Leon's Bar-B-Que
Last inspected: Mar 25, 2025
90
Score
Inspectors have visited Leon's Bar-B-Que 12 times, with records going back to 2015. The most recent report on file is from Mar 25, 2025. When a facility lands in the low risk tier, it usually means nothing alarming showed up at the most recent visit.
The picture has improved over the last few visits: recent inspections have averaged around five violations, down from roughly 10 violations earlier in the record.
Looking across the full record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” is the recurring theme, flagged 10 times.
Among Chicago restaurants, the typical score is 81; Leon's Bar-B-Que is comfortably above that bar. The file should reassure diners considering a visit.
12
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 25, 2025
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BOX OF CHIPS STORED ON FLOOR NEAR FRONT COUNTER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
39
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MOLD-LIKE SUBSTANCE AND MISSING BASEBOARDS ALONG WALL IN REAR WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
55
90
Mar 15, 2024
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR SURFACES OF HOT HOLDING UNIT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOOR IN FRONT PREP AREA NEAR DRIVE THRU. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
90
Nov 2, 2023
Complaint
12 minor violations.
View 12 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: : 6-301.14 : OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS AT HAND SINKS IN WOMEN'S CUSTOMERS TOILET ROOM MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
10
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
37
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF REAR DOUBLE DOORS MUST MAKE DOORS TIGHT FITTING.
38
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-501.11 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKET WITH TAPE ON REACH IN FREEZER MUST REMOVE TAPE AND MAINTAIN.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: 4-601.11(C) : MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FRYER CABINETS,ROLLING CART
49
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM WALK IN COOLER SHELVING UNIT,EXTERIOR OF INSIDE OIL CONTAINER.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.13 : MUST CLEAN DEBRIS FROM FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES IN ALL STORAGE AREAS AND REMOVE WATER FROM FLOORS AND KEEP DRY IN REAR STORAGE AREA NEXT TO WALK IN FREEZER.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-201.13 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED WALL ABOVE THE REAR DOOR.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM WALK IN COOLER CEILING AND WALLS IN STAFF TOILET ROOM.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE SMALL HOLE IN LOWER WALL BASE UNDER REAR HAND SINK IN DISH WASHING AREA.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: 2-102.13 : OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN
57
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: : 6-301.13 : OBSERVED PAPER TOWEL DISPENSER ON OTHER SIDE OF ROOM BEHIND REACH IN FREEZER FOR GRILL PREP AREA HAND WASHING SINK MUST STORE ABOVE OR NEXT TO HAND SINK AND MAINTAIN.
10
55
Aug 30, 2023
Reinspection
10 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: 4-301.14 : MUST PLACE 1- EYE STOVE COMPLETELY UNDER VENTILATION HOOD
56
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: 6-202.11 : MUST REPLACE BURNTOUT LIGHT IN WALK IN FREEZER
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: 2-102.13 : OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN
57
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: 6-301.13 : OBSERVED PAPER TOWEL DISPENSER ON OTHER SIDE OF ROOM BEHIND REACH IN FREEZR FOR GRILL PREP AREA HAND WASHING SINK MUST STORE ABOVE OR NEXT TO HAND SINK AND MAINTAIN.
10
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: 6-301.14 : OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS AT HAND SINKS IN STAFF TOILET ROOM,WOMEN'S CUSTOMERS TOILET ROOM & DISH WASHING AREA MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
10
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-501.11 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKET WITH TAPE ON REACH IN FREEZER MUST REMOVE TAPE AND MAINTAIN
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: 4-601.11(C) : MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FRYER CABINETS,ROLLING CART
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-201.13 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED WALL ABOVE THE REAR DOOR,DAMAGED AND MOLDED WALL IN STAFF TOILET ROOM
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.13 : MUST CLEAN DEBRIS FROM FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES IN ALL STORAGE AREAS AND REMOVE WATER FROM FLOORS AND KEEP DRY.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: 6-501.14 : MUST CLEAN DUST BUILD UP FROM FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN REAR PREP AREA
56
61
Aug 23, 2023
Routine
2 major violations. 11 minor violations.
View 13 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SIGNED EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICIES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010)(CITATION ISSUED)
3
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX. 50 OR MORE LIVE SMALL FLIES FLYING AROUND,ON WALLS AND BOXES IN REAR & MIDDLE STORAGE AREAS,STAFF TOILET ROOM ALSO APPX. 5-7 LIVE LARGE FLIES FLYING AROUND PREMISES. RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 8/23/23.)PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A)(CITATION ISSUED)
38
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PAPER TOWEL DISPENSER ON OTHER SIDE OF ROOM BEHIND REACH IN FREEZR FOR GRILL PREP AREA HAND WASHING SINK MUST STORE ABOVE OR NEXT TO HAND SINK AND MAINTAIN.
10
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS AT HAND SINKS IN STAFF TOILET ROOM,WOMEN'S CUSTOMERS TOILET ROOM & DISH WASHING AREA MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
10
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKET WITH TAPE ON REACH IN FREEZER MUST REMOVE TAPE AND MAINTAIN.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FRYER CABINETS,ROLLING CART.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE HOLE IN LOWER WALL NEAR BACK DOOR,DAMAGED WALL ABOVE THE REAR DOOR,DAMAGED AND MOLDED WALL IN STAFF TOILET ROOM.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS FROM FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES IN ALL STORAGE AREAS AND REMOVE WATER FROM FLOORS AND KEEP DRY.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DUST BUILD UP FROM FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN REAR PREP AREA.
56
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: MUST PLACE 1- EYE STOVE COMPLETELY UNDER VENTILATION HOOD .
56
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: MUST REPLACE BURNTOUT LIGHT IN WALK IN FREEZER.
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
58
47
Jan 5, 2022
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS LOCATED AT THE HAND WASHING SINKS IN THE FOOD PREP AREA AND IN THE TOILET ROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
10
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BULK CONTAINER/ROLLING BIN WITH NO LABEL. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO LABEL ALL CONTAINERS/BINS WITH COMMON NAME WHEN CONTENTS ARE NOT IN THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING.
37
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 1/2" OR MORE GAP UNDERNEATH BACK EXIT DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO RODENT PROOF /SEAL GAP AND MAINTAIN.
38
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED STAINLESS STEEL CONTAINER USED AS DISPENSING UTENSIL IN BULK BBQ SAUCE CONTAINERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE AND PROVIDE ADEQUATE DISPENSING UTENSILS WITH HANDLES STORED ABOVE FOOD.
43
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CARDBOARD USED AS LINER ON SHELVING UNITS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL CARDBOARD FROM SHELVING UNITS. ALL FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TORN/DAMAGED AND DIRTY RUBBER GASKET ON DOOR OF THE FREEZER IN THE FRONT PREP AREA BY THE HANDSINK ; INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE GASKET.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF SAUCE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND REAR FINISHING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
70
Jul 9, 2019
Routine
3 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: 2-501.11 OBSERVED NO WRITTEN PROCEDURE NOR ADEQUATE SUPPLIES ON SITE TO PROPERLY RESPOND TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA EVENTS THAT CAN POTENTIALLY OCCUR INSIDE OF THE FOOD ESTABLISHMENT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
5
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: 3-501.17 OBSERVED TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY READY TO EAT FOODS (PREPACKAGED MACARONI AND POTATO SALADS) OUT OF THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING AND HELD FOR OVER 24 HOURS WITHOUT A LABEL CONTAINING THE PRODUCT DISCARD DATES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
23
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: 2-102.14(O) OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY THAT INCLUDES A SIGNED ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FROM EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010.
3
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: 6-301.14 OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS LOCATED AT THE HAND WASHING SINKS IN THE FOOD PREP AREA AND IN THE TOILET ROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
10
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: 6-202.15 OBSERVED A 1/2 INCH GAP AT THE FAR RIGHT BOTTOM CORNER OF THE REAR EXIT DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO MAKE SAID DOOR TIGHT FITTING.
38
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: 5-205.15 OBSERVED THE PIPE UNDER THE REAR HAND WASHING SINK IN POOR REPAIR AND LEAKING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
51
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: 2-102.13 OBSERVED THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT THE REQUIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.
58
61
Jun 15, 2018
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN INTERIOR OF BBQ PIT.
33
95
Aug 24, 2017
Complaint
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: FOUND 12- SLABS OF COOKED PORK RIBS AND RIB TIPS INSIDE OF HOT HOLDING UNIT AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 121.5F TO 126.7F. MUST MAINTAIN HOT FOODS AT 140.0F OR HIGHER. APPROX 24-LBS AT COST APPROX $200.00 OF RIBS REMOVED AND DISCARDED BY MANAGER-CDI. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A
3
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: 7- CEILING LIGHTS IN DISH WASHING AREA NOT SHIELDED.MUST INSTALL SHIELDS
36
90
Feb 15, 2017
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: MUST LAABEL 1 BULK FOOD CONTRAINER IN THE REAR OF PREMISE,INSTRUCTED TO LABEL PRODUCT
30
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN FLOORS IN REAR OF PREMISES,ALONG WALL BASE AND CORNERS
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN THE WALL NEAR THE WALK-IN COOLER OF FOOD SPILLS AND EXTERIOR OF WALK-IN COOLER,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AREA
35
86
May 3, 2016
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: NOTED LARGE BULK STORAGE CANTAINER NOT LABELED. MUST PROPERLY LABEL BULK STORAGE CONTAINER WITH NAME OF PRODUCT
30
95
Jul 7, 2015
License
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN INTERIOR OF REACH-IN FREEZER IN REAR OF PREMISES
33
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELD COVERS IN DISHWASHING AREA IN REAR OF PREMISES
36
90
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Leon's Bar-B-Que last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Leon's Bar-B-Que on file is from Mar 25, 2025. The public record contains 12 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Leon's Bar-B-Que?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited 10 times, more than any other issue at Leon's Bar-B-Que.
Has Leon's Bar-B-Que's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Leon's Bar-B-Que have averaged around five violations per visit, down from roughly 10 earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Leon's Bar-B-Que 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 Leon's Bar-B-Que inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Leon's Bar-B-Que is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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