Gayle's Best Ever Grilled Cheeese — Gayle's Best Ever Grlled Cheese
Last inspected: Jan 21, 2026
82
Score
Gayle's Best Ever Grilled Cheeese — Gayle's Best Ever Grlled Cheese has been inspected 19 times since 2016. Inspectors last stopped by on Jan 21, 2026. When a facility lands in the low risk tier, it usually means nothing alarming showed up at the most recent visit.
The picture has gotten worse over the last few visits, with the average climbing from around one violation to closer to eight violations.
Looking across the full record, “food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable” is the recurring theme, flagged six times.
Compared to the broader Chicago restaurant scene, this is about average. Taken together, the history looks like that of a busy facility working through the usual inspection cycle.
19
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
4
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 21, 2026
Reinspection
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-101.19 : OBSERVED CRATES BEING USED FOR FOOD STORAGE IN PREP/DISH WASHING AREA MUST ELIMINATE AND PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING UNITS FOR FOOD STORAGE TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: 4-601.11(C) Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM WALK IN COOLER FAN GUARD COVERS,DUST BUILD UP ON FRONT PREP AREA SHELVING UNITS.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-201.13 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES IN DINING AREA.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: 4-301.14 : OBSERVED TABLE TOP DEEP FRYERS ON REAR PREP TABLE AND NO VENTILATION HOOD ABOVE MUST PROVIDE UNDERNEATH VENTILATION AND MAINTAIN.
56
82
Jan 14, 2026
Routine
1 critical violation. 4 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 15 violations
Hands clean & properly washed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED POOR HYGIENIC PRACTICES BY FOOD HANDLER OBSERVED HER TOUCH SCREEN ORDER AT REGISTER PUT ON PLASTIC GLOVES RETRIEVED WRAPPED SANDWICH FROM REACH IN COOLER AND PLACED ON GRILL WITHOUT WASHING HANDS,AS WELL ANOTHER EMPLOYEE DID THE SAME.INSTRUCTED TO WASH HANDS AFTER EVERY POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.(PRIORITY 7-38-010)(CITATION ISSUED)(COS)
8
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED,HANDLED AND SERVED SUCH AS (TURKEY,SAUSAGE,HAM SANDWICHES) MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)(CITATION ISSUED)
2
Compliance with variance/specialized process/haccp
Inspector notes: OBSERVED VACUUM PACKAGED FOODS ON SITE WITHOUT AN CDPH-APPROVED HACCP PLAN.MUST BE APPROVED BEFORE FOOD CAN BE VACUUM PACKAGED ON PREMISES.APPX.56LBS. MACARONI & CHEESE $324. PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED BY PIC.A HELD FOR INSPECTION TAG PLACED ON VACUUM PACKAGE SEALER. (PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED)(COS)
29
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: PIC DOSEN'T HAVE A FOOD MANAGERS CERTIFICATE.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)
1
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT #2616737 5/1/25 NOT CORRECTED-#47-4-101.19 : OBSERVED BOXES STORED ON MILK CRATES IN FREEZER. OBSERVED NON FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR UNDERNEATH SHELVING UNITS IN REAR STORAGE(WHERE UTILITY SINK IS LOCATED). INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD AND NONFOOD ITEMS AT LEAST SIX INCHES OFF OF FLOOR FOR EASE OF CLEANABILITY.#55- 6-501.12 : OBSERVED ICE BUILDUP ON RIGHT CONDENSOR LINE IN WALK IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ICE BUILDUP FROM CONDENSOR LINE IN WALK IN FREEZER AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED DUST ON WALLS ABOVE CLEAN EQUIPMENT ON SHELVES ABOVE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. OBSERVED DUST ON CEILING VENT COVER ABOVE PREP TABLE IN REAR PREP(ACROSS FROM WALK IN COOLER). OBSERVED DUST ON CEILING AROUND CEILING VENT COVER IN MIDDLE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN WALLS, CEILING VENT COVER AND CEILING IN SAID AREAS AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED BUILDUP ALONG BASE OF WALL UNDERNEATH THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AND BEHIND GREASE TRAP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALONG BASE OF WALL UNDERNEATH THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AND BEHIND GREASE TRAP.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090)(CITATION ISSUED)
60
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXPIRED AND MISSING FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
57
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM WALK IN COOLER FAN GUARD COVERS & SHELVING UNITS,DUST BUILD UP ON FRONT PREP AREA SHELVING UNITS.
49
Variance obtained for specialized processing methods
Inspector notes: SEE VIOLATION #29.
32
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: MUST INVERT MULTI-USE UTENSILS ON STORAGE SHELVES.
44
Gloves used properly
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER MIUSAGE OF PLASTIC GLOVES.
46
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CRATES BEING USED FOR FOOD STORAGE IN FRONT PREP AREA MUST ELIMINATE AND PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING UNITS FOR FOOD STORAGE.MUST ELIMINATE CARDBOARD LINED ON LOWER SHELF OF PREP TABLE TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES & MISSING WALL BASE IN DINING AREA,MISSING CEILING TILE IN REAR PREP AREA,HOLE IN WALL IN FRONT PREP AREA.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE CARDBOARD FROM WALK IN COOLER FLOOR TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS AND DUST BUILD UP FROM FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES THROUGHOUT PREMISES.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TABLE TOP DEEP FRYERS ON REAR PREP TABLE AND NO VENTILATION HOOD ABOVE MUST PROVIDE UNDERNEATH VENTILATION AND MAINTAIN.
56
35
May 1, 2025
Routine
2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SOAP AT HANDWASHING SINK IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HANDWASHING SOAP AT HANDWASHING SINKS AT ALL TIMES. CORRECTED ON SITE HANDWASHING SOAP PROVIDED AT HANDWASHING SINK IN REAR PREP AREA BEFORE CONCLUSION OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.
10
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO DISINFECTANT EFFECTIVE AGAINST NOROVIRUS FOR COMPLYING WITH PROCEDURE AVAILABLE ON SITE WHEN RESPONDING TO VOMITTING OR DIARRHEAL EVENTS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED
5
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINT WHILE PREPARING FOOD. INSTRUCTED FOOD HANDLERS SHALL WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS SUCH AS HATS, HAIR COVERINGS , BEARD RESTRAINTS AND CLOTHING THAT COVERS BODY HAIR THAT ARE DESIGNED AND WORN TO EFFECTIVELY KEEP THEIR HAIR FROM CONTACTING EXPOSED FOOD, CLEAN EQUIPMENT,UTENSILS AND LINENS AND UNWRAPPED SINGLE SERVICE AND SINGLE USE ARTICLES.
40
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BOXES STORED ON MILK CRATES IN FREEZER. OBSERVED NON FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR UNDERNEATH SHELVING UNITS IN REAR STORAGE(WHERE UTILITY SINK IS LOCATED). INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD AND NONFOOD ITEMS AT LEAST SIX INCHES OFF OF FLOOR FOR EASE OF CLEANABILITY.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ICE BUILDUP ON RIGHT CONDENSOR LINE IN WALK IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ICE BUILDUP FROM CONDENSOR LINE IN WALK IN FREEZER AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED DUST ON WALLS ABOVE CLEAN EQUIPMENT ON SHELVES ABOVE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. OBSERVED DUST ON CEILING VENT COVER ABOVE PREP TABLE IN REAR PREP(ACROSS FROM WALK IN COOLER). OBSERVED DUST ON CEILING AROUND CEILING VENT COVER IN MIDDLE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN WALLS, CEILING VENT COVER AND CEILING IN SAID AREAS AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED BUILDUP ALONG BASE OF WALL UNDERNEATH THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AND BEHIND GREASE TRAP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALONG BASE OF WALL UNDERNEATH THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AND BEHIND GREASE TRAP.
55
70
Aug 13, 2024
Complaint
No violations found.
100
Jul 12, 2024
Complaint
No violations found.
100
Jan 10, 2024
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FACILITY USING CARDBOARD AS A LINER UNDER WALK-IN COOLER SHELVING AND ON THE SHELVING BELOW GREASE CONTAINERS. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CARDBOARD OR REPLACE WITH A MATERIAL THAT IS SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING CEILING TILES ABOVE WALK-IN COOLER AND WALK-IN FREEZER ENTRANCE. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE OR PROVIDE MISSING CEILING TILES.
55
90
Jul 5, 2023
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jun 22, 2023
Routine
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: 6-501.111 OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF LIVE INSECT ACTIVITY ON SITE, OBSERVED ABOUT 5 LARGE FLIES FLYING AROUND THE REAR FOOD PREP AREAS, OBSERVED A FLY LAND ON A PIECE OF BREAD AT A PREP TABLE IN THE REAR. INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD THE PIECE OF BREAD, CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS, ELIMINATE LARGE FLIES ACTIVITY AND RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL FOR A SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020(C).
38
Approved thawing methods used
Inspector notes: 3-501.13 OBSERVED FACILITY INADEQUATELY THAWING TCS FOOD (SOUP) IN THE ONE COMPARTMENT SINK IN STAGNET WATER. INSTRUCTED TO ALWAYS PROPERLY THAW ALL TCS FOODS IN COLD RUNNING WATER (NOT EXCEEDING 70F) AT ALL TIMES.
35
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: 3-307.11 OBSERVED AN INADEQUATE SPLASH GUARD ON THE HAND WASHING SINK LOCATED DIRECTLY NEXT TO THE PANINI GRILL AND INADEQUATE IN HEIGHT AND NOT PROPERLY PROTECTING THE PANINI GRILL FROM POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AN ADEQUATE SPLASH GUARD AT THE HAND WASHING SINK DIRECTLY NEXT TO THE PANINI GRILL OR MOVE THE PANINI GRILL THAT IS DIRECTLY NEXT TO SAID HAND WASHING SINK.
39
82
Aug 30, 2022
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-201.11 FOUND HANDWASHING SINK LOCATED IN REAR PREP ACROSS FROM WALK IN COOLER DETACHED (HANGING) FROM WALL INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
47
95
Aug 17, 2022
Routine
2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY THAT INCLUDES A SIGNED ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FROM EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7.38.010. CITATION ISSUED.
3
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: FOUND APPROX. 7 LARGE FLIES IN REAR FOOD PREP AREA. ALSO NOTED APPROX 6 SMALL FLIES LOCATED IN DRY STORAGE AREA. AND 4 SMALL FLIES LOCATED IN FRONT PREP AREA/ DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO MINIMIZE ALL FLY ACTIVITY. RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
38
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: FOUND HANDWASHING SINK LOCATED IN REAR PREP ACROSS FROM WALK IN COOLER DETACHED (HANGING) FROM WALL INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
47
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: FOUND CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER (PIC) WITHOUT PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS.
58
74
Jan 24, 2022
License
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: VISIBLE AND WORKING THERMOMETER NEEDED IN FRONT REACH-IN CHEESE REFRIGERATOR. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
36
95
Apr 19, 2021
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: BULK FOOD CONTAINER NOT PROPERLY LABELED, INSTRUCTED TO LABEL AND MAINTAIN.
37
95
Feb 5, 2020
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: FOUND FOOD HANDLER WITHOUT FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. MUST PROVIDE PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS.
57
95
Apr 3, 2019
Routine
3 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 4 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING DOCUMENTATION ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO ESTABLISH AN APPROPRIATE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING SYSTEM AND MAINTAIN WITH VERIFIABLE SIGNED COPIES ON SITE FOR ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SUPPLIES NOR PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING OR DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO PROVIDE SUPPLIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLEAN UP POLICY TO PROPERLY HANDLE BODILY FLUID SPILLS ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED READY-TO-EAT, TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY (TCS) FOODS NOT DATE MARKED TO INDICATE THE PRODUCT'S NAME AND DATE IN WHICH THE FOOD MUST BE SOLD, DISCARDED OR CONSUMED WITHIN 7 DAYS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER LABELS FOR DATE MARKING AND DISCARD DATE FOR REFRIGERATED, READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOODS HELD OVER 24HRS PLACED IN ALL COLD-HOLDING UNITS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
23
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSONS WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH COMPLETION OF TRAINING. MUST PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION.
58
70
Jun 19, 2018
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MISSING LIGHT SHIELD ABOVE 3-COMP SINK LIGHT FIXTURE, INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL.
36
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLERS NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS, INSTRUCTED TO WEAR.
42
90
Nov 17, 2017
Routine
No violations found.
100
Apr 27, 2017
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE RESTROOM CEILING VENT AND THE CEILING VENT IN THE REAR PREP AREA WITH ACCUMULATED DUST. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL CEILING VENTS.
35
95
Oct 20, 2016
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Cutting boards in kitchen prep area that had deep cuts, shall be replaced.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Reach in coolers shelving/racks not clean, had excess food debris, need detailed cleaning(crevices).
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Floors under front storage shelving/racks not clean, need detailed cleaning(corners), floors under 3 compartment sink, and by exposed hand sink in front prep area, need re-grouting.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Ceiling tiles, exhaust vents in kitchen prep areas not clean, need detailed cleaning.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: Missing light shields in rear kitchen prep area, shall be provided, replaced.
36
78
Feb 5, 2016
License
No violations found.
100
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Gayle's Best Ever Grilled Cheeese — Gayle's Best Ever Grlled Cheese last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Gayle's Best Ever Grilled Cheeese — Gayle's Best Ever Grlled Cheese on file is from Jan 21, 2026. The public record contains 19 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Gayle's Best Ever Grilled Cheeese — Gayle's Best Ever Grlled Cheese?
Across the inspection record, “food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at Gayle's Best Ever Grilled Cheeese — Gayle's Best Ever Grlled Cheese.
Has Gayle's Best Ever Grilled Cheeese — Gayle's Best Ever Grlled Cheese's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Gayle's Best Ever Grilled Cheeese — Gayle's Best Ever Grlled Cheese have averaged around eight violations per visit, up from roughly one earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Gayle's Best Ever Grilled Cheeese — Gayle's Best Ever Grlled Cheese 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 Gayle's Best Ever Grilled Cheeese — Gayle's Best Ever Grlled Cheese inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Gayle's Best Ever Grilled Cheeese — Gayle's Best Ever Grlled Cheese is inspected around two times per year on average.
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