What is Gayle's Best Ever Grilled Cheeese's health inspection score?

Gayle's Best Ever Grilled Cheeese has a SafeDine safety score of 59 out of 100 (Grade C). This score is calculated from official government health inspection data, factoring in violation severity, recency, and trends.

When was Gayle's Best Ever Grilled Cheeese last inspected?

Gayle's Best Ever Grilled Cheeese was last inspected on January 21, 2026. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does Gayle's Best Ever Grilled Cheeese have?

Gayle's Best Ever Grilled Cheeese has 34 total violations across 10 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is Gayle's Best Ever Grilled Cheeese safe to eat at?

Gayle's Best Ever Grilled Cheeese has a safety score of 59/100, which suggests room for improvement. Review the detailed inspection history on SafeDine for more information.

What type of cuisine does Gayle's Best Ever Grilled Cheeese serve?

Gayle's Best Ever Grilled Cheeese serves American cuisine. Visit their SafeDine page for safety scores, inspection history, and more details.

Official Health Record

Gayle's Best Ever Grilled Cheeese

Name: Gayle's Best Ever Grilled Cheeese
Address: 108 N STATE ST, Chicago, 60602
Rating: 59

108 N STATE ST, Chicago

Last Inspected: 1/21/2026

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0Fair

American•The Loop

Ranked #595 of 871 in The LoopBetter than 22% of american restaurants

Improving

10 inspections

Last: Jan 21, 2026

high confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

30%

Clean Rate

3.4

Avg Violations

4 months ago

Last Inspected

Top Concerns

Most common issues from recent inspections

HandwashingHigh Priority

Employees not properly washing hands — contamination risk

Employee illnessHigh Priority

Sick employee handling food — illness transmission risk

Employee hygiene

Personal hygiene practices not followed

Pest issuesHigh Priority

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

-41

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-8 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-0 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-12 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Inspection Timeline

+33 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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108 N STATE ST, Chicago, IL 60602

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Violation Timeline

Aug 2022

2 inspections

1 high priority

1 intermediate

3 basic

Aug

Jun 2023

1 inspections

2 intermediate

1 basic

Jul 2023

1 inspections

Jul

Jan 2024

1 inspections

2 basic

Jul 2024

1 inspections

Jul

Aug 2024

1 inspections

May 2025

1 inspections

2 high priority

3 basic

May

Jan 2026

2 inspections

5 high priority

14 basic

Inspection History

10 records on file

3 Canvass Re-Inspection5 Canvass1 Short Form Complaint1 Complaint

Jan 26

Canvass Re-Inspection 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
4-101.19 : OBSERVED CRATES BEING USED FOR FOOD STORAGE IN PREP/DISH WASHING AREA MUST ELIMINATE AND PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING UNITS FOR FOOD STORAGE TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
4-601.11(C) Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM WALK IN COOLER FAN GUARD COVERS,DUST BUILD UP ON FRONT PREP AREA SHELVING UNITS.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
6-201.13 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES IN DINING AREA.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
4-301.14 : OBSERVED TABLE TOP DEEP FRYERS ON REAR PREP TABLE AND NO VENTILATION HOOD ABOVE MUST PROVIDE UNDERNEATH VENTILATION AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−8 pts

Jan 26

Canvass InspectionFail

5 High10 Basic

15 total3 risk factors

15/100inspection score

−70 pts

High Priority (5)

−50 pts

1PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIESRisk Factor−10
PIC DOSEN'T HAVE A 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 (TURKEY,SAUSAGE,HAM SANDWICHES) MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)(CITATION ISSUED)
8HANDS CLEAN & PROPERLY WASHEDRisk Factor−10
OBSERVED POOR HYGIENIC PRACTICES BY FOOD HANDLER OBSERVED HER TOUCH SCREEN ORDER AT REGISTER PUT ON PLASTIC GLOVES RETRIEVED WRAPPED SANDWICH FROM REACH IN COOLER AND PLACED ON GRILL WITHOUT WASHING HANDS,AS WELL ANOTHER EMPLOYEE DID THE SAME.INSTRUCTED TO WASH HANDS AFTER EVERY POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.(PRIORITY 7-38-010)(CITATION ISSUED)(COS)
29COMPLIANCE WITH VARIANCE/SPECIALIZED PROCESS/HACCP−10
OBSERVED VACUUM PACKAGED FOODS ON SITE WITHOUT AN CDPH-APPROVED HACCP PLAN.MUST BE APPROVED BEFORE FOOD CAN BE VACUUM PACKAGED ON PREMISES.APPX.56LBS. MACARONI & CHEESE $324. PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED BY PIC.A HELD FOR INSPECTION TAG PLACED ON VACUUM PACKAGE SEALER. (PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED)(COS)
32VARIANCE OBTAINED FOR SPECIALIZED PROCESSING METHODS−10
SEE VIOLATION #29.

Basic (10)

−20 pts

44UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED−2
MUST INVERT MULTI-USE UTENSILS ON STORAGE SHELVES.
46GLOVES USED PROPERLY−2
OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER MIUSAGE OF PLASTIC GLOVES.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED CRATES BEING USED FOR FOOD STORAGE IN FRONT PREP AREA MUST ELIMINATE AND PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING UNITS FOR FOOD STORAGE.MUST ELIMINATE CARDBOARD LINED ON LOWER SHELF OF PREP TABLE TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM WALK IN COOLER FAN GUARD COVERS & SHELVING UNITS,DUST BUILD UP ON FRONT PREP AREA SHELVING UNITS.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES & MISSING WALL BASE IN DINING AREA,MISSING CEILING TILE IN REAR PREP AREA,HOLE IN WALL IN FRONT PREP AREA.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
MUST REMOVE CARDBOARD FROM WALK IN COOLER FLOOR TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
MUST CLEAN DEBRIS AND DUST BUILD UP FROM FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES THROUGHOUT PREMISES.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED TABLE TOP DEEP FRYERS ON REAR PREP TABLE AND NO VENTILATION HOOD ABOVE MUST PROVIDE UNDERNEATH VENTILATION AND MAINTAIN.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
OBSERVED EXPIRED AND MISSING FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
60PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT #2616737 5/1/25 NOT CORRECTED-#47-4-101.19 : OBSERVED BOXES STORED ON MILK CRATES IN FREEZER. OBSERVED NON FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR UNDERNEATH SHELVING UNITS IN REAR STORAGE(WHERE UTILITY SINK IS LOCATED). INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD AND NONFOOD ITEMS AT LEAST SIX INCHES OFF OF FLOOR FOR EASE OF CLEANABILITY.#55- 6-501.12 : OBSERVED ICE BUILDUP ON RIGHT CONDENSOR LINE IN WALK IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ICE BUILDUP FROM CONDENSOR LINE IN WALK IN FREEZER AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED DUST ON WALLS ABOVE CLEAN EQUIPMENT ON SHELVES ABOVE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. OBSERVED DUST ON CEILING VENT COVER ABOVE PREP TABLE IN REAR PREP(ACROSS FROM WALK IN COOLER). OBSERVED DUST ON CEILING AROUND CEILING VENT COVER IN MIDDLE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN WALLS, CEILING VENT COVER AND CEILING IN SAID AREAS AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED BUILDUP ALONG BASE OF WALL UNDERNEATH THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AND BEHIND GREASE TRAP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN

Base deductions−70 pts

Risk factor bonus (3× +5)−15 pts

May 25

Canvass InspectionPass w/ Conditions

2 High3 Basic

5 total1 risk factor

69/100inspection score

−26 pts

High Priority (2)

−20 pts

5PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTSRisk Factor−10
OBSERVED NO DISINFECTANT EFFECTIVE AGAINST NOROVIRUS FOR COMPLYING WITH PROCEDURE AVAILABLE ON SITE WHEN RESPONDING TO VOMITTING OR DIARRHEAL EVENTS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SOAP AT HANDWASHING SINK IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HANDWASHING SOAP AT HANDWASHING SINKS AT ALL TIMES. CORRECTED ON SITE HANDWASHING SOAP PROVIDED AT HANDWASHING SINK IN REAR PREP AREA BEFORE CONCLUSION OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.

Basic (3)

−6 pts

40PERSONAL CLEANLINESS−2
OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINT WHILE PREPARING FOOD. INSTRUCTED FOOD HANDLERS SHALL WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS SUCH AS HATS, HAIR COVERINGS , BEARD RESTRAINTS AND CLOTHING THAT COVERS BODY HAIR THAT ARE DESIGNED AND WORN TO EFFECTIVELY KEEP THEIR HAIR FROM CONTACTING EXPOSED FOOD, CLEAN EQUIPMENT,UTENSILS AND LINENS AND UNWRAPPED SINGLE SERVICE AND SINGLE USE ARTICLES.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED BOXES STORED ON MILK CRATES IN FREEZER. OBSERVED NON FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR UNDERNEATH SHELVING UNITS IN REAR STORAGE(WHERE UTILITY SINK IS LOCATED). INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD AND NONFOOD ITEMS AT LEAST SIX INCHES OFF OF FLOOR FOR EASE OF CLEANABILITY.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED ICE BUILDUP ON RIGHT CONDENSOR LINE IN WALK IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ICE BUILDUP FROM CONDENSOR LINE IN WALK IN FREEZER AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED DUST ON WALLS ABOVE CLEAN EQUIPMENT ON SHELVES ABOVE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. OBSERVED DUST ON CEILING VENT COVER ABOVE PREP TABLE IN REAR PREP(ACROSS FROM WALK IN COOLER). OBSERVED DUST ON CEILING AROUND CEILING VENT COVER IN MIDDLE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN WALLS, CEILING VENT COVER AND CEILING IN SAID AREAS AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED BUILDUP ALONG BASE OF WALL UNDERNEATH THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AND BEHIND GREASE TRAP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALONG BASE OF WALL UNDERNEATH THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AND BEHIND GREASE TRAP.

Base deductions−26 pts

Risk factor bonus (1× +5)−5 pts

Aug 24

Short Form Complaint InspectionCleanPass

No violations

100/100inspection score

Jul 24

Complaint InspectionCleanPass

No violations

100/100inspection score

Jan 24

Canvass InspectionPass

2 Basic

2 total

96/100inspection score

−4 pts

Basic (2)

−4 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED FACILITY USING CARDBOARD AS A LINER UNDER WALK-IN COOLER SHELVING AND ON THE SHELVING BELOW GREASE CONTAINERS. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CARDBOARD OR REPLACE WITH A MATERIAL THAT IS SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED MISSING CEILING TILES ABOVE WALK-IN COOLER AND WALK-IN FREEZER ENTRANCE. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE OR PROVIDE MISSING CEILING TILES.

Base deductions−4 pts

Jul 23

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionCleanPass

No violations

100/100inspection score

Jun 23

Canvass InspectionFail

2 Med1 Basic

3 total

88/100inspection score

−12 pts

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

35APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED−5
3-501.13 OBSERVED FACILITY INADEQUATELY THAWING TCS FOOD (SOUP) IN THE ONE COMPARTMENT SINK IN STAGNET WATER. INSTRUCTED TO ALWAYS PROPERLY THAW ALL TCS FOODS IN COLD RUNNING WATER (NOT EXCEEDING 70F) AT ALL TIMES.
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
6-501.111 OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF LIVE INSECT ACTIVITY ON SITE, OBSERVED ABOUT 5 LARGE FLIES FLYING AROUND THE REAR FOOD PREP AREAS, OBSERVED A FLY LAND ON A PIECE OF BREAD AT A PREP TABLE IN THE REAR. INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD THE PIECE OF BREAD, CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS, ELIMINATE LARGE FLIES ACTIVITY AND RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL FOR A SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020(C).

Basic (1)

−2 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
3-307.11 OBSERVED AN INADEQUATE SPLASH GUARD ON THE HAND WASHING SINK LOCATED DIRECTLY NEXT TO THE PANINI GRILL AND INADEQUATE IN HEIGHT AND NOT PROPERLY PROTECTING THE PANINI GRILL FROM POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AN ADEQUATE SPLASH GUARD AT THE HAND WASHING SINK DIRECTLY NEXT TO THE PANINI GRILL OR MOVE THE PANINI GRILL THAT IS DIRECTLY NEXT TO SAID HAND WASHING SINK.

Base deductions−12 pts

Aug 22

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
4-201.11 FOUND HANDWASHING SINK LOCATED IN REAR PREP ACROSS FROM WALK IN COOLER DETACHED (HANGING) FROM WALL INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−2 pts

Aug 22

Canvass InspectionFail

1 High1 Med2 Basic

4 total1 risk factor

76/100inspection score

−19 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

3MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTINGRisk Factor−10
OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY THAT INCLUDES A SIGNED ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FROM EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7.38.010. CITATION ISSUED.

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
FOUND APPROX. 7 LARGE FLIES IN REAR FOOD PREP AREA. ALSO NOTED APPROX 6 SMALL FLIES LOCATED IN DRY STORAGE AREA. AND 4 SMALL FLIES LOCATED IN FRONT PREP AREA/ DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO MINIMIZE ALL FLY ACTIVITY. RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.

Basic (2)

−4 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
FOUND HANDWASHING SINK LOCATED IN REAR PREP ACROSS FROM WALK IN COOLER DETACHED (HANGING) FROM WALL INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
FOUND CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER (PIC) WITHOUT PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS.

Base deductions−19 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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