What is Joe Louis Southern Kitchen's health inspection score?

Joe Louis Southern Kitchen has a SafeDine safety score of 19 out of 100 (Grade C). This score is calculated from official government health inspection data, factoring in violation severity, recency, and trends.

When was Joe Louis Southern Kitchen last inspected?

Joe Louis Southern Kitchen was last inspected on February 27, 2026. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does Joe Louis Southern Kitchen have?

Joe Louis Southern Kitchen has 61 total violations across 8 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is Joe Louis Southern Kitchen safe to eat at?

Joe Louis Southern Kitchen has a safety score of 19/100, which suggests room for improvement. Review the detailed inspection history on SafeDine for more information.

What type of cuisine does Joe Louis Southern Kitchen serve?

Joe Louis Southern Kitchen serves Soul Food cuisine. Visit their SafeDine page for safety scores, inspection history, and more details.

Official Health Record

Joe Louis Southern Kitchen

Name: Joe Louis Southern Kitchen
Address: 6549 WOODWARD AVE, Detroit, 48202
Rating: 19

6549 WOODWARD AVE, Detroit

Last Inspected: 2/27/2026

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0Poor

Soul Food•New Center

Ranked #35 of 90 in New CenterBetter than 51% of soul food restaurants

Declining

9 inspections

Last: Feb 27, 2026

high confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

Clean Rate

6.8

Avg Violations

1 month ago

Last Inspected

Top Concerns

Most common issues from recent inspections

Temperature controlHigh Priority

Food not kept at safe temperatures — risk of bacterial growth

11x

Cross-contaminationHigh Priority

Raw and cooked foods not properly separated

HandwashingHigh Priority

Employees not properly washing hands — contamination risk

Pest issues

Evidence of pests found during inspection

Sanitation

Equipment or surfaces not properly cleaned/sanitized

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-81

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-0 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-16 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-13 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Inspection Timeline

-39 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

6549 WOODWARD AVE, Detroit, MI 48202

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Violation Timeline

Oct 2021

1 inspections

3 high priority

1 basic

Oct

Apr 2022

1 inspections

2 basic

Nov 2022

1 inspections

1 intermediate

4 basic

Nov

May 2023

1 inspections

1 high priority

2 basic

Nov 2023

1 inspections

1 high priority

7 basic

Nov

Jul 2024

1 inspections

4 high priority

6 basic

Feb 2025

1 inspections

1 high priority

2 intermediate

1 basic

Feb

Aug 2025

1 inspections

2 high priority

2 intermediate

3 basic

Feb 2026

1 inspections

4 high priority

4 intermediate

10 basic

Feb

Inspection History

9 records on file

9 Routine Inspection

Feb 26

Routine Inspection InspectionLatest

4 High4 Med10 Basic

18 total4 risk factors

0/100inspection score

−80 pts

High Priority (4)

−40 pts

5-402.11Except as otherwise allowed, a direct connection may not exist between the SEWAGE system and a drain originating from EQUIPMENT in which FOOD, portable EQUIPMENT, or UTENSILS are placed. (P) Risk Factor−10
7-201.11POISONOUS OR TOXIC MATERIAL shall be stored so they can not contaminate FOOD, EQUIPMENT, UTENSILS, LINENS, AND SINGLE-SERVICE AND SINGLE-USE ARTICLES by: (A) Separating the POISONOUS OR TOXIC MATERIAL by spacing or partitioning; (P) and (B) Locating the POISONOUS OR TOXIC MATERIAL in an area that is not above FOOD, EQUIPMENT, UTENSILS, LINENS, AND SINGLE-SERVICE AND SINGLE-USE ARTICLES. This paragraph does not apply to EQUIPMENT and UTENSIL cleaners and sanitizers that are stored in WARRisk Factor−10
3-302.11(A) FOOD shall be protected from cross contamination by: (1) Except as specified in (1)(c) below, separating raw animal FOODS during storage, preparation, holding, and display from: (a) Raw READY-TO-EAT FOOD including other raw animal FOOD such as FISH for sushi or MOLLUSCAN SHELLFISH, or other raw READY-TO-EAT FOOD such as fruits and vegetables,(P) and (b) Cooked READY-TO-EAT FOOD; (P) (c) Frozen, commercially processed and packaged raw animal FOOD may be stored or displaRisk Factor−10
4-602.11(A) Equipment FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES and UTENSILS shall be cleaned: (1) Except as specified in ¶ (B) of this section, before each use with a different type of raw animal FOOD such as beef, FISH, lamb, pork, or POULTRY; (P) (2) Each time there is a change from working with raw FOODS to working with READY-TO-EAT FOODS; (P) (3) Between uses with raw fruits and vegetables and with POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD (TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD); (P) (4) Before usingRisk Factor−10

Intermediate (4)

−20 pts

7-202.11(A) Only those POISONOUS OR TOXIC MATERIALS that are required for the operation and maintenance of a FOOD ESTABLISHMENT, such as for the cleaning and SANITIZING of EQUIPMENT and UTENSILS and the control of insects and rodents, shall be allowed in a FOOD ESTABLISHMENT. (Pf) (B) Paragraph (A) of this section does not apply to PACKAGED POISONOUS OR TOXIC MATERIALS that are for retail sale.−5
6-301.12Each HANDWASHING SINK or group of adjacent HANDWASHING SINKS shall be provided with: (A) Individual, disposable towels; (Pf) (B) A continuous towel system that supplies the user with a clean towel;(Pf) or (C) A heated-air hand drying device.(Pf) (D) A hand drying device that employs an air-knife system that delivers high velocity pressurized air at ambient temperatures.(Pf) −5
6-301.11Each HANDWASHING SINK or group of 2 adjacent HANDWASHING SINKS shall be provided with a supply of hand cleaning liquid, powder, or bar soap. (Pf) −5
5-205.11(A) A HANDWASHING SINK shall be maintained so that it is accessible at all times for EMPLOYEE use and used for no other purpose. (Pf) (B) An automatic handwashing facility shall be used in accordance with manufacturer's instructions. (Pf) −5

Basic (10)

−20 pts

5-205.15A PLUMBING SYSTEM shall be: (A) Repaired according to LAW; (P) and (B) Maintained in good repair. −2
4-903.11Cleaned EQUIPMENT and UTENSILS, laundered LINENS, and SINGLE-SERVICE and SINGLE-USE ARTICLES shall be stored in an approved manner and location. −2
4-602.13NonFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES of EQUIPMENT shall be cleaned at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil residues. −2
6-501.16After use, mops shall be placed in a position that allows them to air-dry without soiling walls, EQUIPMENT, or supplies. −2
4-501.11EQUIPMENT shall be maintained in a state of repair and condition that meets the requirements of the code. −2
3-305.11FOOD shall be protected from contamination by storing the FOOD: (1) In a clean, dry location; (2) Where it is not exposed to splash, dust, or other contamination; and (3) At least 15 cm (6 inches) above the floor, unless otherwise approved. −2
6-501.18PLUMBING FIXTURES such as HANDWASHING SINKS, toilets, and urinals shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean. −2
6-501.12(A) PHYSICAL FACILITIES shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean. (B) Except spill cleanup, cleaning shall be done during periods when the least amount of FOOD is exposed such as after closing. −2
6-501.11PHYSICAL FACILITIES shall be maintained in good repair. −2
6-403.11(A) Areas designated for EMPLOYEES to eat, drink, and use tobacco shall be located so that FOOD, EQUIPMENT, LINENS, and SINGLE-SERVICE and SINGLE-USE ARTICLES are protected from contamination. (B) Lockers or other suitable facilities shall be located in a designated room or area where contamination of FOOD, EQUIPMENT, UTENSILS, LINENS, and SINGLE-SERVICE and SINGLE-USE ARTICLES can not occur. −2

Base deductions−80 pts

Risk factor bonus (4× +5)−20 pts

Aug 25

Routine Inspection Inspection

2 High2 Med3 Basic

7 total2 risk factors

54/100inspection score

−36 pts

High Priority (2)

−20 pts

3-501.16Except during preparation, cooking, or cooling, or when time is used as the public health control POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD (TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD) shall be maintained: (A) 135ºF or above, except that roasts properly cooked and cooled may be held at a temperature of 130ºF; or (P) (B) At 41ºF or less (P) Risk Factor−10
5-202.13An air gap between the water supply inlet and the flood level rim of the PLUMBING FIXTURE, EQUIPMENT, or nonFOOD EQUIPMENT shall be at least twice the diameter of the water supply inlet and may not be less than 1 inch. (P) Risk Factor−10

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

4-302.14A test kit or other device that accurately measures the concentration in mg/L of SANITIZING solutions shall be provided. (Pf) −5
5-205.11(A) A HANDWASHING SINK shall be maintained so that it is accessible at all times for EMPLOYEE use and used for no other purpose. (Pf) (B) An automatic handwashing facility shall be used in accordance with manufacturer's instructions. (Pf) −5

Basic (3)

−6 pts

4-903.11Cleaned EQUIPMENT and UTENSILS, laundered LINENS, and SINGLE-SERVICE and SINGLE-USE ARTICLES shall be stored in an approved manner and location. −2
4-204.11Exhaust ventilation hood systems in FOOD preparation and WAREWASHING areas including components such as hoods, fans, guards, and ducting shall be designed to prevent grease or condensation from draining or dripping onto FOOD, EQUIPMENT, UTENSILS, LINENS, and SINGLE-SERVICE and SINGLE-USE ARTICLES. −2
6-501.12(A) PHYSICAL FACILITIES shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean. (B) Except spill cleanup, cleaning shall be done during periods when the least amount of FOOD is exposed such as after closing. −2

Base deductions−36 pts

Risk factor bonus (2× +5)−10 pts

Feb 25

Routine Inspection Inspection

1 High2 Med1 Basic

4 total1 risk factor

73/100inspection score

−22 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

3-302.11(A) FOOD shall be protected from cross contamination by: (1) Except as specified in (1)(c) below, separating raw animal FOODS during storage, preparation, holding, and display from: (a) Raw READY-TO-EAT FOOD including other raw animal FOOD such as FISH for sushi or MOLLUSCAN SHELLFISH, or other raw READY-TO-EAT FOOD such as fruits and vegetables,(P) and (b) Cooked READY-TO-EAT FOOD; (P) (c) Frozen, commercially processed and packaged raw animal FOOD may be stored or displaRisk Factor−10

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

6-301.11Each HANDWASHING SINK or group of 2 adjacent HANDWASHING SINKS shall be provided with a supply of hand cleaning liquid, powder, or bar soap. (Pf) −5
6-301.12Each HANDWASHING SINK or group of adjacent HANDWASHING SINKS shall be provided with: (A) Individual, disposable towels; (Pf) (B) A continuous towel system that supplies the user with a clean towel;(Pf) or (C) A heated-air hand drying device.(Pf) (D) A hand drying device that employs an air-knife system that delivers high velocity pressurized air at ambient temperatures.(Pf) −5

Basic (1)

−2 pts

3-302.12Except for containers holding FOOD that can be readily and unmistakably recognized such as dry pasta, working containers holding FOOD or FOOD ingredients that are removed from their original packages for use in the FOOD ESTABLISHMENT, such as cooking oils, flour, herbs, potato flakes, salt, spices, and sugar shall be identified with the common name of the FOOD.−2

Base deductions−22 pts

Risk factor bonus (1× +5)−5 pts

Jul 24

Routine Inspection Inspection

4 High6 Basic

10 total4 risk factors

28/100inspection score

−52 pts

High Priority (4)

−40 pts

3-302.11(A) FOOD shall be protected from cross contamination by: (1) Except as specified in (1)(c) below, separating raw animal FOODS during storage, preparation, holding, and display from: (a) Raw READY-TO-EAT FOOD including other raw animal FOOD such as FISH for sushi or MOLLUSCAN SHELLFISH, or other raw READY-TO-EAT FOOD such as fruits and vegetables,(P) and (b) Cooked READY-TO-EAT FOOD; (P) (c) Frozen, commercially processed and packaged raw animal FOOD may be stored or displaRisk Factor−10
2-301.14FOOD EMPLOYEES shall clean their hands and exposed portions of their arms as specified under § 2-301.12 immediately before engaging in FOOD preparation including working with exposed FOOD, clean EQUIPMENT and UTENSILS, and unwrapped SINGLE-SERVICE and SINGLE-USE ARTICLES (P) and: (A) After touching bare human body parts other than clean hands and clean, exposed portions of arms; (P) (B) After using the toilet room; (P) (C) After caring for or handling SERVICE ANIMALS or aquatic anRisk Factor−10
3-501.16Except during preparation, cooking, or cooling, or when time is used as the public health control POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD (TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD) shall be maintained: (A) 135ºF or above, except that roasts properly cooked and cooled may be held at a temperature of 130ºF; or (P) (B) At 41ºF or less (P) Risk Factor−10
3-501.16Except during preparation, cooking, or cooling, or when time is used as the public health control POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD (TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD) shall be maintained: (A) 135ºF or above, except that roasts properly cooked and cooled may be held at a temperature of 130ºF; or (P) (B) At 41ºF or less (P) Risk Factor−10

Basic (6)

−12 pts

4-501.11EQUIPMENT shall be maintained in a state of repair and condition that meets the requirements of the code. −2
4-502.11(A) UTENSILS shall be maintained in a state of repair or condition that complies with the requirements specified under Parts 4-1 and 4-2 or shall be discarded. (B) FOOD TEMPERATURE MEASURING DEVICES shall be calibrated in accordance with manufacturer's specifications as necessary to ensure their accuracy. (Pf) (C) Ambient air temperature, water pressure, and water TEMPERATURE MEAURING DEVICES shall be maintained in good repair and be accurate within the intended range of use.−2
4-502.11(A) UTENSILS shall be maintained in a state of repair or condition that complies with the requirements specified under Parts 4-1 and 4-2 or shall be discarded. (B) FOOD TEMPERATURE MEASURING DEVICES shall be calibrated in accordance with manufacturer's specifications as necessary to ensure their accuracy. (Pf) (C) Ambient air temperature, water pressure, and water TEMPERATURE MEAURING DEVICES shall be maintained in good repair and be accurate within the intended range of use.−2
3-302.12Except for containers holding FOOD that can be readily and unmistakably recognized such as dry pasta, working containers holding FOOD or FOOD ingredients that are removed from their original packages for use in the FOOD ESTABLISHMENT, such as cooking oils, flour, herbs, potato flakes, salt, spices, and sugar shall be identified with the common name of the FOOD.−2
6-501.14(A) Intake and exhaust air ducts shall be cleaned and filters changed so they are not a source of contamination by dust, dirt, and other materials. (B) If vented to the outside, ventilation systems may not create a public health HAZARD or nuisance or unLAWful discharge. −2
3-501.13POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD (TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD) shall be thawed: Under refrigeration, or under cool running water (<70° F), or as part of cooking process, and total accumulated time above 41° F, for thawed portions, shall not exceed 4 hours. Any thawing procedure may be used for immediate service for individual consumers order of READY-TO-EAT foods. −2

Base deductions−52 pts

Risk factor bonus (4× +5)−20 pts

Nov 23

Routine Inspection Inspection

1 High7 Basic

8 total1 risk factor

71/100inspection score

−24 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

3-501.16Except during preparation, cooking, or cooling, or when time is used as the public health control POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD (TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD) shall be maintained: (A) 135ºF or above, except that roasts properly cooked and cooled may be held at a temperature of 130ºF; or (P) (B) At 41ºF or less (P) Risk Factor−10

Basic (7)

−14 pts

3-304.12During pauses in FOOD preparation or dispensing, UTENSILS shall be stored: (A) In the FOOD with their handles above the top of the FOOD and the container; (B) In FOOD that is not POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS with their handles above the top of the FOOD within containers or EQUIPMENT that can be closed, such as bins of sugar, flour, or cinnamon; (C) On a clean portion of the FOOD preparation table or cooking EQUIPMENT (D) In running water, such as dipper well. (E) In a clean, protected −2
3-305.11FOOD shall be protected from contamination by storing the FOOD: (1) In a clean, dry location; (2) Where it is not exposed to splash, dust, or other contamination; and (3) At least 15 cm (6 inches) above the floor, unless otherwise approved. −2
4-903.11Cleaned EQUIPMENT and UTENSILS, laundered LINENS, and SINGLE-SERVICE and SINGLE-USE ARTICLES shall be stored in an approved manner and location. −2
4-204.112(A) In a mechanically refrigerated or hot FOOD storage unit, the sensor of a TEMPERATURE MEASURING DEVICE shall be located to measure the air temperature in the warmest part of a mechanically refrigerated unit and in the coolest part of a hot FOOD storage unit. (B) Cold or hot holding EQUIPMENT used for POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD shall be designed to include and shall be equipped with at least one integral or permanently affixed TEMPERATURE MEASURING DEVICE that is located to allow easy viewin−2
4-602.12(A) The FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES of cooking and baking EQUIPMENT shall be cleaned at least every 24 hours. This section does not apply to hot oil cooking and filtering EQUIPMENT if it is cleaned as specified in Subparagraph 4-602.11(D)(6). (B) The cavities and door seals of microwave ovens shall be cleaned at least every 24 hours by using the manufacturer's recommended cleaning procedure.−2
6-501.12(A) PHYSICAL FACILITIES shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean. (B) Except spill cleanup, cleaning shall be done during periods when the least amount of FOOD is exposed such as after closing. −2
6-202.13Insect control devices that are used to electrocute or stun flying insects shall be designed to retain the insect within the device, shall not be located over a FOOD preparation area, and prevent contamination of exposed FOOD; clean EQUIPMENT,UTENSILS, and LINENS; and unwrapped SINGLE-SERVICE and SINGLE-USE ARTICLES. −2

Base deductions−24 pts

Risk factor bonus (1× +5)−5 pts

May 23

Routine Inspection Inspection

1 High2 Basic

3 total1 risk factor

81/100inspection score

−14 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

5-205.15A PLUMBING SYSTEM shall be: (A) Repaired according to LAW; (P) and (B) Maintained in good repair. Risk Factor−10

Basic (2)

−4 pts

4-501.11EQUIPMENT shall be maintained in a state of repair and condition that meets the requirements of the code. −2
6-501.12(A) PHYSICAL FACILITIES shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean. (B) Except spill cleanup, cleaning shall be done during periods when the least amount of FOOD is exposed such as after closing. −2

Base deductions−14 pts

Risk factor bonus (1× +5)−5 pts

Nov 22

Routine Inspection Inspection

1 Med4 Basic

5 total

87/100inspection score

−13 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

4-302.14A test kit or other device that accurately measures the concentration in mg/L of SANITIZING solutions shall be provided. (Pf) −5

Basic (4)

−8 pts

4-602.13NonFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES of EQUIPMENT shall be cleaned at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil residues. −2
4-602.12(A) The FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES of cooking and baking EQUIPMENT shall be cleaned at least every 24 hours. This section does not apply to hot oil cooking and filtering EQUIPMENT if it is cleaned as specified in Subparagraph 4-602.11(D)(6). (B) The cavities and door seals of microwave ovens shall be cleaned at least every 24 hours by using the manufacturer's recommended cleaning procedure.−2
6-303.11Light of the proper intensity shall be provided as specified. −2
5-205.15A PLUMBING SYSTEM shall be: (A) Repaired according to LAW; (P) and (B) Maintained in good repair. −2

Base deductions−13 pts

Apr 22

Routine Inspection Inspection

2 Basic

2 total

96/100inspection score

−4 pts

Basic (2)

−4 pts

4-602.12(A) The FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES of cooking and baking EQUIPMENT shall be cleaned at least every 24 hours. This section does not apply to hot oil cooking and filtering EQUIPMENT if it is cleaned as specified in Subparagraph 4-602.11(D)(6). (B) The cavities and door seals of microwave ovens shall be cleaned at least every 24 hours by using the manufacturer's recommended cleaning procedure.−2
4-602.13NonFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES of EQUIPMENT shall be cleaned at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil residues. −2

Base deductions−4 pts

Oct 21

Routine Inspection Inspection

3 High1 Basic

4 total3 risk factors

53/100inspection score

−32 pts

High Priority (3)

−30 pts

5-402.11Except as otherwise allowed, a direct connection may not exist between the SEWAGE system and a drain originating from EQUIPMENT in which FOOD, portable EQUIPMENT, or UTENSILS are placed. (P) Risk Factor−10
3-501.16Except during preparation, cooking, or cooling, or when time is used as the public health control POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD (TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD) shall be maintained: (A) 135ºF or above, except that roasts properly cooked and cooled may be held at a temperature of 130ºF; or (P) (B) At 41ºF or less (P) Risk Factor−10
2-201.11The PERMIT HOLDER shall require FOOD EMPLOYEE applicants and FOOD EMPLOYEES to report to the PERSON IN CHARGE, information about their health and activities as they relate to diseases that are transmissible through FOOD. AND report the information in a manner that allows the PERSON IN CHARGE to prevent the likelihood of foodborne disease transmission.(P) Risk Factor−10

Basic (1)

−2 pts

6-301.14A sign or poster that notifies FOOD EMPLOYEES to wash their hands shall be provided at all HANDWASHING SINKS used by FOOD EMPLOYEES and shall be clearly visible to FOOD EMPLOYEES. −2

Base deductions−32 pts

Risk factor bonus (3× +5)−15 pts

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Community Safety Reports

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Data source: Detroit Health Dept · 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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