Kiss the Cook BBQ
Last inspected: Feb 25, 2026
45
Score
Kiss the Cook BBQ has been inspected seven times since 2022. Kiss the Cook BBQ was last inspected on Feb 25, 2026. High risk indicates the latest inspection turned up problems worth knowing about.
Recent inspections have turned up more issues than earlier ones, averaging around 12 violations lately compared to roughly nine violations before.
When inspectors have written things up, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been the most frequent reason, cited eight times.
Compared to other Chicago restaurants (averaging 81), there's room to close the gap. The pattern in the record is worth a careful look.
7
Inspections
0
Critical latest
2
Major latest
12
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 25, 2026
Complaint
2 major violations. 12 minor violations.
View 14 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE OR VALID CERTIFICATE POSTED WHEN TCS FOOD (CHICKEN 190.3F) PREPARED AND SERVED. A CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION 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
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
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FLY STRIPS HANGING IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL FLY STRIPS FROM PREP AREA.
38
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
39
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS ON PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.
41
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WORN AND DEEP GROOVED CUTTING BOARDS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS AND GREASE SPILLS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, COOLERS, FREEZERS, HOLDING UNITS, PREP TABLES, SINKS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING HOT WATER HANDLE ON UTILITY SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE IN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PROPANE TANKS STORED IN REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL PROPANE TANKS AND UNUSED EQUIPMENT IN STORAGE AREA.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON WALLS, LIGHT SHIELDS AND DUCT EQUIPMENT IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING GROUT ON FLOOR TILES NEAR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING FILTERS INSIDE VENTILATION HOOD. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AVAILABLE. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
57
45
Jul 30, 2025
Reinspection
1 major violation. 8 minor violations.
View 9 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: 2-101.11 OBSERVED NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE: A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE IS REQUIRED ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: 6-501.19 OBSERVED SELF-CLOSING DEVICE ON RESTROOM DOOR DAMAGED. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-201.11 OBSERVED DAMAGED TILE NEAR UTILITY SINK. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AREA TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.12OBSERVED EXCESSIVE BUILD UP OF FOOD DEBRIS, SPLATTERS, OTHER DETRITUS ON FLOOR AND WALLS THROUGHOUT FACILITY. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO DETAIL CLEAN FACILITY AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: 4-202.18 OBSERVED FILTERS IN HOOD SYSTEM WITH EXCESSIVE HEAVY GREASE BUILDUP. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: 6-202.15 OBSERVED REAR EXTERIOR DOOR NOT RODENT PROOF WITH SPACES AND GAPS IN DOOR. OBSERVED FRONT DOUBLE DOORS ARE NOT TIGHT-FITTING IN THE MIDDLE. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR ALL OUTER OPENINGS TO BE TIGHT-FITTING AND RODENT-PROOF.
38
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-501.11 OBSERVED FRONT PREP COOLER WITH DAMAGED GASKETS. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: 4-601.11(C) OBSERVED BUILDUP OF FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR OF WALK-IN COOLER AND SHELVING. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: O5-205.15 BSERVED HANDSINK IN RESTROOM WITH EXCESSIVE LEAK. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
61
Jul 23, 2025
Complaint
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 9 minor violations.
View 13 violations
Food in good condition, safe, & unadulterated
Inspector notes: OBSERVED COOKED RIBS STORED IN WALK IN COOLER COVERED IN FUZZY MOLD LIKE SPORES. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO DISCARD. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED. (PERSON IN CHARGE DENATURED AND DISCARDED).
13
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD-HOLD TEMPERATURE OF 66�F IN WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED PIC ALL REFRIGERATOR UNITS SHALL MAINTAIN A PROPER TEMPERATURE OF 41�F AND BELOW. WALK-IN COOLER UNIT MUST NOT BE USED UNTIL REINSPECTED BY THE CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH (CDPH). PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED. (WALK IN COOLER IS TAGGED AT THIS TIME AWAITING RE-INSPECTION BY CDPH).ALTERNATIVE REFRIGERATOR AVAILABLE.
33
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 60 MOUSE DROPPINGS SCATTERED THROUGH THE REAR OF THE FACILITY IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: IN THE EQUIPMENT ROOM NEAR THE HOT WATER HEATER, IN THE REAR DRY STORAGE ROOM UNDER SHELVING, IN THE PREP ROOM AROUND THE PERIMETER OF THE ROOM, AND UNDER SHELVING. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE ALL MOUSE DROPPINGS, SANITIZE AREAS, AND INFORM PEST CONTROL OF NEED FOR ADDITIONAL SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-020 (A). CITATION ISSUED
38
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SOAP AT THE FOLLOWING HANDSINKS; FRONT PREP SINK, BATHROOM SINK, REAR PREP SINK. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN HANDWASHING PROVISION AT ALL HANDWASHING SINKS AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-030 (C). CITATION ISSUED. (HANDSOAP PROVIDED).
10
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED REAR EXTERIOR DOOR NOT RODENT PROOF WITH SPACES AND GAP IN DOOR. OBSERVED FRONT DOUBLE DOORS NOT TIGHT FITTING IN MIDDLE. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR ALL OUTER OPENINGS TO BE TIGHT FITTING AND RODENT PROOF.
38
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SOILED RAGS THROUGHOUT FACILITY ON TABLES, SINK, AND FLOOR. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO DISCARD OF SOILED RAGS AND STORE RAGS FOR WIPING IN SANITIZING SOLUTION.
41
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FRONT PREP COOLER WITH DAMAGED GASKETS. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BUILD UP OF FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR OF WALK IN COOLER AND SHELVING. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HANDSINK IN RESTROOM WITH EXCESSIVE LEAK. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON RESTROOM DOOR DAMAGED. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DAMAGED TILE NEAR UTILITY SINK. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AREA TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXCESSIVE BUILD UP OF FOOD DEBRIS, SPLATTERS, OTHER DETRITUS ON FLOOR AND WALLS THROUGHOUT FACILITY. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO DETAIL CLEAN FACILITY AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FILTERS IN HOOD SYSTEM WITH EXCESSIVE HEAVY GREASE BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
39
Sep 13, 2024
Complaint
1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 6 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WITH VALID ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE POSTED FOR PUBLIC VIEW WHILE PREPARING CHICKEN, ALFREDO SAUCE, NACHO CHEESE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN WHILE OPEN AND OPERATING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED.
58
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO LABELS ON COLD HELD TCS FOODS HELD ON SITE FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS STORED IN COOLING UNITS (BAKED POTATOES, PASTA, RICE, JERK CHICKEN) INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AS REQUIRED. PRIROITY FOUDNATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
23
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS WITH DARK STAINS AND DEEP GROOVES THROUGHOUT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE TO ENSURE PROPER CLEANING AND SANITIZING OF EQUIPMENT.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LEAKY FAUCET FIXTURES ON 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
51
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES FOR ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES. MUST MAINTAIN ON SITE FOR REVIEW.
57
70
Jun 14, 2024
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jun 6, 2024
Complaint
2 critical violations. 7 major violations. 11 minor violations.
View 20 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING TCS FOODS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES DURING TIME OF INSEPCTION... NOTED APPROXIMATLEY 250LBS COOKED RIBS, 50 LBS WINGS, 120 LBS COOKED CHICKEN PARTS, 50 LBS PASTA, ALL RANGING BETWEEN 52F-65F. PIC DISCARDED VOLUNTARILY. COST $5000. MUST HOLD TCS FOODS @ 41F AND BELOW. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
22
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WALK IN COOLER IN REAR PREP AREA AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES DURING INSPECTION. NOTED TEMPERATURE @ 52F. OBSERVED 3 DOOR COOLING UNIT IN FRONT PREP AREA @ IMPROPER TEEMPERATURE 0F 62F. BOTH UNITS WERE STORING TCS FOODS AT THIS TIME. UNUT TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION. #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
33
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: NO CHEMICAL TEST STRIPS ON SITE FOR TESTING SANITIZER STRENGHT AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
48
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE DURING INSPECTION WHILE PREPARING AND SERVING TCS FOODS (CHICKEN, RIBS, ALFREDO PASTA). INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AT LEAST ONE CFM ON SITE WHILE OPEN AND OPERATING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICIES ON SITE FOR ALL FOOD AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEES. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: NO WRITTEN PROCEDURE ON SITE OR NECCESARY ITEMS OUTLINED IN PROCEDURE AVAILABLE ON-SITE DURING INSPECTION. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
5
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND CLEANSER AVAILABLE AT ANY HANDSINK IN FRONT OR REAR PREP HANDSINK OR TOILET ROOM HANDSINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN PROPER HANDWASHING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-030 (c). CITATION ISSUED.
10
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS AVAILABLE AT HANDSINKS LOCATED IN FRONT AND REAR HANDSINKS DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN FOR PROPER HAND WASHING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-030 (c). SEE ABOVE VIOLATION FOR CITATION INFORMATION.
10
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF PEST ACTIVITY ON SITE DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. NOTED APPROXIMATELY 60 SMALL RODENT DROPPINGS SCATTERED ON FLOOR THROUGHOUT FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS, BEHIND LARGE SMOKER, BEHIND ALL HEAVY COOKING EQUIPMENT, COOLING UNITS AND INSIDE SMALL CUBBY SPACE WHERE CAMERA MONITORS ARE LOCATED. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE DROPPINGS, CLEAN AND SANITIZE. OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 30 SMALL AND LARGE LIVE FLIES FLYING THROUGHOUT FACILITYEXTER AND ON EXTERIOR SURFACES OF STORED KITCHENWARE. MUST ELIMINATE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-020 (A). CITATION ISSUED.
38
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BLACK SUBSTANCE BUILD UP ON INTERNAL LID OF ICE MACHINE USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ANS SANITIZE
16
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE THERMOMETERS FOR INSIDE OF COOLING UNITS ON PREMISE. MUST MAINTAIN.
36
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED REAR EXIT DOOR NOT RODENT PROOF. INSTRUCTED TO ENCLOSE 1/4 INCH GAP ON DOOR TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.
38
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS WITH DARK STAINS AND DEEP CUTS THROUGHOUT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE ALL DRIED FOOD DEBRIS FROM INTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, COOLING UNITS AND STORAGE CONTAINERS CONTAINING FOOD, SAUCES, INGREDIENTS ETC.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSEREVED ONE COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR PREP AREA PLUMBING FIXTURE (FAUCET) MISSING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
51
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR FAUCET ON MOP SINK IN REAR FACILITY AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR WALL BEHIND UTILITY SINK IN REAR.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED VENTILATION HOOD WITH EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF DUST, DIRT AND GREASE BUILDUP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN SYSTEM FREE OF ACUUMULATED BUILD UP.
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING ON SITE FOR REVIEW DURING INSPECTION. MUST PROVIDE.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE FOR CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN.
58
21
Apr 15, 2022
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Kiss the Cook BBQ last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Kiss the Cook BBQ on file is from Feb 25, 2026. The public record contains seven inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Kiss the Cook BBQ?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited eight times, more than any other issue at Kiss the Cook BBQ.
Has Kiss the Cook BBQ's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Kiss the Cook BBQ have averaged around 12 violations per visit, up from roughly nine earlier in the record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Kiss the Cook BBQ means the most recent inspection flagged either critical violations or a substantial number of smaller ones. Diners may want to read the violation details before deciding to visit.
How often is Kiss the Cook BBQ inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Kiss the Cook BBQ is inspected around two times per year on average.
Nearby Restaurants