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CHICAGO'S PIZZA in CHICAGO, IL Failed Its Health Inspection on 04/17/23

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CHICAGO, IL - CHICAGO'S PIZZA received citations for health code violations during an inspection on 04/17/2023.

The facility operates from 1919-1921 W MONTROSE AVE in North Center, an area known for its diverse dining options. Health inspections in this district help ensure consistent food safety standards.

The inspection identified 5 distinct violations requiring correction. Each violation has established correction procedures that must be followed to achieve compliance.

The first violation concerned food equipment. Inspectors documented: In-use Utensils: Properly Stored - Comments: Noted Serving Soup Bowls on Shelves at the Kitchen Prep Area Not Properly Stored. Instructed to Invert All Serving Plates to Prevent Dust Accumulation.. Damaged cutting boards and surfaces can harbor bacteria in cracks and crevices.

The second violation related to hand sanitation. Inspectors documented: Toilet Facilities: Properly Constructed, Supplied, & Cleaned - Comments: Noted Wash Rooms on Premise with Garbage Receptacles and No Lids. Instructed to Provide Trash Cans with Lids at All Women Wash Rooms and Unisex Wash Rooms. According to FDA guidelines, proper handwashing with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds is the single most effective way to prevent foodborne illness transmission. For more information, see FDA handwashing requirements. The CDC identifies poor hand hygiene as a leading contributor to foodborne illness outbreaks.

The third violation involved sanitation and cleanliness. Inspectors documented: Physical Facilities Installed, Maintained & Clean - Comments: Instructed to Clean Floors Around the Soda Dispensing Machines with Spills at the Basement Food Prep Area.. FDA sanitation guidelines require regular cleaning and sanitizing of all food contact surfaces to prevent cross-contamination and bacterial growth. For more information, see FDA sanitation standards. Biofilms can form on inadequately cleaned surfaces, protecting bacteria from sanitizers.

The fourth violation related to food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: Adequate Ventilation & Lighting. Regulatory standards exist to minimize health risks to consumers.

The fifth violation concerned sanitization. Inspectors documented: Designated Areas Used - Comments: Noted Heavy Dirt and Grease Accumulation Inside, on Pipes/conduits and on Edges of the Exhaust Hood and Filters Above Cooking Equipment. Instructed to Detail Clean and Maintain Hood, Filters and Pipes/conduits.. FDA sanitation guidelines require regular cleaning and sanitizing of all food contact surfaces to prevent cross-contamination and bacterial growth. For more information, see FDA sanitation standards. Allergen cross-contact can occur when surfaces are not properly cleaned between uses.

Health code violations require prompt correction to maintain operating permits. The health department typically conducts re-inspections to verify that identified issues have been properly addressed.

This inspection data is provided by Chicago Department of Public Health. The establishment had violations identified during the 04/17/2023 inspection. Conditions may have changed since this inspection. For current compliance status, consult the Chicago Department of Public Health. For more information about restaurant inspection regulations in this area, visit the Chicago Food Service Sanitation Rules. Learn more about food safety at FDA.gov and CDC.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was this inspection conducted?

This inspection was conducted on August 21, 2025.

Who conducted this inspection?

Chicago Department of Public Health

What violations were found during this inspection?

The following violations were documented: ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS OR POSTERS NEAR EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINKS IN FOOD PREP AREA AND DISHWASHING AREA ON THE BASEMENT. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED A FEW DAMAGED AND BROKEN FLOOR TILES IN MAIN KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREA AND UNDERNEATH EXPOSED HAND WASHINGS SINK. MUST REPAIR/REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.; PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: FOUND THE FOLLOWING TCS FOODS HELD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE AT 45.9 F INSIDE DRESSING REACH IN COOLER- TURKEY, HAM, TUNA, CHEESE, CHICKEN WINGS, BRUCHETA AND DRESSING. HOWEVER FOUND SAID DRESSING REACH IN COOLER AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE AT 41.0 F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TCS FOODS MUST BE 41.0 F OR BELOW IF HELD COLD. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. FOODS DISCARDED WEIGHT- 15 LBS, VALUED AT $320.00.; ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED BASEMENT CEILING LIGHT BULB END CAPS MISSING ABOVE MEAT SLICER TABLE. MUST PROVIDE END CAPS FOR CEILING LIGHT BULB.; FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: LABEL WITH A COMMON NAME: DRY FOOD(FLOUR, SUGAR, ETC.) STORED INSIDE PLASTIC CONTAINERS IN THE BASEMENT STORAGE AREA; INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: WE OBSERVED A GAP OF 1/4" TO 1/2" BETWEEN DOORS AT REAR ENTRANCE DOOR.REPAIR ISSUE FOR MINIMIZE PEST AND INSECTS ENTRY; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: REPLACE BROKEN/CRACKED PLASTIC LID AND CONTAINERS, DO NOT USE FOR FOODS.; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: ICE BUILD-UP AT CONDENSER UNIT INSIDE THE TWO-DOOR REACH-IN COOLER, FIRST FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.; NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: MUST NOT USE TIN FOIL AS LINER FOR COOKING EQUIPMENT. SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.; PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: UNABLE TO LOCATE BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE AT WATER LINE FOR ESPRESSO COFFEE UNIT AT BAR AREA. MUST INSTALL SO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE MAY BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAIN, OR TO KNOW LOCATION; PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: REPAIR LEAKING DRAIN PIPE UNDER THE HANDWASHING SINK AND REPAIR HOT WATER HANDLE. FAUCET IS NOT RUNNING LONG ENOUGH FOR ADEQUATE HANDWASHING; ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: ADDITIONAL FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE IS REQUIRED; ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ARE PROVIDED ON-SITE FOR THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS.

Why are these violations concerning?

Damaged cutting boards and surfaces can harbor bacteria in cracks and crevices. The CDC identifies poor hand hygiene as a leading contributor to foodborne illness outbreaks. Biofilms can form on inadequately cleaned surfaces, protecting bacteria from sanitizers. Allergen cross-contact can occur when surfaces are not properly cleaned between uses.

Important Health Information

Data Sources

This inspection data is sourced directly from Chicago Department of Public Health. For the most current information, please visit the official health department website.

Federal Guidelines: Our reporting follows standards established by the FDA Food Code, CDC Food Safety Guidelines, and USDA Food Safety Standards.

📖 Food Safety Codes: Reference the specific regulations that govern this establishment: Chicago Food Code, FDA Food Code 2022

⚠️ Important Note: Restaurant conditions can change rapidly. This inspection represents a snapshot in time and may not reflect current conditions. For the most up-to-date information, consider checking recent reviews or contacting the establishment directly.

Complete Inspection History

View all health inspections, pass rates, and violation history for CHICAGO'S PIZZA

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