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IsTheKitchenClean displays publicly available food inspection data from the Chicago Department of Public Health. Trending rankings and summaries are automated interpretations of that data and are not official health department assessments. Inspection findings reflect conditions at a specific point in time and may not represent current conditions at a restaurant.

Fat Johnnies Red Hots

Restaurant

7242 S Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60636

Southwest Side

Sep 25, 2026 — Canvass inspection

Fail

A routine, unannounced visit by a city health inspector.

No sanitizer test strips on hand and a broken 3-compartment sink with a hole—critical food safety failures.

Key Findings

  • No chlorine sanitizer test strips available; 3-compartment sink has a hole and is being sealed with caulk instead of being replaced.
  • Back door has gaps around it that aren't rodent-proofed; outside garbage receptacles lack lids and trash is scattered on the ground.
  • Food handler observed without hair restraint; tin cans are being used to reheat food instead of proper containers.
  • Prep tables and cooler interior are dirty with food debris; ceiling has damaged sections in poor repair.

Key findings are derived directly from the inspector's notes from the Chicago Department of Public Health. See the full violation notes below.

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Violation code #48 — WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
Inspector's Notes:

No sanitizer test strips for chlorine on site, instructed to obtain. Priority foundation violation 7-38-025.

Violation code #38 — INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
Inspector's Notes:

Back door not rodent proofed, gaps noted all around, Instructed to repair and maintain.

Viewing inspection from Sep 25, 2026 · Show current spotlight →

Inspection History

Fat Johnnies Red Hots has had 6 inspections in the last 5 years with a 67% pass rate. Last inspection was on Oct 2, 2026.

Oct 2, 2026Pass

Canvass Re-Inspection — A follow-up to confirm violations from a routine visit were fixed.

Sep 25, 2026FailVIEWING NOW

Canvass — A routine, unannounced visit by a city health inspector.

8 violations
Sep 9, 2024Pass

Canvass Re-Inspection — A follow-up to confirm violations from a routine visit were fixed.

2 violations