What is Josephine's Cookin''s health inspection score?

Josephine's Cookin' has a SafeDine safety score of 95 out of 100 (Grade A). This score is calculated from official government health inspection data, factoring in violation severity, recency, and trends.

When was Josephine's Cookin' last inspected?

Josephine's Cookin' was last inspected on May 14, 2026. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does Josephine's Cookin' have?

Josephine's Cookin' has 40 total violations across 1 inspection on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is Josephine's Cookin' safe to eat at?

Yes, Josephine's Cookin' has an excellent safety record with a score of 95/100. This indicates strong compliance with health and safety standards.

What type of cuisine does Josephine's Cookin' serve?

Josephine's Cookin' serves American cuisine. Visit their SafeDine page for safety scores, inspection history, and more details.

Official Health Record

Josephine's Cookin'

Name: Josephine's Cookin'
Address: 436 - 440 E 79TH ST, Chicago, 60619
Rating: 95

436 - 440 E 79TH ST, Chicago

Last Inspected: 5/14/2026

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0Excellent

American•Chatham

Ranked #12 of 39 in ChathamBetter than 22% of american restaurants

Stable

9 inspections

Last: May 14, 2026

high confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

22%

Clean Rate

4.4

Avg Violations

1 month ago

Last Inspected

Top Concerns

Most common issues from recent inspections

HandwashingHigh Priority

Employees not properly washing hands — contamination risk

Pest issues

Evidence of pests found during inspection

Plumbing issues

Plumbing or waste disposal problems

Facility condition

Building maintenance or structural issues

Other violation

Regulatory compliance issue

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-4

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-0 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-3 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-1 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Inspection Timeline

0 pts

Latest

100% weight

100

2nd

60% weight

3rd

30% weight

Real-time Score: 96/100 — This score includes today's freshness penalty and may differ slightly from the displayed score (95/100) 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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436 - 440 E 79TH ST, Chicago, IL 60619

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Violation Timeline

Jul 2023

2 inspections

3 high priority

3 intermediate

7 basic

Jul

Mar 2024

1 inspections

5 basic

Jun 2024

1 inspections

5 basic

Jun

Jun 2025

1 inspections

Jul 2025

2 inspections

1 high priority

2 intermediate

13 basic

Jul

Jan 2026

1 inspections

May 2026

1 inspections

1 intermediate

May

Inspection History

9 records on file

4 Canvass2 Non-Inspection2 Canvass Re-Inspection1 Short Form Complaint

May 26

Canvass InspectionLatestPass

1 Med

1 total

95/100inspection score

−5 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−5

Base deductions−5 pts

Jan 26

Non-Inspection InspectionCleanNo Entry

No violations

100/100inspection score

Jul 25

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionPass

5 Basic

5 total

90/100inspection score

−10 pts

Basic (5)

−10 pts

45SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED−2
OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES STORED ON FLOOR IN WEST DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED DAMAGED DOOR GASKETS ON REACH-IN COOLERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACED AND MAINTAIN.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF FRYER CABINETS, COOKING EQUIPMENT, SHELVING UNITS, PREP TABLES, HOLDING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED MISSING AND DAMAGED FLOOR TILES AND OPENINGS ALONG WALLS AND BASEBOARDS IN BASEMENT. OBSERVED STAINED CEILING TILES NEAR WASHROOMS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR/REPLACE AND MAINTAN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED UNUSED ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT IN STORAGE AND BASEMENT AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ARTICLES TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.

Base deductions−10 pts

Jul 25

Canvass InspectionFail

1 High2 Med8 Basic

11 total

64/100inspection score

−36 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGN AT HAND WASHING SINKS IN PREP AND BASEMENT AREAS. INSTRUCTED 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 SCATTERED INSIDE CABINETS AND ON SHELVES IN FRONT WAIT STATION, ON ELECTICAL OUTLETS, SHELVES AND ON FLOOR ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT AND COOLERS IN FIRST FLOOR PREP AREA, ON FLOOR IN CORNER NEAR LARGE PLANT AND INSIDE HOLDING UNITS IN EAST DINING AREA, ON FLOOR IN LINEN AND STORAGE AREAS, ON OUTLETS IN BASEMENT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALL AN EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED

Basic (8)

−16 pts

45SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED−2
OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES STORED ON FLOOR IN WEST DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED DAMAGED DOOR GASKETS ON REACH-IN COOLERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACED AND MAINTAIN.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF FRYER CABINETS, COOKING EQUIPMENT, SHELVING UNITS, PREP TABLES, HOLDING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
OBSERVED TOILET NOT PROPERLY FLUSHING IN UNISEX WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED MISSING AND DAMAGED FLOOR TILES AND OPENINGS ALONG WALLS AND BASEBOARDS IN BASEMENT. OBSERVED STAINED CEILING TILES NEAR WASHROOMS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR/REPLACE AND MAINTAN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS (POTATOES, ETC) ON FLOORS IN PREP AND BASEMENT AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN ALL FLOORS AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED UNUSED ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT IN STORAGE AND BASEMENT AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ARTICLES TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
60PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2596314 ON 6-14-24:58-OBSERVED THE CFM WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL CFMs OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN CURRENT ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED

Base deductions−36 pts

Jun 25

Non-Inspection InspectionCleanNo Entry

No violations

100/100inspection score

Jun 24

Short Form Complaint InspectionPass

5 Basic

5 total

90/100inspection score

−10 pts

Basic (5)

−10 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED THE RACKS IN THE WALK IN COOLER IN THE BASEMENT WITH RUST. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE RUST OR REPLACE RACKS AND MAINTAIN A RUST FREE SURFACE.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF THE FRYERS AND OVEN WITH FOOD AND GREASE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN COOKING EQUIPMENT.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED THE WALL ABOVE THE DOOR IN THE EMPLOYEE'S TOILET ROOM CRACKED/DAMAGED. INSTRUCTED TO FIX AND MAINTAIN WALL.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED FOOD SPLATTER ON THE CEILING IN THE KITCHEN. OBSERVED THE FLOORS IN THE CORNERS AND UNDER/AROUND ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT, SINKS AND STORAGE RACKS WITH DIRT AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN WALLS, CEILINGS AND FLOORS.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
OBSERVED THE CFM WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL CFMs OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN CURRENT ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES.

Base deductions−10 pts

Mar 24

Canvass InspectionPass

5 Basic

5 total

90/100inspection score

−10 pts

Basic (5)

−10 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED THE RACKS IN THE WALK IN COOLER IN THE BASEMENT WITH RUST. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE RUST OR REPLACE RACKS AND MAINTAIN A RUST FREE SURFACE.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF THE FRYERS AND OVEN WITH FOOD AND GREASE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN COOKING EQUIPMENT.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED THE WALL ABOVE THE DOOR IN THE EMPLOYEE'S TOILET ROOM CRACKED/DAMAGED. INSTRUCTED TO FIX AND MAINTAIN WALL.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED FOOD SPLATTER ON THE CEILING IN THE KITCHEN. OBSERVED THE FLOORS IN THE CORNERS AND UNDER/AROUND ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT, SINKS AND STORAGE RACKS WITH DIRT AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN WALLS, CEILINGS AND FLOORS.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
OBSERVED THE CFM WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL CFMs OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN CURRENT ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES.

Base deductions−10 pts

Jul 23

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionPass

1 High1 Med3 Basic

5 total

79/100inspection score

−21 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
6-301.14 OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE IN THE EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOMS ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

36THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE−5
4-204.112(B) OBSERVED NO AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETERS IN THE COLD HOLDING UNITS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

Basic (3)

−6 pts

55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
6-501.11 OBSERVED STANDING WATER IN THE WALK-IN FREEZER BEING USED OR DRY STORAGE, IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
6-501.114 OBSERVED UNECESSARY ITEMS STORED IN THE BASEMENT (ICE MACHINE). INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ITEMS AND MAINTAIN.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
2-102.13 OBSERVED EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE EMPLOYEES RETAKE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS ON SITE.

Base deductions−21 pts

Jul 23

Canvass InspectionFail

2 High2 Med4 Basic

8 total

62/100inspection score

−38 pts

High Priority (2)

−20 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE IN THE EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOMS ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
16FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED−10
FOUND LOW TEMPERATURE DISH WASHING MACHINE AT IMPROPER FINAL SANITIZING RINSE AT 0 PPM CHLORINE CONCENTRATION. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR SAID DISHWASHING MACHINE TO BE ABLE TO PROVIDE A FINAL SANITIZING RINSE OF EITHER 50 ? 100 PPM CHLORINE (FOR CHEMICAL SANITIZING MACHINE). DISHMACHINE TAGGED ?HELD FOR INSPECTION?. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE UNTIL REPAIRED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-025, CITATION ISSUED

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

36THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE−5
OBSERVED NO AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETERS IN THE COLD HOLDING UNITS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF PEST ACTIVITY. APPROXIMATELY 150-200 GNATS IN THE BASEMENT IN THE DRY STORAGE AREA AND NEAR THE WALK-IN COOLER AND FREEZER AREA. ALSO, OBSERVED ABOUT 20 MICE DROPPINGS IN THE BASEMENT ON THE FLOOR BY THE TWO COMPARTMENT SINK, ON THE UNUSED METAL GREASE CONTAINER IN THE BASEMENT NEAR THE WALK-IN FREEZER, INSIDE OF THE EMPTY AND UNUSED ICE MACHINE, UNDER AND SURROUNDING THE FOOD PREP TABLE IN THE SAME SAID AREA. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE PEST ACTIVITY, CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS AND RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL FOR A SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020(A).

Basic (4)

−8 pts

55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED STANDING WATER IN THE WALK-IN FREEZER BEING USED OR DRY STORAGE, IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED UNECESSARY ITEMS STORED IN THE BASEMENT (ICE MACHINE, METAL GREASE TRAP, MOP BUCKET FILLED WITH A BUILD UP OF UNFAMILIAR SUBSTANCE). INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ITEMS AND MAINTAIN.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
OBSERVED EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE EMPLOYEES RETAKE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS ON SITE.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
OBSERVED EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE EMPLOYEES RETAKE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS ON SITE.

Base deductions−38 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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