What is Lem's Bar-b-q's health inspection score?

Lem's Bar-b-q has a SafeDine safety score of 65 out of 100 (Grade C). This score is calculated from official government health inspection data, factoring in violation severity, recency, and trends.

When was Lem's Bar-b-q last inspected?

Lem's Bar-b-q was last inspected on September 12, 2025. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does Lem's Bar-b-q have?

Lem's Bar-b-q has 29 total violations across 5 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is Lem's Bar-b-q safe to eat at?

Lem's Bar-b-q has a safety score of 65/100, which suggests room for improvement. Review the detailed inspection history on SafeDine for more information.

Official Health Record

Lem's Bar-b-q

Name: Lem's Bar-b-q
Address: 311 E 75TH ST, Chicago, 60619
Rating: 65

311 E 75TH ST, Chicago

Last Inspected: 9/12/2025

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0Fair

Chicago

Ranked #960 of 1000 in Chicago

Stable

5 inspections

Last: Sep 12, 2025

medium confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

Clean Rate

5.8

Avg Violations

7 months ago

Last Inspected

Top Concerns

Most common issues from recent inspections

Cross-contamination

Raw and cooked foods not properly separated

HandwashingHigh Priority

Employees not properly washing hands — contamination risk

Pest issues

Evidence of pests found during inspection

Plumbing issues

Plumbing or waste disposal problems

Other violation

Regulatory compliance issue

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-35

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-8 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-7 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-9 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Freshness Penalty

-3 pts

Score reduced due to stale inspection data

Inspection Timeline

-3 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

311 E 75TH ST, Chicago, IL 60619

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Violation Timeline

Sep 2023

1 inspections

2 intermediate

4 basic

Sep

Apr 2024

1 inspections

4 basic

Apr 2025

1 inspections

4 basic

Apr

Sep 2025

2 inspections

2 high priority

4 intermediate

9 basic

Inspection History

5 records on file

1 Complaint Re-Inspection2 Complaint2 Canvass

Sep 25

Complaint Re-Inspection InspectionLatestPass

1 High1 Med4 Basic

6 total

77/100inspection score

−23 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGN AT HAND WASHING SINK IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGN AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS USED BY EMPLOYEES.

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS NOT LABELED IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO LABEL ALL BULK CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME OF FOOD.

Basic (4)

−8 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON VENTILATION FAN INSIDE WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
OBSERVED MISSING FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES. ALL EMPLOYEES HANDLING FOOD AND/OR EQUIPMENT MUST PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CERTIFIED MANAGER ON DUTY. ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING.

Base deductions−23 pts

Sep 25

Complaint InspectionFail

1 High3 Med5 Basic

9 total

65/100inspection score

−35 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGN AT HAND WASHING SINK IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGN AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS USED BY EMPLOYEES.

Intermediate (3)

−15 pts

37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS NOT LABELED IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO LABEL ALL BULK CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME OF FOOD.
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED NUMEROUS FLYING INSECTS LANDING ON BARBECUE SAUCE, HOT SAUCE, SPICE CONTAINERS AND SINGLE SERVICE PANS IN REAR STORAGE AREA. 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 1/2" GAP ON BOTTOM OF REAR OUTER SCREEN DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS ON DOOR TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.

Basic (5)

−10 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON VENTILATION FAN INSIDE WASHROOM AND WALLS IN REAR PREP/DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
OBSERVED MISSING FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES. ALL EMPLOYEES HANDLING FOOD AND/OR EQUIPMENT MUST PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CERTIFIED MANAGER ON DUTY. ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING.
60PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2615438 ON 4-9-25 47-FRONT HAND WASHING SINK NEEDS A PARTITIONER/SPLASH GUARD TO PREVENT SPLASHING ONTO THE PREP TABLE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A PARTITIONER/SPLASH GUARD OR RELOCATE PREP TABLE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED

Base deductions−35 pts

Apr 25

Canvass InspectionPass

4 Basic

4 total

92/100inspection score

−8 pts

Basic (4)

−8 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
FRONT HAND WASHING SINK NEEDS A PARTITIONER/SPLASH GUARD TO PREVENT SPLASHING ONTO THE PREP TABLE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A PARTITIONER/SPLASH GUARD OR RELOCATE PREP TABLE.
52SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED−2
THE AIR CONDITIONER DRAIN TUBES ARE IN THE FIRST COMPARTMENT OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REROUTE TUBES TO A FLOOR DRAIN AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
VENT COVER ABOVE THE AIR CONDITIONER IS MISSING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
FLOORS AROUND THE HOT WATER TANK, GREASE TRAPS AND SINKS WITH DIRT/DEBRIS BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS.

Base deductions−8 pts

Apr 24

Canvass 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.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED THE FLOORS AROUND THE HOT WATER TANK, GREASE TRAPS AND SINKS WITH DIRT/DEBRIS BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLER WITH NO PROOF THEY MET THE FOOD HANDLER'S REQUIREMENTS. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN A CURRENT CERTIFICATE AT ALL TIMES.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
OBSERVED THE CFM ON DUTY WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN A CURRENT CERTIFICATE AT ALL TIMES.

Base deductions−8 pts

Sep 23

Complaint InspectionPass

2 Med4 Basic

6 total

82/100inspection score

−18 pts

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
OBSERVED A BULK DRY INGREDIENT CONTAINER STORED ON THE SHELVING UNIT UNDER THE FOOD PREP TABLE; IN THE DISHWASHING AREA NOT LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL INGREDIENTS WITH ITS COMMON NAME WHEN TAKEN OUT OF ITS ORIGINAL PACKAGING AND MAINTAIN.
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED THE SECURITY DOOR AT THE REAR DISHWASHING/ FOOD PREP AREA NOT RODENT PROOF AT THE BOTTOM. INSTRUCTED TO RODENT PROOF SAID DOOR AND MAINTAIN.

Basic (4)

−8 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
OBSERVED CUPS STORED IN THE DRY INGREDIENT STORAGE CONTAINER AT THE REAR DISHWASHING/FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO USE UTENSILS WITH HANDLES TO TRANSFER INGREDIENTS AND MAINTAIN.
41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLER USING A TOWEL TO TRANSFER READY TO EAT FOOD FROM THE GRILL TO THE FOOD PREP TABLE AND THEN USING THE TOWEL TO WIPE THE MEAT AREA. THE TOWEL DID NOT HAVE ANY CHEMICAL SOLUTION ON IT. INSTRUCTED TO REFRAIN FROM UTILIZING WIPING CLOTHES TO TRANSFER READY TO EAT FOODS. THE TOWEL WAS DISCARDED AT THIS TIME.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED THE FLOOR NEXT TO THE HOT WATER TANK AND THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK WITH FOOD DEBRIS AND NOT MAINTAINED. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN SAID FLOOR.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
OBSERVED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ON DUTY WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.

Base deductions−18 pts

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Community Safety Reports

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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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