What is The Dog House Grill's health inspection score?

The Dog House Grill 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 The Dog House Grill last inspected?

The Dog House Grill was last inspected on January 21, 2026. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does The Dog House Grill have?

The Dog House Grill has 36 total violations across 7 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is The Dog House Grill safe to eat at?

Yes, The Dog House Grill 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 The Dog House Grill serve?

The Dog House Grill serves American cuisine. Visit their SafeDine page for safety scores, inspection history, and more details.

Official Health Record

The Dog House Grill

Name: The Dog House Grill
Address: 1534 N WELLS ST, Chicago, 60610
Rating: 85

1534 N WELLS ST, Chicago

Last Inspected: 1/21/2026

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0Excellent

American•Old Town

Ranked #148 of 367 in Old TownBetter than 22% of american restaurants

Stable

7 inspections

Last: Jan 21, 2026

high confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

14%

Clean Rate

5.1

Avg Violations

4 months ago

Last Inspected

Top Concerns

Most common issues from recent inspections

Employee illnessHigh Priority

Sick employee handling food — illness transmission risk

HandwashingHigh Priority

Employees not properly washing hands — contamination risk

Plumbing issues

Plumbing or waste disposal problems

Pest issues

Evidence of pests found during inspection

Other violation

Regulatory compliance issue

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-15

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-0 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-1 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-9 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Inspection Timeline

0 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

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1534 N WELLS ST, Chicago, IL 60610

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Violation Timeline

Oct 2022

1 inspections

1 intermediate

3 basic

Oct

Aug 2023

2 inspections

6 high priority

2 intermediate

10 basic

Oct 2023

1 inspections

Oct

Jul 2024

1 inspections

4 basic

Feb 2025

1 inspections

1 intermediate

5 basic

Feb

Jan 2026

1 inspections

4 basic

Inspection History

7 records on file

5 Canvass1 Canvass Re-Inspection1 Recent Inspection

Jan 26

Canvass InspectionLatestPass

4 Basic

4 total

92/100inspection score

−8 pts

Basic (4)

−8 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED THE TWO DOOR LOWER REACH IN FREEZER IN NEED OF A DETAIL CLEANING AROUND THE GASKET SEALS OF FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED THE WALK IN FLOOR IN NEED OF A DETAIL CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED THE AREA UNDER THE GRILL TOP WITH A HEAVY BUILD UP OF DUST AND GREASE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED THE FLOOR IN THE REAR PREP AREA WHERE THE MEAT SLICER IS LOCATED AND THE COOK LINE AREA UNDER AND AROUND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT ESPECIALLY ALONG THE WALL A HEAVY BUILD UP OF GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN WALLS AND FLOORS.

Base deductions−8 pts

Feb 25

Canvass InspectionPass

1 Med5 Basic

6 total

85/100inspection score

−15 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED OPENINGS IN WALL AROUND AIR DUCT SYSTEM AS WELL AS LARGE OPENINGS IN THE WALL RIGHT SIDE OF THE STAIRS LEADING TO THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL ALL AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE PEST AND OR INSECT ACTIVITY.

Basic (5)

−10 pts

49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED THE FLOOR IN THE WALK IN WITH A BUILD UP OF DIRT AND SMALL DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED VERY HEAVY BUILD UP OF DUST UNDER THE GRILL ON THE HOT LINE SIDE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
OBSERVED TRASH CAN MISSING LID IN THE FRONT CUSTOMER TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED LARGE BUILD UP OF CLUTTER IN THE BASEMENT AREA AT THE BOTTOM OF THE STAIRS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAR AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE HARBORING SPACE FOR PEST AND INSECTS.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED THE FLOOR BEHIND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT WITH A BUILD UP OF DIRT AND FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−15 pts

Jul 24

Canvass InspectionPass

4 Basic

4 total

92/100inspection score

−8 pts

Basic (4)

−8 pts

49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE BOTTOM INTERIOR OF THE FRYER TO REMOVE GREASE OBSERVED AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED GREASE ON THE FLOOR UNDER FRYERS; INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING.

Base deductions−8 pts

Oct 23

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionCleanPass

No violations

100/100inspection score

Aug 23

Recent Inspection InspectionFail

3 High1 Med5 Basic

9 total2 risk factors

45/100inspection score

−45 pts

High Priority (3)

−30 pts

2CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATERisk Factor−10
2-101.11: THE PERSON IN CHARGE DOES NOT HAVE A CITY CERTIFICATION OR DOCUMENTATION OF PENDING CITY CERTIFICATE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION WHILE TCS FOODS SUCH AS RAW CHICKEN COOKED AND SERVED ON-SITE. NO OTHER ORIGINAL AND VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE WAS POSTED NOR PROVIDED ON-SITE FOR THE PRESENT MANAGER ON DUTY. NO VALID DOCCUMENTATION ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A LEAST ONE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN FOOD IS COOKED AND SERVED ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.
5PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTSRisk Factor−10
2-501.11: FACILITY DOES NOT HAVE A PROCEDURE OR KIT FOR EMPLOYEES TO FOLLOW WHEN RESPONDING TO DISCHARGING OF VOMIT OR DIARRHEAL EVENTS. FACILITY MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
5-203.11: HANDSINK NOT PROVIDED IN DISH, BACK AREA PREPARATION, AND COOKLINE. PER MANAGER, FACILITY HAS UNDERGONE NEW CONSTRUCTION. FACILITY MUST PROVIDE HAND WASHING SINKS IN EACH AREA. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030 (c) CITATION ISSUED.

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
3-302.12: OBSERVED MISSING LABLES ON DRY SEASONING CONTAINERS SCATTERED THROUGHOUT. FACILITY MUST PROVIDE.

Basic (5)

−10 pts

41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
-304.14: IN-USE WIPING CLOTHS ARE NOT STORED PROPERLY. FOUND NEAR CUTTING BOARDS. 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.
45SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED−2
4-903.11(A;C): OBSERVED BOXES OF SINGLE USE ARTICLES STORED ON THE GROUND IN THE OFFICE AREA. FACILITY MUST ELEVATE AT LEAST 6 INCHES ABOVE THE FLOOR
53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
6-202.14: THE EMPLOYEE RESTROOM DOES 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
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
2-102.13: EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATIONS PROVIDED ON SITE. FACILITY MUST ENSURE THAT ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES OBTAIN A VALID FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATION AND PROVIDE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
60PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
8-404.13(B:4): PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION DATED ON 10.17.22. REPORT #2565454, HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED. #53) 5-501.17: OBSERVED TRASH CANS IN ALL GENDER TOILET ROOMS WITH BROKEN LIDS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COVERED TRASH CANS IN BOTH RESTROOMS. #58) 2-102.13: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.

Base deductions−45 pts

Risk factor bonus (2× +5)−10 pts

Aug 23

Canvass InspectionFail

3 High1 Med5 Basic

9 total2 risk factors

45/100inspection score

−45 pts

High Priority (3)

−30 pts

2CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATERisk Factor−10
THE PERSON IN CHARGE DOES NOT HAVE A CITY CERTIFICATION OR DOCUMENTATION OF PENDING CITY CERTIFICATE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION WHILE TCS FOODS SUCH AS RAW CHICKEN COOKED AND SERVED ON-SITE. NO OTHER ORIGINAL AND VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE WAS POSTED NOR PROVIDED ON-SITE FOR THE PRESENT MANAGER ON DUTY. NO VALID DOCCUMENTATION ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A LEAST ONE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN FOOD IS COOKED AND SERVED ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.
5PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTSRisk Factor−10
FACILITY DOES NOT HAVE A PROCEDURE OR KIT FOR EMPLOYEES TO FOLLOW WHEN RESPONDING TO DISCHARGING OF VOMIT OR DIARRHEAL EVENTS. FACILITY MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
HANDSINK NOT PROVIDED IN DISH, BACK AREA PREPARATION, AND COOKLINE. PER MANAGER, FACILITY HAS UNDERGONE NEW CONSTRUCTION. FACILITY MUST PROVIDE HAND WASHING SINKS IN EACH AREA. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030 (c) CITATION ISSUED.

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
OBSERVED MISSING LABLES ON DRY SEASONING CONTAINERS SCATTERED THROUGHOUT. FACILITY MUST PROVIDE.

Basic (5)

−10 pts

41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
IN-USE WIPING CLOTHS ARE NOT STORED PROPERLY. FOUND NEAR CUTTING BOARDS. 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.
45SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED−2
OBSERVED BOXES OF SINGLE USE ARTICLES STORED ON THE GROUND IN THE OFFICE AREA. FACILITY MUST ELEVATE AT LEAST 6 INCHES ABOVE THE FLOOR
53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
THE EMPLOYEE RESTROOM DOES 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.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATIONS PROVIDED ON SITE. FACILITY MUST ENSURE THAT ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES OBTAIN A VALID FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATION AND PROVIDE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
60PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION DATED ON 10.17.22. REPORT #2565454, HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED. #53) 5-501.17: OBSERVED TRASH CANS IN ALL GENDER TOILET ROOMS WITH BROKEN LIDS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COVERED TRASH CANS IN BOTH RESTROOMS. #58) 2-102.13: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.

Base deductions−45 pts

Risk factor bonus (2× +5)−10 pts

Oct 22

Canvass InspectionPass

1 Med3 Basic

4 total

89/100inspection score

−11 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

36THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE−5
OBSERVED NO THERMOMETERS INSIDE SEVERAL PREP COOLERS INSIDE AND IN OUTDOOR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

Basic (3)

−6 pts

53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
OBSERVED TRASH CANS IN ALL GENDER TOILET ROOMS WITH BROKEN LIDS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COVERED TRASH CANS IN BOTH RESTROOMS.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED BUILD UP OF FOOD DEBRIS ON DELI SLICER IN REAR. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.

Base deductions−11 pts

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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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