What is Chicago's Home OF Chicken & Waffles's health inspection score?

Chicago's Home OF Chicken & Waffles has a SafeDine safety score of 58 out of 100 (Grade C). This score is calculated from official government health inspection data, factoring in violation severity, recency, and trends.

When was Chicago's Home OF Chicken & Waffles last inspected?

Chicago's Home OF Chicken & Waffles was last inspected on June 27, 2025. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does Chicago's Home OF Chicken & Waffles have?

Chicago's Home OF Chicken & Waffles has 41 total violations across 9 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is Chicago's Home OF Chicken & Waffles safe to eat at?

Chicago's Home OF Chicken & Waffles has a safety score of 58/100, which suggests room for improvement. Review the detailed inspection history on SafeDine for more information.

What type of cuisine does Chicago's Home OF Chicken & Waffles serve?

Chicago's Home OF Chicken & Waffles serves Chicken cuisine. Visit their SafeDine page for safety scores, inspection history, and more details.

Official Health Record

Chicago's Home OF Chicken & Waffles

Name: Chicago's Home OF Chicken & Waffles
Address: 3947 S DR MARTIN LUTHER KING JR DR, Chicago, 60653
Rating: 58

3947 S DR MARTIN LUTHER KING JR DR, Chicago

Last inspected 11mo ago

▲Improving

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0Fair

Chicken•Chicago

Ranked #939 of 1000 in ChicagoBetter than 98% of chicken restaurants

Improving

9 inspections

Last: Jun 27, 2025

medium confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

11%

Clean Rate

4.6

Avg Violations

12 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

SanitationHigh Priority

Equipment or surfaces not properly cleaned/sanitized

Plumbing issues

Plumbing or waste disposal problems

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-42

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-10 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-8 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-8 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Freshness Penalty

-7 pts

Score reduced due to stale inspection data

Inspection Timeline

+16 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

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3947 S DR MARTIN LUTHER KING JR DR, Chicago, IL 60653

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Violation Timeline

Jun 2022

2 inspections

4 intermediate

7 basic

Jun

Dec 2023

1 inspections

4 basic

Apr 2024

1 inspections

1 basic

Apr

May 2024

1 inspections

Sep 2024

1 inspections

1 intermediate

4 basic

Sep

Feb 2025

1 inspections

3 basic

Jun 2025

2 inspections

4 high priority

4 intermediate

9 basic

Jun

Inspection History

9 records on file

2 Complaint Re-Inspection4 Complaint1 Short Form Complaint2 Canvass

Jun 25

Complaint Re-Inspection InspectionLatestPass

1 Med4 Basic

5 total

87/100inspection score

−13 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

35APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED−5
3-501.13 OBSERVED TUBS CONTAINING RAW FROZEN FISH STORED ON FLOOR IN REAR PREP/DISH AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND THAW FISH UNDER REFRIGERATION OR CONTINUOUS WATER IN PREP SINK.MUST MAINTAIN

Basic (4)

−8 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
3-305.12 OBSERVED LARGE CONTAINERS CONTAINING FISH, MIXED SEASONINGS, BOXES OF GREENS AND PREPPPED GREENS IN POTS STORED ON FLOORS IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUJCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING. STORING FOOD ON FLOOR IS PROHIBITED IN ORDER TO PREVENT POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
-601.11(B) OBSERVED ALL PREP TABLES, INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACE OF COOLING EQUIPMENT, STORAGE RACKS, BEVERAGE DISPENSERS, HOT HOLDING UNITS (STEAM TABLE AND ALL HEAVY FRYING EQUIPMENT LOCATED IN PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL DRIED FOOD DEBRIS AND HEAVY GREASE BUILDUP AND MAINTAIN CLEAN EQUIPMENT.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
6-201.11 OBSERVED FLOORS AND WALL TILES (ATTACHMENTS) THROUGHOUT FRONT AND REAR PREP/DISHWASHING AREAS WITH BROKEN, DAMAGED TILES. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN FLOORS THAT ARE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE IN ORDER TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
6-501.14 OUT C 09/20/2025 OBSERVED VENTILATION HOOD WITH EXCESSIVE BUILT-UP THICK LAYERS OF DRIPPING GREASE BUILDUP ON GRATES AND SURROUNDING SURFACES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE VENT CLEANING SERVICES AND MAINTAIN EQUIPMENT.

Base deductions−13 pts

Jun 25

Complaint InspectionFail

4 High3 Med5 Basic

12 total1 risk factor

30/100inspection score

−65 pts

High Priority (4)

−40 pts

2CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATERisk Factor−10
OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WITH VALID ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE POSTED WHILE PREPARING AND SERVING TCS FOODS (RICE, CHICKEN, FISH, SLICED TOMATOES). INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AT LEAST ONE CERTIFICATE HOLDER ON SITE WHILE OPENING AND OPERATING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED HAND DRYING PROVISION AVAILABLE AT HANDSINK LOCATED IN IN USE PREP AREA AND BEVERAGE STATION PREP DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES FOR PROPER HAND WASHING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-030 (C). CITATION ISSUED. PERSON IN CHARGE PROVIDED PAPER TOWELS AT THIS TIME.
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED NO HAND CLEANSER AVAILABLE AT HANDSINK LOCATED IN BEVERAGE STATION PREP. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN FOR PROPER HANDWASHING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-030 (C). SEE ABOVE VIOLATION FOR CITATION INFORMATION.
16FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED−10
OBSERVED IN USE LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE NOT PROPERLY SANITIZING DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. NOTED SANITIZER STGRENGHT AT 0PPM. INSTRUCTED TO DISCONTINUE USE OF EQUIPMENT UNTIL PROPERLY SANITIZING AT @ LEAST 50PPM. MUST MAINTAIN. PRIORITY VIOLATION.

Intermediate (3)

−15 pts

35APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED−5
OBSERVED TUBS CONTAINING RAW FROZEN FISH STORED ON FLOOR IN REAR PREP/DISH AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND THAW FISH UNDER REFRIGERATION OR CONTINUOUS WATER IN PREP SINK.MUST MAINTAIN
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF PEST ACTIVITY ON SITE DURING TIME OF INSPECTION 2 LARGE LIVE COCKROACHES CRAWLING ON 3 COMPARTMENT SINK PIPING AND ON FLOOR UNDER DISHWASHING MACHINE, APPROXIMATLEY 100 SMALL RODENT DROPPINGS INSIDE SLIDING DOOR CABINET LOCATED UNDERNEATH BEVERAGE DISPENSER, SCATTERED ON FLOOR ALONG SIDE OF SAID EQUIPMENT, AND INSIDE ROOM ATTACHED TO BEVERAGE PREP AREA WHERE HOT WATER TANK IS LOCATED. NOTED APPROXIMATELY 65 SMALL BLACK LIVE FLIES IN THE FOLLOWING PLACES.., ON UNOPENED SYRUP BOXES STACKED IN REAR PREP, ON WALLS THROUGHOUT DISHWASHING ROOM/PREP, ON ALL HANDSINK BASINS LOCATED IN PREP AREAS, ON EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOLING UNITS AND FLYING THROUGHOUT PREP/ DINING AREA AND TOILET ROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO CONTACT PEST CONTROL FOR ADDIDIONAL SERVICE. MUST ELIMINATE PEST ACTIVITY ON PREMISE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-020 (A). CITATION ISSUED.
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED FRONT DOOR OF FACILITY NOT RODENT PROOF, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.

Basic (5)

−10 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
OBSERVED LARGE CONTAINERS CONTAINING FISH, MIXED SEASONINGS, BOXES OF GREENS AND PREPPPED GREENS IN POTS STORED ON FLOORS IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUJCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING. STORING FOOD ON FLOOR IS PROHIBITED IN ORDER TO PREVENT POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.
41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
INSTRUCTED TO STORE SOILED WIPING CLOTHS INSIDE SANITIZING WATER AT LEAST 5OPPM IN BETWEEN USES.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED ALL PREP TABLES, INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACE OF COOLING EQUIPMENT, STORAGE RACKS, BEVERAGE DISPENSERS, HOT HOLDING UNITS (STEAM TABLE AND ALL HEAVY FRYING EQUIPMENT LOCATED IN PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL DRIED FOOD DEBRIS AND HEAVY GREASE BUILDUP AND MAINTAIN CLEAN EQUIPMENT.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED FLOORS AND WALL TILES (ATTACHMENTS) THROUGHOUT FRONT AND REAR PREP/DISHWASHING AREAS WITH BROKEN, DAMAGED TILES. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN FLOORS THAT ARE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE IN ORDER TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED VENTILATION HOOD WITH EXCESSIVE BUILT-UP THICK LAYERS OF DRIPPING GREASE BUILDUP ON GRATES AND SURROUNDING SURFACES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE VENT CLEANING SERVICES AND MAINTAIN EQUIPMENT.

Base deductions−65 pts

Risk factor bonus (1× +5)−5 pts

Feb 25

Complaint InspectionPass

3 Basic

3 total

94/100inspection score

−6 pts

Basic (3)

−6 pts

49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
MUST CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE REACH IN COOLERS AND FREEZER TO REMOVE SPILLS AND/OR DEBRIS.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
OBSERVED LEAK AT THE 3 COMP SINK FAUCET FIXTURE. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
FLOORS NEED CLEANING THROUGH OUT TO REMOVE SPILLS, DEBRIS AND/OR GREASE. ALSO CLEAN THE LIGHT SHIELD IN THE DISH WASHING AREA TO REMOVE DEBRIS.

Base deductions−6 pts

Sep 24

Complaint InspectionPass

1 Med4 Basic

5 total

87/100inspection score

−13 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED THE REAR DOOR HANDLE MISSING. MUST PROVIDE FOR PROPER CLOSURE TO PREVENT POSSIBLE ENTRY POINT FOR PESTS.

Basic (4)

−8 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED STOCK ELEVATED ON MILK CRATES IN THE STORAGE ROOM. INSTRUCTED MAMAGER TO PROPERLY STORE DRY GOOD ON SHEVLING RACK THAT ARE EASILY TO CLEAN AND MONITER UNDERNEAT AND BEHIND
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE INSIDE OF ALL CABINETS IN THE REAR WAITRESS STATIONS.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED WALL BASE LOOSE BEHIND HEAVY EQUIPMENT. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN WHERE EVER NEEDED TO PREVENT ACCUMULATION OF DEBRIS.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FLOORS, FLOOR DRAINS, WALLS AND CEILING THROUGH OUT PREMISES. ALSO KEEP FLOORS DRY AS POSSIBLE.

Base deductions−13 pts

May 24

Short Form Complaint InspectionCleanPass

No violations

100/100inspection score

Apr 24

Canvass InspectionPass

1 Basic

1 total

98/100inspection score

−2 pts

Basic (1)

−2 pts

55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FLOORS ALONG THE WALL BASE AND IN CORNERS IN THE DISH WASH AREA AND IN THE PREP AREA.

Base deductions−2 pts

Dec 23

Canvass InspectionPass

4 Basic

4 total

92/100inspection score

−8 pts

Basic (4)

−8 pts

41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHES IN SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
MUST CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE COOLERS AND FREEZER TO REMOVE SPILLS AND/OR DEBRIS.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
MUST CLEAN THE FLOOR ALONG THE WALL BASE AND IN CORNERS TO REMOVE SPILLS, DEBRIS AND/OR GREASE: THE WAITRESS STATIONS, DISH WASHING ROOM AND KITCHEN. ALSO CLEAN THE WALL AND CEILING TILES AND LIGHT SHIELDS IN THE DISHWASHING ROOM.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT ALL CITY CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST COMPLY WITH THE ALLERGEN TRAINING.

Base deductions−8 pts

Jun 22

Complaint Re-Inspection InspectionPass

2 Basic

2 total

96/100inspection score

−4 pts

Basic (2)

−4 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED DARK GROVES IN STAINED CUTTING BOARDS ON PREP COOLER. MUST RESURFACE OR REPLACE TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION. MUST MAINTAIN SAME.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED LIQUID AND DEBRIS IN CRACKS BETWEEN TILES IN FLOOR OF COOKING AREA. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND REPAIR TO MAKE EVEN, SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE (GROUT). MUST MAINTAIN SAME.

Base deductions−4 pts

Jun 22

Complaint InspectionFail

4 Med5 Basic

9 total

70/100inspection score

−30 pts

Intermediate (4)

−20 pts

21PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES−5
OBSERVED TCS FOODS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES NEAR HOT HOLDING UNIT. FOUND GRILLED ONIONS @ 97.5F SITTING ON SHELF ON HOT HOLDING UNIT; FOUND A PAN OF COOKED POTATOES AND PEPPERS IN A PAN ON COUNTER @ 125.9F. INSTRUCTED ALL HOT TCS FOODS MUST BE HELD @ 135F OR HIGHER AT ALL TIMES. OPERATOR VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED DENATURED FOODS DURING INSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
22PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES−5
FOUND TCS FOODS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES IN PANS AND CONTAINERS THROUGHOUT PREP AREA AND IN COOLERS. FOUND EGG WASH @ 47.8F; SHREDDED CHEESE @ 45.5F; COOKED BEANS @ 51F; SALMON @47.1F; COOKED PASTA 51.4F; CHICKEN @ 55.1F. INSTRUCTED ALL TCS FOODS MUST BE HELD (IN REFRIGERATION) @ 41F OR LOWER AT ALL TIMES. OPERATOR VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED DENATURED FOODS DURING INSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. SEE ABOVE VIOLATION 3-501.16(A:1) FOR CITATION.
35APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED−5
OBSERVED IMPROPER THAWING METHOD IN USE. OBSERVED FISH SITTING IN STANDING WATER IN 1 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MUST USE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING APPROVED METHOD FOR THAWING: IN REFRIGERATION, IN A MICROWAVE AS PART OF A CONTINUOUS COOKING PROCESS, OR COMPLETELY SUBMERGED UNDER RUNNING WATER WITH SUFFICIENT WATER VELOCITY TO AGITATE AND FLOAT OFF LOOSE PARTICLES IN AN OVERLFOW. MANAGER CORRECTED DURING INSPECTION.
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 30 SMALL, BLACK FLIES ON WALLS, CEILINGS AND FLYING AROUND IN REAR STORAGE ROOM AND IN HALLWAY. INSTRUCTED MUST CONTACT PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE TO MINIMIZE PEST ACTIVITY. MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.

Basic (5)

−10 pts

41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS IMPROPER STORED ON COUNTERS AND CUTTING BOARDS THROUGHOUT PREP AREA. MUST PROPERLY STORE ALL WIPING CLOTHS INSIDE A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED DARK GROVES IN STAINED CUTTING BOARDS ON PREP COOLER. MUST RESURFACE OR REPLACE TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION. MUST MAINTAIN SAME.
48WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS−2
OBSERVED TOWEL USED AS A MEAN FOR REPAIR ON HANDLE OF DISH MACHINE. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SAME.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED LIQUID AND DEBRIS IN CRACKS BETWEEN TILES IN FLOOR OF COOKING AREA. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND REPAIR TO MAKE EVEN, SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE (GROUT). MUST MAINTAIN SAME.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED EXCESSIVE DUST AND GREASE IN VENTILATION HOOD OVER COOKING AREA. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE. MUST MAINTAIN SAME.

Base deductions−30 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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