SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO

PITA EXPRESS LLC.

YOUR CALL. 58/100

4649 N DAMEN AVE · LINCOLN SQUARE, CHICAGO

Last inspected March 3, 2026 · passed

4 of 7 inspections passed, 3 failed. 7 critical violations across the record.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS
7
4 passed · 3 failed
VIOLATIONS
45
includes 7 critical
RECORDS COVER
2 YEARS
since Apr 2023

INSPECTION HISTORY

MAR 3
2026
PASSED
2 violations1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALEmployee Hygiene
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

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

MINOREmployee Hygiene
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

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

MAY 2
2025
PASSED
10 violations1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALDocumentation & Training
PROPER EATING, TASTING, DRINKING, OR TOBACCO USE

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

MINORSanitation
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

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

MINORFood 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 FOOD WITH THE HANDLE INVERTED FROM THE FOOD AND WASH, RINSE, SANITIZE AS NEED OR EVERY 4 HOURS.

MINORSanitation
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.

SERIOUSSanitation
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.

SERIOUSSanitation
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.

MINORPest Activity
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

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

MINORSanitation
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 DOES HAVE SUCH A CEILING.

MINORDocumentation & Training
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

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

MINORDocumentation & Training
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

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

MAR 22
2024
PASSED
2 violations
DETAILS
SERIOUSEmployee 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.

MINORSanitation
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 MAINTAINED AT ALL TIMES.

MAR 15
2024
FAILED
5 violations1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALEmployee 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).

MINORFacility 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.

MINOREmployee 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 pipes to prevent from potential drips and sources of contamination over 3 compartment sink and any food prep and storage areas. Provide smooth and easily cleanable surface on ceiling over any food storage or prep areas. Priority foundation violation 7-38-005.

MINORSanitation
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.

MINORDocumentation & 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.

MAR 13
2024
FAILED
15 violations4 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALDocumentation & 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. Priority foundation violation 7-38-012,citation issued.

CRITICALDocumentation & 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.

CRITICALEmployee 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).

CRITICALEmployee 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.

SERIOUSFood 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, cheese at 45 degrees, and shishkabob at 46.4 degrees. Instructed manager to monitor and maintain all cold TCS foods at 41 degrees or colder at all times. Management voluntarily discarded and denatured approximately 50 lbs of food worth $300. Priority violation 7-38-005, citation issued.

MINORFood 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 manager is instructed not to use until repaired. (See comments below). Priority violation 7-38-005, citation issued.

MINORFacility 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.

MINORFood 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.)

MINOREmployee 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 prevent from potential drips and sources of contamination over 3 compartment sink and any food prep and storage areas. Provide smooth and easily cleanable surface on ceiling over any food storage or prep areas. Priority foundation violation 7-38-005, citation issued.

MINORSanitation
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.

MINORSanitation
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.

MINORFood 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.

MINORSanitation
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.

MINORDocumentation & 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.

MINORDocumentation & Training
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

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

show all 7 inspections →
APR 19
2023
FAILED
6 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
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.

MINOROther
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

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

MINORSanitation
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.

MINORSanitation
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 WALL IN BASEMENT DIRECTLY ACROSS FROM STAIRS, INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SMOOTHLY SEAL IN ORDER TO EASILY CLEAN.

MINORPest 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.

MINORSanitation
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

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

APR 19
2023
PASSED
5 violations
DETAILS
MINOROther
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

MINORSanitation
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.

MINORSanitation
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 METER ON WALL IN BASEMENT DIRECTLY ACROSS FROM STAIRS, INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SMOOTHLY SEAL IN ORDER TO EASILY CLEAN.

MINORPest 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.

MINORSanitation
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

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

NEARBY IN LINCOLN SQUARE