California Pizza Kitchen

52 E Ohio St, Chicago, IL 60611
Pizza
Last inspected: May 20, 2019
47
Score
High Risk

California Pizza Kitchen has been inspected 18 times since 2010. Inspectors last stopped by on May 20, 2019. High risk usually means inspectors flagged either critical violations or a stack of smaller ones. No fresh inspection data is available: the latest entry for California Pizza Kitchen dates to May 20, 2019.

Violation counts have held steady across recent visits, averaging around four violations each.

“Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing nine times across the record.

California Pizza Kitchen's latest score of 47 falls below the Chicago average of 81. The pattern in the record is worth a careful look.

18
Inspections
1
Critical latest
3
Major latest
6
Minor latest
Inspection History
May 20, 2019
Complaint
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: - OBSERVED FOODS HELD IN THE GRILL STATION PREP COOLER TOP DRAWER HELD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE. OBSERVED 1# OF CHICKEN HELD AT 55.3F AND 1/2# CHEESE HELD AT 54.1F. FACILITY CORRECTED VIOLATION ON SITE BY DISCARDING THE ITEMS WITH A TOTAL REPORTED VALUE OF $15.00. PRIORITY VIOLATION#:7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
22
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: - NO VOMITOUS AND DIARRHEAL INCIDENT CLEAN UP WRITTEN POLICY/PROCEDURE FOR THE PHYSICAL KIT PROVIDED ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE POLICY/PROCEDURE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#: 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED. -
5
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: - MUST PROVIDE PROPER LABELS FOR DATE MARKING THE PREPARATION AND CONSUME BY/DISCARD DATE OF ALL REFRIGERATED, READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOODS PREPARED ON SITE AND HELD OVER 24HRS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#: 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED. -
23
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: - NO VERIFIABLE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#: 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED. -
3
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: - OBSERVED AN ACCUMULATION OF DIRT/DEBRIS BUILDUP ON THE TOILET ROOMS' EXHAUST VENTILATIONS. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. -
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: - OBSERVED SOME MISSING FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE FOR ALL EMPLOYEES. -
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: - MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION FOR ALL MANAGERS AND MAINTAIN CERTIFICATES ON SITE. -
58
Compliance with variance/specialized process/haccp
Inspector notes: - OBSERVED ROP FISH FILLETS THAWING INSIDE THE ROP PACKAGING IN THE WALK IN COOLER. MUST ALWAYS REMOVE ALL ROP FISH FROM PACKAGING PRIOR TO THAWING. -
29
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: - OBSERVED A 1/4" GAP ALONG THE BOTTOM/SIDES OF THE ROTATING ENTRANCE DOOR. MUST PROVIDE A TIGHT FITTING SEAL AT ALL OUTER OPENINGS TO PREVENT THE ENTRY OF PESTS. -
38
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: - OBSERVED CEILING TILES MISSING IN THE DISH WASHING AREA. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN. -
55
47
May 22, 2018
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRT BUID UP ON WALLS BEHIND AND AROUND DISHMACHINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN WALLS AT DISHWASH AREA AND MAINTAIN.
35
95
May 14, 2018
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRT BUID UP ON WALLS BEHIND AND AROUND DISHMACHINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN WALLS AT DISHWASH AREA AND MAINTAIN.
35
95
May 9, 2018
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector notes: SANDWICH STATION REACH IN COOLER NOT MAINTAINED, AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE AT 60 F, FOUND DRESSING, OPEN MAYONNAISE, BUTTER MILK INSIDE SAID COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR COOLER. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A).
2
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: FOUND THE FOLLOWING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS HELD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES- OPEN MAYONNAISE AT 64.5 F, RANCH DRESSING AT 62.0 F, BUTTER MILK AT 60 F, CUT TOMATOES AT 60 F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS MUST BE HELD AT 40 F OR BELOW IF HELD COLD. ALL OUT OF TEMPERATURE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS VOLUNTARILLY DISCARDED AT THIS TIME. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A).
3
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THICK ICE BLOCK BUILD UP ON CONDENSER INSIDE SANDWICH STATION REACH IN COOLER. MUST REMOVE ICE BUILD UP AND MAINTAIN.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRT BUID UP ON WALLS BEHIND AND AROUND DISHMACHINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN WALLS AT DISHWASH AREA AND MAINTAIN.
35
82
Oct 24, 2017
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: FOOD CONTAINER NOT LABELED ( SUGAR ) INSTRUCTED TO LABEL AND NOT TO USE DISPOSABLE CUPS AS A MULTI-USE UTENSIL.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: POOR INSULATION IN WALK-IN COOLER AROUND COOLING LINES, CONDENSATION AND RIPPED COVERINGS, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTIAN
32
90
Jan 5, 2017
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: disposable cups and bowls used ad a scoop for bulk foods, instructed to use proper scoops.
31
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: disposable food containers improperly stored, instructed to stored face down or covered to prevent physical contamination.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: ice build-up noted in walk-in freezer, instructed to remove ice and maintain.
33
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: no lights in walk-in freezer, instructed to provide.
36
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: missing thermometer in several prep coolers, instructed to provide.
40
78
Apr 26, 2016
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DEFROST WALK-IN FREEZER TO REMOVE ICE AND FROST BUILDUP AND MAINTAIN.
32
95
Apr 25, 2016
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector notes: FOUND 4 DIFFERENT COLD-HOLDING UNITS IN THE FRONT KITCHEN AREA UNABLE TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE OF 40F OR LOWER AT TIME OF INSPECTION AFTER A CIRCUIT WENT OUT EARLIER IN THE DAY; FACILITY FAILED TO RELOCATE POTENTIALLY HAZAROUDS FOOD ITEMS FROM THE REFRIGERATION UNITS CONNECTED TO THE CIRCUIT BREAKER MENTIONED ABOVE TO OTHER REFRIGERATION UNITS FUNCTIONING PROPERLY AT 40F OR LESS. AMBIENT TEMPERATURE WAS 59.6F, 55.6F, 60F, AND 58.9F BY MY THERMOMETER AND ABOVE 60F BY THEIR INTERNAL THERMOMETER FOR ALL 4 REFRIGERATION UNITS. COOLER CONTAINED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS (I.E. FISH, PORK, CHEESE, DRESSINGS ETC) THAT WERE DISCARDED (SEE VIOLATION#3). INSTRUCTED TO HAVE UNIT SERVICED SO THAT IT MAINTAINS THE REQUIRED TEMPERATURE. UNIT WAS TAGGED AND CAN NOT BE USED UNTIL RE-INSPECTED BY CDPH. ONCE FIXED PLEASE FAX A LETTER TO 312-746-4240 OR EMAIL US AT CDPHFOOD@CITYOFCHICAGO.ORG. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A.
2
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: FOUND POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES INSIDE OF THE 4 COLD-HOLDING REFRIGERATION UNITS THAT WENT DOWN AFTER THE CIRCUIT BREAKER BROKE AND WERE NOT RELOCATED TO FUNCTIONING REFRIGERATION UNITS: 3 CONTAINERS OF PIZZA SAUSAGE AT 52.6F, 3 CONTAINERS OF PEPPERONI AT 48.2F, 6 CONTAINERS OF CHICKEN BREAST AND SEASONED CHICKEN AT 48.8-55.9F, 3 CONTAINERS OF TORTILLA CHICKEN WRAPS AT 48.3F, 30 SMALL CONTAINERS OF SALAD DRESSINGS AND SALSA'S AT 48F-62F, 25 CONTAINERS OF SLICED PRODUCE AT THE PASTA CONDIMENT COOLER AT 51-63F, 3 CONATINERS OF FISH AT 54F, AND 8 LARGE CONTAINERS OF PASTA AT 55-63F. MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED 100# OF FOOD WORTH $350. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A
3
Outside garbage waste grease and storage area; clean, rodent proof, all containers covered
Inspector notes: OUTSIDE GARBAGE AREA NOT MAINTAINED CLEAN: THE LID ON THE GREASE RECEPTACLE WAS HALFWAY COVERING THE CONTAINER AND GREASE WAS COVERING THE EXTERIOR SURFACE, THE GROUND UNDER THE RECEPTACLE, AND STREAMS OF GREASE RUNNING UNDER THE DUMPSTER. ALL 6 DUMPSTERS WERE OVERFLOWING AND THERE IS REFUSE DEBRIS COVERING THE FLOOR. MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE ENTIRE GARBAGE AREA, CLEAN THE EXTERIOR SURFACE OF THE GREASE RECEPTACLE, AND RE-APPLY THE LID TO THE GREASE RECEPTACLE. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020
19
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DEFROST WALK-IN FREEZER TO REMOVE ICE AND FROST BUILDUP AND MAINTAIN.
32
82
Apr 22, 2015
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WAS PRESENT WITH A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS (SOUPS 182 F.) WERE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD IS BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012.
21
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: REPLACE/REPAIR DAMAGED LIGHT SHIELD AT CEILING IN DRY FOOD STORAGE AREA. VENT COVER MISSING AT CEILING ABOVE DISH MACHINE. MUST PROVIDE.
35
90
Apr 13, 2015
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Outside garbage waste grease and storage area; clean, rodent proof, all containers covered
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GARBAGE AREA NOT MAINTAINED/CLEAN WITH GARBAGE ON THE GROUND NEXT TO THE DUMPSTER AND FOOD WASTE AND LITTER ON THE GROUND SURROUNDING THE DUMPSTER. ALSO OBSERVED GREASE CONTAINER WITH GREASE OVER LID AND SPILLED ON GROUND AROUND CONTAINER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO KEEP THE AREA CLEAN AT ALL TIMES AND MAINTAIN. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
19
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WAS PRESENT WITH A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS (SOUP AT 163.0F) WERE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD IS BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012.
21
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DEAD ROACHES ON FLOOR IN LIQUOR/BAG-IN BOX CLOSET, MUST REMOVE CLEAN/SANITIZE AREA UPGRADE HOUSEKEEPING AND HAVE A MORE AGGRESSIVE PEST CONTROL PROGRAM. CLEAN FLOORS IN PREP AREA AND BEHIND BAR AT FRONT OF FOOD SPILLS AND DEBRIS. ALSO CLEAN FLOOR IN WALK-IN COOLER AT REAR.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: REPLACE/REPAIR DAMAGED LIGHT SHIELD AT CEILING IN DRY FOOD STORAGE AREA. VENT COVER MISSING AT CEILING ABOVE DISH MACHINE. MUST PROVIDE.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: REPLACE BLOWN LIGHT AT CEILING IN DRY FOOD STORAGE AREA AT REAR.
36
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS IN PREP AREA WITHOUT PROPER HAIR RESTRAINTS. MUST PROVIDE.
42
74
Apr 21, 2014
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Apr 10, 2014
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Outside garbage waste grease and storage area; clean, rodent proof, all containers covered
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GARBAGE AREA NOT MAINTAINED CLEAN WITH BAGS OF GARBAGE STORED ON THE GROUND NEXT TO THE DUMPSTER AND FOOD WASTE AND LITTER ON THE GROUND SURROUNDING THE DUMPSTER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO KEEP THE AREA CLEAN AT ALL TIMES AND MAINTAIN ADEQUATE GARBAGE PICKUP. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
19
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WAS PRESENT WITH A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS (SOUP AT 175.6F) WERE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD IS BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012.
21
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN THE FLOOR UNDER THE BAR.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: CAULK AND SEAL THE OPENING IN THE WALL BEHIND THE BAR AREA.
35
82
Sep 11, 2013
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WAS PRESENT WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS (SOUP AT 170.7F) WERE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD IS BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012.
21
95
Nov 26, 2012
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MISSING COVERS FOR ICE BIN AT BAR, INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: CREVICES NOTED AT WALK-IN COOLER BASEBOARD TRAPPING FOOD DEBRIS, INSTRUCTED TO SEAL.
35
90
Dec 28, 2011
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: CARDBOARD LINERS USED ON DRY STORAGE SHELVINGS MUST BE REMOVED. All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FOLLOWING MUST BE ADDRESSED: POOR FLOOR GROUTING AT THE COOK'S LINE AREA; METAL PLATE THRESHOLD OF WALK-IN COOLER IS PULLING AWAY FROM THE FLOOR; FLOOR DRAIN AT THE WATER TANK ROOM MUST BE KEPT CLEAN. The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: WATER LEAKING FROM AN ELBOW PIPE OF A DUMP SINK AT THE BAR AREA; & THE SPRAYER FAUCET AT THE DISHROOM IS ALSO LEAKING-MUST FIX. Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health.
38
86
Mar 1, 2011
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS ALONG WALLBASES OF WALK-IN COOLER MUST BE KEPT FREE OF FOOD DEBRIS/DIRT & MAINTAINED. The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: WALLS AROUND THE DISHROOM AREA MUST BE RE-PAINTED/RE-SEALED, TO REMOVE SPOTS FROM SCRATCHING DUE TO UTENSILS/POTS/PANS. The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned.
35
90
Sep 24, 2010
Tag Removal
No violations found.
100
Sep 23, 2010
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Sanitizing rinse for equipment and utensils: clean, proper temperature, concentration, exposure time
Inspector notes: Equipment and utensils should get proper exposure to the sanitizing solution during the rinse cycle. Bactericidal treatment shall consist of exposure of all dish and utensil surfaces to a rinse of clean water at a temperature of not less than 180F. HIGH TEMPERATURE DISHMACHINE NOT MAINTAINED, FINAL RINSE AT 165 F WHILE IN USE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR DISHMACHINE, FINAL RINSE MUST REACH A MINIMAL OF 180 F TO PROPERLY SANITIZE MULTI-USE UTENSILS. CRITICAL VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED, TICKET #HOOOO63335 13.
8
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Use dustless cleaning methods. The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. MUST CLEAN/SANITIZE ALL UNCLEAN WALLS AND CEILING TILES AT REAR PREP AREA AND DRY STORAGE ROOM.
35
90

Frequently Asked Questions

When was California Pizza Kitchen last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at California Pizza Kitchen on file is from May 20, 2019. The public record contains 18 inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at California Pizza Kitchen?

Across the inspection record, “walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code” has been cited nine times, more than any other issue at California Pizza Kitchen.

Has California Pizza Kitchen's inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at California Pizza Kitchen have averaged around four violations per visit across the recent record.

What does a high risk rating mean?

A high risk rating at California Pizza Kitchen means the most recent inspection flagged either critical violations or a substantial number of smaller ones. Diners may want to read the violation details before deciding to visit.