Friend's BBQ
Last inspected: Sep 17, 2025
78
Score
Across the available record, Friend's BBQ has seven inspections on file, the first dated 2018. The most recent visit was on Sep 17, 2025. A low risk rating suggests inspectors haven't found much to be concerned about lately.
Inspection results have stayed in a similar range over the last few visits, averaging around six violations each.
“Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing 11 times across the record.
By comparison, the average Chicago facility scores 81, putting Friend's BBQ on the weaker side. The full picture is one of consistent compliance.
7
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
5
Minor latest
Inspection History
Sep 17, 2025
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD CONTAINERS STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE WALK-IN COOLER, PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY STORE AND PROTECT FOOD ITEMS FROM CONTAMINATION WHILE STORED BY ELEVATING AT LEAST SIX INCHES FROM THE FLOOR ON RAISED SHELVING UNITS.
39
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES NOT INVERTED AND SERVICE AREA AND STORED ON FLOOR IN BASEMENT AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INVERT AND ELEVATE ALL SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES OFF FLOOR.
45
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CARDBOARD USED AS LINER ON FOOD PREP EQUIPMENT AND TABLES. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP ON COOKING EQUIPMENT, WALLS, SURROUNDING FLOORS AND SHELVING UNITS IN THE KITCHEN/PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO DEGREASE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LOOSE DEBRIS, DIRT AND DUST BUILDUP ON THE FLOORS AND CORNERS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND INCREASE CLEANING FREQUENCY OF FLOORS. MUST MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
55
78
Jul 10, 2024
Reinspection
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: 4-601.11(B): OBSERVED SLIGHT FOOD SPLATTERS INSIDE THE MICROWAVE IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: 5-501.115: OBSERVED THE OUTDOOR GARBAGE AREA NOT MAINTAINED. PILES OF TRASH NEAR RECEPTACLES OBSERVED DURING THE INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN TO PREVENT PEST.
54
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.13: OBSERVED THE FLOORS NEAR THE ICE MACHINE AND UNDER THE DEEP-FRYING UNIT IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA WITH GREASE BUILD UP AND A STICKY SUBTANCE IN THE MENTIONED AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.13: OBSERVED THE FLOORS NEAR THE ICE MACHINE AND UNDER THE DEEP-FRYING UNIT IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA WITH GREASE BUILD UP AND A STICKY SUBTANCE IN THE MENTIONED AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
55
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: 6-501.112: OBSERVED DEAD ROACHES ON THE WOOD PLANKS AND FLOORS NEAR THE DEEP FREEZER CHEST IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE DEAD ROACHES AND MAINTAIN.
38
78
Jul 3, 2024
Routine
1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 50 MICE DROPPINGS AND 2 LIVE ROACHES ON SITE DURING THE INSPECTION. THE MICE DROPPINGS WERE OBSERVED ON THE LOWER SHELVES UNDER A FOOD PREP TABLE NEAR THE REAR EXIT DOOR AND IN THE FLOORS WHERE THE CHEMICALS ARE STORED NEARTHE REAR EXIT DOOR IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. THE LIVE ROACHES WERE OBSERVED ON THE FLOORS SURROUNDING THE FREEZER CHEST IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE LIVE ROACH ACTIVITY AND REMOVE MICE DROPPINGS AND MAINTAIN. PEST CONTROL ARRIVED ON SITE, DURING THE INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A), CITATION ISSUED
38
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DEAD ROACHES ON THE WOOD PLANKS AND FLOORS NEAR THE DEEP FREEZER CHEST IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE DEAD ROACHES AND MAINTAIN.
38
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SLIGHT FOOD SPLATTERS INSIDE THE MICROWAVE IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE OUTDOOR GARBAGE AREA NOT MAINTAINED. PILES OF TRASH NEAR RECEPTACLES OBSERVED DURING THE INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN TO PREVENT PEST.
54
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FLOORS NEAR THE ICE MACHINE AND UNDER THE DEEP-FRYING UNIT IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA WITH GREASE BUILD UP AND A STICKY SUBTANCE IN THE MENTIONED AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE LOWER SHELVES UNDER THE FOOD PREP TABLES WITH BROKEN DOWN CARDBOARD BOXES. ALSO, OBSERVED CLUTTER IN THE REAR CHEMICAL STORAGE AREA, NEAR THE EXIT DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE UNNECESSARY ITEMS, DECLUTTER, AND MAINTAIN.
55
70
Apr 18, 2023
Reinspection
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TAPE AT BOTTOM OF REAR EXIT DOOR TO THE KITCHEN; INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND PROVIDE A PROPER DOOR SWEEP. OBSERVED A 1/4 INCH OPENING AT BOTTOM OF THE FRONT DOOR; INSTRUCTED TO RODENT PROOF DOOR TO SEAL OPENING.
38
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALL KITCHEN EQUIPMENT (COOKING, REFRIGERATION UNITS, PREP TABLES).
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE FOLLOWING: FLOORS UNDER AROUND AND BEHIND KITCHEN EQUIPMENT, CLEAN FLOOR IN BASEMENT, CLEAN FLOOR DRAIN UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT. CLEAN WALLS AROUND AND BEHIND KITCHEN EQUIPMENT. CLEAN CEILING TILE/PANELING. CLEAN CEILING VENT FANS IN WASHROOMS TO REMOVE DUST.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS NEED THE REQUIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS NEED THE REQUIRED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING.
58
78
Apr 7, 2023
License
2 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 8-10 BABY ROACHES INSIDE OF DEEP FRYER IN THE KITCHEN; INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FRYER. FOUND 80 OR MORE MOUSE DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR AND WALL LEDGE IN THE BASEMENT AREA; INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALL DROPPINGS. HAVE PEST CONTROL COMPANY SERVICE ESTABLISHMENT FOR ROACHES AND MICE PRIOR TO REINSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A).
38
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICIES 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.
3
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TAPE AT BOTTOM OF REAR EXIT DOOR TO THE KITCHEN; INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND PROVIDE A PROPER DOOR SWEEP. OBSERVED A 1/4 INCH OPENING AT BOTTOM OF THE FRONT DOOR; INSTRUCTED TO RODENT PROOF DOOR TO SEAL OPENING.
38
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: FOUND A DEAD MOUSE ON THE BASEMENT FLOOR; INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE. CORRECTED DURING INSPECTION.
38
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALL KITCHEN EQUIPMENT (COOKING, REFRIGERATION UNITS, PREP TABLES).
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE FOLLOWING: FLOORS UNDER AROUND AND BEHIND KITCHEN EQUIPMENT, CLEAN FLOOR IN BASEMENT, CLEAN FLOOR DRAIN UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT. CLEAN WALLS AROUND AND BEHIND KITCHEN EQUIPMENT. CLEAN CEILING TILE/PANELING. CLEAN CEILING VENT FANS IN WASHROOMS TO REMOVE DUST.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FOUND UNNECESSARY ITEMS IN BASEMENT AREA; INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE TO AVOID CLUTTER AND RODENT HARBORAGE.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: VENTILATION SYSTEM ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT NEEDS CLEANING TO REMOVE DUST/GREASE OBSERVED.
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS NEED THE REQUIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS NEED THE REQUIRED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING.
58
55
Nov 6, 2019
Routine
1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: ADDITIONAL SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR THE CLEAN UP PROCEDURE/KIT INCLUDING A SANITIZER THAT CAN KILL NOROVIRUS AND FACE MASK; MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
5
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A SMALL HOLE IN THE BOTTOM RIGHT CORNER OF THE KITCHEN EXIT DOOR; SEAL HOLE. OBSERVED THE OUTER REAR EXIT SIDE DOOR NOT RODENT PROOFED AT THE BOTTOM; MUST COMPLETELY RODENT PROOF OUTER REAR EXIT SIDE DOOR.
38
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT (FRYER AND GRILL).
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS AND WALLS AROUND AND BEHIND KITCHEN EQUIPMENT WHERE NEEDED.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING WALL TILE AT THE BASE OF THE WALL BY THE COOKING EQUIPMENT; REPLACE TILE WHERE NEEDED.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE VENTS ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE HOODED SYSTEM.
56
70
Nov 19, 2018
License
2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 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
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: MUST INSTALL BACK FLOW DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOORS IN FRONT AREA AND BOTH WASHROOMS. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: MANAGER WITH SANITATION CERTIFICATE MUST HAVE THE ALLERGAN CERTIFICATE. OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN.
58
70
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Friend's BBQ last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Friend's BBQ on file is from Sep 17, 2025. The public record contains seven inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Friend's BBQ?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited 11 times, more than any other issue at Friend's BBQ.
Has Friend's BBQ's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Friend's BBQ have averaged around six violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Friend's BBQ 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 Friend's BBQ inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Friend's BBQ is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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