Chicago
58
YOUR CALL

Pita Express LLC

4649 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60625 · Lincoln Square · Restaurant · High risk
YOUR CALL
58/100

Troubled record — failed 3 of 7 inspections for employee hygiene, documentation & training

Inspections
7
4 passed
Last Inspected
2026-03-03
Pass Rate
57%
3 failures
Score
58/100
YOUR CALL
3 consecutive passes, most recently 2026-03-03
Failed 3 inspections (2024, 2024, 2023)
Employee Hygiene issues found across 8 inspections
Documentation & Training issues found across 8 inspections
Issues were corrected on re-inspection
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Sanitation serious 17×
🧼
Employee Hygiene critical
📋
Documentation & Training critical
🌡
Food Temperature serious
🐀
Pest Activity minor
🔧
Facility Condition minor
📦
Food Storage & Handling minor
📌
Other minor
2026-03-03 Pass Canvass
CRITICAL 2
critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

MUST PROVIDE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE FOR HANDWASHING SINKS IN THE CUSTOMER/EMPLOYEE RESTROOMS ON THE FIRST FLOOR.

minor Employee Hygiene

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER PREPARING FOOD WITHOUT A HAIR RESTRAINT. INTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS PREPARING FOOD MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS.

2025-05-02 Pass Canvass
CRITICAL 10
critical Documentation & Training

PROPER EATING, TASTING, DRINKING, OR TOBACCO USE

NOTED EMPLOYEE EATING IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. REVIEWED PERMITTED AREAS FOR EMPLOYEES TO EAT.

minor Sanitation

WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

PREP AREA WET WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE HELD IN A CONTAINER WITH A SANITIZING SOLUTION.

minor Food Temperature

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED

NOTED IN USE UTENSIL USED TO SCOOP FALAFEL FOR THE DEEP FRYER BEING IMPROPERLY STORED IN STANDING WATER AT A TEMPERATURE OF 56.7F. IF STORED IN WATER, MUST MAINTAIN A MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 135F OR STORE ON/IN A CLEAN SURFACE/CONTAINER, OR INSIDE FOO...

minor Sanitation

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

MUST NOT USE RAW WOOD OR USED CARDBOARD OIL BOXES AS A MEANS OF ELEVATION FOR PLUMBING PIPES UNDER THE 1ST FLOOR THREE COMPARTMENT SINK.

serious Sanitation

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

MUST NOT USE RAW WOODEN STICKS AS A MEANS OF SEPARATION IN COOLER FOR PREPARED RAW MEAT KABOBS. MUST BE SMOOTH, CLEANABLE, NON-ABSORBENT AND ABLE TO WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE.

serious Sanitation

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

MUST NOT USE PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS AS FOOD CONTAINERS INSIDE THE BOX FREEZER. MUST USE WASHABLE CONTAINERS OR FOOD GRADE DISPOSABLE BAGS.----MUST NOT USE TAPE AS A GRIP HANDLE FOR BLENDER. MUST BE SMOOTH, CLEANABLE AND ABLE TO SANITIZE.

minor Pest Activity

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

UNUSED ICE MACHINE IN THE BASEMENT MUST BE REMOVED FROM THE PREMISES TO PREVENT ANY PEST HARBORING.

minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

NOTED WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES IN THE DINING ROOM.----MISSING VENT COVER ABOVE THE UTILITY MOP SINK. MUST REPLACE ALL.----MUST PROVIDE A SMOOTH CLEANABLE CEILING ABOVE THE BASEMENT ICE MACHINE OR MOVE THE MACHINE TO AN AREA OF THE BASEMENT THAT DO...

minor Documentation & Training

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING OR CERTIFICATE FOR EMPLOYEE (DISHWASHER)ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE.

minor Documentation & Training

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING OR CERTIFICATE. MUST PROVIDE FOR ALL.

2024-03-22 Pass Complaint Re-Inspection
2
serious Employee Hygiene

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

OBSERVED A CONSTANT SMALL WATER LEAK AT FAUCET OF NEWLY INSTALLED HANDWASHING SINK IN BASEMENT FOOD PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR PLUMBING LEAK AND MAINTAIN.

minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED SOME OVER HEAD PIPES OVER THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AREA AND FOOD PREP AREA WITH NOTICEABLE ROUGH EDGES AND OPEN SEAMS AND CREVICES AND WRINKLES. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR SAID AREAS SO THAT THEY ARE SMOOTH,EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACES AND ARE MAINTAIN...

2024-03-15 Fail Complaint Re-Inspection
CRITICAL 5
critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

5-204.11--Observed no handwashing station in basement prep area. Observed evidence of food prep and storage in basement. Instructed manager to install a handwashing station or sink in basement by 3/20. Priority foundation violation 7-38-030(c).

minor Facility Condition

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

4-204.112(B)--Observed no thermometer present in clear glass doored cooler at front prep area. Instructed manager to provide an maintain a working thermometer in all coolers.

minor Employee Hygiene

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

3-305.14--Observed multiple waste lines above three compartment sink as well as over prep tables in basement prep area of establishment. Waste lines from first floor handwashing sinks and 3 compartment sinks. Instructed to encase all waste water pipe...

minor Sanitation

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

3-305.12--Observed dry storage and spices stored in basement beneath unfinished wood and open ceiling in basement. Provide smooth and easily cleanable surface on ceiling over any food storage or prep areas.

minor Documentation & Training

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

2-102.13--Observed no food handler certificates provided on premises. Must show proof of training for all food handler employees.

2024-03-13 Fail Complaint
CRITICAL 15
critical Documentation & Training

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

Observed no Certified Food Manager on site while TCS foods are prepared, handled, and/or served. (Handling beef, chicken, hummus) PIC provided a photo copy of certificate on phone. Physical and original copy must be present and posted as required. Pr...

critical Documentation & Training

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

Observed no employee health policies on site at time of inspection. Discussed with manager to provide a signed health policy for each employee, and maintain as required. Priority foundation violation 7-38-010, citation issued.

critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Observed no handwashing station in basement prep area. Observed evidence of food prep and storage in basement. Instructed manager to install a handwashing station or sink in basement by 3/20. Priority foundation violation 7-38-030(c).

critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Observed no paper towels present at front prep hand sink. Instructed manager to provide paper towels and maintain. Priority foundation violation 7-38-030(c). Consolidate with the above citation.

serious Food Temperature

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

Observed TCS foods (chicken, hummus, rice, cheese, diced tomatoes) in standing double door cooler in rear to be at improper cold holding temperature with chicken at 46.4 degrees, hummus as 46.3 degrees, tomatoes at 46.5 degrees, rice at 70.3 degrees,...

minor Food Temperature

PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL

Observed double door standing cooler in rear prep area with an ambient air temp of 48.2 degrees. Instructed management to repair and maintain the cooler at 41 degrees or colder at all times. Cooler is tagged "held for inspection" at this time, and ma...

minor Facility Condition

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

Observed no thermometer present in clear glass doored cooler at front prep area. Instructed manager to provide an maintain a working thermometer in all coolers.

minor Food Storage & Handling

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Observed bulk storage container without a label. Instructed to provide common name of contents to properly identify all items in establishment. (Salt, sugar, sesame, flour, etc.)

minor Employee Hygiene

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Observed multiple waste lines above three compartment sink as well as over prep tables in basement prep area of establishment. Waste lines from first floor handwashing sinks and 3 compartment sinks. Instructed to encase all waste water pipes to preve...

minor Sanitation

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Observed dry storage and spices stored in basement beneath unfinished wood and open ceiling in basement. Provide smooth and easily cleanable surface on ceiling over any food storage or prep areas.

minor Sanitation

UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED

Observed spoons, scoops, and utensils stored improperly in rear prep area storage rack. All utensils must be inverted when stored.

minor Food Storage & Handling

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

Observed single service items stored facing up in rear prep storage rack. All single service items must be stored inverted.

minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Observed exterior, sides, and gasket of glass door cooler in front prep area to have heavy accumulation of food residue and debris. Instructed manager to clean and regularly maintain area free of food residue and debris.

minor Documentation & Training

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

Observed no food handler certificates provided on premises. Must show proof of training for all food handler employees.

minor Documentation & Training

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Observed no allergen training certificate on site. Must show proof of training.

2023-04-19 Fail License
6
minor Sanitation

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

OBSERVED BOXES OVERFLOWING FROM DUMPSTER AND BOXES WERE PLACED OUTSIDE OF DUMPSTER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO HAVE DUMPSTER AND EXTRA BOXES PICKED UP. DUMPSTER AND AREA SURROUNDING IT MUST BE CLEAN AND UNCLUTTERED.

minor Other

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

OBSERVED NO INSIDE RECEPTACLES FOR KITCHEN PREP OR DISH AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED ITEMS IN BASEMENT STORED ON FLOOR, INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO OBTAIN SHELVING OR STORAGE THAT WILL KEEP ITEMS SIX INCHES OFF OF FLOOR, TO ENSURE THAT FLOOR CAN BE CLEANED.

minor Pest Activity

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED UNNECCESSARY ITEMS STORED IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DECLUTTER AND GET RID OF UNNECESSARY ITEMS TO PREVENT PEST HARBAORAGE.

minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED TWO HOLES IN BASEMENT FLOOR, INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COVER AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED HOLE AROUND LIGHT SWITCH ON WALL LEADING TO BASEMENT INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL SMOOTHLY AND MAINTAIN IN ORDER TO EASILY CLEAN. OBSERVED HOLES AROUND METER ON ...

minor Sanitation

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED BUILDUP ON HOODS, INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

2023-04-19 Pass License Re-Inspection
5
minor Other

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

5-501.16 OBSERVED NO INSIDE RECEPTACLES FOR KITCHEN PREP OR DISH AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN

minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

6-501.13 OBSERVED ITEMS IN BASEMENT STORED ON FLOOR, INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO OBTAIN SHELVING OR STORAGE THAT WILL KEEP ITEMS SIX INCHES OFF OF FLOOR, TO ENSURE THAT FLOOR CAN BE CLEANED.

minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

6-201.11 OBSERVED TWO HOLES IN BASEMENT FLOOR, INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COVER AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED HOLE AROUND LIGHT SWITCH ON WALL LEADING TO BASEMENT INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL SMOOTHLY AND MAINTAIN IN ORDER TO EASILY CLEAN. OBSERVED HOLES AROUND ME...

minor Pest Activity

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

6-501.11 OBSERVED UNNECCESSARY ITEMS STORED IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DECLUTTER AND GET RID OF UNNECESSARY ITEMS TO PREVENT PEST HARBAORAGE.

minor Sanitation

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

4-202.18 OBSERVED BUILDUP ON HOODS, INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN

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Data sourced from Chicago Dept. of Public Health · Score calculated from inspection outcomes, violation severity & recency. · How we score
View official record on city data portal →
Eat or Beat scores are independent editorial analysis of public records and do not represent official government ratings.