OCT 16
2025
PASSED
0 violationsSANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO
✕
LOU MALNATI'S PIZZERIA.
YOUR CALL. 54/100
439 N WELLS ST · RIVER NORTH, CHICAGO
Last inspected October 16, 2025 · passed
11 of 17 inspections passed, 2 failed, 4 passed with conditions. 6 critical violations across the record.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTIONS
17
11 passed · 4 w/ conditions · 2 failed
VIOLATIONS
51
includes 6 critical
RECORDS COVER
11 YEARS
since Sep 2014
INSPECTION HISTORY
OCT 92025FAILED4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
OCT 9
2025
FAILED
4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF PEST ACTIVITY ON THE PREMISES. OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 30 LIVE SMALL FLIES ON THE WALLS AND CEILINGS IN THE 2ND FLOOR UTILITY MOP SINK ROOM.INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS AND ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NOW RECCOMENDED.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A), CITATION ISSUED.
IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
OBSERVED ICE SCOOP STORED INSIDE THE ICE BIN AT BAR AREA.INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE IN A SEPARATE CLEAN CONTAINER TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION AND MAINTAIN.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED CHIPPED PAINT AND RUST ON THE WIRE STORAGE RACKS IN THE WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CHIPPED PAINT AND RUST AND REPAINT OR REPLACE THE SHELVES AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
INSTRUCTED TO RE-GROUT FLOOR TILES IN THE BASEMENT DISHWASHING AREAS AND MAINTAIN.
SEP 182024PASS W/ CONDITIONS3 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
SEP 18
2024
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
3 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
6-301.11: OBSERVED NO SOAP AT HANDWASHING SINK IN FIRST FLOOR BAR. INSTRUCTED HANDWASHING SINKS SHALL BE PROVIDED WITH SOAP. CORRECTED ON SITE SOAP PROVIDED FOR HANDWASHING SINK IN FIRST FLOOR BAR BEFORE CONCLUSION OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
6-501.112: OBSERVED ONE DEAD ROACH IN SMALL ROOM IN BASEMENT. DEAD ROACH REMOVED FROM AREA BEFORE CONCLUSION OF INSPECTION.
IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
3-304.12: Knives and spatulas kept in stagnant water at room temp, instructed to keep in a clean dry container.
AUG 132024PASS W/ CONDITIONS2 violationsDETAILS
AUG 13
2024
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
2 violationsDETAILS
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
Low Temp dish washing machine at bar area not sanitizing at final rinse, 0ppm obtained on Cl test strips, instructed manager to provide proper sanitizer concentration at final rinse. Priority violation 7-38-025.
IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
Knives and spatulas kept in stagnant water at room temp, instructed to keep in a clean dry container.
OCT 312023PASSED4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
OCT 31
2023
PASSED
4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS NEAR HAND WASHING SINK IN FRONT BAR AREA. MUST POVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
VISIBLE AND WORKING THERMOMETER NEEDED IN 2-DOOR REAR PREP COOLER WHERE CUT FRUIT IS STORED IN 1ST FLOOR. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN VISIBLE AND WORKING THERMOMETERS IN ALL REFRIGERATION UNITS IN BASEMENT FOOD PREP AREA,
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
MUST REGROUT FLOOR IN REAR DISHWASHING AREA LOCATED IN REAR OF BASEMENT AND MUST MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED DUST BUILD UP INSIDE LIGHT SHIELDS IN REAT STORAGE AREAS MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
show all 17 inspections →
NOV 172022PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
NOV 17
2022
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
OBSERVED SCRAPER STORED BETWEEN 2 COOLERS. INSTRUCTED TO STORE PROPERLY.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED ONE OF 3 WASHBOWL SINKS IN 2ND FLOOR MEN'S ROOM NOT WORKING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
NOV 122021PASS W/ CONDITIONS6 violationsDETAILS
NOV 12
2021
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
6 violationsDETAILS
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
OBSERVED BROKEN AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETERS INSIDE A PREP COOLER AND A 1-DOOR REACH IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CONSPICUOUS AND EASILY READABLE THERMOMETERS INSIDE ALL REFRIGERATOR UNITS TO PROPERLY MONITOR THE AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF EQUIPMENT.
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
FOUND NO IRREVERSIBLE REGISTERING TEMPERATURE INDICATOR FOR HOT WATER SANITIZING DISH MACHINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PROVIDE AND HAVE READILY ACCESSIBLE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
OBSERVED A BLACK MOLD-LIKE BUILD UP INSIDE THE 1-DOOR COCA COLA COOLER. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
TWO OUT OF THE THREE SINKS IN THE 2ND FLOOR WOMENS RESTROOM HAVE LOW WATER PRESSURE. MUST REPAIR.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
FOUND FLOOR TILES MISSING GROUT IN THE COOKS LINE AREA NEAR THE FRY STATION. MUST REGROUT TILES AND MAINTAIN.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
FOUND HEAVY DUST BUILD UP ON THE CEILING VENT LOCATED ABOVE THE SALAD MIX/LETTACE DISPENSING MACHINE AND CLEAN DISH STORAGE. MUST CLEAN VENT AND MAINTAIN.
JUL 262021PASSED7 violationsDETAILS
JUL 26
2021
PASSED
7 violationsDETAILS
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
OBSERVED COOK NOT WEAR A BEARD GUARD WHILE HANDLING FOOD, BEARDS LONGER THAN 1/4" LONG MUST BE COVERED WITH BEARD GUARDS AT ALL TIMES, INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
OBSERVED UTENSILS AND DISHES NOT INVERTED IN FOOD PREP AREA, INSTRUCTED TO INVERT AND MAINTAIN.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED TORN DOOR GASKETS ON MULTIPLE PREP COOLERS, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED CUTTING BROWN/TAN ON PREP COOLER IN NEED OF REPLACING, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED LEAKY DRAIN PIPE UNDER 3-COMP SINK, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED LOOSE FOOD DEBRIS AND WATER ON FLOORS THROUGHOUT PREP AREA, WALK IN COOLER/FREEZER, FURNACE ROOM, AND UNDER DISH MACHINE.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED EXCESSIVE DUST ACCUMULATION ON CEILING VENTS THROUGHOUT FOOD PREP AREA, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND AND MAINTAIN.
MAR 52020PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
MAR 5
2020
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS ON PREP LINE NEAR PIZZA OVENS IN BASEMENT PREP KITCHEN COVERED IN DEEP GROOVES AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH, CLEANABLE CUTTING SURFACES.
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
OBSERVED BUILD UP OF GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON EXTERIOR OF USED COOKING OIL RECEPTACLE LOCATED IN ALLEY TO THE NORTH OF THE FIRST FLOOR DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
JAN 132020PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
JAN 13
2020
PASSED
4 violationsDETAILS
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS ON PREP LINE NEAR PIZZA OVENS IN BASEMENT PREP KITCHEN COVERED IN DEEP GROOVES AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH, CLEANABLE CUTTING SURFACES.
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
OBSERVED NO COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE IN 2ND FLOOR UNISEX EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
OBSERVED BUILD UP OF GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON EXTERIOR OF USED COOKING OIL RECEPTACLE LOCATED IN ALLEY TO THE NORTH OF THE FIRST FLOOR DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED SEVERAL MISSING CEILING PANELS IN HALLWAY LOCATED ON 3RD FLOOR NEXT TO KEG WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN CEILING PANELS.
JAN 82019PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
JAN 8
2019
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
REFRIGERATION THERMOMETERS KEPT IN THE COLDEST PART OF COOLER BEHIND FOOD CONTAINERS, INSTRUCTED TO KEEP IN WARMEST PART IN A CONSPICUOUS AREA.
IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
STORING IN-USE UTENSILS IN A STANDING WATER CONTAINER, INSTRUCTED TO KEEP IN A CLEAN DRY CONTAINER.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
MISSING A VENT COVER ON BASEMENT'S CEILING ABOVE PREP TABLES
JAN 312018PASSED1 violationDETAILS
JAN 31
2018
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
OBSERVED RED AND YELLOW COLORED FOOD SPLATTERS AND STAINS ON THE CEILING NEAR THE OVEN COOK LINE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
JAN 172017PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
JAN 17
2017
PASSED
4 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
OBSERVED RACKS WITHIN REACH IN REFRIGERATOR AT BAR WITH PEELING PAINT. MUST REPAINT ALL RACKS AND REMOVE RUST. RESTORE SURFACES TO A SMOOTH EASILY CLENABLE SURFACE AND MAINTAIN.
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
OBSERVED FLOORS IN BASEMENT NEED TO BE CLEANED IN DETAIL UNDER ALL SINKS IN CORNERS AND ALONG WALLS. MAINTAIN.
LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
OBSERVED CRACKED ,IGHT SHEILD IN DISHWASHING AREA. OBSERVED 2 MISSING LIGHT SHEILDS IN DISHWASHING AREA. REPAIR AND REPLACE ALL BROKEN OR MISSING LIGHT SHEILDS.
PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
HANG ALL MOPS TO DRY AND PUT AWAY ALL CLEANING EQUIPMENT AFTER USE.
MAY 162016PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
MAY 16
2016
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS INSIDE BAR REACH IN COOLER DOORS RUBBER GASKETS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN COOLERS DOOR GASKETS.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS/STAINS ON WALLS AT DISHWASH 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AREA, PEELING PAPER FROM CEILING TILES ABOVE DISHMACHINE ALSO OBSERVED FOOD SPLATTERS ON CEILING TILES AT SAME. MUST REPLACE ALL PEELING PAPER FROM CEILING TILES AND CLEAN WALLS/CEILING TILES AT DISHMACHINE AREA.
REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
THERMOMETER MISSING INSIDE SERVER REACH IN COOLER AND 2ND FLOOR REACH IN STAND UP COOLER. MUST PROVIDE THERMOMETERS FOR ALL COOLERS.
MAY 72015PASS W/ CONDITIONS6 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
MAY 7
2015
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
6 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
HAND WASHING FACILITIES: WITH SOAP AND SANITARY HAND DRYING DEVICES, CONVENIENT AND ACCESSIBLE TO FOOD PREP AREA
FOUND EXPOSED HAND SINK BEHIND THE BAR WITHOUT PAPER TOWEL AND HAND SOAP. ESTABLISHMENT HAS BEEN OPEN FOR BUSINESS SINCE 11:00AM AND SERVING CUSTOMER IN THE BAR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT ALL HAND WASHING FACILITIES MUST HAVE A PAPER TOWEL AND HAND SOAP. CITATION ISSUED CRITICAL 7-38-030. MANAGER PROVIDED THE PAPER TOWEL AND HAND SOAP DURING INSPECTION.
NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR AND EXIT DOOR NOT RODENT/INSECTS PROOFED WITH APPROXIMATELY 1/4 OF AN INCH GAP ON THE BOTTOM OF THE DOOR AND 1/3 OF AN INCH GAP IN BETWEEN THE TWO GLASS DOOR MIDDLE BOTTOM OF THE DOOR. CITATION ISSUED SERIOUS 7-38-020. ALFREDO THE MAINTENANCE PERSON CAME AND WAS ABLE TO FIX THE DOORS. DOORS ARE NOW RODENT/INSECTS PROOFED.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
MUST INSTALL OR PROVIDE LID FOR THE ICE BIN BEHIND THE BAR.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
VENT COVER IN BOTH 2ND FLOOR WASHROOMS WITH DUST BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELD ON THE LIGHT BULBS IN FRONT OF THE WALK IN FREEZER AND ICE MAKER,IN 3RD FLOOR.
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
VENTILATION IN EMPLOYEE'S WASHROOM NOT WORKING. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
Data sourced from Chicago Dept. of Public Health. We'd love to link you straight to this restaurant's record — turns out Chicago considers that a luxury. The full dataset is what's on offer →