Soju BBQ
Last inspected: Dec 18, 2025
82
Score
Inspectors have visited Soju BBQ 11 times, with records going back to 2018. The newest entry in the record is dated Dec 18, 2025. When a facility lands in the low risk tier, it usually means nothing alarming showed up at the most recent visit.
Recent inspections have found fewer violations than earlier ones, averaging around three violations lately and about six violations before that.
Across the inspection history, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded 11 times.
The city-wide average is 81, putting Soju BBQ squarely in typical territory. The file should reassure diners considering a visit.
11
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
4
Minor latest
Inspection History
Dec 18, 2025
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: ICE SCOOP OBSERVED ON ICE MAKING MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE IN A CLEAN ICE SCOOP CONTAINER.
43
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXCESSIVE GREASE BUILD-UP INSIDE OF THE DEEP FRYERS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WALLS AND FLOORS OF INDOOR GARBAGE AREA NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED INADEQUATE LIGHTING IN THE DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING IN ALL AREAS WHERE FOOD IS STORED.
56
82
Sep 11, 2024
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING HANDWASHING SIGNS AT HANDSINKS IN BASEMENT AND KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
10
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING BACKFLOW DEVICE AT UTILITY SINK IN BASEMENT MOP SINK AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
51
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LOOSE FAUCET AT HANDSINK IN EMPLOYEE RESTROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAN.
51
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED AN ACCUMULATION OF DIRT/DEBRIS BUILDUP ON THE TOILET ROOM EXHAUST VENTILATION. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
82
Aug 18, 2023
Reinspection
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Summary report displayed and visible to the public
Inspector notes: 8-304.11(A) OBSERVED NO SUMMARY POSTED FOR PUBLIC VIEW FROM PREVIOUS INSPECTION #2579977 DATED 8/11/2023. LEFT NEW SUMMARY AND INSTRUCTED TO POST FOR PUBLIC VIEW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-010(B). CITATION ISSUED.
61
90
Aug 11, 2023
Routine
4 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM 9/15/2022 REPORT #2563697 NOT CORRECTED: VIOLATION #53 (6-202.14) MUST PROVIDE SELF-CLOSING DEVICE ON BATHROOM DOOR NEAREST TO FRONT DOOR ENTRANCE. VIOLATION #53 (5-501.17) MUST PROVIDE A LID ON THE TRASH CAN IN THE BATHROOM LOCATED BY THE FRONT DOOR ENTRANCE. VIOLATION #55 (6-501.12) MUST CLEAN HEAVY DUST BUILD UP ON THE VENT IN THE CUSTOMER BATHROOM. MUST CORRECT PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
60
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON THE PREMISES WHILE TCS FOODS (RICE) WERE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED OR SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OVER 30 LIVE BLACK SMALL FLYING INSECTS, POSSIBLY FRUIT FLIES, IN THE BASEMENT AREA. OBSERVED 10 INSIDE THE LIQUOR STORAGE ROOM, 10 INSIDE THE STORAGE ROOM ADJACENT TO THE BASEMENT STAIRS, AND 10 THROUGHOUT THE PREP/DISH AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO CONTACT PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE TO ELIMINATE ALL PEST ACTIVITY FROM THE PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
38
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FACILITY WITHOUT A CHEMICAL TEST KIT ON SITE FOR THE SANITIZER (CHLORINE) BEING USED FOR THE LOW-TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE OF A TEST KIT THAT ACCURATELY MEASURES THE CONCENTRATION IN MG/L OF A SANITIZING SOLUTION MUST BE PROVIDED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
48
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TWO EMPLOYEES PREPARING FOOD WITHOUT HAIR RESTRAINTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
40
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HEAVY GREASE BUILD UP INSIDE THE FRYER. OBSERVED HEAVY ICE/FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP INSIDE THE BASEMENT CHEST FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN BOTH AND MAINTAIN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE BASEMENT 1 COMPARTMENT SINK LEAKING FROM THE FAUCET AND DRAINAGE PIPE. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A HOLE IN THE WALL NEXT TO THE BASEMENT MOP SINK. OBSERVED THE CEILING LEAKING NEXT TO THE BASEMENT LOW TEMP DISH MACHINE. MUST REPAIR ALL AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED AN ACCUMULATION OF CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ARTICLES STORED IN THE BASEMENT STORAGE ROOM ADJACENT TO THE BASEMENT STAIRS. MUST REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, RE-ORGANIZE REMAINING ITEMS, AND STORE OFF THE FLOOR TO ALLOW FOR ADEQUATE FACILITY CLEANING.
55
52
Sep 15, 2022
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RAW CHICKEN AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE AT 49.2F INSIDE PREP COOLER. ALSO OBSERVED RIBS AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE AT 47.4F INSIDE OF PREP COOLER. TCS FOODS MUST BE HELD AT PROPER TEMPERATURE AT 41.0F OR BELOW. FOOD HAS BEEN DISCARDED AND DENATURED. FOOD WEIGHING APPROXIMATELY 200 LBS AT A COST OF $600.00. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
22
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE VERIFICATION FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.
3
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HEAVY GREASE ON VENTILATION HOOD FILTERS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON BATHROOM DOOR NEAREST TO FRONT DOOR ENTRANCE.
53
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE LID ON TRASH CAN IN BATHROOM LOCATED BY FRONT DOOR ENTRANCE.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN HEAVY DUST BUILD UP ON VENT IN CUSTOMER BATHROOM.
55
64
Feb 27, 2020
Reinspection
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE AND DRIED FOOD DEBRIS ON EXTERIOR SURFACES OF EQUIPMENT IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A LEAK FROM THE FIRST FAUCET OF THE THREE COMP SINK IN THE BASEMENT; REPAIR LEAK AT FAUCET NECK OF SINK.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXCESSIVE GREASE ON THE FLOORS IN BETWEEN THE FRONT AREA COOKING EQUIPMENT AND ON THE BACK WALL OF THE COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. ALSO CLEAN FLOORS IN BASEMENT AREA UNDER THREE COMP SINK AND IN OTHER AREAS OF BASEMENT AND BASEMENT STORAGE ROOMS.
55
86
Feb 25, 2020
Routine
1 critical violation. 5 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WASTE WATER COMING UP FROM THE FLOOR DRAIN IN THE EMPLOYEE WASHROOM IN THE BASEMENT WHEN TOILET IS FLUSHED; MUST CORRECT. INSTRUCTED THAT TOILETS MUST BE MAINTAINED IN GOOD REPAIR AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) ISSUED.
51
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE AND DRIED FOOD DEBRIS ON EXTERIOR SURFACES OF EQUIPMENT IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A LEAK FROM THE FIRST FAUCET OF THE THREE COMP SINK IN THE BASEMENT; REPAIR LEAK AT FAUCET NECK OF SINK.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXCESSIVE FOOD DEBRIS IN STORAGE AREA NEXT TO FRONT PREP BEHIND 2 DOOR REFRIGERATION UNIT ON FLOORS, INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF BOXES, CONTAINERS, KITCHENWARE ANS OTHER UNUSED MATERIALS STORED ON FLOOR NEXT TO PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE APPROPRIATE SHELVING UNITS ELEVATING ALL ITEMS AT LEAST 6 INCHES OFF FLOOR.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXCESSIVE GREASE ON THE FLOORS IN BETWEEN THE FRONT AREA COOKING EQUIPMENT AND ON THE BACK WALL OF THE COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. ALSO CLEAN FLOORS IN BASEMENT AREA UNDER THREE COMP SINK AND IN OTHER AREAS OF BASEMENT AND BASEMENT STORAGE ROOMS.
55
67
Dec 27, 2019
Complaint
5 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PERSON IN CHARGE UNABLE TO PROVIDE PROOF OF CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.
1
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ON SITE DURING TIME OF INSPECTION WHILE PREPARING AND SERVING TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS (PORK BELLY, BRISKET, KIMCHI, RICE ). INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO ALWAYS HAVE AT LEAST ONE CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WITH VALID ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE POSTED WHILE OPEN AND OPERATING. MUST MEET REQUIREMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN CLEAN UP PROCEDURE OR NECESSARY ITEMS OUTLINED IN THE POLICY AVAILABLE ON SITE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMIT AND DIAARHEAL EVENTS THAT CAN OCCUR IN THE FOOD ESTABLISHMENT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED. INSPECTOR PROVIDED DOCUMENTS.
5
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED VARIOUS PREPARED ON SITE, READY TO EAT ,TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD ITEMS ( KIMCHI, JULIENNE RADISHES, SAUCY TOFU, HOUSE SAUCES), STORED IN REFRIGERATION UNITS (LOCATED IN PREP AREA ON 1ST FL/BASEMENT), AND HELD ON SITE FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS WITHOUT ANY LABELS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE DISCARD OR USE-BY DATE LABELS (NOT TO EXCEED 7 DAYS) AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
23
Compliance with variance/specialized process/haccp
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FACILITY NOT MEETING COMPLIANCE WITH VARIANCE/SPECIALIZED PROCESS IN FACILITY NOTED REDUCED OXYGEN PACKAGING IMPROPERLY SEALED WITH BUBBLES AND GAPS. THE COOKED AND RAW BEEF RIBS IN (Rop) WAS STORED IN UPRIGHT FREEZER UNITS LOCATED IN BASEMENT PREP AREA.INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT DOCUMENTATION AND PROCEDURES MUST BE SUBMITTED AND APPROVED BY CDPH PRIOR TO PREFORMING SUCH SPECIALIZED FOOD PROCESS. MUST BE MAINTAINED. MACHINE TAGGED . COOKED AND RAW PACKAGED MEAT (APPROXIMATELY 20 LBS) WERE DISCARDED AND DENATURED VOLUNTARILY DURING THIS TIME. TOTAL COST OF FOOD ITEMS WAS ABOUT $60. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
29
Variance obtained for specialized processing methods
Inspector notes: SEE VIOLATION #29.
32
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE AND DRIED FOOD DEBRIS ON EXTERIOR SURFACES OF EQUIPMENT IN FRONT PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ALL PLUMBING FEATURES VERY DIRTY IN EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM LOCATED IN BASEMENT.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXCESSIVE FOOD DEBRIS IN STORAGE AREA NEXT TO FRONT PREP BEHIND 2 DOOR REFRIGERATION UNIT ON FLOORS, INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF BOXES, CONTAINERS, KITCHENWARE ANS OTHER UNUSED MATERIALS STORED ON FLOOR NEXT TO PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE APPROPRIATE SHELVING UNITS ELEVATING ALL ITEMS AT LEAST 6 INCHES OFF FLOOR.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE HOLDER SHALL OBTAIN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.
58
45
Jul 26, 2019
Complaint
3 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PROCEDURE AND CLEAN-UP KIT FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEA EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLY PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TCS FOODS (CHICKEN, BEEF) WITHOUT PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL TCS FOODS PREPARED ON SITE AND STORED FOR OVER 24 HOURS MUST HAVE PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION NO CITATION ISSUED
23
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY DURING INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLY PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 3-COMP SINK IN THE BASEMENT AREA WITH A LEAK IN THE FAUCET. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS OF RICE AND FLOUR NOT PROPERLY LABELED. INSTRUCTED THAT WHEN OUT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTAINER, FOOD ITEMS SHOULD BE ;LABELED WITH THE COMMON NAME.
37
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE EXTERIOR OF THE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE FRONT KITCHEN/PREP AREA ENCASED WITH GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXCESSIVE GREASE ON THE FLOORS IN BETWEEN THE FRONT AREA COOKING EQUIPMENT AND ON THE BACK WALL OF THE COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FILTERS IN THE HOOD SYSTEM ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT ENCASED IN GREASE DEPOSITS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION DURING INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL MANAGERS WITH A CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE MUST COMPLY WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING.
58
55
Jun 27, 2018
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST INSTALL SPLASH GUARD BETWEEN THE HAND SINK AND 1-COMP PREP SINK IN 1ST FLOOR PREP AREA.
32
95
Jun 8, 2018
License
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Adequate number, convenient, accessible, designed, and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EXPOSED HAND SINK IN THE BASEMENT PREP AREA. MUST INSTALL HAND SINK WITH HOT & COLD RUNNING WATER, SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030.
11
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST INSTALL SPLASH GUARD BETWEEN THE HAND SINK AND 1-COMP PREP SINK IN 1ST FLOOR PREP AREA, AND SEAL OR PAINT RAW WOOD SERVICE COUNTER IN SAID AREA.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR CRACKED FLOOR TILES IN DINING AREA, SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. ALSO, CLEAN DEBRIS FROM FLOOR THROUGHOUT BASEMENT, AND FURNACE CLOSET.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR HOLE IN WALL UNDER STORAGE RACKS NEAR OFFICE/STORAGE ROOM IN BASEMENT. ALSO, REPAIR PEELING PAINT FROM CEILING IN BASEMENT, SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
35
Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters
Inspector notes: MUST INSTALL SELF-CLOSING DEVICE ON EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM IN BASEMENT.
37
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE HOOKS FOR WET MOPS & BROOM STORAGE.
41
74
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Soju BBQ last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Soju BBQ on file is from Dec 18, 2025. The public record contains 11 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Soju BBQ?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited 11 times, more than any other issue at Soju BBQ.
Has Soju BBQ's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Soju BBQ have averaged around three violations per visit, down from roughly six earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Soju BBQ 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 Soju BBQ inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Soju BBQ is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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