Conditional

Lu's Deli/ Catering

26 E Pearson St, Chicago, IL 60611

Restaurant ZIP 60611 Risk 1 (High)

Pass with Conditions · as of Oct 26, 2026

Lu's Deli/ Catering was last inspected on October 26, 2026 with a result of “Pass w/ Conditions”. Inspectors found 3 violations.

Latest inspection

October 26, 2026 · Canvass Re-Inspection

Conditional

Result: Pass w/ Conditions

3 general
  • GeneralFood temperature

    Not enough equipment, or the wrong method, to cool and hold food at safe temperatures.

    Inspector’s note: Observed 1st floor prep area cooler #1 not maintained, ambient air temperature at 46.9 f also observed 1st floor prep area stand up 2-door reach in cooler not maintained, ambient air temperature at 46.2 f. Instructed manager to repair said coolers, ambient air temperature must be 41.0 f or below.

    Official wording (code 33)

    Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control

  • GeneralFacility upkeep

    Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

    Inspector’s note: Observed some prep areas reach in coolers door rubber gaskets ripped. Must repair/replace all damaged coolers rubber door gaskets.

    Official wording (code 47)

    Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used

  • GeneralFacility upkeep

    Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

    Inspector’s note: Observed some floor tiles in poor repair (cracking and bubbling) at dishmachine room. Must repair all damaged floor tiles at dishmachine room and maintain.

    Official wording (code 55)

    Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

Inspection history

22 inspections on record

  1. Pass

    Recent Inspection · Pass

    No violations

  2. Pass

    Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass

    No violations

  3. Fail

    Canvass · Fail

    2 critical1 general Show violations
    • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

      Hand sinks were missing, blocked, or not stocked with soap and towels.

      Inspector’s note: Observed 2nd floor hand washing sink near dish machine with eye wash station hooked up. Instructed manager to completely remove eyewash station and parts and to ensure that hand washing sinks are used for hand washing only. Priority foundation violation 7-38-030(c) no citation issued.

      Official wording (code 10)

      Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

    • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

      Hand sinks were missing, blocked, or not stocked with soap and towels.

      Inspector’s note: Observed no hot water in 2nd floor women's toilet room and 1st floor multigentder toilet room. Hot water measured at 78 f. Instructed manager to ensure a minimum hot water temperature of 100 f is provided for all hand washing sinks. Priority violation 7-38-030(c) citation issued.

      Official wording (code 10)

      Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Observed 2 out of comission dish machines on site. Instructed manager to repair and restore dish machines or remove dish machines to avoid clutter.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

  4. Pass

    Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass

    4 general Show violations
    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

      Inspector’s note: Observed milk crates being used as shelving throughout the prep and storage areas. Must remove and provide shelving that is 6" off the floor and provides floor accessibility to ensure adequate facility cleaning

      Official wording (code 47)

      Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Observed missing and damaged floor tiles in the prep area near 2 comp sink. Instructed to repair to create a smooth and easily cleanable surface. Must maintain at all times.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Observed missing ceilings tile panels in the dry storerooms, noted ceiling tiles at the mechanical dishwashing area ceiling tiles expanded with moisture instructed to repair, replace missing panels and/or replace the stained ceiling tiles.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Observed missing grout in floor tiles in prep area, instructed to repair and maintain

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

  5. Fail

    Canvass · Fail

    2 critical5 general Show violations
    • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

      Hand sinks were missing, blocked, or not stocked with soap and towels.

      Inspector’s note: Hand sink at 3 compartment sink does not have hot or cold water available instructed to provide and maintainpriority violation #7-38-030(c). Citation issued.

      Official wording (code 10)

      Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

    • CriticalFood handling

      Surfaces that touch food weren’t cleaned and sanitized.

      Inspector’s note: Observed a white panel inside the ice machine that touched ice filled with a black mold-like substance. Instructed manager to wash, clean, sanitize and maintain. Ice is used for human consumption. Priority foundation violation. 7-38-005.citation issued.

      Official wording (code 16)

      Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

      Inspector’s note: Observed milk crates being used as shelving throughout the prep and storage areas. Must remove and provide shelving that is 6" off the floor and provides floor accessibility to ensure adequate facility cleaning.

      Official wording (code 47)

      Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Observed missing and damaged floor tiles in the prep area near 2 comp sink. Instructed to repair to create a smooth and easily cleanable surface. Must maintain at all times.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Observed missing ceilings tile panels in the dry storerooms, noted ceiling tiles at the mechanical dishwashing area ceiling tiles expanded with moisture instructed to repair, replace missing panels and/or replace the stained ceiling tiles.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Observed missing grout in floor tiles in prep area, instructed to repair and maintain.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

      Inspector’s note: Noted replacement bulbs in the following areas: dry storage and paper goods stor room and walk in freezer.

      Official wording (code 56)

      Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

  6. No Entry

    Canvass · No Entry

    No violations

  7. Conditional

    Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions

    2 critical2 general2 paperwork Show violations
    • CriticalFood temperature

      Cold food was held above a safe temperature.

      Inspector’s note: Observed the following tcs foods held @ improper cold holding temperatures during time of inspection 3 lbs steak marinade @58.0f, 30lbs cooked roast beef @46.0f, 15 lbs proscuitto @ 51.0f, 12 lbs sliced genoa @48.6f, 35 lbs cooked potatoes @52.0f, 9 lbs cooked pork sausage @60f, 3 lbs cooked black eyed peas @52.5f, all stored inside walk in cooler located in 2nd floor prep area. Pic voluntarily discarded all said items during this time. Instructed to hold all cold tcs foods @41f or below at all times and maintain. Priority violation. 7-38-005. Citation issued.

      Official wording (code 22)

      Proper cold holding temperatures

    • CriticalFood temperature

      Not enough equipment, or the wrong method, to cool and hold food at safe temperatures.

      Inspector’s note: Observed walk in cooler located on 2nd floor at improper cold holding temperature 58.0f during time of inspection, while storing tcs foods (chopped cantaloupe, cooked potatoes, various sliced deli meat, cooked pork sausage patties, etc). Instructed to discontine use, repair to 41f or below as required. Pic discarded said food items voluntarily at this time. Priority violation. 7-38-005. Citation issued.unit held for inspection.

      Official wording (code 33)

      Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Observed stored kitechenware in rear prep/dish area with accumulated food debris on exterior surfaces. Instructed to remove, clean and sanitize storage racks and maintain.

      Official wording (code 49)

      Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

      Inspector’s note: Observed inadequate lighting in dry storage closet. Instructed to replace burned out light bulbs and increase lighting.

      Official wording (code 56)

      Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      Not all food employees had food-handler training.

      Inspector’s note: Observed some food handlers without food handling training certificates on site for review. Instructed to provide and maintain for all food employees.

      Official wording (code 57)

      All food employees have food handler training

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      Required allergen training was missing.

      Inspector’s note: Observed no allergen training certificate on site for current certified food manager certificate holder. Instructed to obtain as required.

      Official wording (code 58)

      Allergen training as required

  8. Pass

    Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass

    No violations

  9. Fail

    Canvass · Fail

    2 general Show violations
    • GeneralPests

      Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.

      Inspector’s note: No proof of pest control service, No log book on site, instructed manager to obtain a licensed pest control operator and keep a log for service on site. priority foundation violation 7-38-020(C)

      Official wording (code 38)

      Insects, rodents, & animals not present

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

      Inspector’s note: using disposable plastic spoons in food preparation, instructed to use proper multi-use utensils.

      Official wording (code 47)

      Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used

  10. No Entry

    Non-Inspection · No Entry

    No violations

  11. Conditional

    Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions

    4 critical3 general2 paperwork Show violations
    • CriticalManagement & training

      Staff weren’t trained on, or didn’t follow, the rules for reporting illness.

      Inspector’s note: - no employee health policy on site. Must provide. Priority foundation violation#: 7-38-010. No citation issued.

      Official wording (code 3)

      Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting

    • CriticalManagement & training

      No written plan or kit for cleaning up vomit or diarrhea.

      Inspector’s note: - no vomitous and diarrheal incident clean up written policy and physical kit on site. Must provide. Priority foundation violation#: 7-38-005. No citation issued.

      Official wording (code 5)

      Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events

    • CriticalFood temperature

      Prepared food wasn’t date-marked, or was kept past its discard date.

      Inspector’s note: - must provide proper labels for date marking the preparation and consume by/discard date of all refrigerated, ready-to-eat, tcs foods held over 24hrs. Priority foundation violation#: 7-38-005. No citation issued.

      Official wording (code 23)

      Proper date marking and disposition

    • CriticalFood handling

      No warning to customers about raw or undercooked food.

      Inspector’s note: - must provide consumer advisory (on site), reminder (in the menu), and disclosure (by the food items) for all undercooked foods. Priority foundation violation#: 7-38-005. No citation issued.

      Official wording (code 25)

      Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food

    • GeneralFood handling

      Clean utensils, equipment, or linens weren’t stored and handled properly.

      Inspector’s note: - observed the 3rd floor clean equipment and utensils stored directly under a/c and water lines that are wrapped with a material that is not non-absorbent, non-corrosive, smooth, and easily cleanable. Must provide or relocate items.

      Official wording (code 44)

      Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Garbage wasn’t handled or stored properly.

      Inspector’s note: - observed the indoor grease box dirty and encrusted with food debris. Must remove debris detail clean and maintain the receptacle and area at all times.

      Official wording (code 54)

      Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: - observed excess food debris on the floor in the dry storage rooms. Must detail clean and maintain.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      No manager on duty held a City of Chicago food sanitation certificate.

      Inspector’s note: - observed no city of chicago food service manager on site at time of inspection while cream of broccoli soup was being prepared. The person on site who is in charge of facility must provide their valid city of chicago food service sanitation certificate any time food is being prepared and served. Priority foundation violation#:7-38-012. Citation issued.

      Official wording (code 2)

      City of chicago food service sanitation certificate

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      Not all food employees had food-handler training.

      Inspector’s note: - must provide verifiable and accredited food handler certificates for all food handlers on site.

      Official wording (code 57)

      All food employees have food handler training

  12. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    2 general Show violations
    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

      Inspector’s note: Observed food build up on floor in prep area under 1-compartment sink. Must clean floor also must raise floor threshold at rear exit/entrance double doors.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Food handler requirements met

      Inspector’s note: Instructed manager all food handlers must be certified with names of employees on premises.

  13. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    4 general Show violations
    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

      Inspector’s note: Insulation around cooling lines at walk-in cooler in poor repair, instructed to replace.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

      Inspector’s note: Dust build-up on fan cover in walk-in cooler, ice machine not clean at inside surfacesinstructed to clean and maintain.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

      Inspector’s note: Standing water on floor under dish machine, instructed to keep clean.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn

      Inspector’s note: Food handlers with beard not wearing beard restraints, instructed to wear.

  14. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    1 general Show violations
    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

      Inspector’s note: Instructed to replace the ripped gasket on the cold-holding unit door on the left side and maintain.

  15. Pass

    Consultation · Pass

    No violations

  16. Pass

    Complaint Re-Inspection · Pass

    No violations

  17. Fail

    Short Form Complaint · Fail

    3 general Show violations
    • GeneralSerious (pre-2018 form)

      No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors

      Inspector’s note: Observed 20 small flying insects resting on wall and ceiling in 1st floor customer service area and on wall leading to lower level dining area and at wall at the bottom of stairs. Recommend pest control service to minimize problem. Citation issued 7-38-020.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

      Inspector’s note: Must detail clean the floor drain in the rear dish washing area.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Food handler requirements met

      Inspector’s note: Must provide idph food handler certifications for employees as required.

  18. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    2 general Show violations
    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

      Inspector’s note: Must detail clean the floor drain in the rear dish washing area.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Food handler requirements met

      Inspector’s note: Must provide idph food handler certifications for employees as required.

  19. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    4 general Show violations
    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed

      Inspector’s note: Observed bulk food products not labeled underneath the prep table in the 2nd floor prep area. Instructed to label all food products.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

      Inspector’s note: Observed the cutting boards in the 1st floor prep area with deep dark grooves. Instructed to replace and maintain cutting boards.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

      Inspector’s note: Observed the floor grout missing and worn away in the 2nd floor prep kitchen. Instructed to provide and maintain floor grout throughout 2nd floor prep kitchen/prep area.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded

      Inspector’s note: Observed missing light bulbs inside of the walk in coolers and walk in freezer. Instructed to provide and maintain adequate lighting.

  20. Conditional

    Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions

    1 critical Show violations
    • CriticalCritical (pre-2018 form)

      Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service

      Inspector’s note: Observed the following potentially hazardous foods found held at improper temperatures. Approximately 2 lbs. Roast beef in gravy in a hot holding unit at 108.5f. 10 lbs. Cooked shredded chicken in a hot holding unit ranging in temperature between 114.4f to 129.2f. All foods discarded. Management states total estimated value to be $90.00. Critical citation issued 7-38-005(a).

  21. Pass

    License · Pass

    2 general Show violations
    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

      Inspector’s note: Found equipment dusty from construction.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

      Inspector’s note: Found floors not clean throughout premises.(dust from construction)

More in ZIP 60611

Source: Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) open data, refreshed hourly. Last inspection 10 days ago. Always confirm with the official record.