AMATO'S PIZZERIA.

Chicago Health Dept

1737 N HARLEM AVE · ELMWOOD PARK, CHICAGO

Last inspected 2018.

11 inspections on record since 2010 · Last inspected Oct 2018.

Last inspected Oct 2018. Records may not reflect current conditions.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS

VIOLATIONS

total on record

LAST INSPECTED

OCT 2018

INSPECTION HISTORY

OCT 1

2018

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 15 violations 4 CRITICAL

Critical Documentation & Training

MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

2-102.14(N): NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#: 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.

Critical Sanitation

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

2-501.11: NO VOMITOUS AND DIARRHEAL INCIDENT CLEAN UP POLICY AND KIT ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#: 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.

Critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

5-204.11: MUST INSTALL HANDWASH SINK(S) THAT IS DIRECTLY ADJACENT TO THE DISH WASHING AND THE PIZZA PREP AREA. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#: 7-38-030(C). NO CITATION ISSUED.

Serious Food Storage & Handling

PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION

3-501.17: MUST PROVIDE PROPER LABELS FOR DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION OF REFRIGERATED, READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOODS HELD OVER 24HRS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#: 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.

Serious Other

CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

3-603.11: MUST PROVIDE CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE, AND REMINDER (STEAKS). PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#: 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.

Minor Other

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

4-204.112(B): MUST PROVIDE THERMOMETERS INSIDE ALL COOLERS AND HOT HOLD UNITS.

Minor Chemical Safety

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

3-302.12: MUST PROVIDE LABELS (COMMON NAME) FOR ALL FOODS OUT OF ORIGINAL CONTAINER.

Critical Pest Activity

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

6-202.15: OBSERVED A 1/4" GAP ALONG THE BOTTOM OF THE SCREEN REAR DOOR. OBSERVED IN THE REAR OF FACILITY, THE EXHAUST VENTILATION FAN LEADING TO THE OUTSIDE DOES NOT HAVE A SCREEN/FAN COVER AND HAS 2" GAPS IN BETWEEN THE BLADE. MUST PROVIDE A TIGHT FITTING SEAL TO ALL ENTRYWAYS TO PREVENT THE PEST ENTRY.

Minor Sanitation

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

3-305.11: OBSERVED SODA BOTTLES BEING STORED DIRECTLY ON THE FLOOR. MUST PROVIDE SHELVING THAT IS A NON-POROUS, CORROSION-RESISTANT, SMOOTH, EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE THAT IS 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND PROVIDES FLOOR ACCESSIBILITY TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FACILITY CLEANING.

Minor Other

SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED

4-502.13(A): OBSERVED SINGLE USE CONTAINERS (DAISY SOUR CREAM CONTAINER) BEING WASHED FOR RE-USE. MUST NOT RE-USE ANY SINGLE USE ARTICLES.

Minor Sanitation

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

4-101.19: OBSERVED RAW WOOD DOORS AND SHELVING IN THE FACILITY. MUST SEAL/PAINT WITH A HIGH GLOSS FINISH TO PROVIDE A NON-POROUS, SMOOTH, EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.

Minor Sanitation

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

4-502.11(A)(C): OBSERVED COOKING PANS ENCRUSTED WITH BURNT/BLACK FOOD DEBRIS AND RUST. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE ALL COOKWARE TO BE NON-CORROSIVE, SMOOTH, EASILY CLEANABLE.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

6-501.12(A): OBSERVED EXCESS DIRT/DEBRIS ON THE FLOOR IN THE DISH WASHING/REAR AREA. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED STAINED CEILING TILES THROUGHOUT FACILITY. MUST REPLACE.

Minor Sanitation

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

6-501.14: OBSERVED EXCESSIVE GREASE/FOOD DEBRIS ON THE KITCHEN VENT HOOD. OBSERVED AN ACCUMULATION OF DIRT/DEBRIS BUILDUP ON THE TOILET ROOM EXHAUST VENTILATION. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Other

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

PA 100-0367: MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.

SEP 19

2017

PASS 4 violations

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

Reach in cooler shelving/racks not clean, need detailed cleaning(crevices), display cooler door tracks not clean, need detailed cleaning(crevices).

Minor Sanitation

FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

Floors in walk in cooler under shelving/racks not clean, need detailed cleaning(corners).

Minor Sanitation

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

Wall that had exposed plaster, had gaps by rear exit door in rear kitchen area

Minor Food Storage & Handling

TOILET ROOM DOORS SELF CLOSING: DRESSING ROOMS WITH LOCKERS PROVIDED: COMPLETE SEPARATION FROM LIVING/SLEEPING QUARTERS

Employee bathroom door self closing mechanism in state of disrepair, shall be repaired/replaced.

MAR 7

2017

PASS 5 violations

Minor Chemical Safety

FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED

Found some food items not properly dated in walk in cooler, and reach in cooler in kitchen prep area, must properly date food items in walk in cooler, and reach in cooler in kitchen prep area.

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

Cutting boards that had deep cuts(green cutting board)that had deep cuts shall be replaced. Walk in cooler shelving/racks that had peeling paint/rust, shall be repaired/replaced. Reach in cooler in kitchen prep area shelving had that had peeling paint/rust, shall be repaired/replaced.

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

Non food contact surfaces of ice machine(exterior) not clean, need detailed cleaning(crevices), walk in cooler shelving/racks not clean, had excess food debris accumulation, need detailed cleaning(crevices). Prep tables lower shelving in kitchen prep area not clean, need detailed cleaning(crevices).

Minor Sanitation

FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

Floors under heavy equipment, cooking equipment not clean, need detailed cleaning(corners). Floors in rear kitchen areas under 3 compartment sink not clean, need detailed cleaning.

Minor Sanitation

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

Ceiling tiles, walls in kitchen not clean, need detailed cleaning.

AUG 15

2016

PASS · 0 violations

AUG 8

2016

FAIL 2 violations

Serious Sanitation

DISH MACHINES: PROVIDED WITH ACCURATE THERMOMETERS, CHEMICAL TEST KITS AND SUITABLE GAUGE COCK

NO CHEMICAL TEST STRIPS PROVIDE FOR TESTING SANITIZING SOLUTION, AT THIS TIME OF INSPECTION, PREVIOUSLY NOTED ON LAST REPORT, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CHEMICAL SANITIZING STRIPS UPON NEXT INSPECTION, SERIOUS VIOLATION: 7-38-030

Serious Pest Activity

PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION(S) CORRECTED 7-42-090

CONTINUED NON COMPLIANCE ON PREVIOUS ORDER ISSUED, DATED 03/26/2015, REPORT #1532315, VIOLATION LISTED BELOW: 34 INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOOR DRAINS IN PREP AREA TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE. 36 INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE DEAD LIGHT BULB IN KITCHEN HOOD ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING. 38 INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE 3 WORKING DRAIN STOPPERS AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.----------MUST REPAIR FAUCET NECK WITH HEAVY LEAK AT SAME SINK. 41 INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ARTICLES STORED ON TOP OF WALK-IN COOLER/WALK IN FREEZER TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE. 45 NOTED SOME EMPLOYEE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON PREMISE. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEE TO TAKE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING COURSE. SERIOUS VIOLATION: 7-42-090

show all 11 inspections →

MAR 26

2015

PASS 7 violations

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF PIZZA PREP COOLER, REACH-IN COOLER, EXTERIOR SURFACE OF COOKING/BAKING PAN ENCRUSTED WITH GREASE, PREP AND STORAGE SHELVES IN PREP AREA.

Minor Pest Activity

FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOOR DRAINS IN PREP AREA TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.

Minor Facility Condition

LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED

INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE DEAD LIGHT BULB IN KITCHEN HOOD ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE 3 WORKING DRAIN STOPPERS AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.----------MUST REPAIR FAUCET NECK WITH HEAVY LEAK AT SAME SINK.

Minor Other

REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE INSIDE ALL COOLERS.

Minor Pest Activity

PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED

INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ARTICLES STORED ON TOP OF WALK-IN COOLER/WALK IN FREEZER TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.

Minor Documentation & Training

FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET

NOTED (8) EMPLOYEE FOODHANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON PREMISE. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEE TO TAKE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING COURSE.

MAR 7

2014

PASS 5 violations

Minor Sanitation

CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES

MUST PROPERLY STORE,INVERT CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS STORED AT REAR SHELVING TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION BEFORE USE.

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

(1)LARGE SHELF INSIDE THE WALK-IN-COOLER WITH RUST. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE/REPAIR USING A NON-TOXIC FINISH. PROVIDE SPLASHGUARD AT RIGHT SIDE OF KITCHEN EXPOSED HANDSINK.

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

SHELVINGS INSIDE THE WALK-IN-COOLER,FAN COVERS ON INTERIORS OF KITCHEN COOLERS,HOOD/FILTERS ABOVE COOKINNG EQUIPMENTS ARE NOT CLEAN.INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE ON FREQUENT BASIS.

Minor Sanitation

FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

FLOOR IS DIRTY BENEATH THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AREAS.INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS IN DETAIL.

Minor Facility Condition

LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED

PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ADEQUATE LIGHTING INSIDE THE 2 DOOR COOLER NEAR THE KITCHEN EXPOSED HANDSINK.

MAR 5

2014

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 6 violations

Serious Sanitation

FOOD PROTECTED DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY, SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION

FOOD (ICE) NOT PROTECTED DURING STORAGE INSIDE OF THE ICE MACHINE. OBSERVED (BLACK) SLIMY SUBSTANCE ON INTERIOR WATER COMPONENTS OF THE ICE MACHINE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO TURN OFF MACHINE, REMOVE ICE AND HAVE INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE CLEANED AND SANITIZED. TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION .MUST FAX LETTER TO THE CDPH 312-746-8040 FOR TAG REMOVAL OR E-MAIL REQUEST TO cdphfood@cityofchicago.org ATT:D.BHATTAL. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-005(A).

Minor Sanitation

CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES

MUST PROPERLY STORE,INVERT CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS STORED AT REAR SHELVING TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION BEFORE USE.

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

(1)LARGE SHELF INSIDE THE WALK-IN-COOLER WITH RUST. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE/REPAIR USING A NON-TOXIC FINISH. PROVIDE SPLASHGUARD AT RIGHT SIDE OF KITCHEN EXPOSED HANDSINK.

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

SHELVINGS INSIDE THE WALK-IN-COOLER,FAN COVERS ON INTERIORS OF KITCHEN COOLERS,HOOD/FILTERS ABOVE COOKINNG EQUIPMENTS ARE NOT CLEAN.INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE ON FREQUENT BASIS.

Minor Sanitation

FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

FLOOR IS DIRTY BENEATH THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AREAS.INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS IN DETAIL.

Minor Facility Condition

LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED

PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ADEQUATE LIGHTING INSIDE THE 2 DOOR COOLER NEAR THE KITCHEN EXPOSED HANDSINK.

AUG 8

2013

PASS 4 violations

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

MUST CLEAN VENTS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE,

Minor Sanitation

FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

MUST CLEAN FLOORS UNDER AND BEHIND ALL EQUIPMENT REAR KITCHEN AREA,

Minor Plumbing & Waste

VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

MUST PROVIDE THREE SINK STOPPERS FOR THREE COMPARTMENT SINK,

Minor Other

REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

MUST PROVIDE THERMOMETERS INSIDE ALL COOLERS,

JUN 5

2012

PASS 4 violations

Minor Chemical Safety

FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED

Foods inside coolers not labeled or dated. Instructed to label and date all foods not in original containers.

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

Can opener attached to prep table, exterior and interior of cooking equipment and storage racks not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean and sanitize daily.

Minor Sanitation

FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

Floor not maintained in hallway. Instructed to replace missing floor tile. Floor behind equipment and along wallbase not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean daily.

Minor Other

REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

Thermometer not visible inside pizza prep cooler. Instructed to have thermometer visible inside cooler.

SEP 22

2010

PASS 5 violations 1 CRITICAL

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. INSTRUCTED TO REPAINT RUSTY METAL GREASE BOX UNDER 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.------MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE BROKEN RUBBER GASKET AROUND REACH-IN FREEZER DOOR IN THE KITCHEN. NOTED ICE BUILD-UP AT THE EXTERIOR SURFACE OF THE SAID FREEZER.

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR.

Minor Sanitation

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN WALLS WITH DRIED FOOD DEBRIS ACCUMULATION BEHIND 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND FLOOR/WALL BASEBOARD UNDER EXPOSED HAND SINK.

Minor Other

REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

All food establishments that display, prepare, or store potentially hazardous foods shall have calibrated metal stem thermometers, provided and conspicuous, for refrigerated and hot food units. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE INSIDE ALL COOLERS.

Critical Pest Activity

PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED

All parts of the food establishment and all parts of the property used in connection with the operation of the establishment shall be kept neat and clean and should not produce any offensive odors. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES STORED ON TOP OF WALK-IN COOLER/FREEZER OR REORGANIZE TO PREVENT RODENT AND INSECT HARBORAGE.

Public inspection records from Chicago Department of Public Health. Records current as of 2026-07-05. EatOrBeat reports records and does not rate restaurants. Source dataset →

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