Lexington Betty Smokehouse

756 E 111Th St, Chicago, IL 60628
American
Last inspected: Apr 9, 2025
74
Score
Medium Risk

Public records show 10 inspections at Lexington Betty Smokehouse stretching back to 2020. Lexington Betty Smokehouse was last inspected on Apr 9, 2025. When a facility lands in medium risk territory, it usually means a mixed inspection result.

Performance has remained roughly level over recent inspections, averaging near eight violations each time.

When inspectors have written things up, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been the most frequent reason, cited 14 times.

Restaurants in Chicago average 81, so Lexington Betty Smokehouse trails the local norm. On the whole, the file is mixed but not concerning.

10
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
6
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 9, 2025
Reinspection
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER INSIDE COCA-COLA COOLER IN MIDDLE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
36
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD SPILLS AND DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF HOLDING UNITS AND SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PEELING PAINT ON WALLS, MISSING AND DAMAGED BASEBOARDS ALONG WALLS IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON WALLS, CEILING TILES AND VENTS, FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP INSIDE VENTILATION HOOD IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DAMAGED LIGHT SHIELDS IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
56
74
Apr 1, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL TEST KIT AVAILABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE TEST KIT FOR PROPER CONCENTRATION IN SANITIZINS SOLUTIONS. PRIORITY FONDATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED
48
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HAND WASHING SINKS IN POOR REPAIR AND NOT ACCESSIBLE FOR HAND WASHING, HAND WASHING SINK MISSING HOT WATER HANDLE IN REAR PREP AREA, DRAINPIPE NOT CONNECTED UNDER HAND WASHING SINK IN DISH WASHING AREA IN MIDDLE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR HAND WASHING SINKS AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED
10
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2594717 ON 5-16024: 51- FOUND DRAIN PIPE NOT DIRECTLY OVER OPEN DRAIN SITE. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT PIPE TO ELIMINATE WATER ON FLOOR. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN. 55- WALLS IN FRONT DISH PREP AREA IN NEED OF REPAIR TO REMOVE CHIPPING WALLS AND PEELING PAINT. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN. 58- MANAGER ON SITE IN NEED OF ALLERGEN CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED
60
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PEELING PAINT ON WALLS, MISSING AND DAMAGED BASEBOARDS ALONG WALLS IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON WALLS, CEILING TILES AND VENTS, FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DAMAGED LIGHT SHIELDS IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
56
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP INSIDE VENTILATION HOOD IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
Approved thawing methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HOT DOGS IMPROPERLY THAWING IN STANDING WATER INSIDE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY THAW FOOD UNDER REFRIGERATION, COLD RUNNING WATER OR PART OF COOKING PROCESS.
35
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER INSIDE COCA-COLA COOLER IN MIDDLE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
36
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS.
40
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD SPILLS AND DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF HOLDING UNITS AND SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
47
May 16, 2024
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: ALL PREP TABLES WITH RUST AND DISCOLORATION IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: FOUND DRAIN PIPE NOT DIRECTLY OVER OPEN DRAIN SITE. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT PIPE TO ELIMINATE WATER ON FLOOR. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: UNNECESSARY CLUTTER FOUND IN MOP SINK AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE OR ORGANIZE.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FLOORS IN NEED OF CLEANING IN FRONT PREP SERVICE AREA BEHIND HOT BOX, REAR 3 COMP SINK AREA, CLEAN UNDER 3 COMP SINK IN MIDDLE PREP AREA, FLOORS IN MOP SINK ROOM IN NEED OF CLEANING, FLOOR IN REAR MAIN PREP AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING BY WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: WALLS IN FRONT DISH PREP AREA IN NEED OF REPAIR TO REMOVE CHIPPING WALLS AND PEELING PAINT. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: ALL AIR VENTS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL DUST BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: MANAGER ON SITE IN NEED OF ALLERGEN CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN.
58
70
Sep 29, 2023
Reinspection
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: FOUND LEAKS AT THE BASE OF THE FAUCETS ON BOTH 3-COMPARTMENT SINKS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO FIX AND MAINTAIN LEAKS.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FOUND THE WASH BOWLS IN THE TOILET ROOMS IN NEED OF RECAULKING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO RECAULK AROUND SINKS AND MAINTAIN.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: FOUND THE FOOD HANDLERS ON SITE WITH NO PROOF THEY MET THE FOOD HANDLERS REQUIREMENTS. ALSO, THE FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES THAT ARE ON SITE ARE EXPIRED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO HAVE FOOD HANDLERS MEET THE REQUIREMENTS, PROVIDE PROOF AND MAINTAIN CURRENT CERTIFICATES.
57
86
Sep 22, 2023
Routine
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Hands clean & properly washed
Inspector notes: FOUND FOOD HANDLERS WEARING GLOVES AND MULTI TASKING (CLEANING, THEN HANDLING COOKED FOODS. PUTTING ON HAIR NETS, ETC.) AND NOT WASHING THEIR HANDS AND CHANGING THEIR GLOVES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO HAVE ALL FOOD HANDLERS WASH THEIR HANDS WHEN CHANGING TASKS AND BEFORE PUTTING ON NEW GLOVES. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-010 CITATION ISSUED.
8
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: FOUND MOD WITH NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER (CFM) CERTIFICATE ON SITE WHILE SERVING/PREPARING TCS FOODS (I.E. PORK, BEEF, CHICKEN, ETC.). HER CERTIFIATE EXPIRED 8/18/2022. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO HAVE A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WHEN PREPARING/SERVING TCS FOODS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED
2
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: FOUND THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK USING QUATENARY AMMONIA AS A SANITIZING AGENT BUT CHLORINE TEST STRIPS ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE THE CORRECT TEST STRIPS FOR PROPER TESTING OF THE SANITIZER USED ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED
48
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: FOUND THE PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT #2568871 DATED 12/21/2022 NOT CORRECTED AND/OR MAINTAINED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN: #37-OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS NOT LABELED IN REAR DRY FOOD STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO LABEL ALL BULK CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME OF FOOD. #49-OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS AND SPILLS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, HOLDING UNITS, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS, SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. #51-OBSERVED DRAINLINE OF REAR HAND WASHING SINK IN FRONT PREP AREA NOT COMPLETLEY DRAINING TO FLOOR DRAIN. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY EXTEND WASTE LINE TO FLOOR DRAIN, REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. #56-OBSERVED DUST AND GREASE BUILDUP ON INTERIOR SURFACES OF VENTILATION HOOD. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED
60
Gloves used properly
Inspector notes: FOUND FOOD HANDLERS WEARING GLOVES AND MULTI TASKING (I.E CLEANING THEN HANDLING FOOD, PUTTING ON HAIR RESTRAINTS) AND NOT CHANGING GLOVES (MUST WASH HANDS BEFORE PUTTING ON NEW GLOVES). INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO HAVE FOOD HANDLERS CHANGE GLOVES (WASH HANDS) BEFORE STARTING A DIFFERENT TASK. MAINTAIN SAME.
46
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: FOUND LEAKS AT THE BASE OF THE FAUCETS ON BOTH 3-COMPARTMENT SINKS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO FIX AND MAINTAIN LEAKS.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FOUND THE WASH BOWLS IN THE TOILET ROOMS IN NEED OF RECAULKING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO RECAULK AROUND SINKS AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FOUND MOPS NOT PROPERLY STORED WHEN NOT IN USE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE MOPS HANGING UP WHEN NOT IN USE FOR PROPER DRYING. MAINTAIN SAME.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: FOUND THE FOOD HANDLERS ON SITE WITH NO PROOF THEY MET THE FOOD HANDLERS REQUIREMENTS. ALSO, THE FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES THAT ARE ON SITE ARE EXPIRED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO HAVE FOOD HANDLERS MEET THE REQUIREMENTS, PROVIDE PROOF AND MAINTAIN CURRENT CERTIFICATES.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: FOUND NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO HAVE ALL CERTIFEID FOOD MANAGERS TAKE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING COURSE AND PROVIDE PROOF. MAINTAIN SAME.
58
47
Dec 21, 2022
Reinspection
9 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGN AT FRONT HAND WASHING SINK IN SERVING AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGNS AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS USED BY EMPLOYEES.
10
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS NOT LABELED IN REAR DRY FOOD STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO LABEL ALL BULK CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME OF FOOD.
37
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE UTENSILS NOT INVERTED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INVERT ALL SINGLE USE UTENSILS TO PROTECT LIP CONTACT SURFACES FROM CONTAMINATION.
45
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS AND SPILLS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, HOLDING UNITS, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS, SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DRAINLINE OF REAR HAND WASHING SINK IN FRONT PREP AREA NOT COMPLETLEY DRAINING TO FLOOR DRAIN. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY EXTEND WASTE LINE TO FLOOR DRAIN, REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WOMEN WASHROOM DOOR IN POOR REPAIR AND NOT SELF-CLOSING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON CEILING VENTS IN PREP, WASHROOM AND UTILITY AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING BASEBOARDS AND PEELING PAINT ALONG WALLS IN PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE/REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUST AND GREASE BUILDUP ON INTERIOR SURFACES OF VENTILATION HOOD. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
64
Dec 14, 2022
Routine
1 major violation. 11 minor violations.
View 12 violations
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OUTSIDE GARBAGE DUMPSTERS NOT COVERED AND OVERFLOWING WITH TRASH. OBSERVED OUTSIDE GREASE CONTAINER NOT COVERED AND ACCUMULATED GREASE SPILLS ON TOP OF GREASE CONTAINER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY COVER ALL DUMPSTERS WITH TIGHT-FITTING LIDS, CLEAN AND MAINTAIN OUTSIDE GARBAGE AND WASTE GREASE AREA. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(B) CITATION ISSUED
54
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGN AT FRONT HAND WASHING SINK IN SERVING AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGNS AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS USED BY EMPLOYEES.
10
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS NOT LABELED IN REAR DRY FOOD STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO LABEL ALL BULK CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME OF FOOD.
37
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS.
40
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE UTENSILS NOT INVERTED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INVERT ALL SINGLE USE UTENSILS TO PROTECT LIP CONTACT SURFACES FROM CONTAMINATION.
45
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS AND SPILLS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, HOLDING UNITS, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS, SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DRAINLINE OF REAR HAND WASHING SINK IN FRONT PREP AREA NOT COMPLETLEY DRAINING TO FLOOR DRAIN. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY EXTEND WASTE LINE TO FLOOR DRAIN, REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WOMEN WASHROOM DOOR IN POOR REPAIR AND NOT SELF-CLOSING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING BASEBOARDS AND PEELING PAINT ALONG WALLS IN PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE/REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON CEILING VENTS IN PREP, WASHROOM AND UTILITY AREAS. OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP, STORAGE, AND DISH WASHING AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUST AND GREASE BUILDUP ON INTERIOR SURFACES OF VENTILATION HOOD. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DAMAGED LIGHT SHIELD IN MIDDLE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
56
52
May 5, 2021
Routine
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION FOOD CERTIFICATE POSTED . TCS FOODS BEING MAINTAINED AND HANDLED, CHICKEN 161.0F. PRIORITY FOUNDATION ISSUED 7-38-012.
2
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: NO PERSON IN CHARGE
1
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE VENTILATION ABOVE THE 2 LARGE TABLE TOP FRYER OR INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE FRYER.
56
82
Mar 13, 2020
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN VENTILATION ABOVE THE 2 LARGE TABLE TOP FRYER.
56
95
Mar 11, 2020
License
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: **OBSERVED NO HAND SINK IN THE FRONT SERVING/PREP AREA. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN WITH HOT & COLD RUNNING WATER, SOAP AND PAPER TOWEL. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-030(C).
10
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN VENTILATION ABOVE THE 2 LARGE TABLE TOP FRYER.
56
86

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Lexington Betty Smokehouse last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Lexington Betty Smokehouse on file is from Apr 9, 2025. The public record contains 10 inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Lexington Betty Smokehouse?

Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited 14 times, more than any other issue at Lexington Betty Smokehouse.

Has Lexington Betty Smokehouse's inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Lexington Betty Smokehouse have averaged around eight violations per visit across the recent record.

What does a medium risk rating mean?

A medium risk rating at Lexington Betty Smokehouse 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 Lexington Betty Smokehouse inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Lexington Betty Smokehouse is inspected around two times per year on average.