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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.

Jerk Yard

Restaurant

1310 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL 60615

Hyde Park

Aug 24, 2026 — Complaint inspection

Fail

Triggered by a public complaint about this restaurant.

Inspectors found about 20 flies in the kitchen and no certified food manager on duty while food was being prepared.

Standout Inspection

We flagged this inspection for serious public health concerns.

Key Findings

  • Approximately 20 small flies observed in rear prep area near hot water heater; pest control consultation required.
  • No certified food manager with Chicago Food Sanitation Certificate present while chicken, fish, rice, beans, and shrimp were being prepared, handled, and served.
  • Frozen chicken thawed in warm water (80°F) instead of cold running water, violating proper thawing requirements.
  • No pest control log book on premises; facility must maintain records from licensed pest control company with at least 2 annual inspections.

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

OBSERVED PEST ACTIVITY WITH APPROX. 20 SMALL FLIES NOTED DURING INSPECTION. SMALL FLY ACTIVITY WAS NOTED IN THE REAR PREP NEAR HOT WATER HEATER AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CONSULT PEST CONTROL AS ADDITIONAL SERVICES ARE NEEDED TO MINIMIZE OR ELIMINATE ACTIVITY PRIOR TO RE-INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.

Violation code #1 — PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
Inspector's Notes:

OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH VALID CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE.

Viewing inspection from Aug 24, 2026 · Show current spotlight →

Inspection History

Jerk Yard has had 9 inspections in the last 5 years with a 67% pass rate. Last inspection was on Sep 18, 2026.

Sep 18, 2026Pass

Short Form Complaint — A shorter, targeted check prompted by a public complaint.

Aug 31, 2026Pass

Complaint Re-Inspection — A follow-up to confirm complaint-related violations were fixed.

Standout inspection
Aug 24, 2026FailVIEWING NOW

Complaint — Triggered by a public complaint about this restaurant.

11 violations