What is Cleo's Southern Cuisine's health inspection score?

Cleo's Southern Cuisine has a SafeDine safety score of 48 out of 100 (Grade C). This score is calculated from official government health inspection data, factoring in violation severity, recency, and trends.

When was Cleo's Southern Cuisine last inspected?

Cleo's Southern Cuisine was last inspected on November 25, 2025. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does Cleo's Southern Cuisine have?

Cleo's Southern Cuisine has 29 total violations across 6 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is Cleo's Southern Cuisine safe to eat at?

Cleo's Southern Cuisine has a safety score of 48/100, which suggests room for improvement. Review the detailed inspection history on SafeDine for more information.

Official Health Record

Cleo's Southern Cuisine

Name: Cleo's Southern Cuisine
Address: 190 N WELLS ST, Chicago, 60606
Rating: 48

190 N WELLS ST, Chicago

Last Inspected: 11/25/2025

▲Improving

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0Poor

West Loop

Ranked #759 of 1000 in West Loop

Improving

6 inspections

Last: Nov 25, 2025

high confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

17%

Clean Rate

4.8

Avg Violations

5 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

Temperature control

Food not kept at safe temperatures — risk of bacterial growth

Sanitation

Equipment or surfaces not properly cleaned/sanitized

Pest issues

Evidence of pests found during inspection

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-52

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-12 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-6 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-8 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Inspection Timeline

+31 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

190 N WELLS ST, Chicago, IL 60606

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Violation Timeline

Sep 2022

1 inspections

2 basic

Sep

Jun 2023

2 inspections

1 high priority

1 intermediate

4 basic

May 2024

1 inspections

2 high priority

1 basic

May

Nov 2025

2 inspections

6 high priority

3 intermediate

9 basic

Inspection History

6 records on file

2 Canvass Re-Inspection3 Canvass1 License

Nov 25

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionLatestPass

1 Med4 Basic

5 total

87/100inspection score

−13 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS OUT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE PRODUCT NAME. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL FOODS AND SPICES WITH COMMON NAME THAT ARE OUT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS.

Basic (4)

−8 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED CARDBOARD USED AS LINER ON SFLOOR UNDER THE HOT COOKING EQUIPMENTS IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL CARDBOARD FROM SHELVING UNITS. ALL FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS, SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
54GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED−2
OBSERVED DEBRIS AROUND DUMPSTER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED DEBRIS ON FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS IN UTILITY AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−13 pts

Nov 25

Canvass InspectionFail

6 High2 Med5 Basic

13 total3 risk factors

5/100inspection score

−80 pts

High Priority (6)

−60 pts

2CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATERisk Factor−10
OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPPED (SUCH AS FISH,CHICKEN). INSTRUCTED MUST HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WHEN TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPPED/SERVED. INSTRUCTED MUST POST A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER CERTIFICATION IN PLAIN VIEW OF CUSTOMERS AT ALL TIMES.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
5PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTSRisk Factor−10
OBSERVED NO KIT ON SITE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN KIT CONTAINING ALL NECESSARY SUPPLIES INCLUDING A SANITIZER RATED AS EFFECTIVE AGAINST NOROVIRUS ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
8HANDS CLEAN & PROPERLY WASHEDRisk Factor−10
OBSERVED POOR HYGIENIC PRACTICIES BY MALE FOOD HANDLER OBSERVED HIM WITH CELL PHONE IN HAND FOR SEVERAL MINUTES AND THEN PUT PHONE IN POCKET AND PLACED ON PLASTIC GLOVES TO PREPARE A FOOD ORDER WITHOUT WASHING HIS HANDS. AND SAME EMPLOYEE KEPT BEEN ON THE PHONE AND PUTTING ON GLOVES WITHOUT WASHING HIS HANDS. INSTRUCTED TO WASH HANDS AFTER EVERY POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION(PRIORITY 7-38-010)(CITATION ISSUED)
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED NO HAND SOAP AVAILABLE AT HANDSINK IN PREP/DISWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HANDSOAP AT ALL TIMES. 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 SINK IN IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN PAPER TOWELS AT ALL EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINKS AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION COMBINED WITH ABOVE VIOLATION.
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK IN FRONT PREAP AREA RENDERED INACCESSIBLE BY BOX BEING PLACED INSIDE IT. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINKS OPEN AND ACCESSIBLE FOR HAND WASHING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION COMBINED WITH ABOVE.

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

22PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES−5
OBSERVED TCS FOODS HELD AT IMPROPER INTERNAL TEMPERATURES IN THE FRONT PREP COLD HOLDING UNIT, SUCH AS 90LBS OF FISH AT 45.2-48.9FF, 20LBS OF CHICKEN AT 47.8F AND 24LBS OF CRAB AT 45-47.4F. MANAGER DISCARDED AND DENATURED A TOTAL 134LBS AT $1300. ALL COLD TCS FOOD MUST MAINTAIN 41F OR BELOW . PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.
37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS OUT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE PRODUCT NAME. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL FOODS AND SPICES WITH COMMON NAME THAT ARE OUT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS.

Basic (5)

−10 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED CARDBOARD USED AS LINER ON SFLOOR UNDER THE HOT COOKING EQUIPMENTS IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL CARDBOARD FROM SHELVING UNITS. ALL FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
48WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS−2
OBSERVED NO CHLORINE OR QUATS SANITIZER TESTING DEVICES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS, SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
54GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED−2
OBSERVED DEBRIS AROUND DUMPSTER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED DEBRIS ON FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS IN UTILITY AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−80 pts

Risk factor bonus (3× +5)−15 pts

May 24

Canvass InspectionPass w/ Conditions

2 High1 Basic

3 total

78/100inspection score

−22 pts

High Priority (2)

−20 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
No hand paper towels provided to kitchen hand wash sink, instructed to provide. Priority foundation violation 7-38-030(c).
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
Obstructed hand wash sink at prep kitchen, utensils, knives, scouring pads and cutting board placed on top of hands sink, instructed manager to keep hand sink free from any obstruction. Priority foundation violation 7-38-030(C).

Basic (1)

−2 pts

48WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS−2
No drain boards provided to 3-comp sink, instructed to install.

Base deductions−22 pts

Jun 23

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionCleanPass

No violations

100/100inspection score

Jun 23

Canvass InspectionFail

1 High1 Med4 Basic

6 total1 risk factor

72/100inspection score

−23 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

5PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTSRisk Factor−10
OBSERVED NO WRITTEN PROCEDURES OR SUPPLIES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING OR DIARRHEAL EVENTS. SUPPLIES MUST INCLUDE ADEQUATE SANITIZER THAT ELIMINATES NOROVIRUS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO PROVIDE CLEAN-UP POLICY AND SUPPLIES TO HANDLE BODILY FLUID SPILLS ON SITE PROPERLY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED NO CURRENT PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK ON THE PREMISES. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE THAT A LICENSED PEST CONTROL COMPANY AND OPERATOR MUST PROVIDE AT LEAST 2 PEST INSPECTIONS A YEAR, AND THE REPORTS MUST BE MAINTAINED IN THE LOG BOOK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A CURRENT PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK AND PEST INSPECTION REPORTS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(C). CITATION ISSUED.

Basic (4)

−8 pts

48WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS−2
OBSERVED FACILITY WITHOUT A CHLORINE CHEMICAL TEST KIT FOR SANITIZER OR WARE WASHING AREA. AN INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE OF A TEST KIT THAT ACCURATELY MEASURES THE CONCENTRATION IN MG/L OF SANITIZING SOLUTION MUST BE PROVIDED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED AN ACCUMULATION OF DIRT/DUST BUILDUP ON THE TOILET ROOM EXHAUST VENTILATION. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
OBSERVED NO PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN RECORDS AT ALL TIMES.
60PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
OBSERVED CONTINUED NON-COMPLIANCE FROM REPORT #2563323 CONDUCTED ON 9/08/22. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED: (#39) FOUND HANDWASHING SINK DIRECTLY NEXT TO 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. FOUND NO BARRIER BETWEEN THE PREP TABLE AND THE HANDWASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE SPLASH GUARD TO PREVENT MISCELLANEOUS SOURCES OF CONTAMINATION. MUST CORRECT CORE VIOLATIONS BY THE DATE ON THE REPORT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.

Base deductions−23 pts

Risk factor bonus (1× +5)−5 pts

Sep 22

License InspectionPass

2 Basic

2 total

96/100inspection score

−4 pts

Basic (2)

−4 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
FOUND HANDWASHING SINK DIRECTLY NEXT TO 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. FOUND NO BARRIER BETWEEN PREP TABLE AND HANDWASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE SPLASH GUARD TO PREVENT MISCELLANEOUS SOURCES OF CONTAMINATION.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
FOUND NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS.

Base deductions−4 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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