Lem's Bar-B-Q

No violations were recorded at this inspection.

1. Apr 22, 2026 Pass

   Complaint · Pass

   3 general Show violations

   • GeneralFood handling

     Food wasn’t protected from contamination during prep, storage, or display.

     Inspector’s note: Noted no splashguard at kitchen and dishroom handsinks. Instructed to install

     Official wording (code 39)

     Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

     Inspector’s note: Noted worn/uneven cutting board with deep cuts and stains at front prep area. Instructed to replace and maintain a smooth and easy to clean surface

     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: Noted slow drain center sink of 3 compartment sink. Insrtucted to restore suffient drainage

     Official wording (code 51)

     Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

2. Sep 12, 2025 Pass

   Complaint Re-Inspection · Pass

   1 critical3 general2 paperwork Show violations

   • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

     Hand sinks were missing, blocked, or not stocked with soap and towels.

     Inspector’s note: Observed no hand washing sign at hand washing sink in front prep area. Instructed manager to provide hand washing sign at all hand washing sinks used by employees.

     Official wording (code 10)

     Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

   • GeneralFood handling

     Food wasn’t labeled or wasn’t in its original container.

     Inspector’s note: Observed bulk containers not labeled in prep and storage areas. Instructed manager to label all bulk containers with common name of food.

     Official wording (code 37)

     Food properly labeled; original container

   • GeneralFood handling

     Food wasn’t protected from contamination during prep, storage, or display.

     Inspector’s note: Observed food items stored on floor in walk-in cooler. Instructed manager to elevate all food items six inches off floor.

     Official wording (code 39)

     Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Observed dust buildup on ventilation fan inside washroom. Instructed manager to clean and maintain.

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

   • PaperworkManagement & training

     Not all food employees had food-handler training.

     Inspector’s note: Observed missing food handler training for employees. All employees handling food and/or equipment must provide food handler training.

     Official wording (code 57)

     All food employees have food handler training

   • PaperworkManagement & training

     Required allergen training was missing.

     Inspector’s note: Observed no allergen training for certified manager on duty. All certified managers must provide allergen training.

     Official wording (code 58)

     Allergen training as required

3. Sep 4, 2025 Fail

   Complaint · Fail

   1 critical6 general2 paperwork Show violations

   • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

     Hand sinks were missing, blocked, or not stocked with soap and towels.

     Inspector’s note: Observed no hand washing sign at hand washing sink in front prep area. Instructed manager to provide hand washing sign at all hand washing sinks used by employees.

     Official wording (code 10)

     Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

   • GeneralFood handling

     Food wasn’t labeled or wasn’t in its original container.

     Inspector’s note: Observed bulk containers not labeled in prep and storage areas. Instructed manager to label all bulk containers with common name of food.

     Official wording (code 37)

     Food properly labeled; original container

   • GeneralPests

     Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.

     Inspector’s note: Observed numerous flying insects landing on barbecue sauce, hot sauce, spice containers and single service pans in rear storage area. Instructed manager to call an exterminator for service, clean and sanitize all areas. Priority foundation 7-38-020(a) citation issued

     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 1/2" gap on bottom of rear outer screen door. Instructed manager to seal all outer openings on door to prevent pest entry.

     Official wording (code 38)

     Insects, rodents, & animals not present

   • GeneralFood handling

     Food wasn’t protected from contamination during prep, storage, or display.

     Inspector’s note: Observed food items stored on floor in walk-in cooler. Instructed manager to elevate all food items six inches off floor.

     Official wording (code 39)

     Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Observed dust buildup on ventilation fan inside washroom and walls in rear prep/dish washing area. Instructed manager to clean and maintain.

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

   • GeneralRepeat violation

     A previously cited basic violation still wasn’t fixed.

     Inspector’s note: Previous core violation not corrected from report #2615438 on 4-9-25 47-front hand washing sink needs a partitioner/splash guard to prevent splashing onto the prep table. Instructed to provide a partitioner/splash guard or relocate prep table. Priority foundation 7-42-090 citation issued

     Official wording (code 60)

     Previous core violation corrected

   • PaperworkManagement & training

     Not all food employees had food-handler training.

     Inspector’s note: Observed missing food handler training for employees. All employees handling food and/or equipment must provide food handler training.

     Official wording (code 57)

     All food employees have food handler training

   • PaperworkManagement & training

     Required allergen training was missing.

     Inspector’s note: Observed no allergen training for certified manager on duty. All certified managers must provide allergen training.

     Official wording (code 58)

     Allergen training as required

4. Apr 9, 2025 Pass

   Canvass · Pass

   4 general Show violations

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

     Inspector’s note: Front hand washing sink needs a partitioner/splash guard to prevent splashing onto the prep table. Instructed to provide a partitioner/splash guard or relocate prep table.

     Official wording (code 47)

     Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Sewage or wastewater wasn’t disposed of properly.

     Inspector’s note: The air conditioner drain tubes are in the first compartment of the 3 compartment sink. Instructed to reroute tubes to a floor drain and maintain.

     Official wording (code 52)

     Sewage & waste water properly disposed

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Vent cover above the air conditioner is missing. Instructed to provide and maintain.

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Floors around the hot water tank, grease traps and sinks with dirt/debris build up. Instructed to detail clean and maintain floors.

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

5. Apr 3, 2024 Pass

   Canvass · Pass

   2 general2 paperwork Show violations

   • GeneralFood handling

     Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.

     Inspector’s note: Observed wiping cloths not properly stored when not in use. Instructed to store in sanitizing solution (must be at the required ppm) when not in use.

     Official wording (code 41)

     Wiping cloths: properly used & stored

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Observed the floors around the hot water tank, grease traps and sinks with dirt/debris build up. Instructed to detail clean and maintain floors.

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

   • PaperworkManagement & training

     Not all food employees had food-handler training.

     Inspector’s note: Observed a food handler with no proof they met the food handler's requirements. Instructed to obtain and maintain a current certificate at all times.

     Official wording (code 57)

     All food employees have food handler training

   • PaperworkManagement & training

     Required allergen training was missing.

     Inspector’s note: Observed the cfm on duty with no allergen training certificate. Instructed to obtain and maintain a current certificate at all times.

     Official wording (code 58)

     Allergen training as required

6. Sep 11, 2023 Pass

   Complaint · Pass

   5 general1 paperwork Show violations

   • GeneralFood handling

     Food wasn’t labeled or wasn’t in its original container.

     Inspector’s note: Observed a bulk dry ingredient container stored on the shelving unit under the food prep table; in the dishwashing area not labeled. Instructed to label all ingredients with its common name when taken out of its original packaging and maintain.

     Official wording (code 37)

     Food properly labeled; original container

   • GeneralPests

     Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.

     Inspector’s note: Observed the security door at the rear dishwashing/ food prep area not rodent proof at the bottom. Instructed to rodent proof said door and maintain.

     Official wording (code 38)

     Insects, rodents, & animals not present

   • GeneralFood handling

     Food wasn’t protected from contamination during prep, storage, or display.

     Inspector’s note: Observed cups stored in the dry ingredient storage container at the rear dishwashing/food prep area. Instructed to use utensils with handles to transfer ingredients and maintain.

     Official wording (code 39)

     Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display

   • GeneralFood handling

     Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.

     Inspector’s note: Observed a food handler using a towel to transfer ready to eat food from the grill to the food prep table and then using the towel to wipe the meat area. The towel did not have any chemical solution on it. Instructed to refrain from utilizing wiping clothes to transfer ready to eat foods. The towel was discarded at this time.

     Official wording (code 41)

     Wiping cloths: properly used & stored

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Observed the floor next to the hot water tank and the three compartment sink with food debris and not maintained. Instructed to clean and maintain said floor.

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

   • PaperworkManagement & training

     Required allergen training was missing.

     Inspector’s note: Observed certified food managers on duty with no allergen training certification. Instructed management that all food service managers are required to have the allergen training certification.

     Official wording (code 58)

     Allergen training as required

7. Jan 7, 2022 Conditional

   Complaint · Pass w/ Conditions

   2 critical2 general Show violations

   • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

     Hand sinks were missing, blocked, or not stocked with soap and towels.

     Inspector’s note: Observed no handwashing signage at front hand sink. Instructed manager to provide and maintain

     Official wording (code 10)

     Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

   • CriticalFood temperature

     Prepared food wasn’t date-marked, or was kept past its discard date.

     Inspector’s note: Observed no date marking system on ribs, sausauges held over in walk in cooler. Instructed manager that all foods held more than 24 hours shall be marked with day or date to discard maximum 7 days. Manager discareded and denatured 90 lbs of ribs and tips valued at $200. Priority foundation 7-38-005. Citation issued

     Official wording (code 23)

     Proper date marking and disposition

   • GeneralPests

     Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.

     Inspector’s note: Observed rear exit door not completely rodent proofed. Instructed maanger to seal gap at bottom of door to prevent entry of unwanted pests.

     Official wording (code 38)

     Insects, rodents, & animals not present

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Observed debris on floor behind grease trap and accumulated dust on ventilation cover in toilet room. Instructed manager to clean and maintain.

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

8. Aug 6, 2021 Pass

   Short Form Complaint · Pass

   No violations

9. Jun 7, 2021 Pass

   Canvass · Pass

   3 general1 paperwork Show violations

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

     Inspector’s note: Observed cardboard lining shelving unit in walk in cooler. Instructed to remove, clean and sanitize.

     Official wording (code 47)

     Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Toilet rooms weren’t built, stocked, or cleaned properly.

     Inspector’s note: Observed no covered receptacle in employee toilet room. Instructed to provide 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 tile broken at the grill unit. Instructed to repair, clean and maintain.

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

   • PaperworkManagement & training

     Required allergen training was missing.

     Inspector’s note: Observed no allergen training for city of chicago certified food manager. Instructed that all city of chicago managers must obtain allergen training.

     Official wording (code 58)

     Allergen training as required

10. Nov 29, 2019 No Entry

    Canvass · No Entry

    No violations

11. Jun 20, 2018 Pass

    Complaint Re-Inspection · Pass

    No violations

12. Jun 13, 2018 Fail

    Complaint · Fail

    4 general Show violations

    • GeneralSerious (pre-2018 form)

      Dish machines: provided with accurate thermometers, chemical test kits and suitable gauge cock

      Inspector’s note: Observed no chemical test kit on site. Instructed manager to provide chemical test kit for proper sanitizer concentration in 3-compartment sink. Serious violation 7-38-030

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed

      Inspector’s note: Label all bulk containers in rear prpe area.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded

      Inspector’s note: Replace missing light shield in walk-in cooler.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters

      Inspector’s note: Repair self-closing device on washroom door.

13. Jun 8, 2017 Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    2 general Show violations

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

      Inspector’s note: Must seal the openings around the pipes underneath the hand sink in the washroom. Must clean the ventilation fan on the ceiling of the washroom to remove dust observed on the vent.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters

      Inspector’s note: The self closing device on the washroom door is not attached; reattach self closing device to washroom door.

14. Jun 15, 2016 Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    No violations

15. Oct 1, 2015 Pass

    Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass

    1 general Show violations

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

      Inspector’s note: Observed floor under 3 comp sink in need of repair, instructed to repair and maintain.

16. Sep 23, 2015 Fail

    Canvass · Fail

    5 general Show violations

    • GeneralSerious (pre-2018 form)

      No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors

      Inspector’s note: Observed approximately 40 live small flies in the back storage, toilet room and rear prep area. Instructed to clean and sanitize affected area and maintain. Serious violation 7-38-020.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

      Inspector’s note: Observed broken door gaskets on the walk-in cooler, and 1 door cooler in rear prep/storage area. Remove rust on racks in the 1 door reach in cooler. Instructed to repair, clean and maintain.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

      Inspector’s note: Observed dirty floor drains in the front and rear prep areas. Also dirt and debris in corners throughout premises. Instructed to clean and maintain.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

      Inspector’s note: Observed hole in wall by walk-in cooler, seal wall in rear prep area, wall base board in need of repair in rear prep area, seal hole in wall behind toilet. Also clean vent covers in toilet room and front customer waiting area. Maintain same.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous

      Inspector’s note: Install working thermometers in all coolers, and maintain.

17. Sep 15, 2015 No Entry

    Canvass · No Entry

    No violations

18. Aug 14, 2014 Pass

    Complaint · Pass

    4 general Show violations

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed

      Inspector’s note: Label cooked food items inside pans at the 2 door reach-in cooler

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

      Inspector’s note: Remove some rust from the grease trap at 3 compartment sink

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

      Inspector’s note: Clean the floors in the p-repn area,near prep table of food debris

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters

      Inspector’s note: Repair the spring on the washroom door for self-closing

19. May 9, 2014 Pass

    Short Form Complaint · Pass

    No violations

20. Apr 25, 2014 Pass

    Complaint Re-Inspection · Pass

    No violations

21. Apr 10, 2014 Fail

    Complaint · Fail

    2 general Show violations

    • GeneralSerious (pre-2018 form)

      No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors

      Inspector’s note: The rear exit outer door is not rodent proof,has a 1/4 inch gap at the bottom of door,must repair to prevent rodent entry serious violation 7-38-020

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained

      Inspector’s note: Must detail clean the vent in the rear of premises

22. May 23, 2013 Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    5 general Show violations

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed

      Inspector’s note: Label and date all prepared food in coolers.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

      Inspector’s note: Clean interior and exterior of all coolers and freezer.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

      Inspector’s note: Elevate all stock off floor.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

      Inspector’s note: Clean/paint walls in prep and storage areas, in doorway along bases, etc.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored

      Inspector’s note: Separate cleaning equipment from canned ketchup on shelf in rear storage.

23. Dec 5, 2012 Pass

    Complaint Re-Inspection · Pass

    2 general Show violations

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

      Inspector’s note: Paint walls and ceilings as needed.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded

      Inspector’s note: Replace missing light shields in rear prep area and damaged light shields in front prep area.

24. Nov 28, 2012 Fail

    Complaint · Fail

    1 critical4 general Show violations

    • CriticalCritical (pre-2018 form)

      Water source: safe, hot & cold under city pressure

      Inspector’s note: No hot water available at any sinks. Instructed manager to provide hot water under city pressure. Critical violation 7-38-030 citation issued. Hot water provided at end of inspection.

    • GeneralSerious (pre-2018 form)

      No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors

      Inspector’s note: Observed several flying insects in prep and storage areas landing on prep tables, napkins, aprons, etc. Instructed manager to call an exterminator for service, clean and sanitize all areas. Rear door not rodent proofed 1" gap on bottom of door. Seal all outer openings on door to prevent pest entry. Serious violation 7-38-020 citation issued.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

      Inspector’s note: Floors need cleaning under all equipment along walls and in all corners in prep and storage areas. Elevate all stock off floor.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

      Inspector’s note: Seal openings in corner of wall in washroom. Seal openings, cracks, crevices, in walls and ceilings, along baseboards, around pipe fittings in all areas. Paint walls and ceilings as needed.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded

      Inspector’s note: Replace missing light shields in rear prep area and damaged light shields in front prep area.

25. Mar 8, 2010 Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    2 general Show violations

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

      Inspector’s note: The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair.FLOORS WHERE THE WOODEN LOGS ARE STORED NEED SOME CLEANING.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous

      Inspector’s note: All food establishments that display, prepare, or store potentially hazardous foods shall have calibrated metal stem thermometers, provided and conspicuous, for refrigerated and hot food units.MUST PROVIDE A THERMOMETER INSIDE REAR REACH IN COOLER.