What is The Original Uncle Johns Barbecue's health inspection score?

The Original Uncle Johns Barbecue 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 Original Uncle Johns Barbecue last inspected?

The Original Uncle Johns Barbecue was last inspected on March 16, 2026. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does The Original Uncle Johns Barbecue have?

The Original Uncle Johns Barbecue has 45 total violations across 12 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is The Original Uncle Johns Barbecue safe to eat at?

Yes, The Original Uncle Johns Barbecue 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 Original Uncle Johns Barbecue serve?

The Original Uncle Johns Barbecue serves Steakhouse cuisine. Visit their SafeDine page for safety scores, inspection history, and more details.

Official Health Record

The Original Uncle Johns Barbecue

Name: The Original Uncle Johns Barbecue
Address: 8247-8249 S COTTAGE GROVE AVE, Chicago, 60619
Rating: 100

8247-8249 S COTTAGE GROVE AVE, Chicago

Last Inspected: 3/16/2026

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0Excellent

Steakhouse•Chatham

Ranked #2 of 31 in ChathamBetter than 99% of steakhouse restaurants

Improving

9 inspections

Last: Mar 16, 2026

high confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

11%

Clean Rate

Avg Violations

2 months ago

Last Inspected

Top Concerns

Most common issues from recent inspections

HandwashingHigh Priority

Employees not properly washing hands — contamination risk

Cross-contamination

Raw and cooked foods not properly separated

Pest issues

Evidence of pests found during inspection

Other violationHigh Priority

Regulatory compliance issue

Facility condition

Building maintenance or structural issues

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-8

Final Score

100

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-3 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-2 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-2 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Inspection Timeline

+17 pts

100

Latest

100% weight

2nd

60% weight

3rd

30% weight

Real-time Score: 92/100 — This score includes today's freshness penalty and may differ slightly from the displayed score (100/100) 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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8247-8249 S COTTAGE GROVE AVE, Chicago, IL 60619

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Violation Timeline

Mar 2024

1 inspections

1 intermediate

7 basic

Mar

May 2024

1 inspections

4 basic

Jan 2025

1 inspections

5 basic

Jan

Mar 2025

1 inspections

5 basic

Aug 2025

2 inspections

2 high priority

2 intermediate

7 basic

Aug

Oct 2025

2 inspections

2 high priority

3 intermediate

7 basic

Mar 2026

1 inspections

Mar

Inspection History

9 records on file

5 Complaint2 Complaint Re-Inspection2 Short Form Complaint

Mar 26

Complaint InspectionLatestCleanPass

No violations

100/100inspection score

Oct 25

Complaint Re-Inspection InspectionPass

1 Basic

1 total

98/100inspection score

−2 pts

Basic (1)

−2 pts

55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED DEBRIS INSIDE FLOOR DRAINS AND ON FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−2 pts

Oct 25

Complaint InspectionFail

2 High3 Med6 Basic

11 total

53/100inspection score

−47 pts

High Priority (2)

−20 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED HAND WASHING SINK IN REAR PREP AREA FILLED WITH SOILED CLOTHS AND NOT ACCESSIBLE FOR HAND WASHING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL ITEMS FROM HAND WASHING SINK. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED NO SOAP AT REAR HAND WASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE SOAP AT HAND WASHING SINK FOR PROPER HAND WASHING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C)

Intermediate (3)

−15 pts

35APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED−5
OBSERVED CHICKEN IMPROPERLY THAWING IN 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO THAW UNDER COLD RUNNING WATER, UNDER REFRIGERATION OR PART OF COOKING PROCESS.
37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS NOT PROPERLY LABELED IN PREP, COOLER AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO LABEL ALL BULK CONTAINERS.
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED OVER 100 MICE DROPPINGS ON FLOOR ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS, UNDER FRONT COUNTER, BEHIND COOLERS, NEAR HAND WASHING SINKS, 3-COMPARMENT SINK, NEAR WATER HEATER, PIT, ON CUTTING BOARDS, MULTI-USE EQUIPMENT, ON PALLETS AND FLOOR ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS IN SECOND FLOOR STORAGE AREA. OBSERVED NUMEROUS FLYING INSECTS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALL AN EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS.PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED

Basic (6)

−12 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED IN SINKS AND ON PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED TO STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED ICE BUILDUP INSIDE WALK-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF FRYERS, PREP TABLES, COOKING EQUIPMENT, SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED DEBRIS INSIDE FLOOR DRAINS AND ON FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED UNUSED ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT IN SECOND FLOOR STORAGE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ARTICLES TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER STORE ITEMS SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALL FOR EASY CLEANING AND PEST CONTROL.

Base deductions−47 pts

Aug 25

Complaint Re-Inspection InspectionPass

2 Basic

2 total

96/100inspection score

−4 pts

Basic (2)

−4 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF FRYERS, PREP TABLES, COOKING EQUIPMENT, SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−4 pts

Aug 25

Complaint InspectionFail

2 High2 Med5 Basic

9 total1 risk factor

55/100inspection score

−40 pts

High Priority (2)

−20 pts

6PROPER EATING, TASTING, DRINKING, OR TOBACCO USERisk Factor−10
OBSERVED EMPLOYEES EATING IN FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE DESIGNATED AREA FOR EMPLOYEE MEALS OUTSIDE OF PREP AREA.
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGN AT FRONT HAND WASHING SINK. INSTUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGNS AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS USED BY EMPLOYEES.

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS NOT LABELED IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO LABEL ALL BULK CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME OF FOOD.
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED OVER 100 MICE DROPPINGS ON SHELVING UNITS, MULIT-UUSE EQUIPMENT, PALLETS ON FLOOR ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS IN FIRST FLOOR PREP AND SECOND FLOOR STORAGE AREAS. OBSERVED NUMEROUS FLYING INSECTS LANDING ON WALLS, PREP TABLES, BULK CONTAINERS, SHELVING UNITS IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALL AN EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED

Basic (5)

−10 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF FRYERS, PREP TABLES, COOKING EQUIPMENT, SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED OPENING IN FLOOR AROUND PIPE FITTING IN REAR AND MISSING GROUT ON TILES NEAR FRONT HAND WASHING SINK INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED DEBRIS ON FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
OBSERVED MISSING FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ALL EMPLOYEES.

Base deductions−40 pts

Risk factor bonus (1× +5)−5 pts

Mar 25

Short Form Complaint InspectionPass

5 Basic

5 total

90/100inspection score

−10 pts

Basic (5)

−10 pts

49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED DEEP FRYERS IN THE FRONT PREP AREA WITH GREASE AND DIRT BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FRYERS.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
STORAGE RACKS INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER AND IN THE FOOD PREP AREA WITH FOOD, DIRT AND DUST BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN STORAGE RACKS.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
THE HOT WATER FAUCET IN THE WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM LEAKS AT THE BASE. INSTRUCTED TO FIX AND MAINTAIN GOOD PLUMBING.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
FLOORS BY THE PIT IN THE FRONT PREP AREA ARE PITTED/DAMAGED. INSTRUCTED TO FIX AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE FLOORS. WALL TILE BY THE FRONT HAND WASHING SINK HAS A CRACK. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL/REGROUT AND MAINTAIN. -
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
WALLS BY THE FRONT HAND WASHING SINK WITH GREASE, DIRT AND DUST BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN WALLS. -FLOORS IN THE CORNERS, UNDER/AROUND THE HEAVY EQUIPMENT, SINKS AND INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER/FREEZER WITH FOOD, DIRT AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS.

Base deductions−10 pts

Jan 25

Complaint InspectionPass

5 Basic

5 total

90/100inspection score

−10 pts

Basic (5)

−10 pts

49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED DEEP FRYERS IN THE FRONT PREP AREA WITH GREASE AND DIRT BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FRYERS.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
STORAGE RACKS INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER AND IN THE FOOD PREP AREA WITH FOOD, DIRT AND DUST BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN STORAGE RACKS.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
THE HOT WATER FAUCET IN THE WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM LEAKS AT THE BASE. INSTRUCTED TO FIX AND MAINTAIN GOOD PLUMBING.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
FLOORS BY THE PIT IN THE FRONT PREP AREA ARE PITTED/DAMAGED. INSTRUCTED TO FIX AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE FLOORS. WALL TILE BY THE FRONT HAND WASHING SINK HAS A CRACK. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL/REGROUT AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
WALLS BY THE FRONT HAND WASHING SINK WITH GREASE, DIRT AND DUST BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN WALLS. -FLOORS IN THE CORNERS, UNDER/AROUND THE HEAVY EQUIPMENT, SINKS AND INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER/FREEZER WITH FOOD, DIRT AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS.

Base deductions−10 pts

May 24

Complaint InspectionPass

4 Basic

4 total

92/100inspection score

−8 pts

Basic (4)

−8 pts

41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS NOT PROPERLY STORED WHEN NOT IN USE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION (MUST BE AT THE REQUIRED PPM) WHEN NOT IN USE. MAINTAIN SAME
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED DEEP FRYERS IN THE FRONT PREP AREA WITH GREASE AND DIRT BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FRYERS.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED THE FLOOR DRAINS AND FLOORS IN THE CORNERS AND UNDER/AROUND ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT WITH FOOD AND CHARRED DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOOR DRAIN AND FLOORS.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN A CURRENT CERTIFICATE AT ALL TIMES.

Base deductions−8 pts

Mar 24

Short Form Complaint InspectionPass

1 Med7 Basic

8 total

81/100inspection score

−19 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
OBSERVED LARGE BULK INGREDIENT CONTAINERS NOT LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL AND MAINTAIN.

Basic (7)

−14 pts

41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS NOT PROPERLY STORED WHEN NOT IN USE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION (MUST BE AT THE REQUIRED PPM) WHEN NOT IN USE. MAINTAIN SAME
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED THE CAN OPENER WITH FOOD AND DIRT BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CAN OPENER.
48WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS−2
OBSERVED LARGE GARBAGE CANS BEING USED TO STORE SAUCE. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE THE INTERIOR/EXTERIOR OF CANS BY EITHER GETTING A 3-COMPARMENT SINK LARGE ENOUGH TO FULLY SUBMERGE THE CANS. BY USING SMALLER CONTAINERS THAT CAN BE FULLY SUBMERGED IN THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK OR IMPLEMENTING A CLEAN IN PLACE (CIP) PROCEDURE.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED THE INTERIOR/EXTERIOR OF THE PIT WITH CHARRED FOOD AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED THE STORAGE RACKS IN THE PREP AREAS WITH DIRT AND FOOD BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN STORAGE RACKS.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
OBSERVED A LEAK AT THE RIGHT FAUCET ON THE 3-COMP. SINK AND A LEAK AT THE BASE OF THE 2-COMP. SINK. INSTRUCTED TO FIX LEAKS AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED THE WALLS IN THE FOOD PREP AND DISH WASHING AREA WITH STAINED WALL TILES. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN TILED WALLS.

Base deductions−19 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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