Kiss the Cook BBQ
4001 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60624
Restaurant ZIP 60624 Risk 1 (High)
Pass with Conditions · as of Feb 25, 2026
Kiss the Cook BBQ was last inspected on February 25, 2026 with a result of “Pass w/ Conditions”. Inspectors found 14 violations, 1 of them critical, including signs of pests.
Latest inspection
February 25, 2026 · Complaint
Result: Pass w/ Conditions
1 critical11 general2 paperwork-
CriticalManagement & training
No one in charge was present who knew the food-safety rules.
Inspector’s note: Observed no person in charge with valid chicago food sanitation certificate. Instructed manager to designate person in charge during all hours of operation. Priority foundation
Official wording (code 1)
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
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GeneralPests
Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.
Inspector’s note: Observed fly strips hanging in prep area. Instructed manager to remove all fly strips from prep area.
Official wording (code 38)
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
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GeneralFood handling
Food wasn’t protected from contamination during prep, storage, or display.
Inspector’s note: Observed food items stored on floor in prep area. Instructed manager to elevate all food items six inches off floor.
Official wording (code 39)
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
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GeneralFood handling
Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.
Inspector’s note: Observed soiled wiping cloths on prep tables. Instructed manager to store wiping cloths in sanitizing solution between uses.
Official wording (code 41)
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.
Inspector’s note: Observed worn and deep grooved cutting boards. Instructed manager to replace and maintain.
Official wording (code 47)
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Equipment and surfaces were dirty.
Inspector’s note: Observed food debris and grease spills on interior and exterior surfaces of cooking equipment, coolers, freezers, holding units, prep tables, sinks. Instructed manager to clean and maintain.
Official wording (code 49)
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.
Inspector’s note: Observed missing hot water handle on utility sink. Instructed manager to replace and maintain.
Official wording (code 51)
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Toilet rooms weren’t built, stocked, or cleaned properly.
Inspector’s note: Observed no covered receptacle in washroom. Instructed manager to provide and maintain.
Official wording (code 53)
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: Observed missing grout on floor tiles near 3-compartment sink. Instructed manager to repair and maintain.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: Observed propane tanks stored in rear storage area. Instructed manager to remove all propane tanks and unused equipment in storage area.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
-
GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: Observed dust buildup on walls, light shields and duct equipment in prep area. Instructed manager to clean and maintain.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
-
GeneralFacility upkeep
Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.
Inspector’s note: Observed missing filters inside ventilation hood. Instructed manager to replace and maintain.
Official wording (code 56)
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
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PaperworkManagement & training
No manager on duty held a City of Chicago food sanitation certificate.
Inspector’s note: Observed no chicago food sanitation manager on site or valid certificate posted when tcs food (chicken 190.3f) prepared and served. A chicago food sanitation manager must be on site and valid certificate posted at all times tcs food prepared and served. Priority foundation 7-38-012 citation issued.
Official wording (code 2)
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
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PaperworkManagement & training
Not all food employees had food-handler training.
Inspector’s note: Observed no food handler training available. All food handlers must provide food handler training.
Official wording (code 57)
All food employees have food handler training
Inspection history
12 inspections on record
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No Entry
Complaint · No Entry
No violations
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No Entry
Short Form Complaint · No Entry
No violations
-
Conditional
Complaint Re-Inspection · Pass w/ Conditions
8 general1 paperwork Show violations
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GeneralPests
Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.
Inspector’s note: 6-202.15 observed rear exterior door not rodent proof with spaces and gaps in door. Observed front double doors are not tight-fitting in the middle. Instructed person in charge to repair all outer openings to be tight-fitting and rodent-proof.
Official wording (code 38)
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.
Inspector’s note: 4-501.11 observed front prep cooler with damaged gaskets. Instructed person in charge to repair and maintain.
Official wording (code 47)
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
-
GeneralFacility upkeep
Equipment and surfaces were dirty.
Inspector’s note: 4-601.11(c) observed buildup of food debris on interior of walk-in cooler and shelving. Instructed person in charge to clean and maintain.
Official wording (code 49)
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
-
GeneralFacility upkeep
Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.
Inspector’s note: O5-205.15 bserved handsink in restroom with excessive leak. Instructed person in charge to repair and maintain.
Official wording (code 51)
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
-
GeneralFacility upkeep
Toilet rooms weren’t built, stocked, or cleaned properly.
Inspector’s note: 6-501.19 observed self-closing device on restroom door damaged. Instructed person in charge to repair and maintain.
Official wording (code 53)
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
-
GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: 6-201.11 observed damaged tile near utility sink. Instructed person in charge to repair area to be smooth and easily cleanable.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
-
GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: 6-501.12observed excessive build up of food debris, splatters, other detritus on floor and walls throughout facility. Instructed person in charge to detail clean facility and maintain.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
-
GeneralFacility upkeep
Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.
Inspector’s note: 4-202.18 observed filters in hood system with excessive heavy grease buildup. Instructed person in charge to detail clean and maintain.
Official wording (code 56)
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
-
PaperworkManagement & training
No manager on duty held a City of Chicago food sanitation certificate.
Inspector’s note: 2-101.11 observed no valid city of chicago sanitation manager certificate on site at time of inspection. Instructed person in charge: a valid city of chicago sanitation certificate is required on site at all times. Priority foundation #7-38-012. Citation issued.
Official wording (code 2)
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
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Fail
Complaint · Fail
3 critical10 general Show violations
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CriticalHygiene & sanitation
Hand sinks were missing, blocked, or not stocked with soap and towels.
Inspector’s note: Observed no soap at the following handsinks; front prep sink, bathroom sink, rear prep sink. Instructed person in charge to provide and maintain handwashing provision at all handwashing sinks at all times. Priority foundation #7-38-030 (c). Citation issued. (handsoap provided).
Official wording (code 10)
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
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CriticalFood source
Food was spoiled, contaminated, or unsafe.
Inspector’s note: Observed cooked ribs stored in walk in cooler covered in fuzzy mold like spores. Instructed person in charge to discard. Priority violation #7-38-005. Citation issued. (person in charge denatured and discarded).
Official wording (code 13)
Food in good condition, safe, & unadulterated
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CriticalFood temperature
Not enough equipment, or the wrong method, to cool and hold food at safe temperatures.
Inspector’s note: Observed improper cold-hold temperature of 66°f in walk-in cooler. Instructed pic all refrigerator units shall maintain a proper temperature of 41°f and below. Walk-in cooler unit must not be used until reinspected by the chicago department of public health (cdph). Priority violation #7-38-005. Citation issued. (walk in cooler is tagged at this time awaiting re-inspection by cdph).alternative refrigerator available.
Official wording (code 33)
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
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GeneralPests
Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.
Inspector’s note: Observed approximately 60 mouse droppings scattered through the rear of the facility in the following areas: in the equipment room near the hot water heater, in the rear dry storage room under shelving, in the prep room around the perimeter of the room, and under shelving. Instructed person in charge to remove all mouse droppings, sanitize areas, and inform pest control of need for additional service. Priority foundation #7-38-020 (a). Citation issued
Official wording (code 38)
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
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GeneralPests
Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.
Inspector’s note: Observed rear exterior door not rodent proof with spaces and gap in door. Observed front double doors not tight fitting in middle. Instructed person in charge to repair all outer openings to be tight fitting and rodent proof.
Official wording (code 38)
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
-
GeneralFood handling
Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.
Inspector’s note: Observed soiled rags throughout facility on tables, sink, and floor. Instructed person in charge to discard of soiled rags and store rags for wiping in sanitizing solution.
Official wording (code 41)
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
-
GeneralFacility upkeep
Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.
Inspector’s note: Observed front prep cooler with damaged gaskets. Instructed person in charge to repair and maintain.
Official wording (code 47)
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
-
GeneralFacility upkeep
Equipment and surfaces were dirty.
Inspector’s note: Observed build up of food debris on interior of walk in cooler and shelving. Instructed person in charge to clean and maintain.
Official wording (code 49)
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
-
GeneralFacility upkeep
Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.
Inspector’s note: Observed handsink in restroom with excessive leak. Instructed person in charge to repair and maintain.
Official wording (code 51)
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
-
GeneralFacility upkeep
Toilet rooms weren’t built, stocked, or cleaned properly.
Inspector’s note: Observed self closing device on restroom door damaged. Instructed person in charge to repair and maintain.
Official wording (code 53)
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
-
GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: Observed damaged tile near utility sink. Instructed person in charge to repair area to be smooth and easily cleanable.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
-
GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: Observed excessive build up of food debris, splatters, other detritus on floor and walls throughout facility. Instructed person in charge to detail clean facility and maintain.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
-
GeneralFacility upkeep
Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.
Inspector’s note: Observed filters in hood system with excessive heavy grease build up. Instructed person in charge to detail clean and maintain.
Official wording (code 56)
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
-
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Conditional
Complaint · Pass w/ Conditions
1 critical2 general3 paperwork Show violations
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CriticalFood temperature
Prepared food wasn’t date-marked, or was kept past its discard date.
Inspector’s note: Observed no labels on cold held tcs foods held on site for more than 24 hours stored in cooling units (baked potatoes, pasta, rice, jerk chicken) instructed to provide and maintain as required. Priroity foudnation violation. 7-38-005. Citation issued.
Official wording (code 23)
Proper date marking and disposition
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.
Inspector’s note: Observed cutting boards with dark stains and deep grooves throughout prep area. Instructed to replace to ensure proper cleaning and sanitizing of equipment.
Official wording (code 47)
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
-
GeneralFacility upkeep
Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.
Inspector’s note: Observed leaky faucet fixtures on 3 compartment sink. Instructed to repair and maintain in good condition.
Official wording (code 51)
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
-
PaperworkManagement & training
No manager on duty held a City of Chicago food sanitation certificate.
Inspector’s note: Observed no city of chicago certified food manager on site with valid original certificate posted for public view while preparing chicken, alfredo sauce, nacho cheese. Instructed to provide and maintain while open and operating. Priority foundation violation. #7-38-012. Citation issued.
Official wording (code 2)
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
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PaperworkManagement & training
Not all food employees had food-handler training.
Inspector’s note: Instructed to provide food handler training certificates for all food employees. Must maintain on site for review.
Official wording (code 57)
All food employees have food handler training
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PaperworkManagement & training
Required allergen training was missing.
Inspector’s note: All city of chicago certified food managers must obtain allergen training as required.
Official wording (code 58)
Allergen training as required
-
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Pass
Complaint Re-Inspection · Pass
No violations
-
Fail
Complaint · Fail
7 critical10 general3 paperwork Show violations
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CriticalManagement & training
Staff weren’t trained on, or didn’t follow, the rules for reporting illness.
Inspector’s note: Observed no written employee health policies on site for all food and conditional employees. Instructed to maintain on site. Priority foundation violation. #7-38-010. Citation issued.
Official wording (code 3)
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
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CriticalManagement & training
No written plan or kit for cleaning up vomit or diarrhea.
Inspector’s note: No written procedure on site or neccesary items outlined in procedure available on-site during inspection. Must provide. Priority foundation violation. #7-38-005. Citation issued.
Official wording (code 5)
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
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CriticalHygiene & sanitation
Hand sinks were missing, blocked, or not stocked with soap and towels.
Inspector’s note: OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS AVAILABLE AT HANDSINKS LOCATED IN FRONT AND REAR HANDSINKS DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN FOR PROPER HAND WASHING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-030 (c). SEE ABOVE VIOLATION FOR CITATION INFORMATION.
Official wording (code 10)
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
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CriticalHygiene & sanitation
Hand sinks were missing, blocked, or not stocked with soap and towels.
Inspector’s note: OBSERVED NO HAND CLEANSER AVAILABLE AT ANY HANDSINK IN FRONT OR REAR PREP HANDSINK OR TOILET ROOM HANDSINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN PROPER HANDWASHING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-030 (c). CITATION ISSUED.
Official wording (code 10)
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
-
CriticalFood handling
Surfaces that touch food weren’t cleaned and sanitized.
Inspector’s note: Observed black substance build up on internal lid of ice machine used for human consumption. Instructed to clean ans sanitize
Official wording (code 16)
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
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CriticalFood temperature
Cold food was held above a safe temperature.
Inspector’s note: Observed the following tcs foods at improper temperatures during time of insepction... Noted approximatley 250lbs cooked ribs, 50 lbs wings, 120 lbs cooked chicken parts, 50 lbs pasta, all ranging between 52f-65f. Pic discarded voluntarily. Cost $5000. Must hold tcs foods @ 41f and below. Priority violation. 7-38-005. Citation issued.
Official wording (code 22)
Proper cold holding temperatures
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CriticalFood temperature
Not enough equipment, or the wrong method, to cool and hold food at safe temperatures.
Inspector’s note: Observed walk in cooler in rear prep area at improper temperatures during inspection. Noted temperature @ 52f. Observed 3 door cooling unit in front prep area @ improper teemperature 0f 62f. Both units were storing tcs foods at this time. Unut tagged and held for inspection. Priority violation. #7-38-005. Citation issued.
Official wording (code 33)
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
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GeneralFood temperature
Thermometers were missing or inaccurate.
Inspector’s note: Must provide thermometers for inside of cooling units on premise. Must maintain.
Official wording (code 36)
Thermometers provided & accurate
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GeneralPests
Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.
Inspector’s note: Observed rear exit door not rodent proof. Instructed to enclose 1/4 inch gap on door to prevent pest entry.
Official wording (code 38)
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
-
GeneralPests
Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.
Inspector’s note: Observed evidence of pest activity on site during time of inspection. Noted approximately 60 small rodent droppings scattered on floor throughout front and rear prep areas, behind large smoker, behind all heavy cooking equipment, cooling units and inside small cubby space where camera monitors are located. Instructed to remove droppings, clean and sanitize. Observed approximately 30 small and large live flies flying throughout facilityexter and on exterior surfaces of stored kitchenware. Must eliminate pest activity. Priority foundation violation. 7-38-020 (a). Citation issued.
Official wording (code 38)
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
-
GeneralFacility upkeep
Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.
Inspector’s note: Observed cutting boards with dark stains and deep cuts throughout prep area. Instructed to replace.
Official wording (code 47)
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
-
GeneralFacility upkeep
Dishwashing equipment wasn’t set up, maintained, or used correctly.
Inspector’s note: No chemical test strips on site for testing sanitizer strenght at 3 compartment sink. Instructed to provide. Priority foundation violation. 7-38-005. Citation issued.
Official wording (code 48)
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Equipment and surfaces were dirty.
Inspector’s note: Must remove all dried food debris from interior surfaces of cooking equipment, cooling units and storage containers containing food, sauces, ingredients etc.
Official wording (code 49)
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
-
GeneralFacility upkeep
Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.
Inspector’s note: Obsereved one compartment sink in rear prep area plumbing fixture (faucet) missing. Instructed to provide and maintain.
Official wording (code 51)
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
-
GeneralFacility upkeep
Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.
Inspector’s note: Must repair faucet on mop sink in rear facility and maintain.
Official wording (code 51)
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
-
GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: Must repair wall behind utility sink in rear.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
-
GeneralFacility upkeep
Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.
Inspector’s note: Observed ventilation hood with excessive amounts of dust, dirt and grease buildup. Instructed to clean and maintain system free of acuumulated build up.
Official wording (code 56)
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
-
PaperworkManagement & training
No manager on duty held a City of Chicago food sanitation certificate.
Inspector’s note: Observed no city of chicago certified food manager on site during inspection while preparing and serving tcs foods (chicken, ribs, alfredo pasta). Instructed to provide and maintain at least one cfm on site while open and operating. Priority foundation violation. #7-38-012. Citation issued.
Official wording (code 2)
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
-
PaperworkManagement & training
Not all food employees had food-handler training.
Inspector’s note: No food handler training on site for review during inspection. Must provide.
Official wording (code 57)
All food employees have food handler training
-
PaperworkManagement & training
Required allergen training was missing.
Inspector’s note: No allergen training certificates on site for city of chicago certified food manager. Instructed to obtain.
Official wording (code 58)
Allergen training as required
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No Entry
Canvass · No Entry
No violations
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No Entry
Non-Inspection · No Entry
No violations
-
Pass
License Re-Inspection · Pass
No violations
-
Not Ready
License · Not Ready
No violations
More in ZIP 60624
Source: Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) open data, refreshed hourly. Last inspection 8 months ago. Always confirm with the official record.