Jerk Yard
Last inspected: Jan 16, 2026
90
Score
The health department has logged six inspections at Jerk Yard, the earliest from 2024. Inspectors last stopped by on Jan 16, 2026. When a facility lands in the low risk tier, it usually means nothing alarming showed up at the most recent visit.
Recent inspections have turned up roughly the same number of issues each time, hovering near eight violations per visit.
When inspectors have written things up, “non-food/food contact surfaces clean” has been the most frequent reason, cited six times.
Restaurants in Chicago average 81, so Jerk Yard is doing better than most peers. There isn't much in the file that would give a customer pause.
6
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 16, 2026
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-101.19 OBSERVED MILK CRATES BEING USED AS SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE SHELVING THAT IS 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND PROVIDES FLOOR ACCESSIBILITY TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FACILITY CLEANING.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: 4-601.11(B) OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP ON COOKING EQUIPMENT, WALLS, SURROUNDING FLOORS AND SHELVING UNITS IN THE KITCHEN/PREP AREAS.OBSERVED AN EXCESSIVEAMOUNT OF DEBRIS ON THE FLOOR/WALLS/CEILING OF THE WALK IN FREEZER AND COOLER. MUST REMOVE EXCESS ICE, DETAIL CLEAN, DEGREASE SANITZE AND MAINTAIN.
49
90
Jan 7, 2026
Complaint
2 critical violations. 4 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FACILITY EQUIPMENT FOR COLD HOLDING IN DISREPAIR. NOTED WALK IN COOLER TO BE AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE AT 64F. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR OR REPLACE FOR PROPER COLD HOLDING OF 41 DEGREES F OR BELOW. TAGGED UNIT. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
33
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TCS FOODS HELD AT IMPROPER INTERNAL TEMPERATURES IN THE FRONT PREP COLD HOLDING UNIT, SUCH AS 30LBS OF OXTAILS AT 62.2F AND 20LBS OF CHICKEN AT 63.3F. MANAGER DISCARDED AND DENATURED A TOTAL 60LBS AT $300. ALL COLD TCS FOOD MUST MAINTAIN 41F OR BELOW . PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.
22
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OVER 75 MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED ON SHELVES UNDER FRONT COUNTER, ON FLOOR ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS, BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT, SINKS, WATER HEATER IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. ADVISED MANAGER TO CALL AN EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED
38
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED IN SPECIFIED TIME FRAME PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION FROM REPORT #2623432 ON 9/8/2025 WERE NOT CORRECTED: #40 2-402.11: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS. #57 2-102.13: OBSERVED MISSING FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. ALL EMPLOYEES HANDLING FOOD AND EQUIPMENT MUST PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. #58 2-102.13: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CERTIFIED MANAGER. ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
60
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED, HANDLED AND SERVED SUCH AS (CHICKEN, RICE, BEANS, FISH, AND SHRIMP) MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BLANK COPIES OF EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO MAINTAIN POLICY WITH VERIFIABLE SIGNED COPIES ON SITE FOR ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES IN ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF REPORTING AGREEMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-010.
3
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH VALID CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE.
1
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 THAT IS 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND PROVIDES FLOOR ACCESSIBILITY TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FACILITY CLEANING.
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.OBSERVED AN EXCESSIVEAMOUNT OF DEBRIS ON THE FLOOR/WALLS/CEILING OF THE WALK IN FREEZER AND COOLER. MUST REMOVE EXCESS ICE, DETAIL CLEAN, DEGREASE SANITZE AND MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP, FOOD DEBRIS, AND DIRT ON FLOOR UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP, DISH WASHING, STORAGE AND BASEMENT AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN ALL AREAS. OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON FAN IN WALK-IN COOLER, LIGHT SHIELDS IN COOKING AREA AND CEILING AND WALL VENTS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL FANS, LIGHT SHIELDS AND CEILING/WALL VENTS.
55
41
Sep 29, 2025
Reinspection
2 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 12 violations
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH VALID CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DESIGNATE PERSON IN CHARGE DURING ALL HOURS OF OPERATION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION
1
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: 1.11 Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE OR VALID CERTIFICATE POSTED WHEN TCS FOOD PREPARED AND SERVED. A CHICAGO FOOD SANITAITON MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AND VALID CERTIFICATE POSTED AT ALL TIMES TCS FOOD PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED
2
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CERTIFIED MANAGER. ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING.
58
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 1/4" GAP AT BOTTOM OF FRONT AND REAR DOORS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS ON DOORS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.
38
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SPLASH GUARD ON LEFT SIDE OF REAR HAND WASHING SINK NEAR PREP SINK. INSRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
39
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS.
40
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.
41
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF SHELVING UNITS, HOLDING UNITS, PREP TABLES, COOKING EQUIPMENT, ROLLING CARTS, COOLERS, FREEZER INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRT AND DEBRIS ON WALLS AND FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS IN ALL AREAS. OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON CEILING VENTS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED UNUSED ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT IN FRONT COUNTER, PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ARTICLES TO PREVENT PESY HARBORAGE
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP INSIDE VENTILATION HOOD. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. ALL EMPLOYEES HANDLING FOOD AND EQUIPMENT MUST PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
57
50
Sep 8, 2025
Complaint
2 critical violations. 6 major violations. 11 minor violations.
View 19 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CHICKEN STORED AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER 51.6F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DISCARD. ALL COLD FOOD MUST MAINTAIN 41F OR BELOW. PRIORITY 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED
22
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WALK-IN COOLER NOT MAINTAINING PROPER TEMPERATURE 47.8F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN COOLER AT 41F OR BELOW. COOLER IS TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION AND MUST NOT BE USED UNTIL REINSPECTED BY CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH. PRIORITY 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED
33
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH VALID CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DESIGNATE PERSON IN CHARGE DURING ALL HOURS OF OPERATION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION
1
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE OR VALID CERTIFICATE POSTED WHEN TCS FOOD PREPARED AND SERVED. A CHICAGO FOOD SANITAITON MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AND VALID CERTIFICATE POSTED AT ALL TIMES TCS FOOD PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED
2
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2613202 ON 3-5-25:51-OBSERVED A LEAKY PIPE UNDERNEATH THE FRONT HAND SINK AND A LEAK AT THE FAUCET AT THE 3 COMP SINK. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED
60
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OVER 100 MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED ON SHELVES UNDER FRONT COUNTER, ON FLOOR ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS, BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT, SINKS, WATER HEATER IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS.OBSERVED NUMEROUS FLYING INSECTS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALL AN EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED
38
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED REAR HAND WASHING SINK NOT ACCESSIBLE AND IN POOR REPAIR, WATER DRAINING ON FLOOR WHEN IN USE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED
10
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL TEST KIT AVAILABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE TEST KIT FOR PROPER CONCENTRATION IN SANITIZING SOLUTIONS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED
48
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DEAD MOUSE ON GLUE BOARD UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE.
38
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 1/4" GAP AT BOTTOM OF FRONT AND REAR DOORS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS ON DOORS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.
38
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SPLASH GUARD ON LEFT SIDE OF REAR HAND WASHING SINK NEAR PREP SINK. INSRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
39
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS.
40
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.
41
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF SHELVING UNITS, HOLDING UNITS, PREP TABLES, COOKING EQUIPMENT, ROLLING CARTS, COOLERS, FREEZER INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRT AND DEBRIS ON WALLS AND FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS IN ALL AREAS. OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON CEILING VENTS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED UNUSED ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT IN FRONT COUNTER, PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ARTICLES TO PREVENT PESY HARBORAGE.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP INSIDE VENTILATION HOOD. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. ALL EMPLOYEES HANDLING FOOD AND EQUIPMENT MUST PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CERTIFIED MANAGER. ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING.
58
23
Mar 5, 2025
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE EXTERIOR OF THE COOKING EQUIPMENT.
49
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE WALK IN COOLERS(SHELVING,FLOORS AND WALL) TO REMOVE SPILLS AND DEBRIS.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A LEAKY PIPE UNDERNEATH THE FRONT HAND SINK AND A LEAK AT THE FAUCET AT THE 3 COMP SINK. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE FLOORS AND WALLS THROUGH OUT AND POP STORAGE AREA IN THE REAR.
55
82
May 13, 2024
License
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL FOOD HANDLERS OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTFICATES.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING.
58
90
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Jerk Yard last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Jerk Yard on file is from Jan 16, 2026. The public record contains six inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Jerk Yard?
Across the inspection record, “non-food/food contact surfaces clean” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at Jerk Yard.
Has Jerk Yard's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Jerk Yard have averaged around eight violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Jerk Yard 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 Jerk Yard inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Jerk Yard is inspected around four times per year on average.
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