LOU MALNATIS PIZZERIA.

Chicago Health Dept

3986 N AVONDALE AVE · AVONDALE, CHICAGO

Passed most recent inspection (Feb 2026).

18 inspections on record since 2016 · Last inspected Feb 2026.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS

VIOLATIONS

total on record

LAST INSPECTED

FEB 2026

INSPECTION HISTORY

FEB 6

2026

PASS 6 violations

Minor Pest Activity

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

NOTED SOME USE OF MILK CRATES FOR ELEVATION AT THE KITCHEN AREA AND DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE MILK CRATES FOR ELEVATION TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST. MUST PROVIDE APPROPRIATE SHELVING FOR STORAGE. ALL FOOD ITEMS MUST ALSO BE STORED 6" AWAY FROM THE WALL

Serious Employee Hygiene

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

OBSERVED SLOW DRAINAGE AT THE HAND WASHING SINK BY THE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN

Minor Sanitation

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

OBSERVED NO COVERED BINS IN THE EMPLOYEE WASH ROOM. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE COVERED BINS IN THE EMPLOYEE WASH ROOM.

Minor Sanitation

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

OBSERVED DEBRIS AROUND DUMPSTER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED DEBRIS ON FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS IN UTILITY AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED MOP NOT STORED PROPERLY. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO STORE PROPERLY.

JAN 10

2025

PASS 4 violations

Minor Plumbing & Waste

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

OBSERVED BOX OF DISPOSABLE PAPER TOWEL REFILL ROLLS STORED ON SHELF IN THE EMPLOYEE WASHROOM AREA. INSTRUCTED TO RELOCATE DISPOSABLE PAPER TOWEL REFILL ROLLS OUTSIDE OF WASHROOM AND STORE ALL SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES OUTSIDE OF PROHIBITED AREAS SUCH AS TOILET ROOMS AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED MILK CRATES USED TO MAINTAIN FOOD AND EQUIPMENT AT LEAST 6 INCHES ABOVE THE FLOOR THROUGHOUT KITCHEN AREA AND IN WALK-IN COOLER, NOT DESIGNED TO ALLOW FOR CLEANING FLOORS BENEATH EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE MILK CRATES AND REPLACE WITH EQUIPMENT THAT FACILITATES CLEANING BENEATH EQUIPMENT SUCH AS DUNNAGE RACKS AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

OBSERVED NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES OF PIZZA OVEN ALONG MAIN COOK LINE (NEXT TO DEEP FRYER) HEAVILY-SOILED WITH GREASE AND DUST. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES OF PIZZA OVEN AND OTHER EQUIPMENT AT ADEQUATE FREQUENCY TO PREVENT BUILD UP OF SOIL AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

OBSERVED SMALL DRIP/LEAK AT 4-COMPARTMENT SINK LEFT-HAND FAUCET, FAUCET STILL FUNCTIONAL. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE 4-COMPARTMENT SINK LEFT-HAND FAUCET TO ELIMINATE LEAK AND MAINTAIN ALL PLUMBING FIXTURES IN GOOD REPAIR.

JAN 19

2024

PASS 3 violations

Minor Food Temperature

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

OBSERVED NO THERMOMETERS CONSPICUOUSLY PLACED IN DESSERT REACH-IN COOLER, IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE THERMOMETERS FOR ALL HOT AND COLD HOLDING EQUIPMENT AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

OBSERVED DRAINPIPE WITH A LEAK UNDERNEATH EXPOSED HANDSINK, NEAR THE WALK-IN COOLER IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED PIZZA DOUGH DEBRIS ON FLOOR THROUHGOUT WALK-IN COOLER IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO DETAIL CLEAN FLOOR IN WALK-IN COOLER AND MAINTAIN.

FEB 27

2023

PASS 3 violations

Minor Sanitation

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

OBSERVED THE WASHROOM DOOR WITHOUT A SELF-CLOSING DOOR DEVICE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

CLEAN THE FOOD DEBRIS ON THE WALLS OF THE FOOD PREP AREA.

Minor Documentation & Training

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.

MAY 6

2022

PASS 2 violations

Serious Sanitation

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

OBSERVED CUTTING BOARD AT SALAD STATION WITH DARK GROOVES. MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZE CUTTING BOARD AND REMVOVE DARK GROOVES OR REPLACE CUTTING BOARD.

Minor Other

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

MUST SHOW PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLER EMPLOYEES.

show all 18 inspections →

FEB 4

2022

PASS · 0 violations

JAN 28

2022

FAIL 7 violations 1 CRITICAL

Critical Documentation & Training

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

OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON THE PREMISES.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010,CITATION ISSUED.

Minor Chemical Safety

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL FOOD CONTAINERS/BINS IDENTIFIED WITH COMMON NAME (SALT, SUGAR, FLOUR ETC).

Minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED CHIPPED PAINT ON THE WIRE STORAGE RACKS DIRECTLY ACROSS THE WAREWASHING 4-COMPARTMENT SINK.INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CHIPPED PAINT AND REPAINT OR REPLACE THE SHELVES.

Minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE INTERIORS OF THE PIZZA PREP COOLERS TO REMOVE FOOD DEBRIS SPILLAGE AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Documentation & Training

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITH EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CURRENT CERTIFICATE AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Food Storage & Handling

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT#2523933 DATED:08/11/2021 #47--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. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT NOTED VIOLATION AND MAINTAIN BY 2/4/2022. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090,CITATION ISSIED.

Minor Other

MISCELLANEOUS / PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS

OBSERVED NO WRITTEN RECORDS OF EMPLOYEE VACCINATION STATUS OR WEEKLY TESTING AS REQUIRED BY OSHA.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

AUG 11

2021

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 5 violations 2 CRITICAL

Critical Documentation & Training

PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES

OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT WITH CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER CERTIFICATE.

Critical Documentation & Training

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE (TCS FOODS) (PIZZAS ETC.) ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED TO THE CUSTOMERS. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE, A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE MUST BE PRESENT WHEN HANDLING (TCS FOODS).PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012,CITATION ISSUED.

Minor Sanitation

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

4-501.11--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.

Minor Sanitation

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

4-501.12--OBSERVED STAINED CUTTING BOARDS ON STORAGE RACK ABOVE THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO RESURFACE OR REPLACE THE CUTTING BOARDS.

Minor Documentation & Training

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

2-102.13-- ALLERGEN TRAINING IS REQUIRED FOR ALL EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE.INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETE TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ON SITE.

AUG 6

2021

FAIL 7 violations 2 CRITICAL

Critical Food Temperature

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED HANDWASHING SINK IN UNISEX WASHROOM NOT MEETING THE MINIMUM HOT WATER TEMPERATURE (87.1F).INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN THE MINIMUM HOT WATER TEMPERATURE AT THE HANDWASHING SINK MUST BE 100 F AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C),CITATION ISSUED.

Critical Pest Activity

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 20 LIVE SMALL FLIES ON THE WALLS AND CEILING IN THE REAR DELIVERY STATION AREA AND UTILITY MOP SINK AREA.ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A), CITATION ISSUED.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED STAINED CUTTING BOARDS ON STORAGE RACK ABOVE THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO RESURFACE OR REPLACE THE CUTTING BOARDS.

Minor Sanitation

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE PROVIDED IN THE UNISEX WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE.

Minor Facility Condition

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ACCUMULATIONS OF DUSTS ON CEILING VENTILATION COVERS IN FOOD PREP AREA AND WASHROOM.

Minor Documentation & Training

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

ALLERGEN TRAINING IS REQUIRED FOR ALL EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE.INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETE TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ON SITE.

DEC 11

2020

PASS 1 violation

Minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR LEAKY DRAIN PIPE UNDERNEATH THIRD AND FOURTH COMPARTMENT OF THE 4 COMPARTMENT SINK.

JUN 14

2019

PASS 4 violations

Minor Food Temperature

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

FOUND NO THERMOMETER INSIDE THE PIZZAS HOT HOLDING UNIT LOCATED BEHIND FRONT SERVICE COUNTER AREA.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

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

FOUND COLORED CODED CUTTING BOARDS WITH OPEN SEAMS AND DARK STAINS. MUST REFINISH OR REPLACE DAMAGED OR STAINED CUTTING BOARDS.

Minor Sanitation

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

A toilet room used by females shall be provided with a covered receptacle for sanitary napkins.

Minor Facility Condition

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

FOUND VENTILATION IN WASH ROOM NOT WORKING.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

OCT 31

2018

PASS 1 violation

Minor Sanitation

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

4-201.11 INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CARDBOARD LINER ON STORAGE SHELF IN PREP/COOKING AREA.

MAY 18

2018

PASS 4 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

INSTRUCTED TO REFINISH OR REPLACE CUTTING BOARDS WITH STAIN AND DEEP SEEMS IN PREP/COOKING AREA.

Minor Sanitation

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

INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN STORAGE METAL RACKS WITH DRIED FOOD DEBRIS INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER.

Minor Sanitation

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

INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOOR DRAIN UNDERNEATH 4 COMPARTMENT SINK.

Minor Sanitation

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

ALL FOOD AND NON FOOD ITEMS MUST BE STORED 6" OFF THE FLOOR FOR EASY ACCESS ON CLEANING. NO MILK CRATES. MUST USE RAISED SHELVES/RACKS FOR PROPER STORAGE.

MAY 22

2017

PASS 2 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

CLEAN AND SANITIZE CHOPPING BOARD WITH DEEP CUTS OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

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

VENTILATION NOT WORKING INSIDE THE WASHROOM. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

NOV 18

2016

PASS 1 violation

Minor Chemical Safety

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

Found several potentially hazardous, prepackaged items (sauces, salads, etc) without proper label in front cooler. Instructed must label all prepackaged items with Business name, list of ingredients, and date. Must maintain

SEP 19

2016

PASS 1 violation

Minor Chemical Safety

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

MAY 10

2016

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 3 violations

Serious Other

* INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO ALL CUSTOMERS

Inspection report summary from 3/8/16 on site but not posted in plain view of customers. Instructed operator must have summary posted in plain view at all times. Corrected during inspection. Serious violation. 7-42-010(b)

Minor Chemical Safety

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

Found salt, and oregano in large bulk containers without proper label. Instructed to properly label all bulk food containers with name. Must maintain.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

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

Found utility sink faucet without back flow device. Instructed must install back flow device on this faucet. Must maintain.

MAR 8

2016

PASS 1 violation

Minor Plumbing & Waste

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

OBSERVED EMPLOYEE WASHROOM DOOR WITHOUT SELF CLOSING MECHANISM. INSTRUCTED MUST INSTALL SELF CLOSING MECHANISM FOR DOOR BECAUSE IN FOOD PREP AREA.

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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