What is Dawson's health inspection score?

Dawson has a SafeDine safety score of 85 out of 100 (Grade A). This score is calculated from official government health inspection data, factoring in violation severity, recency, and trends.

When was Dawson last inspected?

Dawson was last inspected on March 3, 2026. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does Dawson have?

Dawson has 30 total violations across 12 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is Dawson safe to eat at?

Yes, Dawson has an excellent safety record with a score of 85/100. This indicates strong compliance with health and safety standards.

What type of cuisine does Dawson serve?

Dawson serves American cuisine. Visit their SafeDine page for safety scores, inspection history, and more details.

Official Health Record

Dawson

Name: Dawson
Address: 730-736 W GRAND AVE, Chicago, 60654
Rating: 85

730-736 W GRAND AVE, Chicago

Last Inspected: 3/3/2026

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0Excellent

American•River North

Ranked #156 of 551 in River NorthBetter than 22% of american restaurants

Declining

10 inspections

Last: Mar 3, 2026

high confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

50%

Clean Rate

Avg Violations

3 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

Sanitation

Equipment or surfaces not properly cleaned/sanitized

Pest issues

Evidence of pests found during inspection

Facility condition

Building maintenance or structural issues

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-15

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-12 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-0 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-2 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Inspection Timeline

-8 pts

Latest

100% weight

100

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

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730-736 W GRAND AVE, Chicago, IL 60654

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Violation Timeline

Jan 2023

1 inspections

Jan

Apr 2023

2 inspections

3 high priority

7 basic

Apr 2024

2 inspections

2 high priority

2 intermediate

5 basic

Apr

May 2024

1 inspections

1 high priority

1 intermediate

Jan 2025

1 inspections

Jan

Feb 2025

1 inspections

1 high priority

5 basic

Feb 2026

1 inspections

Feb

Mar 2026

1 inspections

2 high priority

1 basic

Inspection History

10 records on file

3 Canvass3 Non-Inspection1 Canvass Re-Inspection3 Complaint

Mar 26

Canvass InspectionLatestPass w/ Conditions

2 High1 Basic

3 total

78/100inspection score

−22 pts

High Priority (2)

−20 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT DUMP SINKS IN 1ST FLOOR BAR. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE FROM NONHANDWASHING SINKS.
29COMPLIANCE WITH VARIANCE/SPECIALIZED PROCESS/HACCP−10
OBSERVED APPROVED HACCP PLAN ON SITE WITHOUT LOGS. INSTRUCTED TO KEEP LOGS ON SITE FOR A MINIMUM OF 6 MONTHS POST PRODUCTION AS REQUIRED BY CODE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

Basic (1)

−2 pts

51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
OBSERVED LOOSE FAUCET AT EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK LOCATED IN FIRST FLOOR BAR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.

Base deductions−22 pts

Feb 26

Non-Inspection InspectionCleanNo Entry

No violations

100/100inspection score

Feb 25

Canvass InspectionPass w/ Conditions

1 High5 Basic

6 total

80/100inspection score

−20 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

14REQUIRED RECORDS AVAILABLE: SHELLSTOCK TAGS, PARASITE DESTRUCTION−10
OBSERVED MULTIPLE SHELLSTOCK TAGS FROM NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER 2024 AND JANUARY 2025 WITH NO DATE WHEN THE LAST SHELLSTOCK FROM THE CONTAINER IS SOLD OR SERVED. INSTRUCTED THE DATE WHEN THE LAST SHELLSTOCK FROM THE CONTAINER IS SOLD OR SERVED SHALL BE RECORDED ON THE TAG OR LABEL. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

Basic (5)

−10 pts

48WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS−2
OBSERVED WASH GAUGE ON LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE AT FIRST FLOOR BAR NOT DISPLAYING TEMPERATURE OF WASH CYCLE. OBSERVED WASH GAUGE ON LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE AT FIRST FLOOR BAR DISPLAYING 493, INSTEAD OF TEMPERATURE OF WASH CYCLE. INSTRUCTED A WAREWASHING MACHINE SHALL BE EQUIPPED WITH A TEMPERATURE MEASURING DEVICE THAT INDICATES THE TEMPERATURE OF THE WATER IN EACH WASH TANK. CORRECTED ON SITE WASH GAUGE ON LOW TEMPERATURE AT FIRST FLOOR BAR REPAIRED BEFORE CONCLUSION OF INSPECTION WASH GAUGE DISPLAYING 125F AFTER REPAIR. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
OBSERVED SLOW DRAINING HANDWASHING SINK IN BASEMENT PREP NEAR WALK IN COOLER AND RAMP. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR HANDWASHING SINK IN BASEMENT PREP NEAR WALK IN COOLER AND RAMP AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON MOP SINK LEAKING WHEN FAUCET IS TURNED ON. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON MOP SINK FAUCET AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED DEBRIS ON FLOOR AND ALONG BASES OF WALL UNDERNEATH COUNTER OF SERVING STATION ON FIRST FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOOR AND ALONG BASES OF WALL UNDERNEATH COUNTER OF SERVING STATION ON FIRST FLOOR.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED ICE BUILDUP ON REAR CONDENSOR LINE IN WALK IN FREEZER IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ICE FROM REAR CONDENSOR LINE IN WALK IN FREEZER IN BASEMENT AND MAINTAIN.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED DUST ON CEILING VENT COVERS IN WOMEN'S WASHROOM IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN CEILING VENT COVERS IN WOMEN'S WASHROOM IN BASEMENT.

Base deductions−20 pts

Jan 25

Non-Inspection InspectionCleanNo Entry

No violations

100/100inspection score

May 24

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionPass w/ Conditions

1 High1 Med

2 total1 risk factor

80/100inspection score

−15 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

2CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATERisk Factor−10
NO PERSON ON SITE WITH AN ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED. MUST HAVE A PERSON ON SITE WITH AN ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. CORRECTED ON SITE MANAGER WITH ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE ARRIVED ON SITE AT 4:07 PM. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
6-202.15: OBSERVED OPENING AT BASE IN MIDDLE OF DOUBLE ENTRANCE FRONT DOORS. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRANCE.

Base deductions−15 pts

Risk factor bonus (1× +5)−5 pts

Apr 24

Canvass InspectionFail

2 High2 Med5 Basic

9 total

60/100inspection score

−40 pts

High Priority (2)

−20 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HANDWASHING SINKS IN FIRST FLOOR BAR, MIDDLE COOKLINE AND SECOND FLOOR STAGING AREA. CORRECTED ON SITE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE POSTED IN SAID AREAS BEFORE CONCLUSION OF INSPECTION.
14REQUIRED RECORDS AVAILABLE: SHELLSTOCK TAGS, PARASITE DESTRUCTION−10
OBSERVED MULTIPLE SHELLSTOCK TAGS FROM JANUARY, FEBRUARY, MARCH AND APRIL IN FOLDERS WITH NO DATE WHEN THE LAST SHELLSTOCK FROM THE CONTAINER IS SOLD OR SERVED. INSTRUCTED THE DATE WHEN THE LAST SHELLSTOCK FROM THE CONTAINER IS SOLD OR SERVED SHALL BE RECORDED ON THE TAG OR LABEL. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

25CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD−5
OBSERVED ANIMAL DERIVED FOODS THAT CAN BE SERVED RAW OR COOKED TO ORDER WITH NO ASTERISK IDENTIFYING AND NO DISCLOSURE STATING THAT SAID FOODS CAN BE SERVED RAW OR COOKED TO ORDER. CORRECTED ON SITE ASTERISK IDENTIFYING AND DISCLOSURE STATING WHICH ANIMAL DERIVED FOODS CAN BE SERVED RAW OR COOKED TO ORDER ADDED TO MENU BEFORE CONCLUSION OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED OPENING AT BASE IN MIDDLE OF DOUBLE ENTRANCE FRONT DOORS. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRANCE.

Basic (5)

−10 pts

44UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED−2
OBSERVED KNIVES, FORKS AND SPOONS STORED IN CONTAINERS ON UPPER SHELVES IN BUSSING AREA WITH HANDLES DOWN. INSTRUCTED TO STORE UTENSILS WITH HANDLES UP TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
48WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS−2
OBSERVED TEMPERATURE OF THE WASH SOLUTION IN HIGH TEMPERATURE DISHMACHINE AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF 142F. CORRECTED ON SITE HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE REPAIRED BEFORE CONCLUSION OF INSPECTION WASH SOLUTION IN HIGH TEMPERATURE DISHMACHINE AT PROPER TEMPERATURE OF 160F. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-025
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED BIG AND SMALL ICE MACHINES IN BASEMENT WITH A PINK AND BLACK MOLDLIKE SUBSTANCE ON SHIELDS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN SHIELDS AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION OF ICE.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
OBSERVED LEAKING DRAIN PIPE OF MIDDLE COMPARTMENT OF THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR DRAIN PIPE.
60PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM INSPECTION REPORT #2574395 DATED 04/17/2023 NOT CORRECTED. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED. OBSERVED CLEAN UTENSILS SUCH AS FORKS AND KNIVES OUT ON AT CUSTOMER TABLES WHICH IS NOT PROTECTED FROM CONTAMINATION. UTENSILS MUST BE COVERED AND/OR WRAPED CLEAN UTENSILS SHALL BE HANDLED, DISPLAYED, AND DISPENSED SO THAT FOOD AND LIP CONTACT SURFACES ARE PROTECTED FROM CONTAMINATION. THE 2ND FLOOR RESTROOMS DO NOT HAVE A TIGHT-FITTING AND SELF-CLOSING DOOR. ALL TOILET ROOMS LOCATED WITHIN A FOOD ESTABLISHMENT MUST BE ENCLOSED WITH A TIGHT-FITTING AND SELF-CLOSING DOOR.

Base deductions−40 pts

Apr 24

Non-Inspection InspectionCleanNo Entry

No violations

100/100inspection score

Apr 23

Complaint InspectionPass w/ Conditions

3 High7 Basic

10 total1 risk factor

51/100inspection score

−44 pts

High Priority (3)

−30 pts

8HANDS CLEAN & PROPERLY WASHEDRisk Factor−10
OBSERVED EMPLOYEE SWITCHED FROM HANDLING DIRTY DISHES TO CLEAN DISHES WITHOUT WASHING HANDS AND CHANGING GLOVES BETWEEN TASKS. FOOD EMPLOYEE MUST PRACTIVE GOOD HYGIENE BY PROPERLY WASHING HANDS WHEN CHANGING TASKS. DISCUSSED PROPER HAND WASHING WITH EMPLOYEE AND MANAGERS ON SITE. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-010 CITATION ISSUED.
9NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH RTE FOOD OR A PRE-APPROVED ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURE PROPERLY ALLOWED−10
OBSERVE BARTENDER EMPLOYEE USED BARE HANDS TO HANDLE DRINK TOPPINGS SUCH AS SLICED ORANGES. FOOD EMPLOYEES SHALL USE SUITABLE UTENSILS SUCH AS DELI TISSUE, SPATULAS/TONGS, DISPENSING EQUIPMENT OR SINGLE USE GLOVES WHEN HANDLING READY TO EAT FOODS. DISCUSSED IMPORTANCE OF WEARING GLOVES WHEN HANDLING READY TO EAT FOODS WITH EMPLOYEE AND MANAGER. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-010 CITATION ISSUED.
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
A SIGN OR POSTER THAT NOTIFIES FOOD EMPLOYEES TO WASH THEIR HANDS IS NOT PROVIDED AT ALL HANDWASHING SINKS USED BY FOOD EMPLOYEES ON 2ND FLOOR AND RESTROOMS ON BASEMENT FLOOR. PROVIDE A CLEARLY VISIBLE HANDWASHING SIGN AT EACH HAND SINK.

Basic (7)

−14 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
LINENS ARE IN DIRECT CONTACT WITH BREAD, DUCK WINGS IN PREP-LINE COOLER DRAWERS. LIENS MAY NOT BE USED IN CONTACT WITH FOODS.
39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
BOXES/CONTAINERS OF FOOD STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE WALK-IN FREEZER. ITEMS MUST BE: 1) IN A CLEAN, DRY LOCATION; 2) WHERE IT IS NOT EXPOSED TO SPLASH, DUST OR OTHER CONTAMINATION; 3) AT LEAST 6 INCHES ABOVE THE FLOOR.
41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
IN-USE WIPING CLOTHS ARE NOT STORED PROPERLY. FOUND ON PREP-COUNTERS. CLOTHS USED TO WIPE SURFACES AND EQUIPMENT SHALL BE HELD IN A PROPER SANITIZER SOLUTION. CLOTHS IN-USE FOR WIPING SURFACES IN CONTACT WITH RAW ANIMAL FOODS SHALL BE KEPT SEPARATE FROM CLOTHS USED FOR OTHER PURPOSES. IN-USE CLOTHS MUST BE LAUNDERED DAILIY.
44UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED−2
CLEAN DISHWARE STORED ON SHELVES HAVE NOT BEEN AIR DRIED PROPERLY AFTER SANITIZING. AFTER CLEANING AND SANITZING ALL EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS SHALL BE AIR DRIED BEFORE USE. CLOTH DRYING OF EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS IS NOT APPROVED.
44UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED−2
OBSERVED CLEAN UTENSILS SUCH AS FORKS AND KNIVES OUT ON AT CUSTOMER TABLES WHICH IS NOT PROTECTED FROM CONTAMINATION. UTENSILS MUST BE COVERED AND/OR WRAPED CLEAN UTENSILS SHALL BE HANDLED, DISPLAYED, AND DISPENSED SO THAT FOOD AND LIP CONTACT SURFACES ARE PROTECTED FROM CONTAMINATION.
53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
THE 2ND FLOOR RESTROOMS DO NOT HAVE A TIGHT-FITTING AND SELF-CLOSING DOOR. ALL TOILET ROOMS LOCATED WITHIN A FOOD ESTABLISHMENT MUST BE ENCLOSED WITH A TIGHT-FITTING AND SELF-CLOSING DOOR.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
CURRENT CITY CERTIFIED MANAGER DOES NOT HAVE A FOOD ALLERGEN CERTIFICATION. ALL CITY/PENDING CITY CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN A VALID FOOD ALLERGEN CERTIFICATION.

Base deductions−44 pts

Risk factor bonus (1× +5)−5 pts

Apr 23

Complaint InspectionCleanNot Ready

No violations

100/100inspection score

Jan 23

Complaint InspectionCleanNot Ready

No violations

100/100inspection score

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Community Safety Reports

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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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