What is Jerk Yard's health inspection score?

Jerk Yard has a SafeDine safety score of 60 out of 100 (Grade C). This score is calculated from official government health inspection data, factoring in violation severity, recency, and trends.

When was Jerk Yard last inspected?

Jerk Yard was last inspected on January 16, 2026. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does Jerk Yard have?

Jerk Yard has 49 total violations across 6 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is Jerk Yard safe to eat at?

Jerk Yard has a safety score of 60/100, which suggests room for improvement. Review the detailed inspection history on SafeDine for more information.

What type of cuisine does Jerk Yard serve?

Jerk Yard serves American cuisine. Visit their SafeDine page for safety scores, inspection history, and more details.

Official Health Record

Jerk Yard

Name: Jerk Yard
Address: 1310 E 53RD ST, Chicago, 60615
Rating: 60

1310 E 53RD ST, Chicago

Last Inspected: 1/16/2026

▲Improving

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0Fair

American•Hyde Park

Ranked #165 of 245 in Hyde ParkBetter than 17% of american restaurants

Improving

6 inspections

Last: Jan 16, 2026

high confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

Clean Rate

8.2

Avg Violations

3 months ago

Last Inspected

Top Concerns

Most common issues from recent inspections

Temperature controlHigh Priority

Food not kept at safe temperatures — risk of bacterial growth

Cross-contamination

Raw and cooked foods not properly separated

HandwashingHigh Priority

Employees not properly washing hands — contamination risk

Pest issuesHigh Priority

Evidence of pests found during inspection

Employee hygiene

Personal hygiene practices not followed

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-40

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-3 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-4 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-7 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Inspection Timeline

+46 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

1310 E 53RD ST, Chicago, IL 60615

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Violation Timeline

May 2024

1 inspections

2 basic

May

Mar 2025

1 inspections

4 basic

Sep 2025

2 inspections

6 high priority

5 intermediate

20 basic

Sep

Jan 2026

2 inspections

4 high priority

2 intermediate

6 basic

Inspection History

6 records on file

1 Canvass Re-Inspection2 Complaint1 Complaint Re-Inspection1 Canvass1 License

Jan 26

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionLatestPass

2 Basic

2 total

96/100inspection score

−4 pts

Basic (2)

−4 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
4-101.19 OBSERVED MILK CRATES BEING USED AS SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE SHELVING THAT IS 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND PROVIDES FLOOR ACCESSIBILITY TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FACILITY CLEANING.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
4-601.11(B) OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP ON COOKING EQUIPMENT, WALLS, SURROUNDING FLOORS AND SHELVING UNITS IN THE KITCHEN/PREP AREAS.OBSERVED AN EXCESSIVEAMOUNT OF DEBRIS ON THE FLOOR/WALLS/CEILING OF THE WALK IN FREEZER AND COOLER. MUST REMOVE EXCESS ICE, DETAIL CLEAN, DEGREASE SANITZE AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−4 pts

Jan 26

Complaint InspectionFail

4 High2 Med4 Basic

10 total3 risk factors

27/100inspection score

−58 pts

High Priority (4)

−40 pts

1PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIESRisk Factor−10
OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH VALID CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE.
2CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATERisk Factor−10
OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED, HANDLED AND SERVED SUCH AS (CHICKEN, RICE, BEANS, FISH, AND SHRIMP) MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
3MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTINGRisk Factor−10
OBSERVED BLANK COPIES OF EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO MAINTAIN POLICY WITH VERIFIABLE SIGNED COPIES ON SITE FOR ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES IN ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF REPORTING AGREEMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-010.
33PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL−10
OBSERVED FACILITY EQUIPMENT FOR COLD HOLDING IN DISREPAIR. NOTED WALK IN COOLER TO BE AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE AT 64F. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR OR REPLACE FOR PROPER COLD HOLDING OF 41 DEGREES F OR BELOW. TAGGED UNIT. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

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 30LBS OF OXTAILS AT 62.2F AND 20LBS OF CHICKEN AT 63.3F. MANAGER DISCARDED AND DENATURED A TOTAL 60LBS AT $300. ALL COLD TCS FOOD MUST MAINTAIN 41F OR BELOW . PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED OVER 75 MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED ON SHELVES UNDER FRONT COUNTER, ON FLOOR ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS, BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT, SINKS, WATER HEATER IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. ADVISED MANAGER TO CALL AN EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED

Basic (4)

−8 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED MILK CRATES BEING USED AS SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE SHELVING THAT IS 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND PROVIDES FLOOR ACCESSIBILITY TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FACILITY CLEANING.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP ON COOKING EQUIPMENT, WALLS, SURROUNDING FLOORS AND SHELVING UNITS IN THE KITCHEN/PREP AREAS.OBSERVED AN EXCESSIVEAMOUNT OF DEBRIS ON THE FLOOR/WALLS/CEILING OF THE WALK IN FREEZER AND COOLER. MUST REMOVE EXCESS ICE, DETAIL CLEAN, DEGREASE SANITZE AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP, FOOD DEBRIS, AND DIRT ON FLOOR UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP, DISH WASHING, STORAGE AND BASEMENT AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN ALL AREAS. OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON FAN IN WALK-IN COOLER, LIGHT SHIELDS IN COOKING AREA AND CEILING AND WALL VENTS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL FANS, LIGHT SHIELDS AND CEILING/WALL VENTS.
60PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED IN SPECIFIED TIME FRAME PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION FROM REPORT #2623432 ON 9/8/2025 WERE NOT CORRECTED: #40 2-402.11: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS. #57 2-102.13: OBSERVED MISSING FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. ALL EMPLOYEES HANDLING FOOD AND EQUIPMENT MUST PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. #58 2-102.13: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CERTIFIED MANAGER. ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.

Base deductions−58 pts

Risk factor bonus (3× +5)−15 pts

Sep 25

Complaint Re-Inspection InspectionPass w/ Conditions

2 High1 Med9 Basic

12 total2 risk factors

47/100inspection score

−43 pts

High Priority (2)

−20 pts

1PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIESRisk Factor−10
OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH VALID CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DESIGNATE PERSON IN CHARGE DURING ALL HOURS OF OPERATION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION
2CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATERisk Factor−10
1.11 Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE OR VALID CERTIFICATE POSTED WHEN TCS FOOD PREPARED AND SERVED. A CHICAGO FOOD SANITAITON MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AND VALID CERTIFICATE POSTED AT ALL TIMES TCS FOOD PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED 1/4" GAP AT BOTTOM OF FRONT AND REAR DOORS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS ON DOORS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.

Basic (9)

−18 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
OBSERVED NO SPLASH GUARD ON LEFT SIDE OF REAR HAND WASHING SINK NEAR PREP SINK. INSRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
40PERSONAL CLEANLINESS−2
OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS.
41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF SHELVING UNITS, HOLDING UNITS, PREP TABLES, COOKING EQUIPMENT, ROLLING CARTS, COOLERS, FREEZER INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED DIRT AND DEBRIS ON WALLS AND FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS IN ALL AREAS. OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON CEILING VENTS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED UNUSED ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT IN FRONT COUNTER, PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ARTICLES TO PREVENT PESY HARBORAGE
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP INSIDE VENTILATION HOOD. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
OBSERVED MISSING FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. ALL EMPLOYEES HANDLING FOOD AND EQUIPMENT MUST PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CERTIFIED MANAGER. ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING.

Base deductions−43 pts

Risk factor bonus (2× +5)−10 pts

Sep 25

Complaint InspectionFail

4 High4 Med11 Basic

19 total2 risk factors

8/100inspection score

−82 pts

High Priority (4)

−40 pts

1PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIESRisk Factor−10
OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH VALID CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DESIGNATE PERSON IN CHARGE DURING ALL HOURS OF OPERATION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION
2CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATERisk Factor−10
OBSERVED NO CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE OR VALID CERTIFICATE POSTED WHEN TCS FOOD PREPARED AND SERVED. A CHICAGO FOOD SANITAITON MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AND VALID CERTIFICATE POSTED AT ALL TIMES TCS FOOD PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED REAR HAND WASHING SINK NOT ACCESSIBLE AND IN POOR REPAIR, WATER DRAINING ON FLOOR WHEN IN USE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED
33PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL−10
OBSERVED WALK-IN COOLER NOT MAINTAINING PROPER TEMPERATURE 47.8F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN COOLER AT 41F OR BELOW. COOLER IS TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION AND MUST NOT BE USED UNTIL REINSPECTED BY CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH. PRIORITY 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED

Intermediate (4)

−20 pts

22PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES−5
OBSERVED CHICKEN STORED AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER 51.6F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DISCARD. ALL COLD FOOD MUST MAINTAIN 41F OR BELOW. PRIORITY 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED OVER 100 MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED ON SHELVES UNDER FRONT COUNTER, ON FLOOR ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS, BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT, SINKS, WATER HEATER IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS.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
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED DEAD MOUSE ON GLUE BOARD UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE.
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED 1/4" GAP AT BOTTOM OF FRONT AND REAR DOORS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS ON DOORS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.

Basic (11)

−22 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
OBSERVED NO SPLASH GUARD ON LEFT SIDE OF REAR HAND WASHING SINK NEAR PREP SINK. INSRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
40PERSONAL CLEANLINESS−2
OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS.
41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.
48WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS−2
OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL TEST KIT AVAILABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE TEST KIT FOR PROPER CONCENTRATION IN SANITIZING SOLUTIONS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF SHELVING UNITS, HOLDING UNITS, PREP TABLES, COOKING EQUIPMENT, ROLLING CARTS, COOLERS, FREEZER INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED DIRT AND DEBRIS ON WALLS AND FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS IN ALL AREAS. OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON CEILING VENTS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED UNUSED ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT IN FRONT COUNTER, PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ARTICLES TO PREVENT PESY HARBORAGE.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP INSIDE VENTILATION HOOD. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
OBSERVED MISSING FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. ALL EMPLOYEES HANDLING FOOD AND EQUIPMENT MUST PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CERTIFIED MANAGER. ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING.
60PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2613202 ON 3-5-25:51-OBSERVED A LEAKY PIPE UNDERNEATH THE FRONT HAND SINK AND A LEAK AT THE FAUCET AT THE 3 COMP SINK. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED

Base deductions−82 pts

Risk factor bonus (2× +5)−10 pts

Mar 25

Canvass InspectionPass

4 Basic

4 total

92/100inspection score

−8 pts

Basic (4)

−8 pts

49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
MUST CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE WALK IN COOLERS(SHELVING,FLOORS AND WALL) TO REMOVE SPILLS AND DEBRIS.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE EXTERIOR OF THE COOKING EQUIPMENT.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
OBSERVED A LEAKY PIPE UNDERNEATH THE FRONT HAND SINK AND A LEAK AT THE FAUCET AT THE 3 COMP SINK. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE FLOORS AND WALLS THROUGH OUT AND POP STORAGE AREA IN THE REAR.

Base deductions−8 pts

May 24

License InspectionPass

2 Basic

2 total

96/100inspection score

−4 pts

Basic (2)

−4 pts

57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL FOOD HANDLERS OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTFICATES.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING.

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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