So Soulful Eatery

Chicago Health Dept

3944 W CHICAGO AVE · HUMBOLDT PARK, CHICAGO

Passed most recent inspection (Jul 2026), 4 critical violations noted.

3 inspections on record since 2024 · Last inspected Jul 2026 · 4 critical violations in the last 12 months.

The numbers

INSPECTIONS
3
VIOLATIONS
37
total on record
LAST INSPECTED
JUL 2026

Inspection history

JUL 6
2026
PASS W/ CONDITIONS 11 violations 4 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

NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE OR VALID DOCUMENTATION ON THE PREMISES WHILE TCS FOODS (MACARONI W/CHEESE, CABBAGE, GRAVY ETC.) IS BEING HANDLED AND PREPARED.INSTRUCTED THE PERSON-IN-CHARGE THAT A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGER WITH AN ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE MUST BE ON THE PREMISES AT ALL TIMES WHEN (TCS FOODS) ARE PREPARED, HANDLED, AND/OR SERVED.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012, CITATION ISSUED.

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 AND MAINTAIN SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE WORKING ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010, CITATION ISSUED.

Minor Food Temperature
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER INSIDE THE 1 DOOR COKE STAND-UP COOLER CONSPICUOUSLY POSTED TO MONITOR THE AMBIENT TEMPERATURE OF EQUIPMENT.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ALL REFRIGERATION UNITS WITH VISIBLE, ACCURATE AND WORKING THERMOMETERS AND MAINTAIN.

Critical Pest Activity
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

OBSERVED GAP OPENINGS APPROX:1/4" INCH ON THE REAR METAL EXIT DOOR.INSTRUCTED TO MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY AND MAINTAIN.

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

INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE AND INVERT ALL CLEAN POTS/PANS MULTI-USE UTENSILS TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION BEFORE USE (HANDLES-UP).

Minor Sanitation
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE FOLLOWING EQUIPMENT AND MAINTAIN: PREP TABLES (TOPS AND BOTTOMS), EXTERIOR SURFACES OF FRYERS AND OTHER COOKING EQUIPMENTS, UNDER GRILLS AND SHELVES INSIDE OF REFRIGERATION UNITS AND STORAGE RACKS THROUGHOUT THE FOOD PREP/DISHWASHING AREA AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS AND SPILLS ON THE FLOORS AND SURFACES THROUGHOUT THE FOOD PREP/DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN UNDER ALL SHELVING UNITS, UNDER AND AROUND THE DISHWASHING 3-COMPARTMENT SINK, PREP TABLES AND ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT TO REMOVE SPILLS, FOOD DEBRIS, AND DIRT BUILDUP.INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

Minor Sanitation
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE KITCHEN EXHAUST HOOD SYSTEM/FILTERS TO REMOVE ACCUMULATION OF HANGING DUST BULD-UP AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Documentation & Training
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT#2613629 DATED:03/12/2025 #58---2-102.13: **C** Allergen Training - All certified food service sanitation managers employed by a restaurant must receive or obtain training in basic allergen awareness principles within 30 days after employment and every 3 years thereafter. Training programs must be accredited by the American National Standards Institute or another reputable accreditation agency under the ASTM International E2659-09 (Standard Practice for Certificate Programs). OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE POSTED FOR CFM WITH FOOD SERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLY AND MAINTAIN AS REQUIRED.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090, CITATION ISSUED.

Minor Other
SUMMARY REPORT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC

PREVIOUS INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY FROM (03/12/2025) WAS NOT DISPLAYED FOR THE PUBLIC TO VIEW.TODAY'S INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY WAS ISSUED AND DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC AT ALL TIMES.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-010 (B),CITATION ISSUED.

MAR 12
2025
PASS W/ CONDITIONS 12 violations 4 CRITICAL
Critical Documentation & Training
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION WHILE TCS FOODS BEING STORED, PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED A CFM MUST BE ON SITE AND PROVIDE A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE POSTED ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.

Critical Documentation & Training
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

OBSERVED BLANK COPIES OF EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN POLICY WITH VERIFIABLE SIGNED COPIES ON SITE FOR ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.

Critical Sanitation
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

OBSERVED NO SPILL/CLEAN UP KIT ON SITE FOR VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS AND NO CORRESPONDING CLEAN UP PROCEDURE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

Critical Employee Hygiene
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HANDWASHING SINKS THROUGHOUT FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

Minor Food Temperature
APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED

OBSERVED CHICKEN IN 3-COMPARTMENT SINK NOT THAWING IMPROPER WHILE SITTING IN SINK WITH STAGNANT WATER. INSTRUCTED TO THAW PROPER UNDER RUNNING WATER.

Minor Other
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

OBSERVED NO AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETERS INSIDE COOLER#2 AND DISPLAY COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

Minor Employee Hygiene
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER WITHOUT HAIR NET/RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

Minor Plumbing & Waste
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

OBSERVED LEAKING PIPE UNDER 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED UNUSED EQUIPMENT AND FURNITURE IN THE REAR OF THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED BUILD UP OF GREASE AT VENT HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Documentation & Training
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

OBSERVED EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CURRENT FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATES AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Documentation & Training
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE POSTED FOR CFM WITH FOOD SERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

SEP 23
2024
PASS W/ CONDITIONS 14 violations 3 CRITICAL
Critical Documentation & Training
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED MANAGER FROM 11:00AM TO 11:40PM WHILE TCS FOODS SUCH AS CHICKEN WERE PREPARED. AT 11:40AM CERTIFIED MANAGER LESTER SWIMS ARRIVED ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN EMPLOYEE HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.

Critical Documentation & Training
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

OBSERVED NO VERIFIABLE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. LEFT TEMPLATE AND INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN COPIES OF VERIFIABLE HEALTH POLICY SIGNED BY ALL EMPLOYEES ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.

Critical Sanitation
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

OBSERVED NO KIT AND PROCEDURE ON SITE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN KIT CONTAINING ALL NECESSARY SUPPLIES INCLUDING A SANITIZER RATED AS EFFECTIVE AGAINST NOROVIRUS ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.

Serious Food Temperature
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

OBSERVED TCS FOODS HELD AT IMPROPER INTERNAL TEMPERATURES IN THE PREP COLD HOLDING UNIT, SUCH AS 40LBS OF GRILLED CHICKEN AT 50.8F. MANAGER DISCARDED AND DENATURED A TOTAL 40LBS AT $100. ALL COLD TCS FOOD MUST MAINTAIN 41F OR BELOW . PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.

Minor Sanitation
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.

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

OBSERVED THE INSIDE OF THE DEEP FRYER OIL FILTERING UNIT WITH A BUILD UP OF GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL

Serious Employee Hygiene
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

OBSERVED UNDER HANDWASHING SINK IN REAR, UTILITY SINK AND 3 COMPARTMENT SINK NOT CLEAN, WATER STAINED, DEBRIS. INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN SAME

Minor Sanitation
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS, SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

OBSERVED FOOD RESIDUE IN BOTTOM OF STANDING STAINLESS STEEL FREEZER. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN

Minor Pest Activity
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED EXCESSIVE CLUTTER IN GATED STORAGE AREA IN REAR LEADING TO GARBAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL UNUSED EQUIPMENT AND ORGANIZE ITEMS AND ELEVATE ITEMS 6 INCHES OFF GROUND TO PREVENT HIDING SPACES FOR PEST. MUST MAINTAIN PREMISES.

Minor Sanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS, DIRT, AND OTHER SOIL ON FLOORS THROUGHOUT FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

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

Minor Documentation & Training
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES MUST COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES

Minor Documentation & Training
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATES MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.

Public inspection records from Chicago Department of Public Health. Records current as of 2026-09-06. EatOrBeat reports records and does not rate restaurants. Source dataset →

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