What is Merkle's Bar & Grill's health inspection score?

Merkle's Bar & Grill has a SafeDine safety score of 56 out of 100 (Grade C). This score is calculated from official government health inspection data, factoring in violation severity, recency, and trends.

When was Merkle's Bar & Grill last inspected?

Merkle's Bar & Grill was last inspected on May 21, 2025. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does Merkle's Bar & Grill have?

Merkle's Bar & Grill has 33 total violations across 4 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is Merkle's Bar & Grill safe to eat at?

Merkle's Bar & Grill has a safety score of 56/100, which suggests room for improvement. Review the detailed inspection history on SafeDine for more information.

Official Health Record

Merkle's Bar & Grill

Name: Merkle's Bar & Grill
Address: 3516 N CLARK ST, Chicago, 60657
Rating: 56

3516 N CLARK ST, Chicago

Last inspected 10mo ago

▲Improving

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0Fair

Lakeview

Ranked #769 of 979 in Lakeview

Improving

4 inspections

Last: May 21, 2025

medium confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

Clean Rate

8.3

Avg Violations

11 months ago

Last Inspected

Top Concerns

Most common issues from recent inspections

HandwashingHigh Priority

Employees not properly washing hands — contamination risk

Plumbing issues

Plumbing or waste disposal problems

SanitationHigh Priority

Equipment or surfaces not properly cleaned/sanitized

Pest issues

Evidence of pests found during inspection

Facility condition

Building maintenance or structural issues

10x

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-44

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-8 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-1 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-18 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Freshness Penalty

-7 pts

Score reduced due to stale inspection data

Inspection Timeline

+6 pts

Latest

100% weight

2nd

60% weight

3rd

30% weight

How scoring works: Every restaurant starts at 100 points. Points are deducted for violations found during inspections.

Recent inspections are weighted more heavily. High priority violations (direct health hazards) have the greatest impact.

Location

3516 N CLARK ST, Chicago, IL 60657

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Violation Timeline

May 2023

1 inspections

6 basic

May

Jul 2024

1 inspections

1 high priority

1 intermediate

3 basic

May 2025

2 inspections

2 high priority

20 basic

May

Inspection History

4 records on file

1 Canvass Re-Inspection2 Canvass1 Complaint

May 25

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionLatestPass

9 Basic

9 total

82/100inspection score

−18 pts

Basic (9)

−18 pts

45SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED−2
OBSERVED LIQUOR AND ITEMS STORED INSIDE WALK-IN AND BASEMENT STORED ON FLOOR. MUST ELEVATE ITEMS OF THE FLOOR AND MAINTAIN.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
MUST NOT USE MILK CRATES FOR PRODUCT ELEVATION. MUST USE SHELVING TO ELEVATE ITEMS AND MAINTAIN.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED RUSTY AND DIRTY FOOD STORAGE SHELVING INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER. MUST CLEAN REPAINT WITH NON-TOXIC FOOD GRADE PAINT OR REPLACE
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED EXCESS ICE BUILD UP INSIDE CHEST FREEZER LOCATED IN THE BASEMNT. MUST REMOVE ICE CLEAN FREEZER AT ALL TIMES.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
: OBSERVED HEAVILY SOILED FLOOR WITH FOOD DEBRIS THROUGHOUT BASEMENT FOOD STORAGE AREA ALONG THE WALL BASE UNDERNEATH 3-COMAPRTMENT SINK IN FRONT BAR AND REAR DISHWASHING AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED SEVERAL OPENINGS ABOVE ICE MACHINE SYRUP MACHINE AND REAR OF BASEMENT. ALSO NOTED WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES BEHIND ICE MACHINE. MUST REPAIR REPLACE CEILING TIMES AND SEAL ALL OPENINGS. OBSERVED DIRT AND FOOD DEBRIS ON WALLS BEHIND DISHWASHING AREA AND UNDER AROUND AND BEHIND ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT AND BEHIND REFRIGERATION UNITS. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF CLUTTER, CARDBOARD BOXES AND UNNECESSARY ITEMS IN REAR OF PREMISES AND THROUGHOUT BASEMENT. MUST REMOVE CLEAN AND ORGANIZE AREAS TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED DIRT AND FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOOR DRAINS IN KITCHEN FOOD PREPARATION AREA AND THROUGHOUT BASEMENT. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED INADEQUATE LIGHTING IN REAR KITCHEN FOOD PREPARATION AREA AND BASEMENT FOOD STORAGE AREA. MUST PROVIDE INTENSITY LIGHTING AND MAINTAIN.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
MUST PROVIDE PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES FOR ALL THE REQUIRED EMPLOYEES.

Base deductions−18 pts

May 25

Canvass InspectionFail

2 High11 Basic

13 total

58/100inspection score

−42 pts

High Priority (2)

−20 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED NO HOT RUNNING WATER AVAILABLE AT THE HAND WASHING SINK IN MENS WASHROOM. WATER TEMPERATURE WAS 62.2F AT THIS TIME. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN AT THE MINIUM TEMPERATURE OF 100F FOR PROPER HAND WASHING. 2-DAY NOTICE WAS ISSUED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.
16FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED−10
CHLORINE CHEMICAL DISHWASHING MACHINE NOT PROPERLY DISPENSING CHLORINE SANITIZER. NOTED 0 PPM CHLORINE AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. MACHINE TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION AND MUST NOT USE UNTIL REPAIRED AND PROPERLY DISPENSES CHLORINE SANITIZER. DISHES WERE BEING WASHED AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-025 CITATION ISSUED.

Basic (11)

−22 pts

41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON TOP OF PREP TABLES IN KITCHEN FOOD PREPARATION AREA. MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
45SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED−2
OBSERVED LIQUOR AND ITEMS STORED INSIDE WALK-IN AND BASEMENT STORED ON FLOOR. MUST ELEVATE ITEMS OF THE FLOOR AND MAINTAIN.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
MUST NOT USE MILK CRATES FOR PRODUCT ELEVATION. MUST USE SHELVING TO ELEVATE ITEMS AND MAINTAIN.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED RUSTY AND DIRTY FOOD STORAGE SHELVING INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER. MUST CLEAN REPAINT WITH NON-TOXIC FOOD GRADE PAINT OR REPLACE.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED EXCESS ICE BUILD UP INSIDE CHEST FREEZER LOCATED IN THE BASEMNT. MUST REMOVE ICE CLEAN FREEZER AT ALL TIMES.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED HEAVILY SOILED FLOOR WITH FOOD DEBRIS THROUGHOUT BASEMENT FOOD STORAGE AREA ALONG THE WALL BASE UNDERNEATH 3-COMAPRTMENT SINK IN FRONT BAR AND REAR DISHWASHING AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED SEVERAL OPENINGS ABOVE ICE MACHINE SYRUP MACHINE AND REAR OF BASEMENT. ALSO NOTED WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES BEHIND ICE MACHINE. MUST REPAIR REPLACE CEILING TIMES AND SEAL ALL OPENINGS. OBSERVED DIRT AND FOOD DEBRIS ON WALLS BEHIND DISHWASHING AREA AND UNDER AROUND AND BEHIND ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT AND BEHIND REFRIGERATION UNITS. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF CLUTTER, CARDBOARD BOXES AND UNNECESSARY ITEMS IN REAR OF PREMISES AND THROUGHOUT BASEMENT. MUST REMOVE CLEAN AND ORGANIZE AREAS TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED DIRT AND FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOOR DRAINS IN KITCHEN FOOD PREPARATION AREA AND THROUGHOUT BASEMENT. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED INADEQUATE LIGHTING IN REAR KITCHEN FOOD PREPARATION AREA AND BASEMENT FOOD STORAGE AREA. MUST PROVIDE INTENSITY LIGHTING AND MAINTAIN.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
MUST PROVIDE PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES FOR ALL THE REQUIRED EMPLOYEES.
60PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT#2597191 ON 07/09/2024. #51. DISHWASH 3-COMPARTMENT SINK STOPPERS NOT WORKING. MUST PROVIDE WORKING STOPPERS FOR DISHWASH 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. #58. CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST HAVE FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.

Base deductions−42 pts

Jul 24

Canvass InspectionPass

1 High1 Med3 Basic

5 total

79/100inspection score

−21 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

16FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED−10
OBSERVED SLIGHT BUILD UP INSIDE ICE MACHINE UPPER PORTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST CLEAN INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE AND MAINTAIN.

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED 1/4 INCH GAP AT REAR EXIT DOOR SWEEP. MUST RODENT PROOF DOOR.

Basic (3)

−6 pts

51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
BAR HANDWASH SINK PIPE LEAKING ALSO WOMENS WASHROOM HOT WATER VALVE LEAKING IN HANDWASH SINK CABINET. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SINKS.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
DISHWASH 3-COMPARTMENT SINK STOPPERS NOT WORKING. MUST PROVIDE WORKING STOPPERS FOR DISHWASH 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST HAVE FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES.

Base deductions−21 pts

May 23

Complaint InspectionPass

6 Basic

6 total

88/100inspection score

−12 pts

Basic (6)

−12 pts

49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
EXCESS BURNED FOOD INSIDE THE OVEN,CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
NO DRAIN HOSE ATTACHED AT POP GUNS AT BARS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. HOSE MUST DRAIN AT FLOOR DRAIN
53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
COVER IS NEEDED AT RECEPTACLE INSIDE THE WOMEN'S WASHROOM
54GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED−2
GREASE AND DEBRIS ON GROUND UNDER AND BEHIND WASTE OIL CONTAINER AT OUTDOOR. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OPENING ON WALL, BESIDE THE ICE MACHINE IN BASEMENT AREA,ALSO BRICK WALL CRUMBLE TO THE TOUCH.REPAIR ISSUE.SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH,CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES MUST BE REPLACE.

Base deductions−12 pts

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Data source: Chicago CDPH · Official government inspection records

Grading System

85 – 100

Excellent

70 – 84

Good

Below 70

Fair

About SafeDine Scores

Scores are calculated using official government inspection data. High Priority violations (direct health hazards) have the greatest impact, followed by Intermediate and Basic violations. Community reviews can adjust the score by up to 5 points when 3+ reviews are submitted.

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