Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak
Last inspected: Mar 18, 2026
95
Score
The health department has logged 19 inspections at Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak, the earliest from 2011. Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak was last inspected on Mar 18, 2026. Low risk indicates the latest report didn't flag anything that would worry the average customer.
Recent inspections have turned up roughly the same number of issues each time, hovering near three violations per visit.
When inspectors have written things up, “food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed” has been the most frequent reason, cited eight times.
Among Chicago restaurants, the typical score is 81; Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak is comfortably above that bar. Taken together, the history is a positive one.
19
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 18, 2026
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: ONE CEILING LIGHT BULB COVER MISSING ABOVE SOUP PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE CEILING LIGHT BULB COVER FOR SAID AREA.
56
95
Apr 28, 2025
Complaint
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING CEILINGS TILE PANEL IN THE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE MISSING CEILING TILE PANEL.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 2 BURNED-OUT LIGHT-BULB IN THE HOOD SYSTEM REAR PREP. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE BULB AND MAINTAIN LIGHTING IN THE HOOD SYSTEM UNIT.
56
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING LIGHT SHIELD IN HOOD SYSTEM IN REAR PREP, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN
56
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS IN THE REAR PREP AREA WITH OPEN SEAMS AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REFINISH OR REPLACE DAMAGED OR STAINED CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING FLOOR GROUT AND DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN THROUGHOUT ENTIRE REAR PREP AND DISH AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR TO CREATE A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE. MUST MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 3-COMP SINK IN DISH AREA LEAKING FROM PIPES UNDER EACH BASIN INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
55
74
Aug 5, 2024
Routine
No violations found.
100
Sep 18, 2023
Routine
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: Hands washing facilities not maintained. found hand wash sink water temp at 137f at dish washing area, unable to wash hands. Instructed to provide water temperature at all hand wash sink not exceeding 120f. Priority foundation violation 7-38-030(c)
10
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: Bulk food container( flour) not labeled, Instructed to label.
37
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: Utensils not air dried after washing, instructed to air dry.
44
82
Jul 21, 2022
Complaint
1 critical violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: No hot running water at employees toilet room hand wash sink, water temp 75f. instructed to provide no less 100f water temp at all hand wash sinks. Priority violation 7-38-030(c).
10
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: Knives in use wedged between coolers, instructed to keep all food utensils at a clean surface.
43
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: Dusty pipe above clean utensils rack, instructed to clean and maintain.
49
Sewage & waste water properly disposed
Inspector notes: Sewer lines installed above food container, instructed to install a barrier or move rack away.
52
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: Peeling paint noted on ceiling above dish machine, instructed to remove.
55
70
Oct 26, 2021
Suspected Food Poisoning
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: FOUND NO IRREVERSIBLE REGISTERING TEMPERATURE INDICATOR FOR HOT WATER SANITIZING DISH MACHINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PROVIDE AND HAVE READILY ACCESSIBLE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
48
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: THE DISH AREA HANDWASHING SINK IS NOT INSTALLED PROPERLY (LOCATED UNDERNEATH THE DISH AREA DRAINBOARD). MUST RELOCATE HANDWASHING SINK.
10
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MISSING DRAIN HOSE FOR SODA GUN HOLDER AT 1ST FLOOR BAR. MUST PROVIDE.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: THE HOT WATER FOOT PEDAL ON THE DISH AREA HANDWASHING SINK IS MISSING. MUST REPAIR.
51
78
Mar 15, 2021
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FAUCET TOO LONG ON HAND SINK IN DISH AREA. MUST REPLACE WITH SHORTER FAUCET TO PREVENT WATER FROM SPRAYING ONTO FLOOR WHEN WASHING HANDS.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE LIDS FOR TRASH RECEPTACLES INSIDE ALL UNISEX RESTROOMS.
53
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: MUST INSTALL LIGHTS INSIDE BEER COOLERS IN FRONT BAR. MUST PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING TO ALLOW FOR PROPER CLEANING.
56
86
Aug 1, 2019
Routine
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: - MUST INSTALL A HANDWASH SINK IN THE DISHWASH AREA. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#:7-38-030(c). NO CITATION ISSUED. -
10
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: - OBSERVED PRESET TABLEWARE IN THE DINING ROOM, UNCOVERED & EXPOSED TO POTENTIAL CONTAMINATION. MUST REMOVE/COVER/INVERT ALL FOOD CONTACT SURFACES OF PRESET TABLEWARE TO PREVENT POTENTIAL EXPOSURE TO CONTAMINATION. -
44
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: - FACILITY STATES THE 1ST FL MEN'S BATHROOM IS OUT OF ORDER AT THIS TIME DUE TO THE HANDWASH SINK NOT ADEQUATELY WORKING (DOOR IS LOCKED WITH NOTE ON DOOR). THERE ARE ADDITIONAL MEN'S AND UNISEX TOILET ROOMS ON THE 1ST AND 2ND FLOORS OF FACILITY AVAILABLE FOR USE. MUST REPAIR THE SINK IN THE 1ST FL MEN'S TOILET ROOM AND MAINTAIN. -
51
82
May 4, 2018
Complaint
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: PLASTIC WALL CORNER COVER LOOSE FROM WALL PANELS AT CRAB STATION BEHIND HANDWASH BOWL. MUST REATTACH WALL PANELS TO WALL CORNER COVER.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: HANDWASH BOWL FAUCET LEAKING AT CRAB STATION. MUST REPAIR SINK.
38
90
May 3, 2017
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: BULK FOOD CONTAINERS NOT LABELED ( STARCH ) INSTRUCTED TO LABEL AND MAINTAIN
30
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: SODA GUN DISPENSER HOLDER IS CLOGGED AT 1ST FLOOR BAR, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
33
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLERS WITH BEARD NOT WEARING BEARD RESTRAINTS, INSTRUCTED TO WEAR.
42
86
Jul 28, 2016
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: SEAFOOD WALK IN COOLER SHELVES WITH RUST BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE/REPAINT RUST SHELF RACKS.
32
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: NO INTERIOR THERMOMETER INSIDE REAR BAR STAND UP REACH IN COOLER. MUST PROVIDE THERMOMETER FOR COOLER.
40
90
May 13, 2015
Complaint
No violations found.
100
Mar 25, 2015
Complaint
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Source sound condition, no spoilage, foods properly labeled, shellfish tags in place
Inspector notes: NOTED CONTAINERS OF SHELL FISH (OYSTERS)INSIDE SERVICE COOLER AT THE PREP AREA WITH NO TAGS AS REQUIRED BY THE CODE. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY AND VOLUNTARILY DISPOSED OF 18 LBS OF PRODUCT WORTH $180.00 THROUGH DENATURING PROCESS. INSTRUCTED TO ALWAYS HAVE SHELL FISH TAGS ATTACHED TO THE SHELL FISH UNTIL THE LAST BATCH IS CONSUMED AND THEN THE TAGS SHOULD BE STORED IN A FILE FOR AN ADDITIONAL 90 DAYS. CITATION ISSUED FOR CRITICAL VIOLATION #7-38-005(B)
1
Outside garbage waste grease and storage area; clean, rodent proof, all containers covered
Inspector notes: NOTED OUTSIDE GREASE CONTAINER TO HAVE GREASE ON TOP, LID, LIPS AND DRIPPING DOWN THE SIDE ON TO THE GROUND AROUND CONTAINER.MANAGER IMMEDIATELY HAD EMPLOYEES START CLEANING THE CONTAINER. INSTRUCTED TO MONITOR AND MAINTAIN. CITATION ISSUED FOR SERIOUS VIOLATION #7-38-020
19
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: NOTED THROWN RUBBER GASKET AT DOORS OF SERVICE COOLERS AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: NOTED A PINKISH DISCOLORATION INSIDE THE UPPER COMPARTMENT OF ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.
33
82
Aug 15, 2014
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Unwrapped and potentially hazardous food not re-served
Inspector notes: VISUALLY OBSERVED SHELLS OF OYSTERS BEING PLACED THROUGH THE HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE TO BE RE-SERVED. INSTRUCTED TO NOT RE-SERVE FOOD ITEMS. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-005(A)
15
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GROUT MISSING BETWEEN FLOOR TILES THROUGHOUT PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO REGROUT BETWEEN FLOOR TILES.
34
90
Dec 5, 2013
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: REPLACE ANY LOOSE DOOR GASKETS FOR THE PREP LINE COOLERS SO THAT THE DOORS CLOSE PROPERLY.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN THE HANDLES FOR THE DOOR COOLERS IN THE SALAD LINE PREP AREA.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: REPLACE THE MISSING AND BROKEN FLOOR TILES ALONG THE HOT FOOD LINE. REGROUT FLOOR TILES WHERE NECESSARY.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN THE CEILING TILES IN THE REAR PREP LINE.
35
82
Jan 8, 2013
Consultation
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: REPLACE THE WORN OUT DOOR GASKETS INSIDE OF THE PREP COOLER DOORS AND INSPECT DOOR HINGES FOR WEAR AND DISREPAIR.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN THE FLOOR OF THE 2ND FLOOR STORAGE ROOM.
34
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: REPLACE THE MISSING AND BROKEN LIGHT SHIELDS IN THE DISHROOM AND DISH STORAGE HALLWAY.
36
86
Jan 4, 2013
Suspected Food Poisoning
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Hands washed and cleaned, good hygienic practices; no bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods.
Inspector notes: OBSERVED UNHYGIENIC FOOD HANDLING PRACTICES A BY FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE. OBSERVED THE EMPLOYEE TAKE OFF A PAIR OF GLOVES AND PUT ON A NEW PAIR OF GLOVES AND START CHOPPING PARSLEY WITHOUT FIRST WASHING THEIR HANDS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THE EMPLOYEE TO STOP THEIR TASK, WASH THEIR HANDS AND THEN PUT ON A NEW PAIR OF GLOVES. DISCUSSED PROPER HANDWASHING WITH MANAGEMENT. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-010A.
6
Sanitizing rinse for equipment and utensils: clean, proper temperature, concentration, exposure time
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DISHES AND UTENSILS NOT BEING PROPERLY SANITIZED BY THE HIGH TEMPERATURE DISHMACHINE. OBSERVED THE FINAL RINSE TEMPERATURE GAUGE AT 140F WHILE RACKS OF DISHES AND UTENSILS WERE BEING PASSED THROUGH THE MACHINE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CEASE USING THE MACHINE UNTIL THE FINAL RINSE TEMPERATURE REACHED ABOVE 180F. THE FINAL RINSE GAUGE SHOWED A TEMPERATURE OF 196F AND THE DISHES AND UTENSILS WERE REWASHED. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030.
8
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: REPLACE THE WORN OUT DOOR GASKETS INSIDE OF THE PREP COOLER DOORS AND INSPECT DOOR HINGES FOR WEAR AND DISREPAIR.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN THE FLOOR OF THE 2ND FLOOR STORAGE ROOM.
34
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: REPLACE THE MISSING AND BROKEN LIGHT SHIELDS IN THE DISHROOM AND DISH STORAGE HALLWAY.
36
78
Jan 31, 2012
Suspected Food Poisoning
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: All cold food shall be stored at a temperature of 40F or less. FOUND 2 LARGE 4 GALLON CONTAINERS OF FISH BASE SOUP IN WALK-IN COOLER AT TEMP RANGING BETWEEN 48.2-52.4F AT THE CENTER OF CONTAINER, CONTINERS PLACED IN COOLER A DAY BEFORE TO COOL DOWN. INSTRUCTED MGR TO COOL DOWN HOT FOOD ACCORDING TO HEALTH CODES, ie. 64LBS OF SOUP DISCARDED VALUED AT $75.
3
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. PREP COOLERS WITH BROKEN AND DIRTY RUBBER GASKETS, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAN.
32
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. MISSING COVER FOR ICE BIN AT BAR AREA. MUST PROVIDE.
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. MUST STORE MOPS AND BROOMS AWAY FROM ICE MAKER TO MINIMIZE CONTAMINATION.
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. STANDING WATER BEHIND PREP COOLER, INSTRUCTED TO MINMIMZE STANDING WATER AS POSSIBLE.
34
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. BAGS AND BOXES OF PRODUCE LEFT ON FLOOR AFTER DELIVERY, INSTRUCTED NOT TO STORE ANY FOOD ITEMS ON FLOOR DIRECLTY, MUST KEEP ALL FOODS OFF THE FLOOR AT ALL TIMES.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. HOLES IN WALK-IN COOLER CEILING, DAMAGED AND DUSTY INSULATION NEAR COOLING UNIT, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REPAIR SAID ITEMS.
35
70
Mar 16, 2011
Complaint
5 minor violations.
View 5 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. DIRTY PIECES OF STRING FOUND IN THE HOT LINE LOWBOY COOLERS MUST BE REMOVED AND THE COOLERS WASHED, RINSED AND SANITIZED. CLEAN IN DETAIL THE UNSANITARY MEAT COOLER SHELVING OR HAVE IT REPLACED. WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE THE TILT BRAISER LID INTERIOR OF FOOD BUILDUP. THE ABOVE ITEMS WERE CORRECTED AT THE END OF THIS INSPECTION.
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. THE FISH COOLER INTERIOR WALLS ARE CORRODED AND SEPARATING FROM THE WALL AND THE SEAMS OF THE REAR PREP AREA HANDSINK SPLASH GUARD ARE DIRTY, WASH, RINSE, SANITIZE AND REPAIR THE ABOVE ITEMS SO THEY ARE SMOOTH, SANITARY AND EASY TO MAINTAIN.
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. RESEAL THE DAMAGED BAR, DISHROOM AND WALK IN PREP + FISH COOLER FLOOR TILES SO THEY ARE SMOOTH, SANITARY AND EASY TO MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. REPAIR THE DAMAGED BASE BOARDS AND WALL SEAMS IN THE PANTRY AND FISH COOLER INTERIOR SO THEY ARE SMOOTH, SANITARY AND EASY TO MAINTAIN.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: THE STEAMER HAS A LEAKING POTABLE WATER PIPE, REPAIR LEAKING PLUMBING.
38
78
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak on file is from Mar 18, 2026. The public record contains 19 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak?
Across the inspection record, “food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed” has been cited eight times, more than any other issue at Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak.
Has Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak have averaged around three violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak 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 Seafood, Prime Steak inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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