROPER TEMPERATURE. UNIT TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A).
2
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: ALL PREPARED AND/OR FOODS REMOVED FROM ORIGINAL CONTAINERS HELD OVER 24 HOURS MUST BE LABELED AND DATED.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: USING GARBAGE BAGS TO STORE UNCOVERED FOODS IN IN DEEP FREEZER IN THE BASEMENT PREP AREA. REMOVE EXCESSIVE ICE BUILD-UP FROM DEEP FREEZERS IN BASEMENT PREP AREA. REPLACE CRACKED AND BROKEN LIDS TO BULK FOOD STORAGE BINS IN BASEMENT PREP AREA. PAINT RUSTY EXTERIOR OF DEEP FREEZER AND RUSTY FLOOR INSIDE REAR WALK-IN COOLER IN BASEMENT PREP AREA. PAINT RAW WOOD SHELVES BEHIND BAR.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE FOLLOWING: SIDES AND INTERIORS OF COOKING EQUIPMENT(OVENS, AND DEEP FRYERS) ON COOK LINE, AND ALL CUTTING BOARDS IN FIRST FLOOR PREP AREA.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS ALONG ALL BASES OF THE WALLS, IN CORNERS, UNDERNEATH AND BEHIND ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT THROUGHOUT FIRST FLOOR AND BASEMENT FOOD PREP AND STORAGE AREAS(DIRT, AND DEBRIS NOTED). ALSO NEED TO KEEP FLOOR NEAR ICE ICE MACHINE DRY AND LEVEL AREA OF FLOOR WHERE WATER CONSTANTLY PUDDLES. SEAL HOLE IN REAR SECTION IN BASEMENT NEAR DISHWASHING CHEMICALS.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: SMOOTH, CLEAN AND PAINT ALL WALLS AND DOORS ON FIRST FLOOR, IN AREAS LEADING TO, AND IN BASEMENT WHERE SURFACES ARE CHIPPING AND NOT CLEAN. PAINT RAW WOOD DOOR IN BASEMENT. CLEAN DUST AND DEBRIS FROM LIGHT SHIELDS AND VENTS IN BOTH WASHROOMS.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: PROPERLY SECURE WASTE LINE CONNECTED TO ICE MACHINE ABOVE FLOOR DRAIN TO PREVENT EXCESSIVE WATER ON FLOOR IN SAME AREA.
38
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: Any food handler working in the City of Chicago, unless that person has a valid Food Service Sanitation Manager Certificate is required to meet the food handler training requirement. If someone working in a facility that is not a food handler on a regular basis, but fills in as a food handler when needed, they too must have food handler training.
45
67
Aug 6, 2014
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: RAW WOOD AT WAIT STATION AND IN BASEMENT PREP AREA IN NEED OF REPAIR WHERE WATER DAMAGED. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN UNDER AND AROUND ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT TO REMOVE ALL GREASE AND FOOD BUILD UP. CLEAN ALL EQUIPMENT. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS UNDER AND AROUND ALL EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: WALLS IN PREP AREA BY DISH MACHINE IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL SPLATTER. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
35
82
Feb 19, 2013
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: NOTED HEAVY GREASE BUILD UP IN BETWEEN COOKING EQUIPMENT. MUST DETAIL CLEAN TO REMOVE GREASE AND DEBRIS.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: NOTED FLOORS IN KITCHEN IN POOR REPAIR (DAMAGE AND MISSING FLOOR TILES). FLOORS MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. ALSO FLOORS NEED CLEANING IN BETWEEN EQUIPMENT TO REMOVE SPILLS AND DEBRIS INCLUDING FLOOR DRAINS.
34
90
Feb 28, 2012
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: All food not stored in the original container shall be stored in properly labeled containers.ALL FOOD NOT STORED IN ORIGINAL CONTAINERS MUST BE LABLED AT ALL TIMES.
30
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 DETAIL CLEAN INTERIOR OF ALL FRYERS, UNDER ALL GRILLS TO REMOVE EXCESS GREASE AND INTERIOR OF PRODUCE REFRIGERATORS AT KITCHEN.
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. MUST DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS AT KITCHEN TO REMOVE EXCESS GREASE BEHIND, AND UNDER ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT.
34
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: Shielding to protect against broken glass falling into food shall be provided for all artificial lighting sources in preparation, service, and display facilities. SHIELD THE LIGHTING IN THE KITCHEN AND ABOVE FREEZER NEXT TO REFRIGERATOR.
36
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.MUST REPAIR LEAKY PIPE UNDER 3COMP SINK AND AT EXPOSED HANDSINK AT KITCHEN.
38
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.MUST PROVIDE ICE UTENSIL DISPENSING HOLDER AT ALL ICE BOXES ON PREMISES AT ALL TIMES.
43
74
Sep 2, 2011
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
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. THE MEAT WALK IN COOLER SHELVES, THE KITCHEN DESSERT COOLER INTERIOR. AND THE 1 DOOR PREP COOLER ARE DIRTY; WASH, RINSE, SANITIZE AND REPAIR THE ABOVE ITEMS SO THEY ARE SMOOTH, SANITARY AND EASY TO MAINTAIN.
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. THE FLOOR TILES ARE CRACKED IN THE UPSTAIRS PREP AREA FLOOR, THE BASEBOARDS ARE WET AND DIRTY INSIDE OF THE BAR AND THE NORTH EAST WALK IN COOLER THRESH HOLD IS DAMAGED AND UNSANITARY. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FLOORS AND BASEBOARDS SO THEY ARE SMOOTH AND SANITARY FROM CORNER TO CORNER.
34
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: SHIELD THE LIGHTING IN THE KITCHEN AND ABOVE THE DISHMACHINE Shielding to protect against broken glass falling into food shall be provided for all artificial lighting sources in preparation, service, and display facilities.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: THE DRAIN COVER IN THE BASEMENT IS DIRTY AND NOT COVERED TIGHTLY, CLOSE THE COVER TIGHT AND CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREA.
38
82
Sep 15, 2010
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
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. Replace the rusty kitchen towel dispenser. Resurface or replace any pock marked, unsanitary cutting boards.
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. Clean the floor behind the broiler.
34
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: Shielding to protect against broken glass falling into food shall be provided for all artificial lighting sources in preparation, service, and display facilities. Shield the fixture above the basement prep table.
36
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.
43
82
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Chez Joel last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Chez Joel on file is from Aug 19, 2025. The public record contains 22 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Chez Joel?
Across the inspection record, “insects, rodents, & animals not present” has been cited 10 times, more than any other issue at Chez Joel.
Has Chez Joel's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Chez Joel have averaged around three violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Chez Joel 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 Chez Joel inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Chez Joel is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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