Lem's Bar-B-Q
Last inspected: Sep 12, 2025
74
Score
Across the available record, Lem's Bar-B-Q has 22 inspections on file, the first dated 2010. Inspectors last stopped by on Sep 12, 2025. The medium risk tier sits in the middle: not spotless, but not alarming either.
Recent inspections have turned up roughly the same number of issues each time, hovering near six violations per visit.
The pattern that stands out is “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean”, which has been cited eight times.
Restaurants in Chicago average 81, so Lem's Bar-B-Q trails the local norm. The full record sits in fairly typical territory for a working restaurant.
22
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
6
Minor latest
Inspection History
Sep 12, 2025
Reinspection
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON VENTILATION FAN INSIDE WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES. ALL EMPLOYEES HANDLING FOOD AND/OR EQUIPMENT MUST PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CERTIFIED MANAGER ON DUTY. ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING.
58
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGN AT HAND WASHING SINK IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGN AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS USED BY EMPLOYEES.
10
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS NOT LABELED IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO LABEL ALL BULK CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME OF FOOD.
37
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
39
74
Sep 4, 2025
Complaint
2 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2615438 ON 4-9-25 47-FRONT HAND WASHING SINK NEEDS A PARTITIONER/SPLASH GUARD TO PREVENT SPLASHING ONTO THE PREP TABLE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A PARTITIONER/SPLASH GUARD OR RELOCATE PREP TABLE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED
60
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NUMEROUS FLYING INSECTS LANDING ON BARBECUE SAUCE, HOT SAUCE, SPICE CONTAINERS AND SINGLE SERVICE PANS IN REAR STORAGE AREA. 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 NO HAND WASHING SIGN AT HAND WASHING SINK IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGN AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS USED BY EMPLOYEES.
10
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS NOT LABELED IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO LABEL ALL BULK CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME OF FOOD.
37
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 1/2" GAP ON BOTTOM OF REAR OUTER SCREEN DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS ON DOOR TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.
38
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
39
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON VENTILATION FAN INSIDE WASHROOM AND WALLS IN REAR PREP/DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES. ALL EMPLOYEES HANDLING FOOD AND/OR EQUIPMENT MUST PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CERTIFIED MANAGER ON DUTY. ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING.
58
58
Apr 9, 2025
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: FRONT HAND WASHING SINK NEEDS A PARTITIONER/SPLASH GUARD TO PREVENT SPLASHING ONTO THE PREP TABLE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A PARTITIONER/SPLASH GUARD OR RELOCATE PREP TABLE.
47
Sewage & waste water properly disposed
Inspector notes: THE AIR CONDITIONER DRAIN TUBES ARE IN THE FIRST COMPARTMENT OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REROUTE TUBES TO A FLOOR DRAIN AND MAINTAIN.
52
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: VENT COVER ABOVE THE AIR CONDITIONER IS MISSING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FLOORS AROUND THE HOT WATER TANK, GREASE TRAPS AND SINKS WITH DIRT/DEBRIS BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS.
55
82
Apr 3, 2024
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS NOT PROPERLY STORED WHEN NOT IN USE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION (MUST BE AT THE REQUIRED PPM) WHEN NOT IN USE.
41
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FLOORS AROUND THE HOT WATER TANK, GREASE TRAPS AND SINKS WITH DIRT/DEBRIS BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLER WITH NO PROOF THEY MET THE FOOD HANDLER'S REQUIREMENTS. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN A CURRENT CERTIFICATE AT ALL TIMES.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE CFM ON DUTY WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN A CURRENT CERTIFICATE AT ALL TIMES.
58
82
Sep 11, 2023
Complaint
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A BULK DRY INGREDIENT CONTAINER STORED ON THE SHELVING UNIT UNDER THE FOOD PREP TABLE; IN THE DISHWASHING AREA NOT LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL INGREDIENTS WITH ITS COMMON NAME WHEN TAKEN OUT OF ITS ORIGINAL PACKAGING AND MAINTAIN.
37
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE SECURITY DOOR AT THE REAR DISHWASHING/ FOOD PREP AREA NOT RODENT PROOF AT THE BOTTOM. INSTRUCTED TO RODENT PROOF SAID DOOR AND MAINTAIN.
38
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CUPS STORED IN THE DRY INGREDIENT STORAGE CONTAINER AT THE REAR DISHWASHING/FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO USE UTENSILS WITH HANDLES TO TRANSFER INGREDIENTS AND MAINTAIN.
39
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLER USING A TOWEL TO TRANSFER READY TO EAT FOOD FROM THE GRILL TO THE FOOD PREP TABLE AND THEN USING THE TOWEL TO WIPE THE MEAT AREA. THE TOWEL DID NOT HAVE ANY CHEMICAL SOLUTION ON IT. INSTRUCTED TO REFRAIN FROM UTILIZING WIPING CLOTHES TO TRANSFER READY TO EAT FOODS. THE TOWEL WAS DISCARDED AT THIS TIME.
41
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FLOOR NEXT TO THE HOT WATER TANK AND THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK WITH FOOD DEBRIS AND NOT MAINTAINED. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN SAID FLOOR.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ON DUTY WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.
58
74
Jan 7, 2022
Complaint
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO DATE MARKING SYSTEM ON RIBS, SAUSAUGES HELD OVER IN WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT ALL FOODS HELD MORE THAN 24 HOURS SHALL BE MARKED WITH DAY OR DATE TO DISCARD MAXIMUM 7 DAYS. MANAGER DISCAREDED AND DENATURED 90 LBS OF RIBS AND TIPS VALUED AT $200. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED
23
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT FRONT HAND SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN
10
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED REAR EXIT DOOR NOT COMPLETELY RODENT PROOFED. INSTRUCTED MAANGER TO SEAL GAP AT BOTTOM OF DOOR TO PREVENT ENTRY OF UNWANTED PESTS.
38
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DEBRIS ON FLOOR BEHIND GREASE TRAP AND ACCUMULATED DUST ON VENTILATION COVER IN TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
78
Aug 6, 2021
Complaint
No violations found.
100
Jun 7, 2021
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CARDBOARD LINING SHELVING UNIT IN WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
47
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE IN EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TILE BROKEN AT THE GRILL UNIT. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR, CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN ALLERGEN TRAINING.
58
82
Jun 20, 2018
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jun 13, 2018
Complaint
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Dish machines: provided with accurate thermometers, chemical test kits and suitable gauge cock
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL TEST KIT ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE CHEMICAL TEST KIT FOR PROPER SANITIZER CONCENTRATION IN 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-030
22
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: LABEL ALL BULK CONTAINERS IN REAR PRPE AREA.
30
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: REPLACE MISSING LIGHT SHIELD IN WALK-IN COOLER.
36
Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters
Inspector notes: REPAIR SELF-CLOSING DEVICE ON WASHROOM DOOR.
37
82
Jun 8, 2017
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST SEAL THE OPENINGS AROUND THE PIPES UNDERNEATH THE HAND SINK IN THE WASHROOM. MUST CLEAN THE VENTILATION FAN ON THE CEILING OF THE WASHROOM TO REMOVE DUST OBSERVED ON THE VENT.
35
Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters
Inspector notes: THE SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON THE WASHROOM DOOR IS NOT ATTACHED; REATTACH SELF CLOSING DEVICE TO WASHROOM DOOR.
37
90
Jun 15, 2016
Routine
No violations found.
100
Oct 1, 2015
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FLOOR UNDER 3 COMP SINK IN NEED OF REPAIR, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
34
95
Sep 23, 2015
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 40 LIVE SMALL FLIES IN THE BACK STORAGE, TOILET ROOM AND REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREA AND MAINTAIN. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
18
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BROKEN DOOR GASKETS ON THE WALK-IN COOLER, AND 1 DOOR COOLER IN REAR PREP/STORAGE AREA. REMOVE RUST ON RACKS IN THE 1 DOOR REACH IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR, CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRTY FLOOR DRAINS IN THE FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS. ALSO DIRT AND DEBRIS IN CORNERS THROUGHOUT PREMISES. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HOLE IN WALL BY WALK-IN COOLER, SEAL WALL IN REAR PREP AREA, WALL BASE BOARD IN NEED OF REPAIR IN REAR PREP AREA, SEAL HOLE IN WALL BEHIND TOILET. ALSO CLEAN VENT COVERS IN TOILET ROOM AND FRONT CUSTOMER WAITING AREA. MAINTAIN SAME.
35
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: INSTALL WORKING THERMOMETERS IN ALL COOLERS, AND MAINTAIN.
40
78
Aug 14, 2014
Complaint
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: LABEL COOKED FOOD ITEMS INSIDE PANS AT THE 2 DOOR REACH-IN COOLER
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: REMOVE SOME RUST FROM THE GREASE TRAP AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE FLOORS IN THE P-REPN AREA,NEAR PREP TABLE OF FOOD DEBRIS
34
Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters
Inspector notes: REPAIR THE SPRING ON THE WASHROOM DOOR FOR SELF-CLOSING
37
82
May 9, 2014
Complaint
No violations found.
100
Apr 25, 2014
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Apr 10, 2014
Complaint
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: THE REAR EXIT OUTER DOOR IS NOT RODENT PROOF,HAS A 1/4 INCH GAP AT THE BOTTOM OF DOOR,MUST REPAIR TO PREVENT RODENT ENTRY SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020
18
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE VENT IN THE REAR OF PREMISES
38
90
May 23, 2013
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: LABEL AND DATE ALL PREPARED FOOD IN COOLERS.
30
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF ALL COOLERS AND FREEZER.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: ELEVATE ALL STOCK OFF FLOOR.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: CLEAN/PAINT WALLS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS, IN DOORWAY ALONG BASES, ETC.
35
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: SEPARATE CLEANING EQUIPMENT FROM CANNED KETCHUP ON SHELF IN REAR STORAGE.
41
78
Dec 5, 2012
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: PAINT WALLS AND CEILINGS AS NEEDED.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: REPLACE MISSING LIGHT SHIELDS IN REAR PREP AREA AND DAMAGED LIGHT SHIELDS IN FRONT PREP AREA.
36
90
Nov 28, 2012
Complaint
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Water source: safe, hot & cold under city pressure
Inspector notes: NO HOT WATER AVAILABLE AT ANY SINKS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HOT WATER UNDER CITY PRESSURE. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030 CITATION ISSUED. HOT WATER PROVIDED AT END OF INSPECTION.
9
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SEVERAL FLYING INSECTS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS LANDING ON PREP TABLES, NAPKINS, APRONS, ETC. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALL AN EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS. REAR DOOR NOT RODENT PROOFED 1" GAP ON BOTTOM OF DOOR. SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS ON DOOR TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020 CITATION ISSUED.
18
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS NEED CLEANING UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. ELEVATE ALL STOCK OFF FLOOR.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: SEAL OPENINGS IN CORNER OF WALL IN WASHROOM. SEAL OPENINGS, CRACKS, CREVICES, IN WALLS AND CEILINGS, ALONG BASEBOARDS, AROUND PIPE FITTINGS IN ALL AREAS. PAINT WALLS AND CEILINGS AS NEEDED.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: REPLACE MISSING LIGHT SHIELDS IN REAR PREP AREA AND DAMAGED LIGHT SHIELDS IN FRONT PREP AREA.
36
78
Mar 8, 2010
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
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.FLOORS WHERE THE WOODEN LOGS ARE STORED NEED SOME CLEANING.
34
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: All food establishments that display, prepare, or store potentially hazardous foods shall have calibrated metal stem thermometers, provided and conspicuous, for refrigerated and hot food units.MUST PROVIDE A THERMOMETER INSIDE REAR REACH IN COOLER.
40
90
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Lem's Bar-B-Q last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Lem's Bar-B-Q on file is from Sep 12, 2025. The public record contains 22 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Lem's Bar-B-Q?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited eight times, more than any other issue at Lem's Bar-B-Q.
Has Lem's Bar-B-Q's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Lem's Bar-B-Q have averaged around six violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Lem's Bar-B-Q means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.
How often is Lem's Bar-B-Q inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Lem's Bar-B-Q is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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