FEB 6
2026
PASSED
6 violationsDETAILS
SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO
✕
LOU MALNATIS PIZZERIA.
EAT. 84/100
3986 N AVONDALE AVE · AVONDALE, CHICAGO
Last inspected February 6, 2026 · passed
14 of 18 inspections passed, with 5 critical violations on file.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTIONS
18
14 passed · 2 w/ conditions · 2 failed
VIOLATIONS
55
includes 5 critical
RECORDS COVER
9 YEARS
since Mar 2016
INSPECTION HISTORY
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
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED SLOW DRAINAGE AT THE HAND WASHING SINK BY THE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN
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.
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
OBSERVED DEBRIS AROUND DUMPSTER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED DEBRIS ON FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS IN UTILITY AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED MOP NOT STORED PROPERLY. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO STORE PROPERLY.
JAN 102025PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
JAN 10
2025
PASSED
4 violationsDETAILS
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.
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.
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.
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 192024PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
JAN 19
2024
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
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.
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.
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 272023PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
FEB 27
2023
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
OBSERVED THE WASHROOM DOOR WITHOUT A SELF-CLOSING DOOR DEVICE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
CLEAN THE FOOD DEBRIS ON THE WALLS OF THE FOOD PREP AREA.
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 62022PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
MAY 6
2022
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
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.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
MUST SHOW PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLER EMPLOYEES.
show all 18 inspections →
JAN 282022FAILED7 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
JAN 28
2022
FAILED
7 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
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.
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL FOOD CONTAINERS/BINS IDENTIFIED WITH COMMON NAME (SALT, SUGAR, FLOUR ETC).
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.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE INTERIORS OF THE PIZZA PREP COOLERS TO REMOVE FOOD DEBRIS SPILLAGE AND MAINTAIN.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITH EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CURRENT CERTIFICATE AND MAINTAIN.
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.
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 112021PASS W/ CONDITIONS5 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
AUG 11
2021
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
5 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT WITH CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER CERTIFICATE.
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.
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.
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.
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 62021FAILED7 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
AUG 6
2021
FAILED
7 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
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.
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.
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.
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.
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE PROVIDED IN THE UNISEX WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ACCUMULATIONS OF DUSTS ON CEILING VENTILATION COVERS IN FOOD PREP AREA AND WASHROOM.
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 112020PASSED1 violationDETAILS
DEC 11
2020
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR LEAKY DRAIN PIPE UNDERNEATH THIRD AND FOURTH COMPARTMENT OF THE 4 COMPARTMENT SINK.
JUN 142019PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
JUN 14
2019
PASSED
4 violationsDETAILS
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
FOUND NO THERMOMETER INSIDE THE PIZZAS HOT HOLDING UNIT LOCATED BEHIND FRONT SERVICE COUNTER AREA.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
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.
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
A toilet room used by females shall be provided with a covered receptacle for sanitary napkins.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
FOUND VENTILATION IN WASH ROOM NOT WORKING.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
OCT 312018PASSED1 violationDETAILS
OCT 31
2018
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
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 182018PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
MAY 18
2018
PASSED
4 violationsDETAILS
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.
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.
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.
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 222017PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
MAY 22
2017
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
CLEAN AND SANITIZE CHOPPING BOARD WITH DEEP CUTS OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
VENTILATION NOT WORKING INSIDE THE WASHROOM. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
NOV 182016PASSED1 violationDETAILS
NOV 18
2016
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
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 192016PASSED1 violationDETAILS
SEP 19
2016
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
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.
MAY 102016PASS W/ CONDITIONS3 violationsDETAILS
MAY 10
2016
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
3 violationsDETAILS
* 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)
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.
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 82016PASSED1 violationDETAILS
MAR 8
2016
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
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.
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 →