Smoke Daddy
Last inspected: Aug 18, 2025
70
Score
Public records show 13 inspections at Smoke Daddy stretching back to 2013. On Aug 18, 2025, the health department conducted the most recent visit. A medium risk score generally means inspectors found things to fix, though most weren't urgent.
Things are looking better lately, with recent visits averaging around two violations compared to roughly four violations earlier on.
“Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed” comes up most often, recorded six times in the inspection record.
Compared to other Chicago restaurants (averaging 81), there's room to close the gap. The inspection history reads as standard for a restaurant of this size.
13
Inspections
1
Critical latest
1
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Aug 18, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: Both kitchen and bar low-temp dish machines are not sanitizing at the final rinse, 0ppm obtained at the final rinse. Instructed to provide proper sanitizer concentration. Priority violation 7-38-025.
16
Compliance with variance/specialized process/haccp
Inspector notes: No variance available on site for using curing agents ( sodium nitrite ) instructed manager to discontinue using curing agents until obtaining appropriate variance from the office of CDPH. Priority foundation violation 7-38-005.
29
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: Keeping spoons in standing water at room temperature, Instructed to keep according to health code, ie.
43
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: Missing grout between floor tiles at main kitchen. Instructed to grout and maintain.
55
70
Oct 22, 2024
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Oct 1, 2024
Routine
2 major violations.
View 2 violations
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED. REPORT #2584603, DATED NOVEMBER 3, 2023, INSTRUCTED THE FACILITY TO #47 REFINISH OR REPLACE STAINED OR DAMAGED CUTTING BOARDS. OBSERVED CUTTING BOARD IN UPSTAIRS PREP AREA WITH HEAVY STAINS AND DEEP SCRATCHES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ADDRESS PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.
60
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MORE THAN 15 SMALL FLIES THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY, INCLUDING IN THE BAR AREA, IN THE REAR KITCHEN AREA, NEAR THE WAREWASHING AREA, IN THE DOWNSTAIRS PREP AREA, AND THE DINING ROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SERVICE ALL AREAS AFFECTED BY PESTS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED.
38
82
Nov 3, 2023
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A SMALL AMOUNT OF CALCIUM RESIDUE ON THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO SCHEDULE A CLEANING AND MAINTAIN.
16
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRTY AND SOILED WIPING CLOTHS IN THE FOOD PREP AND SMOKER ROOM AREA. INSTRUCTED TO KEEP WIPE CLOTHS IN PROPER SANITIZING SOLUTION AND CLEAN DAILY.
41
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BLACK PLASTIC TRAYS STORED FACING UP AT THE COOKLINE. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT TRAYS TO PROTECT FROM OVERHEAD CONTAMINATION.
45
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS IN THE UPSTAIRS PREP AREA WITH OPEN SEAMS AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REFINISH OR REPLACE DAMAGED OR STAINED CUTTING BOARDS.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WET MOP STORED IN THE BUCKET IN THE UTILITY CLOSET IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO HANG MOPS TO ALLOW TO DRY WHEN NOT IN USE.
55
78
Jun 30, 2022
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WET WIPING CLOTHS ON SEVERAL PREP SURFACE AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION OF EQUIPMENT & FOOD. MUST MAINTAIN
41
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TWO STALLS IN THE WOMEN'S PUBLIC/EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM WITH NO COVERED RECEPTACLE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
53
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON FILE . INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN RECORDS AT ALL TIMES.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD CERTIFIED MANAGER WITH NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS OBTAIN THIS CERTIFICATE.
58
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A MALE FOOD HANDLER PREPPING FOOD WITHOUT HAIR RESTRAINTS IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT.
40
78
Jun 24, 2020
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation.
View 2 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: FOUND 60 LBS OF DAIRY CHEESE SAUCE STORE IN 2 LARGE TUBS AT 53.4F - 57.1F. TUBS STORED IN WALK-IN COOLER FROM A DAY BEFORE, INSTRUCTED TO COOL DOWN TCS FOODS PROPELY AND HOLD AT 41F OR LOWER. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. FOOD DISCARDED VALUED AT $600.
22
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: IMPROPER COOLING METHOD, HOT TCS FOOD PLACED IN LARGE TUBS COVERED TIGHTLY AND PLACED IN WALK-IN COOLER, INSTRUCTED TO STORE IN SMALLER CONTAINERS LOOSELY COVER TO FACILITATE COOLING DOWN PROCESS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
33
78
Apr 25, 2019
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 8 violations
No bare hand contact with rte food or a pre-approved alternative procedure properly allowed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER PREPARING/HANDLING/ASSEMBLING/TOUCH, THE FOLLOWING READY TO EAT FOODS, WITH BARE HAND CONTACT. *10LBS OF COLESLAW CABBAGE MIX, $10.00 *2 COOK SLIDER BUNS FOR PULLED PORK SANDWICH INFORMED MANAGER THAT BARE HAND CONTACT WITH READY TO EAT FOOD IS NOT ALLOWED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO USE BARRIERS SUCH AS TONGS, SINGLE USE GLOVES, ETC. WHEN HANDLING READY TO EAT FOODS. MANAGER CORRECTED VIOLATION DURING INSPECTION, DISCARDED AND DENATURED 10LBS, AT $10.00 PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-010 CITATION ISSUED.
9
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED READY TO EAT/TIME AND TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS, REMOULADE SAUCES, SLICES CHEESES, ETC. STORED IN ALL COLD HOLDING UNITS, OVER NIGHT, WITHOUT DATE MARKED TO INDICATE THE DATE THE FOOD MUST BE SOLD, DISCARDED OR CONSUMED WITHIN 7 DAYS. INFORMED MANAGER THAT TIME AND TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS STORED FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS MUST HAVE PROPER LABEL AND DATE. INSTRUCTED TO DATE MARK ALL READY TO EAT TCS FOODS HELD MORE THAN 24HOURS. MANAGER CORRECTED VIOLATION DURING INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
23
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE/REMINDER INDICATED ON MENU OF RAW/UNDER COOKED FOODS, FOR CUSTOMER VIEW. INFORMED MANAGER THAT THE DISCLOSURE/REMINDER STATEMENT AND INDICATOR MUST BE IN PLAIN VIEW OF THE CUSTOMER, INDICATED ON MENU OF RAW/UNDER COOKED FOODS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE CONSUMER ADVISORY SIGNAGE, DISCLOSURE/REMINDER INDICATED. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION # 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
25
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS ON 1ST FLOOR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT HAND SINK. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
10
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: UNABLE TO IDENTIFY BACK FLOW PREVENTER DEVICE/VACUUM BREAKER DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE ON SITE IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO IDENTIFY AND OR INSTALL BACK FLOW PREVENTER DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO LIDDED TRASH CAN RECEPTACLE FOR SANITARY ITEMS IN RESTROOM/S ADJACENT TO KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE LIDDED TRASH CAN RECEPTACLE FOR SANITARY ITEMS. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
53
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HOOD AND VENTILATION SYSTEM ATTACHED/INSTALLED OVER CONVECTION OVENS IN BASEMENT PREP AREA. INFORMED MANAGER THAT HOOD AND VENTILATION IS REQUIRED FOR OVEN SYSTEMS, UNLESS IT IS AN ELECTRIC OVEN AND USES LESS THAN 7.5 KILOWATTS. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PROVIDE SPECIFICATION TO IDENTIFY/CONFIRM KILOWATT OR INSTALL HOOD AND VENTILATION SYSTEM OVER CONVECTION OVER, IN SAID AREA. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ALLERGEN AWARENESS CERTIFICATE NOT MAINTAINED FOR CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ON SITE. INSTRUCTED SITE TO OBTAIN ALLERGEN AWARENESS CERTIFICATES FOR CERTIFIED MANAGERS ON SITE.
58
55
Mar 24, 2017
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BOWLS USED TO PREPARE SINGLE SERVICE SALADS STORED ON TOP OF FOOD ITEMS IN THE COLD-HOLDING UNIT. INSTRUCTED TO STORE BOWLS SEPARATE AND AWAY FROM READY TO EAT FOODS.
31
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE ICE LIDS/COVERS FOR THE CONSUMABLE ICE BINS BEHIND THE BAR TO PROPERLY PROTECT ICE FROM THE PUBLIC WALKWAY.
32
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: REMOVE DUST FROM THE FAN VENT COVER AND CONDENSER INSIDE OF THE WALK-IN COOLER AND MAINTAIN.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE CAN OPENER BLADE AND HOLSTER IN THE BASEMENT TO REMOVE FOOD DEBRIS BUILDUP AND MAINTAIN.
33
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZER SOLUTION IN BETWEEN USE.
43
78
Mar 29, 2016
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: SPLASH GUARD IN POOR REPAIR AT EXPOSED HAND SINK AT EAST BAR AREA,DIRTY DUCT TAPE AT EDGE OF THE SPLASH GUARD.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR WITH SMOOTH CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE OR REPLACE IT
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: EXCESS GREASE BUILD UP INSIDE THE DEEP FRYERS,WHEELS OF THE EQUIPMENTS AND PIPES. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
33
90
Mar 22, 2016
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: FOOD(ICE) NOT PROTECTED DURING STORAGE. FOUND ICE MACHINE WITH BLACK SLIME SUBSTANCE AT WATER RESERVOIR AND PINK SLIME SUBSTANCE AT PANELS OF ICE BIN,INSRUCTED TO CLEAN,SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN OBSERVED EXPOSED WASTE WATER PIPE ABOVE BAR AREA AND ABOVE PREP TWO COMPARTMENT SINK IN BASEMENT AREA ,ALSO ABOVE CAMBRO CONTAINERS IN BASEMENT. NO EXPOSED WASTE WATER PIPE SHOULD BE ABOVE ANY AREAS WITH FOOD AND BEVARAGE PREPARATION. INSTRUCTED TO ENCLOSE WASTE WATER PIPES. SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH, CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE. SERIOUS VIOLATION:7-38-005(A)
16
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: SPLASH GUARD IN POOR REPAIR AT EXPOSED HAND SINK AT EAST BAR AREA,DIRTY DUCT TAPE AT EDGE OF THE SPLASH GUARD.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR WITH SMOOTH CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE OR REPLACE IT
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: EXCESS GREASE BUILD UP INSIDE THE DEEP FRYERS,WHEELS OF THE EQUIPMENTS AND PIPES. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
33
86
Mar 11, 2015
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: RUBBER GASKETS AND CUTTING BOARDS IN NEED OF REPLACING WHERE WORN. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN THE POTATO SLICER AND THE MEAT SLICER TO REMIVE ALL BUILD UP. ALL DUST PANS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: COVING AT FRONT BAR IN NEED OF REPAIR. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: WALLS IN DISH AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL SPLATTER AND BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: LIGHT SHEILD NEEDED IN BASEMENT BEVERAGE STATION. MUST INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: LEAK AT 3 COMP SINK FAUCET IN DISH AREA. VARIOUS DRAINS NEED COVERS IN BASEMENT AREA. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: THEREMOMETERS NEEDED IN WALK IN COOLER. MUST INSTALL AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
40
70
Apr 3, 2014
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED PER MUNICIPAL CODE OF CHICAGO FROM REPORT #1277742 ON 3-19-14. 32-EXPOSED HANDSINK IN BAR AND BOTH IN BASEMENT NEEDS SPLASHGUARD INSTALLED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.
29
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: LABEL ALL BULK CONTAINERS IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA.
30
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: REPLACE MISSING FLOOR TILE AND GROUT LOOSE FLOOR TILES IN FIRST FLOOR PREP AREA. SEAL/REPAINT FLOOR IN BASEMENT PREP AREA (CHIPPED PAINT).
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: SEAL OPENINGS ALONG BASEBOARDS BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT. PROVIDE BASEBOARDS IN SMOKER/ROTISSERIE AREA. REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES IN BASEMENT PREP AREA. SEAL OPENINGS AROUND PIPE FITTINGS UNDER WASHBOWLS IN EAST WASHROOMS.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: REPAIR LEAKING FAUCET ON 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN DISH ROOM. PROVIDE HOT WATER AT RIGHT SINK IN WEST WOMEN WASHROOM.
38
78
Mar 19, 2013
Complaint
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: Multi use utensils not properly stored. Instructed to invert utensils to prevent contamination before use.
31
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Exposed handsink in bar and both in basement needs splashguard installed. Cutting board worn in prep area. Instructed to replace worn cutting board or detail clean and remove heavily pitted surface.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Exposed brick in dining appears not to be sealed. Instructed to apply non-toxic sealant to surface.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Drainline from soda dispenser draining to exposed handsink in bar area. Instructed to reroute drainline from handsink. Ventilation not working in men's toilet room. Instructed to replace exhaust fan.
38
82
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Smoke Daddy last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Smoke Daddy on file is from Aug 18, 2025. The public record contains 13 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Smoke Daddy?
Across the inspection record, “food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at Smoke Daddy.
Has Smoke Daddy's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Smoke Daddy have averaged around two violations per visit, down from roughly four earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Smoke Daddy 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 Smoke Daddy inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Smoke Daddy is inspected roughly once per year on average.
Nearby Restaurants