What is The Black Barrel Tavern's health inspection score?

The Black Barrel Tavern has a SafeDine safety score of 100 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 Black Barrel Tavern last inspected?

The Black Barrel Tavern was last inspected on October 6, 2025. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does The Black Barrel Tavern have?

The Black Barrel Tavern has 23 total violations across 11 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is The Black Barrel Tavern safe to eat at?

Yes, The Black Barrel Tavern has an excellent safety record with a score of 100/100. This indicates strong compliance with health and safety standards.

What type of cuisine does The Black Barrel Tavern serve?

The Black Barrel Tavern serves American cuisine. Visit their SafeDine page for safety scores, inspection history, and more details.

Official Health Record

The Black Barrel Tavern

Name: The Black Barrel Tavern
Address: 455 W NORTH AVE., Chicago, 60610
Rating: 100

455 W NORTH AVE., Chicago

Last Inspected: 10/6/2025

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0Excellent

American•Old Town

Ranked #14 of 354 in Old TownBetter than 17% of american restaurants

Stable

10 inspections

Last: Oct 6, 2025

high confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

70%

Clean Rate

2.3

Avg Violations

6 months ago

Last Inspected

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-0

Final Score

100

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-0 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-0 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-0 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Inspection Timeline

0 pts

100

Latest

100% weight

100

2nd

60% weight

100

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

455 W NORTH AVE., Chicago, IL 60610

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Violation Timeline

May 2022

2 inspections

4 high priority

3 basic

May

Oct 2023

3 inspections

5 high priority

3 intermediate

8 basic

Aug 2024

2 inspections

Aug

Dec 2024

2 inspections

Oct 2025

1 inspections

Oct

Inspection History

10 records on file

2 Canvass5 Non-Inspection1 Canvass Re-Inspection1 Complaint Re-Inspection1 Complaint

Oct 25

Canvass InspectionLatestCleanOut of Business

No violations

100/100inspection score

Dec 24

Non-Inspection InspectionCleanNo Entry

No violations

100/100inspection score

Dec 24

Non-Inspection InspectionCleanNo Entry

No violations

100/100inspection score

Aug 24

Non-Inspection InspectionCleanNo Entry

No violations

100/100inspection score

Aug 24

Non-Inspection InspectionCleanNo Entry

No violations

100/100inspection score

Oct 23

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionPass

1 Basic

1 total

98/100inspection score

−2 pts

Basic (1)

−2 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
4-501.11: OBSERVED DAMAGED GASKETS ON THE PREP-LINE REACH IN COOLER ACROSS THE STOVE TOP AREA MAKING WHICH DOESN'T ALLOW PREP-LINE COOLER DOORS CLOSE PROPERLY. FACILITY MUST REPAIR/REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−2 pts

Oct 23

Canvass InspectionFail

5 High3 Med7 Basic

15 total1 risk factor

16/100inspection score

−79 pts

High Priority (5)

−50 pts

5PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTSRisk Factor−10
FACILITY DOES NOT HAVE A POLICY/KIT FOR EMPLOYEES TO FOLLOW WHEN RESPONDING TO DISCHARGE OF VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL INCIDENTS. FACILITY MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
HAND SOAP NOT PROVIDED AT COOKLINE HAND SINK. FACILITY MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030 (c) CITATION ISSUED.
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
DISPOSABLE PAPER TOWELS NOT PROVIDED AT COOKLINE HAND SINK. FACILITY MUST PROVIDE. SEE ABOVE PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030 (c) CITATION ISSUED.
16FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED−10
OBSERVED QUAT SANITIZER MEASURED AT 0PPM AT 3COMPARTMENT SINK. FACILITY MUST PROVIDE QUAT SANITIZER AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. PRIORITY 7-38-025 CITATION ISSUED.
33PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL−10
REACH IN PREP-LINE COOLER ACROSS THE STOVE TOP AREA IS AT IMPROPER AMBIENT AIR TEMPERAURE MEASURED AT 50F. ALL TCS FOODS IN THE UNIT HAVE BEEN DISCARDED WHILE ON SITE (SEE ABOVE VIOLATION #22). UNIT HAS BEEN TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION. FACILITY MUST CONTACT CDPHFOOD@CITYOFCHICAGO.ORG TO HAVE STICKER REMOVED BY INSPECTOR IF HELD AT PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 41F AND BELOW. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

Intermediate (3)

−15 pts

22PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES−5
MEASURED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF THE FOLLOWING FOODS FOUND IN THE REACH IN PREP-LINE COOLER ACROSS THE STOVE TOP AREA; 3LBS OF RAW CHICKEN MEASURED AT 49.7F, 5LBS OF BEEF MEASURED AT 55.4F, 2LB OF VARIOUS CHEESE MEASURED AT 54.3F, 2LBS OF TOMATO SAUCE MEASURED AT 52.1F, 1LB OF DELI MEAT MEASURED AT 48.5F. APPROXIMATELY 19LBS OF FOOD WAS DISCARDED AT A TOTAL APPROXIMATE COST OF $36. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
25CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD−5
OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY POSTED NOR A DISCLOSURE (WITH FOOTNOTE) ON THE ONLINE MENU FOR ALL ITEMS THAT CAN BE ORDERED UNDERCOOKED OR RAW (BEEF & EGG ITEMS). INSTRUCTED TO POST A CONSUMER ADVISORY FOR PUBLIC VIEW AND ADD A DISCLOSURE (WITH FOOTNOTE) THAT REFERS TO THE REMINDER ON THE MENU FOR ALL ITEMS THAT CAN BE ORDERED UNDERCOOKED OR RAW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
EXTERIOR SIDE EXIT DOOR HAS OPEN GAPS ON THE BOTTOM WHICH ALLOWS FOR PESTS/INSECTS TO ENTER. EXTERIOR DOORS SHALL BE: SELF-CLOSING, SOLID AND TIGHT FITTING, AND LIMITED TO DESIGNATED USE.

Basic (7)

−14 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
BOXES OF FOOD STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE WALK-IN FREEZER. FACILITY MUST ELEVATE ITEMS AT LEAST 6 INCHES ABOVE THE FLOOR.
44UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED−2
CLEAN DISHWARE (CUPS) STORED NEAR BAR DISH MACHINE 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.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED DAMAGED GASKETS ON THE PREP-LINE REACH IN COOLER ACROSS THE STOVE TOP AREA MAKING WHICH DOESN'T ALLOW PREP-LINE COOLER DOORS CLOSE PROPERLY. FACILITY MUST REPAIR/REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
48WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS−2
AN IRREVERSIBLE REGISTERING TEMPERATURE INDICATOR/TEST STRIPS IS NOT PROVIDED AND READILY ACCESSIBLE FOR MEASURING THE UTENSIL SURFACE TEMPERATURE FOR THE HOT TEMPERATURE DISHWASHER. FACILITY MUST PROVIDE HOT WATER TEMPERATURE-SENSATIVE THERMOMETER/TEST STRIPS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
54GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED−2
OBSERVED OUTDOOR DUMPSTERED OVERFILLED WITH LIDS NOT CLOSED AND SECURED PROPERLY. FACILITY MUST ENSURE THAT OUTDOOR DUMPSTERS ARE NOT OVER FILLED AND LIDS ARE SEALED CLOSED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020 (B) CITATION ISSUED.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
FOOD ALLERGEN CERTIFICATION NOT PROVIDED ON SITE. ALL CITY/PENDING CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN A VALID FOOD ALLERGEN CERTIFICATION AND PROVIDE ON SITE.
64MISCELLANEOUS / PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS−2
OBSERVED CHILDRENS MENU ONLINE AND IN PERSON DOES NOT HAVE HEALTHY DRINK ALTERNATIVES LISTED.

Base deductions−79 pts

Risk factor bonus (1× +5)−5 pts

Oct 23

Non-Inspection InspectionCleanNo Entry

No violations

100/100inspection score

May 22

Complaint Re-Inspection InspectionCleanPass

No violations

100/100inspection score

May 22

Complaint InspectionFail

4 High3 Basic

7 total

54/100inspection score

−46 pts

High Priority (4)

−40 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED NO SOAP AT EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINKS IN ALL 3 BARS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS AT EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINKS LOCATED IN BAR NEAR ENTRANCE AND REAR BAR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION COMBINED WITH ABOVE VIOLATION.
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINKS LOCATED IN FRONT BAR NEAR ENTRANCE AND REAR BAR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
16FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED−10
OBSERVED LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE IN CENTRAL MAIN BAR MAINTAINING AN IMPROPER CHEMICAL SANITIZER READING OF 0PPM OF CHLORINE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR MACHINE SO THAT IT IS CAPABLE OF DELVIERING CHEMICAL SANITIZER AT LEVELS BETWEEN 50-100PPM OF CHLORINE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED.

Basic (3)

−6 pts

48WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS−2
OBSERVED NO IRREVERSIBLE REGISTERING TEMPERATURE INDICATOR FOR MEASURING UTENSIL SURFACE TEMPERATURE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED CLUTTER IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO ELEVATE ALL ITEMS OFF FLOOR AT LEAST 6 INCHES TO ALLOW FOR CLEANING AND REMOVE FROM PREMISES ANY UNNECESSARY ITEMS.
61SUMMARY REPORT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC−2
OBSERVED NO SUMMARY POSTED FOR PUBLIC VIEW FROM PREVIOUS INSPECTION #2546471 DATED 1/13/2022. LEFT NEW SUMMARY AND INSTRUCTED TO POST FOR PUBLIC VIEW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-010(B). CITATION ISSUED.

Base deductions−46 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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