Dave's 's Red Hot
Last inspected: Dec 19, 2025
74
Score
Going back to 2010, Dave's 's Red Hot has 12 inspections in the public record. Inspectors last stopped by on Dec 19, 2025. Diners should read medium risk as a signal that some issues exist but aren't extreme.
Inspection results have stayed in a similar range over the last few visits, averaging around five violations each.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean”, showing up 12 times.
Restaurants in Chicago average 81, so Dave's 's Red Hot trails the local norm. Taken together, the history looks like that of a busy facility working through the usual inspection cycle.
12
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
6
Minor latest
Inspection History
Dec 19, 2025
Complaint
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MULTIPLE HOLES IN WALLS IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR ALL AREAS TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE AND TIGHT SEALED FOR THE PREVENTION OF PEST.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE EXPIRED. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO DIRECT FOOD HANDLERS TO OBTAIN UPDATED TRAINING AND MAINTAIN ON SITE.
57
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXTERIOR DOOR LEADING DIRECTLY OUTSIDE NOT TIGHTLY SEALED ON SIDES WITH 1/4IN GAPS. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR DOOR TO BE TIGHT FITTING IN ALL SPACES.
38
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THREE COMPARTMENT SINK NOT PROPERLY MARKED DESIGNATING WASH-RINSE-SANITIZE COMPARTMENTS. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO LABEL AND MAINTAIN SINK.
48
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE IN RESTROOM. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN COVERED RECEPTACLE IN RESTROOM FOR FEMALE HYGIENE PRODUCTS.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DEBRIS AND TRASH INSIDE OF WALK IN COOLER SPACE WHERE DRINKS ARE STORED. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
74
Dec 24, 2024
Reinspection
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: 6-202.15 OBSERVED REAR EXIT DOOR NOT RODENT PROOF. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE
38
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED STORAGE SPACE WHERE BEVERAGES ARE STORED IN NEED OF ORGANIZING. INSTRUCTED TO ELEVATE ALL ITEMS AT LEAST 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FLOORS CRACKED, DAMAGED, AND MISSING TILES IN SPOTS THROUGHOUT FRONT, REAR PREP AREA WELL, AND DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR ALL SURFACES UNDERNEATH FLOOR MATS, CARDBOARD, ETC. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FLOORS THAT ARE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. MUST MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS AND GREASE BUILDUP ON FLOORS IN THE REAR PREP AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED INADEQUATE LIGHTING IN THE FRONT PREP AREA NEAR HANDSINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
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78
Dec 17, 2024
Reinspection
1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: 6-501.111 OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 28 SMALL RODENT DROPPINGS IN THE REAR PREP AREA UNDER 3 3-COMPARTMENT SINKS SCATTERED NEAR THE BAIT BOX AND UNDER HEAVY EQUIPMENT. RECOMMENDED TO CONTACT PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE, REMOVE DROPPINGS AND CLEAN SAID AREAS.MUST ELIMINATE PEST ACTIVITY ON THE PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VISION. #7-38-020 (a). CITATION ISSUED.
38
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: 6-202.15 OBSERVED REAR EXIT DOOR NOT RODENT PROOF. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE
38
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.114 OBSERVED STORAGE SPACE WHERE BEVERAGES ARE STORED IN NEED OF ORGANIZING. INSTRUCTED TO ELEVATE ALL ITEMS AT LEAST 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-201.11 OBSERVED FLOORS CRACKED, DAMAGED, AND MISSING TILES IN SPOTS THROUGHOUT FRONT, REAR PREP AREA WELL, AND DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR ALL SURFACES UNDERNEATH FLOOR MATS, CARDBOARD, ETC. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FLOORS THAT ARE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. MUST MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.12 OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS AND GREASE BUILDUP ON FLOORS IN THE REAR PREP AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: 6-303.11 OBSERVED INADEQUATE LIGHTING IN THE FRONT PREP AREA NEAR HANDSINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
56
70
Dec 13, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HOT WATER AVAILABLE AT HANDSINK LOCATED IN TOILET ROOM DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. NOTED TEMPERATURE @46F. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HOT WATER @ 100F AND MAINTAIN WHILE OPEN AND OPERATING. PRIORITY VIOLATION. #7-38-030 (c). CITATION ISSUED.
10
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 28 SMALL RODENT DROPPINGS IN THE REAR PREP AREA UNDER 3 3-COMPARTMENT SINKS SCATTERED NEAR THE BAIT BOX AND UNDER HEAVY EQUIPMENT. RECOMMENDED TO CONTACT PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE, REMOVE DROPPINGS AND CLEAN SAID AREAS.MUST ELIMINATE PEST ACTIVITY ON THE PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VISION. #7-38-020 (a). CITATION ISSUED.
38
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WITH VALID ORIGINAL CHICAGO CERTIFICATE DURING TIME OF INSPECTION.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ON-SITE AT ALL TIMES WHILE OPEN AND OPERATING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED REAR EXIT DOOR NOT RODENT PROOF. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
38
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FLOORS CRACKED, DAMAGED AND MISSING TILES IN SPOTS THROUGHOUT FRONT, REAR PREP AS WELL AS DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR ALL SURFACES UNDERNEATH FLOORS MATS, CARDBOARD ETC. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FLOORS THAT ARE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. MUST MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS AND GREASE BUILDUP ON FLOORS IN REAR PREP AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTURUCTED TO PROVIDE.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED STORAGE SPACE WHERE BEVERAGES ARE STORED IN NEED OF ORGANIZING. INSTRUCTED TO ELEVAT ALL ITEMS AT LEAST 6 INCHES OFF FLOOR TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED INADEQUATE LIGHTING IN FRONT PREP AREA NEAR HANDSINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
56
55
Dec 2, 2019
License
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FRONT HAND SINK WITH A SLOW DRAIN. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
10
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: PREMISES HAS NO MOP SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE PROPER BACK FLOW DEVICE AND HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE TOILET ROOM DOOR NOT SELF CLOSING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN A SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON THE WASH ROOM DOOR.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: NOTED FLOORS DAMAGED IN SPOTS IN THE PREP AREA AND DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT FLOORS NEED TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. MUST REPAIR AND/OR REPLACE CRACKED AND DAMAGED FLOOR TILES.
55
82
Oct 23, 2017
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: NOTED A FEW CEILING TILES IN THE PREP AREA DIRTY. MUST CLEAN AND MAINATIN. NOTED THE HOOD DIRTY ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT DIRTY. ALSO MUST CLEAN.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: OBSERVER LIGHTS OUT IN THE WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: NOTED THE HOT WATER PRESSURE IN THE WASH ROOM IS LOW. MUST PROVIDE BETTER FLOW.
38
86
Sep 13, 2016
Routine
9 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector notes: WALK-IN COOLER NOT MAINTAINING ADEQUATE TEMPERATURE. AIR TEMPERATURE RECORDED AT 48F. UNIT MUST BE REPAIRED AND CAPABLE OF MAINTAINING AN INTERNAL TEMPERATURE OF 40 DEGREES OR BELOW. UNIT TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION, AND CANNOT BE USED UNTIL REPAIRED AND RELEASED BY CDPH. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A).
2
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: ITALIAN BEEF-50.1F, 48.5F, PIZZA PUFFS-46.1F. ALL POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS MUST BE STORED AND/OR HELD AT 40 DEGREES OR BELOW UNTIL PREPARED ND/OR SERVED. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL PRODUCTS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES AND DISCARD. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A).
3
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: PAINT RUSTY EXTERIOR OF SMALL DEEP FREEZER IN REAR FOOD PREP AREA. MUST PROPERLY REPAIR OR REPLACE TAPPED GLASS INSIDE POP DISPLAY CASE IN FRONT FOOD PREP AREA.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE FOLLOWING: INTERIORS AND EXTERIORS OF: POP DISPLAY CASE, DEEP FRYER, 3 COMPARTMENT SINK, ALL STORAGE SHELVES AND COUNTERS, PREP TABLE, ALL FREEZER UNITS, AND ALL OTHER UNCLEAN SURFACES THROUGHOUT.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOOR THROUGHOUT REAR FOOD PREP AREA NOT PROPERLY MAINTAINED. SURFACE MUST BE WELL CONSTRUCTED( NOT LEVEL AND SECTIONS OF FLOORING MISSING AND WORN), SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. ALSO NEED TO CLEAN FLOORS THROUGHOUT EVERY SECTION OF OPERATION ALONG THE BASES OF THE WALLS, IN CORNERS, UNDERNEATH AND BEHIND ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT( MASSIVE DEBRIS, AND DIRT).
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST REPLACE ALL STAINED AND MISSING CEILING TILES THROUGHOUT. MUST ALSO REPAIR SECTIONS OF CEILINGS AND WALLS THROUGHOUT WHERE HUGE HOLES AND OPENINGS ARE PRESENT. CLEAN GREASE BUILD-UP FROM WALLS AND ATTACHED PIPES BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT IN REAR FOOD PREP AREA. REPLACE MISSING SHIELD ON LIGHT BULB INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER OR INSTALL A SHATTER-RESISENT BULB.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: NO EXPOSED HAND SINK IN REAR FOOD PREP AREA(THE DOOR THAT SEPARATES THE 2 PREP AREAS SWINGS OUT TO FRONT FOOD PREP AREA. MUST INSTALL AN EXPOSED HAND SINK IN REAR FOOD PREP AREA.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: ALL ITEMS STORED IN FRONT STORAGE AREA ON EAST SIDE OF BUSINESS WHERE EXPOSED HAND SINK IS LOCATED MUST BE ELEVATED 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR.
41
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: ALL EMPLOYEES THAT FALL UNDER THE CATEGORY OF FOOD HANDLERS THAT ARE NOT CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS MUST MEET IDPH FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS.
45
64
Oct 2, 2014
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NO VALID CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY/SITE WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED SUCH AS CORN BEEF,HOT DOG AND PASTRAMI SANDWHICHES. A certified food service manager must be present in all establishments at which potentially hazardous food is prepared or served. CITATION ISSUED #7-38-012.
21
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS NEED DETAIL CLEANING IN THE REAR AND FRONT PREP AREA TO REMOVE GREASE AND DEBRIS.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: NOTED CEILING IN POOR REPAIR THROUGH OUT (MISSING & DAMAGED TILES). MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
35
86
Nov 8, 2013
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN INTERIOR BOTTOM OF FRYERS TO REMOVE GREASE AND FOOD PARTICLES. CLEAN AREA AROUND VENTS IN HOODED SYSTEM ABOVE FRYERS TO REMOVE GREASE.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOORS IN FRONT PREP AREA AROUND STEAMTABLE AND IN REAR PREP AREA AROUND FRYERS.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: SEAL ALL THE HOLES IN THE WALLS AND CEILINGS THROUGHOUT PREMISES SO NO INSECT OR RODENT HARBORAGE. LARGE HOLE IN THE TOILET ROOM CEILING MUST REPAIR IT.
35
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: CLUTTER IN THE FURNACE/WATER HEATER AREA. MUST REMOVE THE CLUTTER AND CLEAN AND ORGNIZE SO NO INSECT OD RODENT HARBORAGE.
41
82
Nov 13, 2012
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN INTERIOR BOTTOM OF FRYERS TO REMOVE GREASE AND FOOD PARTICLES. CLEAN AREA AROUND VENTS IN HOODED SYSTEM ABOVE FRYERS TO REMOVE GREASE.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOORS IN FRONT PREP AREA AROUND STEAMTABLE AND IN REAR PREP AREA AROUND FRYERS.
34
90
May 9, 2011
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 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. CLEAN INTERIOR BOTTOM CABINET OF DEEP FRYERS TO REMOVE GREASE. CLEAN EXTERIOR OF FRYERS TO REMOVE GREASE.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOORS UNDER FRYERS TO REMOVE GREASE AND FOOD PARTICLES NOTED.
34
Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters
Inspector notes: INSTALL A SELF-CLOSING DEVICE FOR WASHROOM DOOR.
37
86
May 21, 2010
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 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 REMOVE DOOR LEADING INTO REAR PREP AREA OR INSTALL HAND SINK IN REAR PREP 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.CLEAN INTERIOR OF DEEP FRYERS,FLOOR MATS.
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 FLOOR IN REAR PREP AREA.
34
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: All rooms in which food or drink is prepared, or in which utensils are washed, shall be lighted so that a minimum of 50-foot candles of light is available on all work surfaces.PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING IN FRONT PREP AREA.
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 INSTALL HAND SINK IN REAR PREP AREA OR REMOVE DOOR FOR ACCESSIBILITY TO WASH HAND AT FRONT PREP AREA HAND SINK.REINSTALL TOILET ROOM WITH TOILET AND HAND SINK.
38
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: All employees must wear garments that are clean and of washable character and nature.MUST STORE PERSONAL BELONGINGS PROPERLY.
42
74
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Dave's 's Red Hot last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Dave's 's Red Hot on file is from Dec 19, 2025. The public record contains 12 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Dave's 's Red Hot?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited 12 times, more than any other issue at Dave's 's Red Hot.
Has Dave's 's Red Hot's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Dave's 's Red Hot have averaged around five violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Dave's 's Red Hot 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 Dave's 's Red Hot inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Dave's 's Red Hot is inspected about once every two years on average.
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