Little Joe's Circle Lounge
Last inspected: Jan 29, 2026
90
Score
Across the available record, Little Joe's Circle Lounge has 11 inspections on file, the first dated 2010. Little Joe's Circle Lounge was last inspected on Jan 29, 2026. Low risk means the most recent visit produced few or no significant findings.
Recent visits have produced comparable findings, with counts hovering near three violations per visit.
When inspectors have written things up, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been the most frequent reason, cited 12 times.
Compared to the broader Chicago restaurant scene, where the average is 81, this is a stronger showing. The full picture is one of consistent compliance.
11
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 29, 2026
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: 6-202.15 REAR DOOR NOT PROTECTED, APPROX 1/4 INCH GAP NOTED ON BOTTOM, INBETWEEN AND TOP OF DOOR. INSTD TO REPAIR SAME SO AS TO BE TIGHT FITTING AND PROTECTED
38
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.12: EXCESSIVE MOUND OF GREASE BEHIND FRYERS IN PREP AREA. INSTD TO REMOVE GREASE AND MAINTAIN FLOOR CLEAN.
55
90
Jan 22, 2026
Complaint
2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE WITH EXCESSIVE BLACK MOLD LIKE SUBSTANCE. ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. INSTD TO REMOVE ICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE MACHINE. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005 PRIORITY FOUNDATION
16
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OVER 100 RAT DROPPINGS NOTED ON BASEMENT FLOOR IN STORAGE AREA. EXCESSIVE CLUTTER IN SAME AREA. INSTD TO REMOVE ALL DROPPINGS, REMOVE CLUTTER, ORGANIZE AND CLEAN/SANITIZE AREA. RECOMMEND ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE TO ELIMINATE PEST ACTIVITY. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-20(A) PRIORITY FOUNDATION
38
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: REAR DOOR NOT PROTECTED, APPROX 1/4 INCH GAP NOTED ON BOTTOM, INBETWEEN AND TOP OF DOOR. INSTD TO REPAIR SAME SO AS TO BE TIGHT FITTING AND PROTECTED
38
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MISSING FLOOR DRAIN COVER IN BASEMENT. INSTD TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: EXCESSIVE MOUND OF GREASE BEHIND FRYERS IN PREP AREA. INSTD TO REMOVE GREASE AND MAINTAIN FLOOR CLEAN.
55
70
Jul 10, 2025
Reinspection
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: 2-101.11 OBSERVED NO ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE ONSITE AT ALL TIMES WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED OR SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-202.16 OBSERVED CARDBOARD USED AS LINER ON FOOD STORAGE RACKS IN WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.12 OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP, FOOD DEBRIS, AND DIRT ON FLOOR UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS, AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP, DISH WASHING, STORAGE, AND BASEMENT AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS, AND IN ALL CORNERS IN ALL AREAS.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.11 OBSERVED MULTIPLE OPENINGS IN THE FLOOR AND WALL JUNCTURES IN THE BASEMENT. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO SEAL ALL OPENINGS TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE CONSITIONS.
55
78
Apr 24, 2025
Routine
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF RODENT ACTIVITY ON THE PREMISES. OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 100 RAT DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR NEXT TO THE REAR EXIT DOOR OF THE STORAGE AREA AND THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS FROM ALL AFFECTED AREAS. RECOMMENDED ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
38
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CARDBOARD USED AS LINER ON FOOD STORAGE RACKS IN WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP, FOOD DEBRIS, AND DIRT ON FLOOR UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS, AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP, DISH WASHING, STORAGE, AND BASEMENT AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS, AND IN ALL CORNERS IN ALL AREAS.
55
82
Feb 23, 2024
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Feb 16, 2024
Routine
1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF RODENT ACTIVITY ON THE PREMISES. OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 100 RAT DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR NEXT TO THE REAR EXIT DOOR OF THE STORAGE AREA AND THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS FROM ALL AFFECTED AREAS. RECOMMENDED ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
38
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETERS INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CONSPICUOUS AND EASILY READABLE THERMOMETERS INSIDE ALL REFRIGERATOR UNITS TO PROPERLY MONITOR THE AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF EQUIPMENT.
36
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE COMMON NAME OF FOODS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
37
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LEAK AT FAUCET OF THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED UNUSED EQUIPMENT AND UNNECESSARY ARTICLES IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNUSED, UNNECSSARY EQUIPMENT AND ARTICLES TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
55
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING HADWASH SIGNAGE IN BOTH RESTROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
10
70
Jan 27, 2023
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED AN EMPLOYEE USING A PLASTIC GLOVE TO PLUG A DRAIN INSIDE THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST DISCONTINUE USE OF PLASTIC AND PROVIDE APPROVED DRAIN PLUGS FOR THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE FLOORS UNDERNEATH THE BAR EQUIPMENT AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXCESSIVE CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ARTICLES STORED THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT. MUST REMOVE ALL EQUIPMENT AND ITEMS UNNECESSARY TO THE OPERATION, DETAIL CLEAN AREA, AND STORE ALL REMAINING ITEMS OFF THE FLOOR TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FACILITY CLEANING.
55
86
Feb 3, 2022
Complaint
4 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: NO PERSON IN CHARGE ON SITE DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
1
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: NO PERSON IN CHARGE ON SITE WITH AN ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A PERSON IN CHARGE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WITH AN ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION OF EMPLOYEES RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT ANY ILLNESS TRANSMISSIBLE THROUGH FOOD. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.
3
Summary report displayed and visible to the public
Inspector notes: SUMMARY REPORT NOT POSTED FROM PREVIOUS INSPECTION ON 10/22/2020, REPORT #2453715. INSTRUCTED TO POST RECENT SUMMARY REPORT VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-42-010(B). CITATION ISSUED.
61
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WATER SPRAYING FROM FAUCET HEAD AT HAND WASHING SINK IN KITCHEN WHEN WATER IS RUNNING. MUST REPAIR.
51
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO GREASE TRAP ON SITE. ALL SINKS IN WHICH FOOD, UTENSILS AND EQUIPMENT ARE WASHED MUST BE CONNECTED TO A CATCH BASIN OR BE EQUIPPED WITH AN APPROVED GREASE TRAP.
51
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS.
58
58
Oct 22, 2020
Routine
2 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES AS REQUIRED; MUST PROVIDE. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION OF EMPLOYEES RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT ANY ILLNESS TRANSMISSIBLE THROUGH FOOD. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEAN UP PROCEDURE ON PREMISES AS REQUIRED; MUST PROVIDE. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE THAT A VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEAN UP PROCEDURE MUST BE DOCUMENTED AND THE NECESSARY SUPPLIES ON HAND IN THE EVENT OF A VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL INCIDENT ON PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
5
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: FOUND NO UTILITY (MOP) SINK ON PREMISES; INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER AND A BACKFLOW DEVICE FOR THE DISPOSAL OF WASTE WATER.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COVERED GARBAGE RECEPTACLES FOR WASHROOMS.
53
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED THAT TOILET ROOM DOORS MUST BE SELF CLOSING. PROVIDE SELF CLOSING DEVICES FOR TOILET ROOM DOORS. ALSO PROVIDE SIGNS IDENTIFYING WASHROOMS.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TWO HOLES IN THE CONCRETE FLOOR OF THE BASEMENT STORAGE AREA; INSTRUCTED TO SEAL HOLES IN THE FLOOR.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A FLOOR DRAIN COVER FOR THE FLOOR DRAIN IN THE BASEMENT BETWEEN THE STAIRS AND STORAGE ROOM.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO ORGANIZE AND MAINTAIN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA BY REMOVING UNNECESSARY ITEMS TO AVOID CLUTTER.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
57
58
Dec 13, 2013
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN INTERIOR BOTTOM OF FRYER TO REMOVE GREASE NOTED. CLEAN INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE BEHIND BAR AND MAINTAIN. CLEAN VENTS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN KITCHEN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOOR UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT IN KITCHEN AND UNDER BAR AREA.
34
90
Nov 16, 2010
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
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 ice machine has a dirty interior buildup which needs to be sanitized and maintained regularly. Clean the reach in cooler (4-door) doors and remove the ice buildup on the coil.
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.
34
90
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Little Joe's Circle Lounge last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Little Joe's Circle Lounge on file is from Jan 29, 2026. The public record contains 11 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Little Joe's Circle Lounge?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited 12 times, more than any other issue at Little Joe's Circle Lounge.
Has Little Joe's Circle Lounge's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Little Joe's Circle Lounge have averaged around three violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Little Joe's Circle Lounge 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 Little Joe's Circle Lounge inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Little Joe's Circle Lounge is inspected about once every two years on average.
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