Joe's Bar
Last inspected: Oct 20, 2025
82
Score
Joe's Bar has been inspected 18 times since 2012. The latest inspection on file is from Oct 20, 2025. Low risk means the most recent visit produced few or no significant findings.
There hasn't been much movement either way: counts have stayed near two violations per visit across recent inspections.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed”, showing up nine times.
Among Chicago restaurants, this is a fairly standard result. Overall, the inspection record reads well.
18
Inspections
1
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Oct 20, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: Found 60 lbs of cooked chicken wings held at 50.8f in walk-in cooler, chicken stored in large deep covered container in cooler a day before. Instructed manager to hold cold TCS foods at 41 f or lower. Priority violation 7-38-005. chicken discarded valued at $150.
22
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: Bulk food container ( flour )not labeled, Instructed to label.
37
82
Jun 3, 2024
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE FLOOR UNDER THE BARS.
55
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE SODA GUN NOZZLES AT THE BARS.
49
90
Jul 17, 2023
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 2 URINALS IN 1 MEN'S TOILET ROOM DO NOT FLUSH. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
51
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 1 CERTIFIED MANAGER WITHOUT ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
58
90
Aug 10, 2022
Routine
No violations found.
100
Jun 11, 2019
Complaint
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR BROKEN LID ON PREP COOLER IN PREP AREA, INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN GREASE AND DRIED FOOD DEBRIS FROM FLOORS IN PREP AREA UNDER AND BEHIND HEAVY EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
55
90
Mar 27, 2019
Routine
1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE DATE MARKINGS TO TCS/RTE FOODS PREPARED ONSITE AND HELD IN COOLERS OVER 24 HRS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CONSUME BY DATE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
23
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR HOT WATER KNOB ON HAND SINK BEHIND THE CHAPTER BAR, KNOB STRIPPED. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
51
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WITH COMMON FOOD NAMES WHEN FOOD HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM ORIGINAL PACKAGING. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN,
37
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DRIED FOOD DEBRIS FROM MOUNTED CAN OPENER IN REAR PREP, INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL DRIED FOOD DEBRIS FROM INTERIOR CONTACT SURFACES OF THE 2-DOOR REACH IN FREEZER IN THE PREP AREA. ALSO, CLEAN DRIED FOOD LOWER SHELVES ON PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE OR ORGANIZE CLUTTER THROUGHOUT FRONT CLOSET ADJACENT TO THE CHAPTER BAR. INSTRUCTED TO ELEVATE ITEMS 6" OFF FLOORS TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL EXCESSIVE DUST ACCUMULATION FROM FAN COVERS IN THE WALK IN COOLER, INSTRUCTED MAINTAIN.
55
67
Sep 11, 2018
Routine
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH THE NEW CODES OR CITATIONS WILL FOLLOW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #2-201-11.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
5
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: NO ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH THE NEW CODES OR CITATIONS WILL FOLLOW.
58
82
Apr 21, 2017
Complaint
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE PINK BUILDUP FROM THE INTERIOR SURFACE OF THE ICE MACHINE AND MAINTAIN.
32
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE RIPPED GASKETS AROUND THE DOORS, DEFROST THE INTERIOR TO REMOVE FROST BUILDUP, AND REATTACH THE INTERIOR DOOR PANEL OF THE 2-DOOR REACH-IN FREEEZER AND MAINTAIN.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE BROWN BUILDUP FROM THE SODA GUN NOZZLE ATTACHED TO THE OFF TRACK BETTING BAR AND MAINTAIN.
33
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: THE HAND SINK LOCATED IN FRONT OF THE KITCHEN IS SLOW DRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO CONTACT A PLUMBER TO REPAIR SINK AND ALLOW ADEQUATE DRAINING AND MAINTAIN.
38
82
Jun 3, 2016
Reinspection
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE THE RUST FROM THE STORAGE RACKS INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER AND THE BOTTOM SURFACE OF THE REAR PREP TABLE. MAINTAIN SAME.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE CAN OPENER IN THE REAR PREP AREA, THE STORAGE RACKS INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER, BOTTOM SURFACE OF ALL COOLERS, LOWER SURFACE OF PREP TABLES AND INTERIOR OF DEEP FRYERS.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE INTERIOR OF THE FLOOR DRAINS, FLOORS IN ALL CORNERS, IN THE WALK IN COOLER, BAR AREA AND UNDER/AROUND ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT.
34
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROOF ALL FOOD HANDLERS TOOK THE ONLINE COURSE.
45
82
May 26, 2016
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROOF ALL FOOD HANDLERS TOOK THE ONLINE COURSE.
45
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: FOUND DOORS NOT RODENT/INSECT PROOFED. OBSERVED 1/4" TO 1/2" GAP IN BETWEEN THE FRONT DOORS, UNDERNEATH THE REAR EXIT DOOR IN THE BAR AREA AND AT THE 2ND FL DOOR LEADING TO THE ROOF TOP PATIO. INSTRUCTED TO RODENT/INSECT PROOF ALL DOORS AND MAINTAIN. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020
18
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: FOUND NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE PREPARING/SERVING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS (I.E. BEEF, CHICKEN, BEANS, DAIRY, ETC.). INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ONE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012
21
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE THE RUST FROM THE STORAGE RACKS INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER AND THE BOTTOM SURFACE OF THE REAR PREP TABLE. MAINTAIN SAME.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE CAN OPENER IN THE REAR PREP AREA, THE STORAGE RACKS INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER, BOTTOM SURFACE OF ALL COOLERS, LOWER SURFACE OF PREP TABLES AND INTERIOR OF DEEP FRYERS.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE INTERIOR OF THE FLOOR DRAINS, FLOORS IN ALL CORNERS, IN THE WALK IN COOLER, BAR AREA AND UNDER/AROUND ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT.
34
74
Aug 14, 2015
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: LARGE MEAT SMOKER IN THE ALLEY, NOT BEING USED AT THIS TIME, MUST BE REMOVED FROM PREMISES.
41
95
Aug 6, 2015
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Hands washed and cleaned, good hygienic practices; no bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods.
Inspector notes: OBSERVED POOR HYGIENIC PRACTICES OF EMPLOYEE HANDLING READY TO EAT FOODS WITH BARE HANDS. EMPLOYEE NOTED DICING RAW,READY TO EAT TOMATOES WITH BARE HANDS. INSTRUCTED AGAIN, THERE IS TO BE NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH READY TO EAT FOODS. MUST USE UTENSILS OR WEAR GLOVES AND HANDS MUST BE WASHED BEFORE AND AFTER EACH GLOVE USE. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-010(A).
6
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: TWO REAR EXIT DOORS LEADING FROM BARS AND STAGE AREA TO THE ALLEY NOT RODENT PROOF/TIGHT FITTING. OPEN 1/2 TO 1 INCH GAPS ON BOTTOMS OF DOORS. ONE DOOR TWO RUSTED OPEN HOLES. BOTH DOORS WITH DAMAGED DOOR SWEEPS REPAIRED WITH DUCT TAPE. MUST PROPERLY REPAIR/SEAL DOORS TO MAKE TIGHT FITTING AND SEAL HOLES. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
18
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATIONS FROM 12-4-14 NOT CORRECTED. #32-FOUND TORN DOOR GASKETS ON THE KITCHEN PREP COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.#35- FOUND THE WALL COVING IN THE KITCHEN IN POOR REPAIR. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.#42-INSTRUCTED FACILITY THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR PROPER HAIR RESTRAINTS AND TO MAINTAIN. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-090.
29
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: PREP AREAS WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE HELD IN A CLEAN CONTAINER WITH A SANITIZING SOLUTION.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE LIDS FOR ALL BAR ICE BINS.
32
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST INSTALL HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER ABOVE THE BAR FROZEN DRINK MACHINE TO ADEQUATELY WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: LARGE MEAT SMOKER IN THE ALLEY,NOT BEING USED AT THIS TIME, MUST BE REMOVED FROM PREMISES.
41
70
Dec 4, 2014
Complaint
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect infestation, no birds, turtles or other animals
Inspector notes: UPON ARRIVAL FOUND A DOG ON PREMISES IN THE HALLWAY NEAR THE FRONT WASHROOMS. OWNER REMOVED ANIMAL FROM PREMISES. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO HAVE NO LIVE ANIMALS ON PREMISES AND TO MAINTAIN. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020.
13
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: FOUND A TORN GASKET ON THE KITCHEN PREP COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. FOUND THE CAULK AT THE DISHROOM HANDSINK TO BE IN POOR REPAIR. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO REMOVE, CLEAN, AND RECAULK AND MAINTAIN.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: FOUND THE WALL COVING IN THE KITCHEN IN POOR REPAIR. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: FOUND MISSING LIGHT SHIELDS ABOVE THE GRILL AND FLAT TOP AND ABOVE THE PREP COOLERS NEAREST THE HOT COOKING LINE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO SHIELD LIGHTS OR INSTALL SHATTERPROOF BULBS AND TO MAINTAIN.
36
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED FACILITY THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR PROPER HAIR RESTRAINTS AND TO MAINTAIN.
42
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED COCKTAIL SHAKER STORED IN ICE BIN AS AN ICE SCOOPER. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO USE AN APPROPRIATE ICE SCOOP WITH A HANDLE AND TO STORE OUTSIDE OF BIN IN A SANITARY CONTAINER AND TO MAINTAIN.
43
74
Mar 7, 2014
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: PROPERLY STORE DISPOSABLE CUPS IN PREP AREA TO PROTECT FROM CONTAMINATION.
31
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: REMOVE MILK CRATES AND PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING FOR STORAGE.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: SEAL LOOSE BASEBOARDS NEAR PREP COOLER IN PREP AREA.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELDS OR SHATTERPROOF BULBS IN KITCHEN.
36
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: STORE MOP HEADS UPRIGHT TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING. ORGANIZE REAR STORAGE IN OTB AREA TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE
41
78
Feb 13, 2013
Reinspection
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Raw wood storage shelves in liquor room not maintained. Instructed to apply non-toxic sealant to surface.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Several openings noted in walls around waterlines. Instructed to seal all openings.
35
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: Unnecessary clutter stored in all storage rooms. Instructed to elevate supplies 6inches or higher and away from wall and remove all unused articles.
41
86
Feb 4, 2013
Complaint
9 minor violations.
View 9 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: Outer openings not protected or rodent proofed. East side adjacent room has revolving doors and a set of double doors not rodent proofed-1/4 to 1 inch gap at bottom. Instructed to rodent proof doors to prevent rodent and insect entry. Seriouscitation issued 7-38-020.
18
Dish washing facilities: properly designed, constructed, maintained, installed, located and operated
Inspector notes: DIsh washing facilities not maintained or operated. Low temp dishmachine sanitizing at 0 ppm of chlorine while in use. Instructed that dish machine must sanitize utensils and equipment at 100 ppm. Serious citation issued. "Held for Inspection" tag placed on dish machine.
24
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Raw wood storage shelves in liquor room not maintained. Instructed to apply non-toxic sealant to surface.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Exterior behind and along side of cooking equipment, can opener attacted to prep table, interior upper panel of ice machine not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean and sanitize.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Floor in storage rooms, along wallbase and behind equipment not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean daily.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Several openings noted in walls around waterlines. Instructed to seal all openings.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Rear bar cold water not provided at handsink. Instructed to repair and provide cold running water at handsink. Drainline at bar-adjacent side not provided at beverage dispenser. Instructed to install drainline. Sink stoppers not provided at three compartment sink. Instructed to provided stoppers for each compartment. Backflow preventer leaking at utility sink. Instructed to repair to prevent leak.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: Thermometer not provded at pizza cooler. Instructed to provided thermometer conspicuous for cooler.
40
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: Unnecessary clutter stored in all storage rooms. Instructed to elevate supplies 6inches or higher and away from wall and remove all unused articles.
41
64
Jun 28, 2012
License
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN REAR STORAGE AREA, REMOVE ALL CLUTTER AND BETTER ORGANIZE
41
95
Jun 19, 2012
License
No violations found.
100
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Joe's Bar last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Joe's Bar on file is from Oct 20, 2025. The public record contains 18 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Joe's Bar?
Across the inspection record, “food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed” has been cited nine times, more than any other issue at Joe's Bar.
Has Joe's Bar's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Joe's Bar have averaged around two violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Joe's Bar 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 Joe's Bar inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Joe's Bar is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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