What is Southside African Restaurant's health inspection score?

Southside African Restaurant has a SafeDine safety score of 83 out of 100 (Grade B). This score is calculated from official government health inspection data, factoring in violation severity, recency, and trends.

When was Southside African Restaurant last inspected?

Southside African Restaurant was last inspected on April 17, 2025. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does Southside African Restaurant have?

Southside African Restaurant has 52 total violations across 8 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is Southside African Restaurant safe to eat at?

Southside African Restaurant has a good safety record with a score of 83/100. While there are some noted violations, overall compliance is solid.

Official Health Record

Southside African Restaurant

Name: Southside African Restaurant
Address: 8311 S BALTIMORE AVE, Chicago, 60617
Rating: 83

8311 S BALTIMORE AVE, Chicago

Data may be outdated — inspected 4/17/2025

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0Good

Chicago

Ranked #960 of 1000 in Chicago

Declining

8 inspections

Last: Apr 17, 2025

low confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

38%

Clean Rate

6.5

Avg Violations

13 months ago

Last Inspected

Top Concerns

Most common issues from recent inspections

Cross-contamination

Raw and cooked foods not properly separated

Temperature control

Food not kept at safe temperatures — risk of bacterial growth

Plumbing issues

Plumbing or waste disposal problems

Pest issues

Evidence of pests found during inspection

Employee hygiene

Personal hygiene practices not followed

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-22

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-0 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-3 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-6 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Freshness Penalty

-12 pts

Score reduced due to stale inspection data

Inspection Timeline

-10 pts

Latest

100% weight

100

2nd

60% weight

100

3rd

30% weight

Real-time Score: 78/100 — This score includes today's freshness penalty and may differ slightly from the displayed score (83/100) which is computed during our regular data sync.

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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8311 S BALTIMORE AVE, Chicago, IL 60617

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Violation Timeline

Jun 2022

2 inspections

1 high priority

Jun

Nov 2023

2 inspections

4 high priority

9 intermediate

28 basic

Dec 2023

2 inspections

4 basic

Dec

Feb 2024

1 inspections

Apr 2025

1 inspections

1 intermediate

5 basic

Apr

Inspection History

8 records on file

2 Canvass1 Complaint3 Canvass Re-Inspection2 Complaint Re-Inspection

Apr 25

Canvass InspectionLatestPass

1 Med5 Basic

6 total

85/100inspection score

−15 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS NOT LABELED IN REAR PREP ARA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO LABEL ALL BULK CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME OF FOOD.

Basic (5)

−10 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS NOT COVERED IN WALK-IN COOLER AND REACH-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY COVER ALL FOOD ITEMS TO PROTECT FROM CONTAMINATION.
45SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED−2
OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE UTENSILS NOT INVERTED IN SERVING AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INVERT ALL SINGLE SERVICE UTENSILS TO PROTECT LIP CONTACT SURFACES FROM CONTAMINATION.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
OBSERVED LEAKING DRAINPIPE UNDER HAND WASHING SINKS IN REAR PREP AND WASHROOM AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAN.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
OBSERVED EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE VALID FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ALL EMPLOYEES.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
OBSERVED NO VALID ALLERGEN TRAINING AVAILABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE VALID ALLERGEN TRAINING FO ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS.

Base deductions−15 pts

Feb 24

Complaint InspectionCleanPass

No violations

100/100inspection score

Dec 23

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionCleanPass

No violations

100/100inspection score

Dec 23

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionFail

4 Basic

4 total

92/100inspection score

−8 pts

Basic (4)

−8 pts

55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
6-501.114 : MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE OR ORGANIZE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS IN BASEMENT AND WHERE NEEDED
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
6-501.13 : MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES THROUGHOUT BASEMENT ,WALK IN FREEZER AND COOLER.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
6-201.13 : MUST REMOVE EXCESSIVE CAULKING FROM ALONG WALLS AND FLOORS TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE
59PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION FROM REPORT #2437926 11/20/23 NOT CORRECTED STILL OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX. 75 OR MORE MICE DROPPINGS IN REAR PREP AREA-IN & ON UTENSILS INSIDE OF STRAINER ON LOWER SHELF OF PREP TABLE,ON FLOOR UNDER SHELVING UNIT IN REAR PREP AREA.REAR DRY FOOD STORAGE AREA- ON FLOOR IN CORNER IN BETWEEN BROOMS.BASEMENT- ON FLOOR UNDER SHELVING UNITS AND HALLWAY IN ADJACENT AREA,SHELVING UNITS THROUGHOUT BASEMENT AND A DEAD MOUSE ON FLOOR IN MOTOR ROOM. MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS & DEAD MOUSE CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS. MUST HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 12/4/23.(PRIORITY 7-42-090)(CITATION ISSUED)

Base deductions−8 pts

Nov 23

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionFail

1 High3 Med10 Basic

14 total1 risk factor

50/100inspection score

−45 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

3MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTINGRisk Factor−10
OBSERVED NO SIGNED EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICIES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIRORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010)(CITATION ISSUED)

Intermediate (3)

−15 pts

36THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE−5
4-204.112(B) : MUST PROVIDE A THERMOMETER FOR FRONT TABLE TOP HOT HOLDING UNIT.
37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
3-302.12 : MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
6-202.15 : OBSERVED MAIN ENTRY DOOR NOT TIGHT FITTING ALONG TOP AND PARKING LOT DOOR ALONG BOTTOM LEFT CORNER & ALONG TOP MUST MAKE DOORS TIGHT FITTING TO PREVENT RODENT ENTRY.

Basic (10)

−20 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
3-305.11 : OBSERVED BOXES OF FOOD STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK IN COOLER MUST ELEVATE AND MAINTAIN.
40PERSONAL CLEANLINESS−2
2-402.11 : OBSERVED ALL FOOD HANDLERS NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
3-304.14 : OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON SPLASH GUARDS AT HAND SINKS STORE IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
4-501.11 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LID & GASKET ON CHEST FREEZER ON 1ST FL. IN POOR REPAIR.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
6-501.114 : MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE OR ORGANIZE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS IN BASEMENT ,STAIR CASE AND WHERE NEEDED.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
6-201.16 : MUST SCRAPE AND PAINT CHIPPING PAINT ON WALLS IN REAR FOOD STORAGE AREA,TOILET ROOM AND WHERE NEEDED
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
6-201.11 : MUST CLEAN DUST BUILD UP FROM UPPER WALLS IN REAR PREP AREA
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
6-501.13 : MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES THROUGHOUT BASEMENT AND PREP AREA.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
6-201.13 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE HOLES AND BROKEN CONCRETE FLOOR IN BASEMENT.MUST REMOVE EXCESSIVE CAULKING FROM ALONG WALLS AND FLOORS TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
59PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION FROM REPORT #2584752 11/6/23 NOT CORRECTED STILL OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX. 150 OR MORE MICE DROPPINGS ON WOOD LEDGE & LOWER SHELF OF HOT HOLDING UNIT AT FRONT SERVICE COUNTER,REAR PREP AREA-IN FRYER CABINETS,ON EXCESSIVE GREAT STUFF ALONG WALL OF TABLE & FLOOR UNDER SAME.REAR DRY FOOD STORAGE AREA- ALONG WALL BASES UNDER AND AROUND STORAGE SHELVES AND CHEST FREEZER.BASEMENT- STAIRCASE AND FLOOR,SHELVING UNITS THROUGHOUT BASEMENT AND A DEAD MOUSE ON UPPER LEDGE IN MOTOR ROOM,REAR DINING ROOM -NEXT TO HAND SINK. MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS & DEAD MOUSE CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS. MUST HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 11/20/23.(PRIORITY 7-42-090)(CITATION ISSUED)

Base deductions−45 pts

Risk factor bonus (1× +5)−5 pts

Nov 23

Canvass InspectionFail

3 High6 Med18 Basic

27 total3 risk factors

0/100inspection score

−96 pts

High Priority (3)

−30 pts

1PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIESRisk Factor−10
PIC DOESN'T HAVE A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS CERTIFICATE MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)
2CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATERisk Factor−10
OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED,HANDLED AND SERVED SUCH AS BEANS,GOAT,RICE MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.MANAGER ARRIVED ON SITE AT 3:39 P.M.(COS)(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)(CITATION ISSUED)
3MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTINGRisk Factor−10
OBSERVED NO SIGNED EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICIES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIRORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010)(CITATION ISSUED)

Intermediate (6)

−30 pts

21PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES−5
OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURES OF TCS READY TO EAT FOODS SUCH AS .5lb.FISH-75.2F,3lbs.BEEF STEW-104.0F.3LBS.RED GRAVY RICE-118.0F.1.5LBS.GREEN GRAVY RICE-128.9F..5LBSPLAINTAIN-77.2F.PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED BY MANAGER. MUST HAVE HOT HOLDING FOODS AT 135.0F OR ABOVE.APPX.8.5 LBS. $.195(PRIORITY 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED)(COS)
36THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE−5
MUST PROVIDE A THERMOMETER FOR FRONT TABLE TOP HOT HOLDING UNIT.
37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX. 200 OR MORE MICE DROPPINGS ON WOOD LEDGE & FLOOR AT FRONT SERVICE COUNTER,REAR PREP AREA-ON COUNTER TOP & SERVICE WINDOW ,PREP TABLES, FRYER CABINETS,ON TOP OF FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS,ON FLOOR ALONG WALL BASES OF CHEST FREEZERS,BEHIND GREASE TRAP,BASEMENT- STAIRCASE AND FLOOR,SHELVING UNITS THROUGHOUT BASEMENT,REAR DINING ROOM UNDER AND AROUND CHAIRS . MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS. RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 11/6/23.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A)(CITATION ISSUED)
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED NO PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK WITH REQUIRED DOCUMENTS. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(C)(CITATION ISSUED)
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED MAIN ENTRY DOOR NOT TIGHT FITTING ALONG TOP AND PARKING LOT DOOR ALONG BOTTOM MUST MAKE DOORS TIGHT FITTING TO PREVENT RODENT ENTRY.

Basic (18)

−36 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
OBSERVED NO BARRIER IN HALLWAY OF FOOD STORAGE AREA ADJACENT TO TOILET ROOM THAT CUSTOMERS USE MUST PROVIDE A BARRIER TO PROTECT THE FOOD FROM CUSTOMERS AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED)
39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
OBSERVED BOXES OF FOOD STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK IN FREEZER AND COOLER MUST ELEVATE AND MAINTAIN.
40PERSONAL CLEANLINESS−2
OBSERVED ALL FOOD HANDLERS NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON SPLASH GUARDS AT HAND SINKS STORE IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
44UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED−2
MUST INVERT MULTI-USE UTENSILS ON STORAGE SHELVES AND WHERE NEEDED.
45SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED−2
MUST STORE PLASTIC WEAR WITH HANDLES IN UPRIGHT POSITION.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE MISSING HANDLE ON LID OF CHEST FREEZER,LID ON CHEST FREEZER ON 1ST FL. IN POOR REPAIR.MUST PROVIDE SINK STOPPERS FOR 3- COMP SINK.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
MUST APPLY A SEALANT ON RAW WOOD AT FRONT SERVICE COUNTER.MUST ELIMINATE CRATES USED FOR STORAGE THROUGHOUT PREMISES.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED BLACK PLASTIC BAGS USED FOR FOOD STORAGE IN WALK IN FREEZER MUST PROVIDE FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM STOVE & OVEN, ROLLING CARTS,DISH STORAGE SHELVES, WALK IN COOLER SHELVING UNITS,EXTERIOR OF GREASE TRAP AT 3- COMP SINK,FRYER CABINETS.STORAGE CABINETS.MUST DEFROST ICE BUILD UP IN SOME CHEST FREEZERS.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE OR ORGANIZE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS AT SERVICE COUNTER IN MAIN PREP AREA,PROPANE TANKS FROM PREMISES,BASEMENT AND WHERE NEEDED.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
MUST SCRAPE AND PAINT CHIPPING PAINT ON WALLS IN REAR FOOD STORAGE AREA,TOILET ROOM AND WHERE NEEDED
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
MUST CLEAN DUST BUILD UP FROM UPPER WALLS IN REAR PREP AREA.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES THROUGHOUT BASEMENT AND PREP AREA. MUST REMOVE STANDING WATER ON FLOOR NEXT TO WALK IN COOLER.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE HOLES AND BROKEN CONCRETE FLOOR IN BASEMENT.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BULD UP FROM FILTERS AND HOOD OF COOKING EQUIPMENT.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
MUST PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING IN REAR PREP AREA AND BASEMENT.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−96 pts

Risk factor bonus (3× +5)−15 pts

Jun 22

Complaint Re-Inspection InspectionCleanPass

No violations

100/100inspection score

Jun 22

Complaint Re-Inspection InspectionFail

1 High

1 total

90/100inspection score

−10 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

33PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL−10
DURING REINSPECTION OBSERVED WALK-IN COOLER/ ONLY MEANS OF REFRIGERATION AT 45.0F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT ALL REFRIGERATION MUST MAINTAIN COLD HOLD TEMPERATURE OF 41.0F OR BELOW. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005

Base deductions−10 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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