RestaurantLicence 3651

Fat Johnnies Red Hots

7242 S Western Ave, Chicago 60636

Latest verdictPassOct 2, 2026 · 11 days ago

Inspections18since Jan 28, 2010

Fail rate16.7%3 of 18 verdictscitywide 22.4% · below average

City risk ratingMedium riskWhat this kind of business could do if it went wrong — not a grade it earned.

Read the pairs, not the count. A failure is normally followed within days by a re-inspection, and that re-inspection is a second row here. On the timeline below they sit almost on top of each other — one bad day, two marks.

The whole record

Pass61%
Conditional22%
Fail17%

18 inspections from 2010 to 2026 · hover a mark

201020132016201920222025

PassOct 2, 2026Canvass Re-InspectionRisk 2 (Medium)
FailSep 25, 2026CanvassRisk 2 (Medium)
1. 38
  Insects, rodents, & animals not present
  Back door not rodent proofed, gaps noted all around, instructed to repair and maintain.
2. 40
  Personal cleanliness
  Food handler not wearing hair restraint, instructed to wear.
3. 47
  Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
  Using tin cans to heat up food in, instructed to use proper container for food reheating.
4. 48
  Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
  3-comp sink not maintained, a hole noted at the side of right compartment. Using caulk to seal cracks, instructed to replace sink. Priority foundation violation 7-38-025.
5. 48
  Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
  No sanitizer test strips for chlorine on site, instructed to obtain. Priority foundation violation 7-38-025.
6. 49
  Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
  Prep tables and interior of cooler not clean, dirt and food debris noted. Instructed to clean and maintain.
7. 54
  Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
  Out side garbage not maintained, garbage receptacles not covered, trash on the ground , instructed to keep lids down and maintain surrounding dumpster area. Priority foundation violation 7-38-020(b).
8. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  Ceiling in poor repair, damaged sections, instructed to repair and maintain.
PassSep 9, 2024Canvass Re-InspectionRisk 2 (Medium)
1. 47
  Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
  4-501.11 inspector comments: observed interior cavity of small reach-in cooler to have several cracks and gaps between wall panels. Instructed to repair or replace small reach-in cooler and maintain all cold-holding equipment in good repair and proper adjustment.
2. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  6-501.11 inspector comments: observed ceiling panels improperly repaired near the exterior door, large gaps between panels. Instructed to repair or replace ceiling panels near exterior door and maintain all physical facilities in good repair.
FailAug 28, 2024CanvassRisk 2 (Medium)
1. 38
  Insects, rodents, & animals not present
  Observed incomplete pest control logbook on-site, not up-to-date (no service reports from 2023 or 2024). Instructed to provide updated pest control logbook with all required documentation as specified by law and maintain at all times. Priority foundation violation. 7-38-020(c) citation issued.
2. 47
  Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
  Observed interior cavity of small reach-in cooler to have several cracks and gaps between wall panels. Instructed to repair or replace small reach-in cooler and maintain all cold-holding equipment in good repair and proper adjustment.
3. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  Observed ceiling panels improperly repaired near the exterior door, large gaps between panels. Instructed to repair or replace ceiling panels near exterior door and maintain all physical facilities in good repair.
PassJun 26, 2023Short Form ComplaintRisk 2 (Medium)
1. 49
  Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
  Observed the interior of the refrigerator dirty. Must detail clean and maintain
2. 53
  Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
  Observed the toilet fixture dirty in the washroom. Must clean and maintain.
3. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  Premises needs detail cleaning through out to remove spills, debris and litter.
4. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  Observed the floor, wall, and ceiling in poor repair. Must seal all opening and holes. Also walls, and ceilings needs to be even, smooth, and easily cleanable.
ConditionalMay 3, 2023CanvassRisk 2 (Medium)
1. 1
  Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
  Person in charge has no city sanitation certified as required.
2. 2
  City of Chicago food service sanitation certificate
  Premises has no valid city of Chicago certified manager on duty nor a valid sanitation certificate posted as rquired while tcs foods are being prepared, handled and served such as chili and hot dogs. Instructed manager to comply or more citations will be issued. Priority foundation citation issued #7-38-012
3. 40
  Personal cleanliness
  Observed the food handlers not wearing hair restraint as required in the food prep area. Must provide and maintain.
4. 49
  Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
  Observed the interior of the refrigerator dirty. Must detail clean and maintain.
5. 51
  Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
  Observed leaks at the 3 comp sink faucet. Must repair and maintain.
6. 53
  Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
  Observed the toilet fixture dirty in the washroom. Must clean and maintain.
7. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  Observed the floor, wall, and ceiling in poor repair. Must seal all opening and holes. Also walls, and ceilings needs to be even, smooth, and easily cleanable.
8. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  Premises needs detail cleaning through out to remove spills, debris and litter.
PassNov 12, 2020Short Form ComplaintRisk 2 (Medium)
1. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  Floor in poor repair, uneven surface. Instd to remove cardboard from floor and repair. . Holes in walls and ceiling need to be repaired and maintained. All floor, walls, and ceilings needs to be even, smooth, and easily cleanable. Raw wood surfaces noted through out. Instd to seal all raw wood surfaces.
PassFeb 24, 2020ComplaintRisk 2 (Medium)
1. 3
  Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
  No employee health policy in place. Instd to provide a verifiable health policy. Priority foundation 7-38-010.
2. 5
  Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
  No procedure in place for responding to vomitng and diarrheal events. Instd to provide procedure procedure and necessary supplies effective against norovirus. Priority foundation 7-38-005.
3. 10
  Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
  Missing handwash signage at handwash sink. Instd to provide and maintain.
4. 38
  Insects, rodents, & animals not present
  Door not rodent proof, approx 1/2 inch gap at side of door. Instd to rodent proof same so as to be tight fitting.
5. 47
  Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
  Aluminum foil on exterior of steam table. Instd to remove foil and maintain surface smooth, even and easily cleanable.
6. 49
  Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
  Interior/exterior of steam tables including steam table water and basins of sinks not clean, dbris. Instd to clean and maintain same.
7. 51
  Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
  3-compartment sink slow draining. Instd to repair and maintain.
8. 53
  Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
  Missing covered receptacle in toilet room. Instd to provide and maintain.
9. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  Floor in poor repair, uneven surface. Instd to remove cardboard from floor and repair. . Holes in walls and ceiling need to be repaired and maintained. All floor, walls, and ceilings needs to be even, smooth, and easily cleanable. Raw wood surfaces noted through out. Instd to seal all raw wood surfaces.
10. 55
  Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
  Floor and walls through out not clean, food spills, debris. Instd to clean and maintain.
11. 56
  Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
  Ventilation in toilet room in poor repair. Instd to repair and maintain.
ConditionalApr 16, 2018ComplaintRisk 2 (Medium)
1. 21
  * certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
  No city of Chicago certified manager on duty while handling potentially hazardous foods (hot dogs). Instd to have on duty at all times. Violation 7-38-012 a serious.
2. 33
  Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
  Basins of 3-compartment sink, interior/exterior of steamer, all storage shelves through out not clean. Instd to clean and maintain.
3. 34
  Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
  Floor in poor repair, with worn, uneven surfaces. Instd to repair floor so as to be a smooth, even, easily cleanble surface.
4. 35
  Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
  Ceiling in poor repair, worn and uneven surface. Instd to repair same so as to be a smooth, even, easily cleanable surface.
PassMay 17, 2016ComplaintRisk 2 (Medium)
1. 33
  Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
  Detail clean the prep counter, shelving, steam table.
2. 34
  Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
  Remove the cardboard flats from the floor.
3. 43
  Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
  Ice scoop stored inside of the ice bin. Must store the ice scoop in a clean container outside of the ice bin.
PassDec 15, 2015CanvassRisk 2 (Medium)
1. 32
  Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
  Observed front counter not maintained(foil on top/worn), instructed to remove foil and repair/replace counter.also remove cardboard from floor thru-out.
2. 33
  Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
  Observed front prep counter not clean, instructed to clean and sanitize. Tea drip tray full,instructed to remove and clean. Also clean and sanitize hot dog steamers.
3. 34
  Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
  Observed floor in poor repair, instructed to repair/replace floor thru-out.
4. 35
  Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
  Observed wall around front prep area with food splashes, instructed to clean/or repaint.
5. 41
  Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
  Observed some clutter in rear yard, instructed to organize propane/syrup tanks, and remove items not being used.
6. 45
  Food handler requirements met
  Observed no food handler certificates on premises at this time, instructed to provide. Given copy of idph's food handler info. At this time.
PassDec 13, 2013Short Form ComplaintRisk 2 (Medium)
1. 31
  Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
  Single service articles must be properly stored and protected from contamination.
2. 32
  Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
  Remove rust deposits inside compartments of 3 compartment sink.
3. 33
  Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
  Clean interior and exterior of steam tables, hotholding units, prer tables,sinks,counter shelves. Food debris, grease build up.
4. 34
  Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
  Clean floor under all equipment along walls and in corners in prep area food debris, grease build up.
5. 35
  Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
  Seal all openings, cracks, crevices in all walls and ceilings.
6. 38
  Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
  Repair leaking facuet on exposed sink.
7. 42
  Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
  All food handlser must wear hair restraints.
8. 43
  Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
  Provide long handle utensils for dispensing ice.
ConditionalSep 26, 2013ComplaintRisk 2 (Medium)
1. 3
  Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
  Observed improper temperature of hot dogs 58.4f stored under counter and diced tomatoes 62.7f stored on top of counter in prep area. Instructed manager to discard approximately 10lbs of product. All cold food must maintain 40f or below during storage, display and service. Critical violation 7-38-005a citation issued.
2. 6
  Hands washed and cleaned, good hygienic practices; no bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods.
  Poor hygienic practices, observed manager touching open ice with bare hands and not washing hands after returning from outside. Instructed manager to wash hands between tasks and minimize bare hand contact with ready to eat food. Observed no paper towels at exposed sink. Instructed manager to provide for proper hand drying. Critical violation 7-38-010a citation issued.
3. 16
  Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
  Improper food protection-observed three live dogs running near boxes of tomatoes used for restaurant stored in adjacent property visible through chute of same. Food must be protected from contamination and the elements while being stored. Serious violation 7-38-005a citation issued.
4. 31
  Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
  Single service articles must be properly stored and protected from contamination.
5. 32
  Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
  Remove rust deposits inside compartments of 3-compartment sink.
6. 33
  Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
  Clean interior and exterior of steam tables, holding units, prep tables, sinks, counter, shelves (food debris, grease buildup).
7. 34
  Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
  Clean floors under all equipment along walls and in all corners in prep area (food debris, grease buildup).
8. 35
  Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
  Seal all openings, cracks, crevices in all walls and ceilings.
9. 38
  Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
  Repair leaking faucet on exposed sink.
10. 42
  Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
  All food handlers must wear hair restraints.
11. 43
  Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
  Provide long handle utensils for dispensing ice.
PassJan 23, 2012ComplaintRisk 2 (Medium)
1. 33
  Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
  Exterior of steam table, storage shelves, and interior of cooler not clean. Clean same.
2. 34
  Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
  The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. Floors need cleaning under holding units, steam tables, sinks, counters, etc along walls and in all corners in all areas.
PassJul 25, 2011Canvass Re-InspectionRisk 2 (Medium)
1. 32
  Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
  All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair defrost interior of refrigerator and freezer (ice buildup). Remove rust deposits inside 3-comp sink.
2. 34
  Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
  The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. Floors need cleaning under holding units, steam tables, sinks, counters, etc along walls and in all corners in all areas.
FailJul 18, 2011CanvassRisk 2 (Medium)
1. 18
  No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
  All necessary control measures shall be used to effectively minimize or eliminate the presence of rodents, roaches, and other vermin and insects on the premises of all food establishments, in food-transporting vehicles, and in vending machines. Observed 70-80 mice droppings on ledge under 3-comp sink. Instructed manager to call an exterminator for service, clean and sanitize all areas. Seal all outer openings, holes, etc on exterior of building. Keep doors/windows closed or provide 16 mesh screen to prevent pest entry. Serious violation 7-38-020 citation issued h74007 court date 8-25-11 at 10 am 400 w superior room 107.
2. 32
  Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
  All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair defrost interior of refrigerator and freezer (ice buildup). Remove rust deposits inside 3-comp sink.
3. 33
  Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
  All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. Clean interior and exterior of exposed sink, 3-comp sink, counters, prep tables, holding units, steam tables, food containers (food debris, grease buildup)
4. 34
  Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
  The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. Floors need cleaning under holding units, steam tables, sinks, counters, etc along walls and in all corners in all areas.
5. 36
  Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
  Shielding to protect against broken glass falling into food shall be provided for all artificial lighting sources in preparation, service, and display facilities. Replace missing light shield in prep area.
6. 41
  Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
  All parts of the food establishment and all parts of the property used in connection with the operation of the establishment shall be kept neat and clean and should not produce any offensive odors. Remove excess clutter, litter, etc outside premises.
PassJul 8, 2010ComplaintRisk 2 (Medium)
1. 33
  Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
  All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. Following need cleaning: interior and exterior of holding units, steam tables, prep tables, sinks, counter
2. 34
  Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
  The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. Floors need cleaning under all equipment along walls and in all corners in prep area
3. 35
  Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
  The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. Ceiling need cleaning above prep area (dust buildup). Seal all openings in walls and ceilings, around pipe fittings, electrical outlets, where walls and ceilings meet in all areas.
4. 37
  Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters
  Toilet rooms shall be completely enclosed and shall be vented to the outside air or mechanically ventilated. Washroom door must be self closing.
5. 41
  Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
  All parts of the food establishment and all parts of the property used in connection with the operation of the establishment shall be kept neat and clean and should not produce any offensive odors. Remove litter, cardboard boxes, etc outside.
ConditionalJan 28, 2010Short Form ComplaintRisk 2 (Medium)
1. 16
  Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
  All food should be properly protected from contamination during storage, preparation, display, service, and transportation. Observed 12 packs of rolls stored outside unprotected and peeled cucumbers stored in soiled cardboard box under front counter. Instructed manager to store all food in sanitary containers inside establishment to protect from contamination and the elements.
2. 33
  Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
  All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. Following need cleaning: interior and exterior of holding units, steam tables, prep tables, sinks, counter
3. 34
  Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
  The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. Floors need cleaning under all equipment along walls and in all corners in prep area
4. 35
  Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
  The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. Ceiling need cleaning above prep area (dust buildup). Seal all openings in walls and ceilings, around pipe fittings, electrical outlets, where walls and ceilings meet in all areas.
5. 36
  Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
  Shielding to protect against broken glass falling into food shall be provided for all artificial lighting sources in preparation, service, and display facilities. Provide light shields in prep area.
6. 41
  Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
  All parts of the food establishment and all parts of the property used in connection with the operation of the establishment shall be kept neat and clean and should not produce any offensive odors. Remove litter, cardboard boxes, etc outside.

Fails sit above the line, passes below. Every inspection the city has published for this licence.

On the street

Apple Maps street-level imagery. Click to look around the block.

What it gets cited for

5510×
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
3410×
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
339×
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
356×
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
385×
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
325×
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
474×
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
494×
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

Counted across every inspection on record here. A code that keeps coming back is the more telling signal.

Source

Published by the Chicago Department of Public Health as Food Inspections, updated weekly. This page shows every row the city holds under licence 3651 — a business that changed hands may carry history from its predecessor.