Pearl's Southern Comfort
Last inspected: Sep 26, 2025
95
Score
The health department has logged 15 inspections at Pearl's Southern Comfort, the earliest from 2015. The most recent visit was on Sep 26, 2025. A low risk tier reflects an inspection that turned up minimal issues.
Things have been moving in the right direction, with the rolling count dropping from around six violations to closer to two violations per visit.
“Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” comes up most often, recorded seven times in the inspection record.
Restaurants in Chicago average 81, so Pearl's Southern Comfort is doing better than most peers. Taken together, the history is a positive one.
15
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Sep 26, 2025
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FACILITY REUSING SINGLE USE THANK YOU BAGS TO STORE RAW MEAT IN THE REACH-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO NOT REUSE SINGLE USE BAGS AND TO STORE FOOD ITEMS IN FOOD GRADE BAGS OR CONTAINERS.
45
95
Dec 2, 2024
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: 6-501.19 OBSERVED BASEMENT RESTROOM DOOR TO NOT BE SELF-CLOSING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SELF-CLOSING DEVICE FOR DOOR.
53
95
Nov 22, 2024
Complaint
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MORE THAN 10 LIVE COCKROACHES IN BETWEEN EQUIPMENT AND STORAGE RACKS IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: PREP AREA, FRONT BAR AREA, REAR STORAGE AREA, AND BASEMENT. ALSO OBSERVED MORE THAN 25 MOUSE DROPPINGS IN PREP AREA IN LOWER MECHANICAL COMPONENT OF STEAMER, ON TOP OF DISHWASHER, IN BETWEEN FREEZER AND WALL AND THROUGHOUT REAR STORAGE AREA IN BETWEEN STORED EQUIPMENT. RECOMMEND CONTACTING PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE, DETAIL CLEAN, SANITIZE, AND MAINTAIN AFFECTED AREAS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED
38
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 25 DEAD ROACHES IN BEWTEEN EQUIPMENT AND IN STORAGE AREAS IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: LOWER MECHANICAL COMPONENT OF STEAMER, IN BETWEEN EQUIPMENT IN PREP AREA, REAR STORAGE AREA, AND BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE, DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
38
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HANDSINK IN PREP AREA TO BE SLOW DRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BASEMENT RESTROOM DOOR TO NOT BE SELF-CLOSING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SELF-CLOSING DEVICE FOR DOOR.
53
78
Aug 9, 2024
Routine
10 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: BASEMENT (EMPLOYEE) TOILET ROOM DOOR MUST BE SELF CLOSING. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL SELF CLOSING DEVICE.
53
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HAND SINK BEHIND THE (2) BAR AND INSIDE BASEMENT EMPLOYEE WASHROOM.
10
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR (BOTTOM) SURFACES OF ICE MACHINE WITH BUILD-UP IN THE BASEMENT.
16
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS IDENTIFIED WITH COMMON NAME (FLOUR, SALT ETC).
37
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO RODENT PROOF BOTTOM OF REAR EXIT DOOR.
38
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN STORAGE RACKS WITH MOLD LIKE BUILD-UP INSIDE BASEMENT LIQUOR WALK-IN COOLER AND INSIDE THE MAIN WALK-IN COOLER.
49
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: BASEMENT (EMPLOYEE) TOILET ROOM RECEPTACLE MUST BE COVERED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LID/COVER FOR TRASH BIN.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN WALLS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN THE BASEMENT.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT CURRENT ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT, ANY PERSON WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH CURRENT ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.
58
61
May 2, 2023
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MULTIPLE HOLES AROUND PIPING IN THE CEILING, LOCATED IN THE REAR PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO SMOOTHLY SEAL HOLES AND MAINTAIN THEM.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LOOSE DEBRIS, DIRT, AND DUST BUILDUP ON THE FLOORS AND CORNERS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO DETAIL CLEANING AND INCREASED THE CLEANING FREQUENCY OF FLOORS. MUST MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
55
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT THE EXPOSED HANDSINK, LOCATED BEHIND THE FRONT BAR. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE FOR ALL HANDSINKS AND MAINTAIN.
10
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MULTIPLE CUTTING BOARDS WITH DEEP SCRATCHES AND STAINS ON PREP TABLES IN THE REAR PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO RESURFACE/REPLACE CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN THEM.
47
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ONE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT ALLERGEN AWARENESS TRAINING. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ENSURE ANY INDIVIDUAL THAT HAS A CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGERS CERTIFICATE COMPLETES ALLERGEN AWARENESS TRAINING AND KEEPS THE CERTIFICATE ON THE PREMISES.
58
78
Jul 6, 2022
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ICE BUILD UP ON FOOD WALK IN COOLER FAN CONDENSER. MUST REMOVE ICE BUILD UP AND MAINTAIN.
49
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED DUST BUILD-UP ON PREP AREAS COOLERS CONDENSERS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN COOLERS AND CONDENSERS IN PREP AREAS.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: BAR HANDWASH SINK LEAKING BY DRAIN PIPE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SAID SINK.
51
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ONE CEILING LIGHT COVER CRACKED AT 1ST FLOOR PREP AREA. MUST REPLACE DAMAGED CEILING LIGHT COVER.
56
82
Jun 28, 2021
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST NOT USE MILK CRATES AS A MEANS OF ELEVATION FOR STORED ITEMS.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: BROKEN RUBBER GASKET INSIDE REACH-IN COOLERS IN THE KITCHEN. REPAIR/REPLACE
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: GREASE BUILD-UP INSIDE THE CABINET UNDER THE DEEP FRYERS, CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: LEAKING MECHANICAL DRAIN AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK BY THE LOW TEMP DISH MACHINE IN THE KITCHEN, ALSO FAUCET AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IS LEAKING(SAME UNIT AND SAME AREA), REPAIR CAUSE
51
82
Oct 2, 2020
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: NOTED EXIT DOOR AT THE ROOFTOP BAR OF BUILDING NOT RODENT PROOF WITH GAP AT THE BOTTOM OF DOOR (ABOUT 1/4 INCH) AND SIDE DOOR ENTRANCE INTO THE BAR AREA OFF THE BROADWAY ENTRANCE. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL GAPS TO PREVENT ENTRY POINTS FOR PESTS.
38
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: NOTED SERVING PLATES ON SHELVES AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT ALL SERVING PLATES TO PREVENT DUST ACCUMULATION.
43
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: NOTED ICE SCOOPS STORED ON TOP OF ICE STORAGE CONTAINERS AT THE BAR AND BASEMENT FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND PROVIDE AN ICE SCOOP HOLDERS.
47
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: NOTED WASH ROOMS ON PREMISE WITH GARBAGE RECEPTACLES AND NO LIDS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TRASH CANS WITH LIDS AT ALL WOMEN WASH ROOMS AND UNISEX WASH ROOMS.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: NOTED A HOLE ON FLOOR OF THE ROOF TOP BAR UNDERNEATH SINKS BEHIND THE BAR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
55
78
May 22, 2019
Routine
1 major violation. 8 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: BOTH THE REMINDER OF: [ * ?CONSUMING RAW OR UNDERCOOKED MEATS, POULTRY, SEAFOOD, SHELLFISH, OR EGGS MAY INCREASE YOUR RISK OF FOODBORNE ILLNESS " ] AND THE DISCLOSURE OF AN ASTERISK IS NEEDED ON MENUS TO INDICATE THE REMINDER AND IDENTIFY THE ITEMS OF RISK. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
25
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CAULKING BEHIND MENS WASHROOMS SINKS IN DISREPAIR. MUST REACAULK AND MAINTAIN.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WALL IN BASEMENT PREP AREA BEHIND PREP TABLE WITH FOOD DEBRIS. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN WALL.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON WATER LINE OF COFFEE MACHINE. MUST INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
51
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ROOFTOP BAR NOT OPEN FOR THE SEASON WITH NO HOT WATER TO 4 COMPARTMENT SINK BEHIND BAR. MUST RESTORE HOT WATER TO SINK PRIOR TO OPENING ROOFTOP BAR TO PUBLIC.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WALLS BEHIND WOMENS FAUCETS IN WASHROOMS WITH PEELING CHIPPING PAINT. RESTORE TO A SMOOTH EASILY CLEANABLE CONDITION.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OLD EQUIPMENT INCLUDING OVEN AND SMOKER IN REAR EXITWAY LEADING TO GARBAGE AREA. ITEMS MUST BE REMOVED FROM PREMISES.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FLOOR DRAIN COVER MISSING ON FLOOR DRAIN BEHIND BAR ON 1 ST FLOOR. REPLACE COVER AND MAINTAIN
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO APPROVED ALLERGEN TRAINING IN ACCORDANCE WITH PA 100-0367 ON SITE. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSONS WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITIATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN
58
61
Mar 7, 2018
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: NOTED A SLIGHT DISCOLORATION INSIDE THE UPPER COMPARTMENT OF ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.....NOTED SLIGHT SLIMY SUBSTANCE INSIDE THE SODA GUN HOLDER AT THE BAR. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: NOTED DUSTY FANS CEILING AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: NOTED A SLOW WATER DRAIN AT THE BAR HAND WASH SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: NOTED CLUTTER ON WALL BY STAIRWAY LEADING TO BASEMENT FOOD STORAGE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, ORGANIZE AND/OR REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ARTICLES TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST.
41
82
Apr 12, 2017
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: ALL BULK FOOD CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED.
30
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: UNUSED EQUIPMENT MUST BE REMOVED FROM THE OUTDOOR WALKWAY TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORING.
41
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: ICE SCOOP MUST BE STORED IN A CLEAN CONTAINER, NOT ON TOP OF THE MACHINE.
42
86
Jun 1, 2016
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOOR INSIDE THE SUMP PUMP CLOSET AND FLOOR UNDER THE STAIR IN THE BASEMENT AND MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: SEAL ALL GAP AROUND THE PIPES/CONDUITS THRU-OUT THE KITCHEN/PREP AREA AND MAINTAIN.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: BURNED OUT LIGHT BULB ON THE HOOD/CANOPY IN THE COOK LINE. MUST REPLACE LIGHT BULB AND MAINTAIN.
36
86
Jun 30, 2015
Complaint
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES: FOUND A LARGE CONTAINER OF RAW CHICKEN AT 56.0F IN THE WALK-IN COOLER, FOUND A CONTAINER OF BLUE CHEESE AT 49.8F, A CONTAINER OF DICED CHICKEN AT 49.7F, AND A CONTAINER OF HARDBOILED EGGS AT 49.1F INSIDE OF THE COLD-HOLDING UNIT FOR SALAD PREP, AND A CONTAINER OF COLESLAW INSIDE OF THE REFRIGERATOR AT 49.9F. MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED 40# OF FOOD WORTH $175. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A
3
95
Apr 15, 2015
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Apr 9, 2015
License
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector notes: FOUND THE WALK-IN COOLER LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT UNABLE TO MAINTAIN THE PROPER TEMPERATURE OF 40F OR LOWER AT TIME OF INSPECTION. WALK-IN COOLER WAS TURNED OFF AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION BECAUSE THE MANAGER IS REPLACING THE COMPRESSOR. WALK-IN COOLER MUST MAINTAIN A TEMPERATURE OF 40F OR LESS AT ALL TIMES. FACILITY WILL NOT PASS LICENSE UNTIL WALLK-IN COOLER IS FIXED BECAUSE OF THE LACK OF REFRIGERATION ONSITE. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A
2
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FOUND CONSTRUCTION DEBRIS ON THE FLOOR UNDER THE CONVENTIONAL OVEN. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
34
90
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Pearl's Southern Comfort last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Pearl's Southern Comfort on file is from Sep 26, 2025. The public record contains 15 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Pearl's Southern Comfort?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited seven times, more than any other issue at Pearl's Southern Comfort.
Has Pearl's Southern Comfort's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Pearl's Southern Comfort have averaged around two violations per visit, down from roughly six earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Pearl's Southern Comfort 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 Pearl's Southern Comfort inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Pearl's Southern Comfort is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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