Nova Pizza
5849 S Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60629
Restaurant ZIP 60629 Risk 1 (High)
Passed · as of Jan 7, 2026
Nova Pizza was last inspected on January 7, 2026 with a result of “Pass”. Inspectors found 2 violations.
Latest inspection
January 7, 2026 · Complaint
Result: Pass
2 general-
GeneralFacility upkeep
Toilet rooms weren’t built, stocked, or cleaned properly.
Inspector’s note: Observed self closing device on door in rear employee restroom not connected. Instructed person in charge to repair and maintain.
Official wording (code 53)
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: Observed damaged ceiling tiles in rear unused prep area. Observed ceiling tiles in rear employee restroom with water damage.instructed person in charge to repair/replace and maintain ceiling tiles.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspection history
23 inspections on record
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Pass
Canvass · Pass
1 critical2 general Show violations
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CriticalHygiene & sanitation
Staff were eating, drinking, or smoking where food is prepared.
Inspector’s note: FEMALE EMPLOYEE DRINKING FROM OPEN BEVERAGE CONTAINER IN PREP AREA. A FOOD EMPLOYEE may drink from a closed BEVERAGE container if the container is handled to prevent contamination
Official wording (code 6)
Proper eating, tasting, drinking, or tobacco use
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.
Inspector’s note: Rust noted on bottom shelf of table next to 3-compartment sink at south end. Instd to remove rust and maintain
Official wording (code 47)
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Equipment and surfaces were dirty.
Inspector’s note: Excessive black substance noted on caulking at top base of 3-compartment sink and wall (located at south end). Instd to remove black substance, and maintain caulking
Official wording (code 49)
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
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Pass
Complaint Re-Inspection · Pass
No violations
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Fail
Short Form Complaint · Fail
1 critical1 general Show violations
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CriticalHygiene & sanitation
Hand sinks were missing, blocked, or not stocked with soap and towels.
Inspector’s note: 6-301.14: observed two handwashing sinks in rear prep area and near walk-in cooler without adequate handwashing signage. Instructed to provide handwashing signage to handwashing sinks and maintain
Official wording (code 10)
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Hot or cold water wasn’t available, or water pressure was too low.
Inspector’s note: No hot running water at sinks in prep areas, warewashing area and toilet rooms on north end of premises, currently at 68.0f-70.0f. Instd to utilize all facilities at south end (prep areas, warewashing area, toilet room) where hot running water is available. Instd to repair north end plumbing and provide 100f-120f at all handwash sinks, and 110f minimum at 3-compartment sink, citation issued 7-38-030(c) priority
Official wording (code 50)
Hot & cold water available; adequate pressure
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Conditional
Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions
4 critical Show violations
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CriticalHygiene & sanitation
Hand sinks were missing, blocked, or not stocked with soap and towels.
Inspector’s note: Observed two handwashing sinks in rear prep area and near walk-in cooler without adequate handwashing signage. Instructed to provide handwashing signage to handwashing sinks and maintain.
Official wording (code 10)
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
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CriticalFood temperature
Hot food was held below a safe temperature.
Inspector’s note: Observed fried chicken in deep fryer holding basket at improper hot holding temperature of 114.0f. Instd to maintain hot foods 135f or above at all times. Chicken discarded and denatured at this time. Approx 5lbs $20 value priority violation. 7-38-005 citation issued.
Official wording (code 21)
Proper hot holding temperatures
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CriticalFood temperature
Cold food was held above a safe temperature.
Inspector’s note: The following cold holding foods at improper cold holding temperatures in pizza prep cooler: raw beef at 45.6f and red pizza sauce 55.4f. Instd to maintain cold foods at 41f or below at all times. Priority 7-38-005 see above for violation issued. Beef and sauce discarded at this time. Approx 20lbs $100 value.
Official wording (code 22)
Proper cold holding temperatures
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CriticalFood temperature
Prepared food wasn’t date-marked, or was kept past its discard date.
Inspector’s note: Observed prepared food items (cooked meatballs, cooked pork, cooked sausage) in front area cold holding units marked as prepared on 1/18/24, exceeding the maximum of 7 days for storage. Instructed to discard. Corrected on-site; person-in-charge discarded out-of-date food items. Approx 15lbs $100 value priority foundation violation. 7-38-005 citation issued.
Official wording (code 23)
Proper date marking and disposition
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Conditional
Complaint · Pass w/ Conditions
1 critical3 general1 paperwork Show violations
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CriticalFood handling
Surfaces that touch food weren’t cleaned and sanitized.
Inspector’s note: Observed female employee washing multi use utensils with only soap and water, rinsing off and placing on shelf to dry. 3-compartment sink not set up nor any sanitizer used. Instd on proper set up of sink to properly wash, rinse, and sanitize of all multi use equipment. Multi use equipment was properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized after instructed. Citation issued 7-38-025 priority
Official wording (code 16)
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
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GeneralHygiene & sanitation
Staff personal cleanliness was inadequate.
Inspector’s note: 2 female food handlers without hair restraint. Instd to wear proper hair restraints at all times.
Official wording (code 40)
Personal cleanliness
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GeneralFood handling
Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.
Inspector’s note: Wiping cloths improperly stored on splashguard. Instd to store properly at all times when not in use
Official wording (code 41)
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.
Inspector’s note: Observed soda drain lines in floor drain in dining area. Instd to have properly draining (proper air gap) and maintain
Official wording (code 51)
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
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PaperworkManagement & training
Not all food employees had food-handler training.
Inspector’s note: Food hanlder missing food handler training. Instd to obtain training and maintain
Official wording (code 57)
All food employees have food handler training
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Pass
Canvass · Pass
1 critical2 general Show violations
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CriticalHygiene & sanitation
Hand sinks were missing, blocked, or not stocked with soap and towels.
Inspector’s note: Missing handwash signage at multiple handwash sinks in prep/warewashing areas. Instd to provide signage and maintain
Official wording (code 10)
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
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GeneralFood handling
Food wasn’t labeled or wasn’t in its original container.
Inspector’s note: Missing labels on dry storage containers. Instd to label with common name and maintain
Official wording (code 37)
Food properly labeled; original container
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.
Inspector’s note: Torn rubber door gasket on pizza prep cooler. Instd to repair and maintain
Official wording (code 47)
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
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Pass
Canvass · Pass
2 general Show violations
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Equipment and surfaces were dirty.
Inspector’s note: Excessive black substance on caulking around 3-compartment sink. Instd to remove black substance and maintain caulking
Official wording (code 49)
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: Vents and surrounding light shields and ceiling tiles with dust accumulation in warewashing area. Instd to remove dust and maintain
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
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Pass
Complaint · Pass
No violations
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Conditional
Complaint · Pass w/ Conditions
3 critical1 general1 paperwork Show violations
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CriticalManagement & training
Staff weren’t trained on, or didn’t follow, the rules for reporting illness.
Inspector’s note: No employee health policy in place. Instd to provide a verifiable employee acknowledged health policy and maintain. Priority foundation. 7-38-010
Official wording (code 3)
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
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CriticalManagement & training
No written plan or kit for cleaning up vomit or diarrhea.
Inspector’s note: No procedure in place for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events. Instd to provide procedure and necessary supplies effective against norovirus including disinfectant. Priority foundation 7-38-005.
Official wording (code 5)
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
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CriticalFood temperature
Prepared food wasn’t date-marked, or was kept past its discard date.
Inspector’s note: Ready to eat tcs foods (ribs) in walk in cooler held over 24 hours improperly date marked, curently only dated with preparation date. Instd to properly date mark with discard date with preparation date included as day 1. Violation 7-38-005 priority foundation.
Official wording (code 23)
Proper date marking and disposition
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GeneralFood handling
Food wasn’t protected from contamination during prep, storage, or display.
Inspector’s note: Clean aprons hanging in toilet room. Instd to store in proper area.
Official wording (code 39)
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
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PaperworkManagement & training
Required allergen training was missing.
Inspector’s note: No allergen training for city of chicago certified managers. Instd to obtain and maintain verification on site
Official wording (code 58)
Allergen training as required
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Pass
Complaint · Pass
3 general1 paperwork Show violations
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Equipment and surfaces were dirty.
Inspector’s note: Found the interior of the deep fryers with thick encrusted food, dirt and grease build up. Instructed to detail clean and maintain the interior of the fryers.
Official wording (code 49)
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: Mops stored inside of the mop buckets. Instructed to store hanging up for proper air drying. Maintain same.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: Floors in the corners and under/around the cooking/cooling equipment with dirt and debris. Instructed to clean and maintain floors.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
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PaperworkManagement & training
Required allergen training was missing.
Inspector’s note: Observed no allergen training available. All certified managers must provide allergen training.
Official wording (code 58)
Allergen training as required
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Pass
Canvass · Pass
1 critical3 general1 paperwork Show violations
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CriticalHygiene & sanitation
Hand sinks were missing, blocked, or not stocked with soap and towels.
Inspector’s note: Observed no hand washing sign posted at hand washing sink in washroom and south prep area. Instructed to post hand washing signs at all hand washing sinks used by employees.
Official wording (code 10)
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
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GeneralFood handling
Food wasn’t protected from contamination during prep, storage, or display.
Inspector’s note: Observed stock stored on floor inside walk-in cooler. Instructed to elevate all stock six inches off floor.
Official wording (code 39)
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: Observed openings around pipe fittings under hand washing sinks in front prep and washroom areas. Instructed to seal all openings around pipe fittings and maintain. Observed baseboard missing along wall near washroom. Instructed to replace and maintain.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: Observed dust buildup on ceiling vents, food and debris on floors in prep, storage and dining areas. Instructed to clean and maintain.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
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PaperworkManagement & training
Required allergen training was missing.
Inspector’s note: Observed no allergen training available. All certified managers must provide allergen training.
Official wording (code 58)
Allergen training as required
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Pass
Canvass · Pass
4 general Show violations
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector’s note: Observed freezer compressor not maintained(ice build up), instructed to have repaired/remove excessive ice. Also replace missing fan guard cover in the same walk-in freezer.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector’s note: Observed the folowing not clean, rear prep cutting boards, prep table and grinder, instructed to clean and sanitize.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector’s note: Observed floor behind the ovens, and rear prep area not clean, instructed to clean.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector’s note: Observed water damaged ceiling tile in employee restroom, and dusty front ceiling vent, instructed to replace tile, and clean vent.
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Pass
Canvass · Pass
2 general Show violations
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector’s note: Cleaning needed at cooking equipment to remove build up. Large can opener in need of cleaning to remove build up and soda dispensor in need of cleaning must clean and maintain.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector’s note: All food must be up off the floor at all times. Must correct and maintain.
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Pass
Complaint · Pass
2 general Show violations
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector’s note: Observed the interior of the pizza cooler not clean, instructed to remove red sauce food splashes.also clean and sanitize the cheese grinder.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector’s note: Observed the floor under the pizza cooler not clean, instructed to clean.
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Pass
Complaint Re-Inspection · Pass
3 general Show violations
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector’s note: Observec the compressor not maintained in the walk-in freezer with excessive ice, instructed to remove ice and have compressor repaired. Also observed rusty storage shelf, instructed to remove rust.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector’s note: Observed the following items #10 can opener, and side prep area not clean, instructed to clean and sanitize.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector’s note: Observed water damaged ceiling tiles in the rear restroom, instructed to replace.
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Fail
Complaint · Fail
1 critical4 general Show violations
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CriticalCritical (pre-2018 form)
Adequate number, convenient, accessible, designed, and maintained
Inspector’s note: Observed the rear dish washing area hand sink removed from wall/service, instructed to re- install handsink in rear dish washing area. Instructed to use front hand sink. Critical violation 7-38-030.
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GeneralSerious (pre-2018 form)
Dish washing facilities: properly designed, constructed, maintained, installed, located and operated
Inspector’s note: Observed no 3 compartment sink (was removed from premises) premises has installed a 2 compartment sink with spryer and plans to re-install the 3 compartment to the other side of the restaurant. Instructed to wash all utensils in the first compartment, rinse with the sprayer, and sanitize in the 2nd compartment sink, until 3 compartment sink is re-installed. Serious violation 7-38-030.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector’s note: Observed the compressor not maintained in the walk-in freezer with excessive ice,instructed to remove ice and have compressor re-paired.also observed rusty table storage shelf, innstructed to remove rust.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector’s note: Observed the following items #10 can opener,and side prep area not clean, instructed to clean and sanitize.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector’s note: Observed water damaged ceiling tiles in the rear restroom, instructed to replace.
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Pass
Canvass · Pass
3 general Show violations
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector’s note: The walkin freezer that is located thru the walkin cooler the strip at bottom of the freezer door is pulling away and is in poor repair. Must provied the strip to the freezer door. Condenser fan in the walkin freezer is missing the cover. Must provide the cover to the fan.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector’s note: Clean inside deep fryers cabinets thick with grease buildup and the storage table near the exit door.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector’s note: Clean the floors under and behind the cooking equipment has some grease buildup on them. Found a large amount of ice buildup on the floor and on the shelf underneath the condenser. Must remove the ice and have the condenser serviced.
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Pass
Complaint · Pass
4 general Show violations
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector’s note: Single service cups being used as dispensing utensils for dry storage (salt, flour, etc) and stored in product. Instd to use and store proper food dispensing utensils.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector’s note: Improper containers for dry storage (flour, salt, etc). Instd to provide proper food grade containers with lids.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector’s note: Interior bottom of fryers and wheels not clean. Clean same and maintain.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector’s note: Repair leak at pipe under rear exposed handsink.
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Pass
Canvass · Pass
4 general Show violations
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector’s note: Interior of walk-in freezer with excessive ice build-up. Instd to remove excessive ice.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector’s note: Interior bottom cabinets of fryers not clean. Clean same.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector’s note: Vents and surrounding ceiling tiles and lightshields with dust accumulation. Clean same.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector’s note: Wiping cloths improperly stored. Instd to store properly in sanitizing solution.
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Pass
Complaint · Pass
3 general Show violations
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector’s note: Large can opener in need of cleaning to remove all build up. Must clean and maintain at all times.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector’s note: Both handsinks are not leveled. Water is pooling in corners. Must level to allow all water to drain. Correct and maintain at all times.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector’s note: Floor drains in need of cleaning to remove build up. Must clean and maintain at all times.
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Pass
Canvass · Pass
4 general Show violations
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector’s note: The following in need of cleaning: drink dispensor nozzles, rubber gaskets for reach in coolers, prep tables and interior of reach in coolers. Must clean and maintain at all times.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector’s note: Floors under and around all equipment in need of cleaning to remove all build up. Must clean and maintain at all times.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector’s note: Walls in food prep areas in need of cleaning to remove all food splatter. Must clean and maintain at all times.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector’s note: All reach in and walk in coolers in need of thermometers. Must provide and maintain.
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Pass
Complaint · Pass
2 general Show violations
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector’s note: All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. FOUND RUSTY RACKS IN STORAGE AREA. REMOVE THE TIN FOIL FROM THE WALK IN COOLER RACKS AND WALK IN FREEZER RACKS THEY ALSO HAVE RUST ON THEM. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE THE RUST AND PAINT THEM WITH NON TOXIC PAINT. THE GASKETS AROUND THE WALK IN FREEZER DOOR AND WALK IN COOLER DOO ARE TORN AND PARTS ARE MISSING. INSTD. TO REPLACE THEM. ALSO REPAIR THE FREEZER DOOR SO IT CLOSES PROPERLY. REPLACE THE REACH IN CHEST FREEZER TOP IT DOES NOT CLOSE PROPRELY IT IS BENT UP.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector’s note: All utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each usage. THE FOLLOWING NOT CLEAN THE FRYERS AND CABINET UNDERNEATH,HOOD ABOVE,AND ALL THE PIPES UNDER THE HOOD. INSTD TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE THEM.
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More in ZIP 60629
Source: Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) open data, refreshed hourly. Last inspection 10 months ago. Always confirm with the official record.