What is Blackwood Bbq's health inspection score?

Blackwood Bbq has a SafeDine safety score of 47 out of 100 (Grade C). This score is calculated from official government health inspection data, factoring in violation severity, recency, and trends.

When was Blackwood Bbq last inspected?

Blackwood Bbq was last inspected on January 29, 2025. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does Blackwood Bbq have?

Blackwood Bbq has 24 total violations across 4 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is Blackwood Bbq safe to eat at?

Blackwood Bbq has a safety score of 47/100, which suggests room for improvement. Review the detailed inspection history on SafeDine for more information.

What type of cuisine does Blackwood Bbq serve?

Blackwood Bbq serves BBQ cuisine. Visit their SafeDine page for safety scores, inspection history, and more details.

Official Health Record

Blackwood Bbq

Name: Blackwood Bbq
Address: 222 W MERCHANDISE MART PLZ, Chicago, 60654
Rating: 47

222 W MERCHANDISE MART PLZ, Chicago

Data may be outdated — inspected 1/29/2025

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0Poor

BBQ•River North

Ranked #405 of 547 in River NorthBetter than 27% of bbq restaurants

Declining

4 inspections

Last: Jan 29, 2025

low confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

Clean Rate

Avg Violations

15 months ago

Last Inspected

Top Concerns

Most common issues from recent inspections

HandwashingHigh Priority

Employees not properly washing hands — contamination risk

Temperature control

Food not kept at safe temperatures — risk of bacterial growth

Cross-contamination

Raw and cooked foods not properly separated

Pest issuesHigh Priority

Evidence of pests found during inspection

SanitationHigh Priority

Equipment or surfaces not properly cleaned/sanitized

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-53

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-10 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-0 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-8 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Freshness Penalty

-12 pts

Score reduced due to stale inspection data

Inspection Timeline

-27 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

222 W MERCHANDISE MART PLZ, Chicago, IL 60654

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Violation Timeline

Feb 2023

2 inspections

3 high priority

5 intermediate

5 basic

Feb

May 2024

1 inspections

1 high priority

1 basic

Jan 2025

1 inspections

3 high priority

6 basic

Jan

Inspection History

4 records on file

3 Canvass1 Canvass Re-Inspection

Jan 25

Canvass InspectionLatestPass w/ Conditions

3 High6 Basic

9 total2 risk factors

48/100inspection score

−42 pts

High Priority (3)

−30 pts

1PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIESRisk Factor−10
OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER MUST BE ON PREMISES AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION
2CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATERisk Factor−10
OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER MUST BE ON PREMISES AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED NO DISPOSABLE TOWELS AT HANDWASHING SINK IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED HANDWASHING SINKS SHALL BE PROVIDED WITH HAND DRYING PROVISIONS AT ALL TIMES. CORRECTED ON SITE DISPOSABLE TOWELS PROVIDED FOR HANDWASHING SINK IN REAR PREP AREA BEFORE CONCLUSION OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.

Basic (6)

−12 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED BUILDUP ON CAN OPENER IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE CAN OPENER.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED BOXES STORED ON FLOOR UNDERNEATH COUNTER IN REAR PREP. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD AND NON FOOD ITEMS AT LEAST SIX INCHES OFF OF FLOOR FOR EASE OF CLEANABILITY.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED PREP TABLE IN REAR NEAR ICE MACHINE WITH BUILDUP ON LEGS AND PANS AT BASE OF TABLE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE PREP TABLE AND MAINTAIN.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
OBSERVED DRAINPIPE OF THREE COMPARTMENT SINK LEAKING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR DRAINPIPE OF THREE COMPARTMENT SINK.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED DIMLY LIT REAR PREP AREA IN AREA NEAR ICE MACHINE AND PREP TABLE. INSTRUCTED TO INCREASE LIGHT INTENSITY IN REAR PREP AREA IN AREA NEAR ICE MACHINE AND PREP TABLE.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR FOOD HANDLER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS.

Base deductions−42 pts

Risk factor bonus (2× +5)−10 pts

May 24

Canvass InspectionPass w/ Conditions

1 High1 Basic

2 total

88/100inspection score

−12 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED IMPROPER MINIMUM WATER TEMPERATURES RANGING BETWEEN 66.7-79.3F AT HANDWASHING SINKS IN MEN AND WOMEN'S WASHROOMS. INSTRUCTED A HANDWASHING SINK SHALL BE EQUIPPED TO PROVIDE WATER AT A TEMPERATURE OF AT LEAST 100F THROUGH A MIXING VALVE OR COMBINATION FAUCET. CORRECTED ON SITE HANDWASHING SINKS REPAIRED AND AT PROPER MINIMUM TEMPERATURES BEFORE CONCLUSION OF INSPECTION. OBSERVED PROPER MINIMUM WATER TEMPERATURES AT MEN'S HANDWASHING SINK OF 102.7F AND WOMEN'S HANDWASHING SINK OF 101.8F. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.

Basic (1)

−2 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED CRATES USED TO ELEVATE LARGE CONTAINERS OF BBQ SAUCE(UNDER COUNTER) AND SODA IN A BOX(NEAR BACK DOOR). INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD AND NON FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES OFF OF FLOOR FOR EASE OF CLEANABILITY.

Base deductions−12 pts

Feb 23

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionPass

1 High1 Med1 Basic

3 total

83/100inspection score

−17 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

16FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED−10
4-602.12: OBSERVED INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE TO BE SLIGHTLY SOILED WITH DEBRIS ON INTERIOR EDGES. FACILITY MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

36THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE−5
4-204.112(B): THERMOMETERS IS NOT PROVIDED IN ALL COLD AND HOT HOLDING UNITS. COLD/HOT HOLDING EQUIPMENT USED FOR TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY SHALL HAVE AT LEAST ONE THERMOMETER IN AN EASILY VIEWED LOCATION.

Basic (1)

−2 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
3-307.11: PLASTIC CUP WITHOUT A HANDLE USED AS A SCOOP FOR DRY STORAGE FOOD CONTAINERS. FACILITY MUST REMOVE AND REPLACE WITH A SCOOP THAT HAS A HANDLE.

Base deductions−17 pts

Feb 23

Canvass InspectionFail

2 High4 Med4 Basic

10 total1 risk factor

47/100inspection score

−48 pts

High Priority (2)

−20 pts

2CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATERisk Factor−10
NO ORIGINAL AND VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE WAS POSTED NOR PROVIDED ON SITE FOR THE PRESENT MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE TCS FOODS SUCH AS BEEF AND CHICKEN WERE PREPARED AND MADE ON SITE. NO VALID DOCCUMENTATION ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. A LEAST ONE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE WHEN FOOD IS HANDLED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.
16FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED−10
OBSERVED INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE TO BE SLIGHTLY SOILED WITH DEBRIS ON INTERIOR EDGES. FACILITY MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Intermediate (4)

−20 pts

23PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION−5
DATE OF MAC & CHEESE MARKED ON 2/7/23 EXCEEDS THE TIME LIMIT AND HAS PASSED THE 7 DAY EXPIRATION DATE ON 2/13/23. DISCUSSED AND REVIEWED HACCP CONCEPTS WITH PERSON IN CHARGE THAT FOOD IN ESTABLISHMENT CAN BE HELD LESS FOR A MAXIMUM OF 7DAYS. APPROXIMATELY 22.5 POUNDS AT AN APPROXIMATE COST OF $270.00 HAS BEEN DISCARDED ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
36THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE−5
THERMOMETERS IS NOT PROVIDED IN ALL COLD AND HOT HOLDING UNITS. COLD/HOT HOLDING EQUIPMENT USED FOR TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY SHALL HAVE AT LEAST ONE THERMOMETER IN AN EASILY VIEWED LOCATION.
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK WITH SERVICE REPORTS NOT PROVIDED ON SITE. FACILITY MUST ENSURE THAT ALL SERVICE REPORT FROM THE LICENSE PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS PROVIDED ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020 (C) CITATION ISSUED.
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY OVER 20 SMALL BLACK FLYING INSECTS WHEN ENTERING THROUGH THE BACK DOOR NEAR WALK-IN COOLER AREA. THE PREMISES SHALL BE MAINTAINED FREE OF CRAWLING INSECTS, RODENTSM AND OTHER PESTS, AND THE PRESENCE OF FLYING INSECTS SHALL BE EFFECTIVELY MINIMZED USING A LICENSE PEST CONTROL SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020 (A) CITATION ISSUED.

Basic (4)

−8 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
PLASTIC CUP WITHOUT A HANDLE USED AS A SCOOP FOR DRY STORAGE FOOD CONTAINERS. FACILITY MUST REMOVE AND REPLACE WITH A SCOOP THAT HAS A HANDLE.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
OBSERVED EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATIONS ON SITE. FACILITY MUST ENSURE THAT ALL EMPLOYEES WHO DO NOT HAVE A CITY MANAGERS CERTIFICATION, MUST OBTAIN A VALID FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE.
60PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED ON SITE DATED FROM 2/7/2022. REPORT #2549480. #58) OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE MUST COMPLETE TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
61SUMMARY REPORT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC−2
PREVIOUS SUMMARY REPORT DATED FROM 2/7/22 WAS NOT POSTED IN THE PUBLICS VIEW. FACILITY HAD SUMMARY REPORT IN BINDER AT TIME OF INSPECTION. FACILITY MUST ALWAYS POST UP SUMMARY REPORT IN THE PUBLIC VIEW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-010 (B) CITATION ISSUED.

Base deductions−48 pts

Risk factor bonus (1× +5)−5 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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