SEP 5
2025
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO
✕
THE NEW CONGRESS PIZZA.
BEAT. 45/100
3737 W GRAND AVE · HUMBOLDT PARK, CHICAGO
Last inspected September 5, 2025 · passed
Failed 4 of 13 inspections. 8 critical violations on the cumulative record. Pattern of issues, not a one-off.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTIONS
13
5 passed · 4 w/ conditions · 4 failed
VIOLATIONS
48
includes 8 critical
RECORDS COVER
3 YEARS
since Oct 2021
INSPECTION HISTORY
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
6-501.114: OBSERVED AN OPENING IN THE LOWER WALL UNDER THE MOP SINK IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL AND MAINTAIN TO PREVENT POTENTIAL PEST ENTRY POINTS.
AUG 202025PASSED1 violationDETAILS
AUG 20
2025
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
6-501.114: OBSERVED AN OPENING IN THE LOWER WALL UNDER THE MOP SINK IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL AND MAINTAIN TO PREVENT POTENTIAL PEST ENTRY POINTS.
AUG 122025FAILED2 violationsDETAILS
AUG 12
2025
FAILED
2 violationsDETAILS
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED AN OPEING IN THE LOWER WALL UNDER THE MOP SINK IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL AND MAINTAIN TO PREVENT POTENTIAL PEST ENTRY POINTS.
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM 05/13/2025, REPORT #2617356 #37:3-302.12: OBSERVED SQUIRT BOTTLES NOT LABELED IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL AND MAINTAIN. #49: 4-601.11(B): OBSERVED THE ICE SHIELD AND ABOVE THE ICE WITH SLIGHT BLACK-LIKE SUBSTANCE BUILDUP. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ICE, CLEAN, AND SANITIZE THE ICE MACHINE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION:7-42-090, CITATION ISSUED
MAY 132025PASSED5 violationsDETAILS
MAY 13
2025
PASSED
5 violationsDETAILS
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
4-204.112(B): OBSERVED NO AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETER INSIDE HOT HOLDING UNIT USED FOR PREPACKAGED PIZZA SLICES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
3-302.12: OBSERVED SQUIRT BOTTLES NOT LABELED IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL AND MAINTAIN.
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
4-301.12: OBSERVED FACILITY MISSING THREE SINK STOPPERS FOR THE WAREWASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
4-601.11(B): OBSERVED THE ICE SHIELD AND ABOVE THE ICE WITH SLIGHT BLACK-LIKE SUBSTANCE BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ICE, CLEAN, AND SANITIZE ICE MACHINE AND MAINTAIN.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
2-102.13: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST TAKE COURSE AND MAINTAIN RECORDS ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
MAY 12025FAILED10 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
MAY 1
2025
FAILED
10 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
HANDS CLEAN & PROPERLY WASHED
OBSERVED, POOR HYGIENIC PRACTICES. FOOD HANDLER BLEW INSIDE GLOVE WITH MOUTH, PUT HAND INSIDE GLOVE, AND STARTED TO PREPARE FOOD. ALSO, OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER WIPING HANDS ON WIPING CLOTH USED TO WIPE SURFACES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROPERLY WASH HANDS AFTER ANY POSSIBLE SOURCE OF CONTAMINATION. ALSO, REFRAIN FROM USING WIPING CLOTHS FOR HANDS. EMPLOYEE WASHED HANDS ONCE NOTIFIED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-010, CITATION ISSUED.
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
OBSERVED IMPROPER DISHWASHING AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. EMPLOYEE WASHING DISHES AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK WITHOUT HAVING BASINS SET UP TO WASH, RINSE, AND SANITIZE AS REQUIRED BY THE CODE. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT ALWAYS SETS UP THE WAREWASHING SINK WHEN WASHING EQUIPMENT. THE MANAGER IMMEDIATELY HAD THE EMPLOYEE SET UP THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK TO WASH, RINSE, AND SANITIZE. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005, CITATION ISSUED
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS ITEMS INSIDE OF A THREE DOOR COOLER, IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. FOUND CHICKEN WINGS (47.8F), CHICKEN THIGHS (48.0F), PORK (48.7-50.0F), 8-1 QUART BOTTLES OF HEAVY WHIPPING CREAM (49.3F). MANAGER DISCARDED APPROXIMATELY 38LBS AT $277 WORTH OF PRODUCT. MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING FOODS AT 41.0F OR BELOW. PRIORITY 7-38-005, CITATION ISSUED
PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF A THREE DOOR REFRIGERATOR AT 51.0F WITH TCS FOODS STORED INSIDE FOR SALE. A HELD FOR INSPECTION TAG PLACED ON UNIT. PLEASE REVIEW COMMENTS FOR TAG REMOVAL INSTRUCTIONS. MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING EQUIPMENT AT 41.0F OR BELOW. PRIORITY 7-38-005, CITATION ISSUED
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
OBSERVED NO AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETER INSIDE HOT HOLDING UNIT USED FOR PREPACKAGED PIZZA SLICES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
OBSERVED SQUIRT BOTTLES NOT LABELED IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL AND MAINTAIN.
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
OBSERVED 2 LIVE ROACHES ON SITE DURING INSPECTION. 1 ROACH WAS FOUND CRAWLING ON EMPLOYEE SHIRT AND UNDER THE MICROWAVE IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE LIVE ROACH ACTIVITY AND MAINTAIN. RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A), CITATION ISSUED.
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
OBSERVED FACILITY MISSING THREE SINK STOPPERS FOR THE WAREWASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
OBSERVED THE ICE SHEILD AND ABOVE THE ICE WITH SLIGHT BLACK-LIKE SUBSTANCE BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ICE, CLEAN, AND SANITIZE ICE MACHINE AND MAINTAIB.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST TAKE COURSE AND MAINTAIN RECORDS ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
show all 13 inspections →
OCT 12024PASS W/ CONDITIONS3 violationsDETAILS
OCT 1
2024
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
3 violationsDETAILS
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
OBSERVED BUILD UP OF BLACK SUBSTANCE WITH SLIMY APPEARANCE ON FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES OF CHUTE PLATE AND INTERIOR CAVITY OF ICE MACHINE IN REAR KITCHEN AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD ICE AND CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL FOOD- AND NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES OF ICE MACHINE. PERSON-IN-CHARGE DISCARDED ALL ICE AND CLEANED AND SANITIZED ALL FOOD- AND NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES OF ICE MACHINE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
OBSERVED NO INTERIOR TEMPERATURE MEASURING DEVICE PROVIDED IN UPRIGHT COOLER IN FRONT PIZZA PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AT LEAST ONE INTERIOR TEMPERATURE MEASURING DEVICE INSIDE ALL EQUIPMENT USED TO COLD-HOLD TCS FOOD ITEMS IN A CONSPICUOUS AND EASILY-VIWEABLE LOCATION AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
OBSERVED SINGLE-USE STYROFOAM CUP USED AS A SCOOP IN SEVERAL BULK DRY FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS THROUGHOUT THE KITCHEN AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE SINGLE-USE CUPS AND REPLACE WITH MULTI-USE UTENSILS WITH HANDLES TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION WHILE SCOOPING AND MAINTAIN.
JUL 82024PASS W/ CONDITIONS4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
JUL 8
2024
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ONSITE, AT THE START TIME OF INSPECTION AT 3:10PM, WHILE TCS, TIME AND TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY, FOODS SUCH AS CHICKEN, PORK, AND BEEF ARE BEING PREPARED, SERVED AND/OR STORED. CERTIFIED MANAGER MARIA MEDRANO ARRIVED ON SITE AT 3:18PM. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN EMPLOYEE HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
OBSERVED THE INTERIOR CHUTE OF ICE MACHINE AND SURROUNDING SURFACE SOILED WITH DEBRIS WHICH APPEARS AS A PINK SLIME AND/OR BLACK SUBSTANCE. ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. INSTRUCTED TO DISPOSE OF ICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ICE MACHINE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
OBSERVED TCS, TEMPERATURE AND TIME CONTROL FOR SAFETY, FOODS (PORK SAUSAGE AND TOMATO SAUCE) AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE AT 50.2F AND 53.2F, RESPECTIVELY. APPROXIMATELY 20LBS OF PORK SAUSAGE AT AN ESTIMATED COST OF $40 TOSSED IN THE GARBAGE AND DENATURED ALONG WITH APPROXIMATELY 15LBS OF TOMATO SAUCE AT AN ESTIMATED COST OF $25 ALSO TOSSED OUT AND DENATURED. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS BEING STORED, IN THE REFRIGERATOR/FREEZER UNIT(S) NEAR THE BACK PREPARATION AREA, IN PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS INSTEAD OF USING FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS OR FREEZER BAGS.
MAY 92024PASS W/ CONDITIONS1 violationDETAILS
MAY 9
2024
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
1 violationDETAILS
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM PREVIOUS REPORT #257939 ISSUED ON 08-01-2023: -VIOLATION #58: NO ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED. COS 5/10/24
MAY 22024FAILED2 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
MAY 2
2024
FAILED
2 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED MANAGER FROM 2:35PM TO 3:05PM WHILE TCS FOODS SUCH AS CHICKEN WERE PREPARED. AT 3:05PM CERTIFIED MANAGER MARIA MEDRANO 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
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM PREVIOUS REPORT #257939 ISSUED ON 08-01-2023: - VIOLATION #56: NOTED HOOD VENTILATION FILTERS WITH A BUILD UP OF DUST AND GREASE -VIOLATION #58: NO ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
AUG 12023PASS W/ CONDITIONS11 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
AUG 1
2023
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
11 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
OBSERVED FACILITY WITHOUT A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED ONSITE FOR FOOD EMPLOYEES.NO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE CITY OF CHICAGO ORIGINAL FOOD SERVICE CERTIFICATE MUST BE POSTED ALONG WITH THE CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE WHEN TIME AND TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY(TCS) FOODS ARE STORED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED
PROPER EATING, TASTING, DRINKING, OR TOBACCO USE
OBSERVED ONE EMPLOYEE EATING IN THE PREP LINE AREA. INSTRUCTED NOT TO EAT AT THE PREP AREA TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION OF OTHER FOODS BEEN PREPARED.
PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
OBSERVED TCS FOODS (COOKED LASAGNA, PASTA) HELD FOR OVER 24 HOURS WITH OUT DISCARD DATES. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO PROVIDE DISCARD DATE FOR ANY TCS FOODS HELD FOR OVER 24 HOURS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
OBSERVED SUGAR, SALT AND GARLIC OUT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS LABELS CONTAINING THE PRODUCT NAME. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL FOODS AND SPICES WITH COMMON NAME THAT ARE OUT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS.
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
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
OBSERVED RESIDUE ON INTERIOR SURFACES OF ICE MACHINE IN REAR, DUST BUILDUP ON INTERIOR SURFACES OF PIZZA OVEN AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF BULK CONTAINERS AND COOLERS IN PIZZA PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
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.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED SOILED MOP HEADS NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO HANG MOP HEADS TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED A HEAVY ACCUMULATION OF DIRT, DUST, GREASE, FOOD SPLATTER AND FOOD DEBRIS ON THE WALLS AND FLOORS ESPECIALLY ALONG THE HOT FOOD SERVICE LINE UNDER AND AROUND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND NON COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL AREAS.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
OBSERVED THE HOOD VENTILATION FILTERS WITH A BUILD UP OF DUST AND GREASE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AS A MEANS OF HELPING PREVENT POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION OF FOODS.
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
SEP 12022PASSED1 violationDETAILS
SEP 1
2022
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED RAW WOOD EXPSOED WORK STATION IN THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PAINT OR STAIN ALL RAW EXPOSED WOOD AS A MEANS OF MAKING SURFACE EASY TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
OCT 62021FAILED7 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
OCT 6
2021
FAILED
7 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO ESTABLISH AN APPROPRIATE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AND MAINTAIN WITH VERIFIABLE SIGNED COPIES ON SITE FOR ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
PREMISES HAS NO CLEAN UP PROCEDURES OR SUPPLIES TO CLEAN UP VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. MUST PROVIDE SUPPLIES OR BODY FLUID SPILL KIT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
OBSERVED PREP COOLER IN REAR PREP AREA MAINTAINING TEMPERATURE OF 52.8F AND PREP COOLER IN FRONT PIZZA PREP AREA MAINTAINING TEMPERATURE OF 47.1F. ALL COLD HOLDING EQUIPMENT MUST MAINTAIN TEMPERATURE OF 41F OR BELOW. PRIORITY. 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE THERMOMETER TO MEASURE HOT AND COLD FOOD TEMPERATURES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL TEST STRIPS FOR QUATERNARY AMMONIUM SANITIZER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED SINK IN REGISTER AREA SLOW DRAINING. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
CERTIFIED MANAGER HAS NOT OBTAINED ALLERGEN TRAINING. ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN ALLERGEN TRAINING BY AN ANSI ACCREDITED AGENCY.
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 →