How to read restaurant inspection records
An inspection is an event in a local regulatory system, not a universal rating.
By CompareMenus · Editorial guide · Reviewed September 19, 2026
Read the date and jurisdiction
New York City and Chicago publish different types of results. A numeric score, a letter grade and a pass/fail outcome should not be collapsed into a national ranking without accounting for their rules. Start with the issuing agency’s explanation.
Look at the sequence of events
An initial inspection can be followed by a reinspection or a later correction. The latest row in a sample may not be the latest event in the agency’s full database. Follow the original record to examine the complete history and any published updates.
Match the business carefully
Names can be shared by multiple branches or change after ownership changes. Check the address and the agency’s identifier. Our inspection search does not automatically attach a record to a chain branch on a name match alone.
Understand the limits
A past result does not guarantee current conditions. Conversely, a missing record in our imported sample does not establish that a restaurant has never been inspected. The original agency remains the authority for interpreting its records.