Wilma's Famous BBQ & Tavern
Last inspected: Apr 14, 2025
100
Score
Across the available record, Wilma's Famous BBQ & Tavern has 15 inspections on file, the first dated 2010. The latest inspection on file is from Apr 14, 2025. Low risk means the most recent visit produced few or no significant findings.
Performance has remained roughly level over recent inspections, averaging near four violations each time.
The pattern that stands out is “proper cooling methods used”, which has been cited eight times.
That puts the facility ahead of the local pack: the average Chicago restaurant scores 81. Overall, the inspection record reads well.
15
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 14, 2025
Complaint
No violations found.
100
Dec 18, 2024
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO RUNNING WATER WHEN COLD WATER KNOB IS TURNED ON AT HANDWASHING SINK IN THE DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. ALSO OBSERVED LOOSE FAUCET AT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WET MOPS STORED IN DIFFERENT AREAS OF THE KITCHEN. MUST HANG MOPS TO ALLOW TO DRY WHEN NOT IN USE.
55
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT THE HANDWASHING SINKS IN THE PREP/DISHWASHING AREAS AND IN THE RESTROOMS.
10
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CONDENSATION AND THE METHOD OF COOLING ELBOW NOODLES TO BE INADEQUATE. MUST LEAVE FOOD UNCOVERED TO COOL PROPERLY DURING COOLING PROCESS.
33
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RAW SHRIMP IN THE REACH-IN COOLER AT THE END OF COOKLINE STORED DIRECTLY IN CONTACT WITH ICE CUBES. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT NOT STORE FOOD ITEMS DIRECTLY IN CONTACT WITH ICE.
39
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUST ACCUMULATION ON THE FAN GUARDS IN THE WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
74
Oct 6, 2021
Routine
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: NO CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGER ON SITE WHILE HANDLING AND SERVING TCS FOODS ( BEEF, CHICKE... ) INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012.
2
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
1
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: DELI CUPS NOT AIR DRIED AFTER WASHING, INSTRUCTED TO AIR DRY.
44
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MEAT SLICER NOT CLEAN EHIND BLADE, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
78
Oct 1, 2019
Routine
3 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO ESTABLISH AN APPROPRIATE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AND MAINTAIN WITH VERIFIABLE SIGNED COPIES ON SITE FOR ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WRITTEN PROCEDURES AND SUPPLIES FROM BODILY FLUID SPILL KIT FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING OR DIARRHEAL EVENTS; NO SANITIZER. FACILITY MUST ALSO OBTAIN ADEQUATE SANITIZER THAT ELIMINATES NOROVIRUS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO PROVIDE BOTH CLEAN UP POLICY AND ALL SUPPLIES NEEDED TO PROPERLY HANDLE BODILY FLUID SPILLS ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED READY-TO-EAT, TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY (TCS) FOODS (DELI MEAT) NOT DATE MARKED TO INDICATE THE PRODUCT'S NAME AND DATE IN WHICH THE FOOD MUST BE SOLD, DISCARDED OR CONSUMED WITHIN 7 DAYS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER LABELS FOR DATE MARKING AND DISCARD DATE FOR REFRIGERATED, READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOODS HELD OVER 24HRS PLACED IN ALL COLD-HOLDING UNITS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
23
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PREWRAPPED EATING UTENSILS NOT INVERTED. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO AVOID CONTAMINATION BY INVERTING UTENSILS WITH HANDLES EXPOSED AFTER SANITIZING AND AIR DRYING.
44
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSONS WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH COMPLETION OF TRAINING. MUST PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION.
58
67
Apr 18, 2018
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOOR IN WALK-IN COOLER IN POOR REPAIR, METAL PLATE DISLODGED AND LARGE GAPS UNDER. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
34
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLERS AT MAIN COOK LINE WITH SCRUFFY BEARD NOT WEARING BEARD RESTRAINT, INSTRUCTED TO WEAR.
42
90
Aug 1, 2017
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE GREASE TRAP TO THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK MISSING BOLTS. PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ALL OF THE GREASE TRAP BOLTS.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE WITH BUILD UP AND THE INSIDE OF AN UNSED 2 DOOR COOLER ON THE COOK LINE WITH ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE AND COOLERS.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FLOOR UNDER EQUIPMENT AND IN CORNERS AT THE BAR ARE WITH ACCUMULATED DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FLOORS.
34
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BLOWN LIGHT BULBS UNDER THE HOOD. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ADEQUATE LIGHTING.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK SPRAYER HEAD HOSE IN DISREPAIR AND THE WASTE PIPE UNDER THE RIGHT BASIN LEAKING. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE SPRAYER HEAD HOSE AND REPAIR THE PLUMBING LEAK.
38
78
Jan 13, 2017
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Sanitizing rinse for equipment and utensils: clean, proper temperature, concentration, exposure time
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE LOW TEMPERATURE DISHMACHINE IN THE PREP AREA AND THE LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE IN THE BAR AREA IN USE WITH A SANITIZER CONCENTRATION OF 0PPM CHLORINE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN SANITIZER CONCENTRATION AT 50PPM CHLORINE. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030
8
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE PREP AREA CUTTING BOARDS WITH DARK GROOVES. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE CUTTING BOARDS.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FLOOR DRAINS AT THE BAR WITH ACCUMULATED DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FLOOR DRAINS.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE PREP AREA 1 COMPARTMENT SINK NOT DRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN ALL PLUMBING.
38
82
Feb 18, 2016
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Cutting boards that had deep cuts, shall be replaced/repaired. Walk in cooler shelving/racks that had peeling paint/rust, shall be repaired/replaced. Caulk around 3 compartment sink, and exposed hand sinks in kitchen prep area in state of disrepair, shall be repaired/replaced.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: walk in cooler shelving/racks not clean, need detailed cleaning(crevices). Storage shelving/racks in kitchen prep area, not clean, need detailed cleaning(crevices). Non food contact surfaces of ice machine not clean, need detailed cleaning(crevices). Front counter, and bar area counter shelving not clean, need detailed cleaning.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Floors in walk in cooler in state of disrepair, floor had gaps, peeling metal section, shall be repaired/replaced. Floors in walk in cooler under shelving/racks not clean, need detailed cleaning(corners), floors under heavy equipment, cooking equipment not clean, need detailed cleaning(corners). Floors in bar area not clean, need cleaning(corners).
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: 2nd exposed hand sink faucet in kitchen prep area, leaking at neck, shall be repaired/replaced.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: stock items must be stored six inches off of floor to prevent pest harborage.
41
78
Oct 13, 2015
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Oct 8, 2015
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Adequate number, convenient, accessible, designed, and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HOT WATER (WATER TEMPERATURE AT 66.1F) AT THE EXPOSED HAND SINK ON THE NORTH END OF THE COOK LINE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HOT WATER AT THE EXPOSED HAND SINK. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030
11
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BULK FOOD ITEMS IN LARGE WHITE BINS INSIDE OF THE KITCHEN UNLABELED. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL BULK FOOD ITEMS.
30
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF THE LARGE ICE MACHINE IN THE KITCHEN WITH BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE.
33
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BLOWN LIGHT BULBS INSIDE OF THE FOOD WALK IN COOLER AND WALK IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ADEQUATE LIGHTING.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE MIDDLE AND LEFT DRAIN PLUG NOT WORKING PROPERLY AT THE KITCHEN 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR THE DRAIN PLUGS.
38
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLER WITH NO HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN HAIR RESTRAINTS WHILE HANDLING FOOD.
42
74
Jan 14, 2014
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: BULK FOOD CONTAINERS, SPRAY BOTTLES NOT LABELED, INSTRUCTED TO LABEL AND MAINTAIN.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: FOOD STRAINERS WITH LOOSE WIRES, INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE UTENSILS IN POOR REPAIR.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: DELI MEAT SLICER NOT CLEAN BEHIND BLADE, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: DAMAGED AND MISSING SECTION OF WALL BASE TILES NEXT TO REAR WALK-IN COOLER, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
35
82
Feb 13, 2013
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Feb 6, 2013
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Hand washing facilities: with soap and sanitary hand drying devices, convenient and accessible to food prep area
Inspector notes: DURING INPECTION OBSERVED NO HAND TOWELS AT 3 BAR EXPOSED HAND SINKS AND NO SOAP AT ONE OF THE BAR HAND SINKS. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PROVIDE SOAP AND HAND TOWELS AT ALL BAR EXPOSED HANDSINKS AT ALL TIMES.CDI 7-38-030 CRITICAL CITATION #H000083330 10
12
Adequate number, convenient, accessible, properly designed and installed
Inspector notes: UPON INSPECTION FOUND NO HOT WATER IN THE MEN'S AND LADIES RESTROOM ON THE SECOND FLOOR.MUST PROVIDE HOT AND COLD WATER AT ALL TIMES AT RESTROOM FACILITIES.SERIOUS CITATION 7-38-030 #H000083330 10
26
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR LEAKY PIPE UNDER REAR EXPOSED HAND SINK CLOSEST TO THE DISHMACHINE AREA.
38
86
Feb 10, 2011
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: A certified food service manager must be present in all establishments at which potentially hazardous food is prepared or served. NO CERTIFIED FOOD HANDLER ON SITE WHILE HANDLING AND SERVING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS, INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN.
21
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. MUST CLEAN DUST BUILD-UP ON FAN COVERS INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER FAN COVERS.
33
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. UPPER PANEL OF ICE MAKER INTERIOR SURFACES NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health. LEAKY PIPE UNDER 3COMP SINK, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
38
82
Apr 13, 2010
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
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. DUST BUILD UP NOTED ON FAN COVERS IN WALK-IN COOLER, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
95
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Wilma's Famous BBQ & Tavern last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Wilma's Famous BBQ & Tavern on file is from Apr 14, 2025. The public record contains 15 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Wilma's Famous BBQ & Tavern?
Across the inspection record, “proper cooling methods used” has been cited eight times, more than any other issue at Wilma's Famous BBQ & Tavern.
Has Wilma's Famous BBQ & Tavern's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Wilma's Famous BBQ & Tavern have averaged around four violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Wilma's Famous BBQ & Tavern 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 Wilma's Famous BBQ & Tavern inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Wilma's Famous BBQ & Tavern is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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