Ella Elli
Last inspected: Nov 18, 2025
82
Score
Inspectors have visited Ella Elli 13 times, with records going back to 2017. The latest inspection on file is from Nov 18, 2025. When a facility lands in the low risk tier, it usually means nothing alarming showed up at the most recent visit.
There hasn't been much movement either way: counts have stayed near four violations per visit across recent inspections.
“Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing six times across the record.
Ella Elli scores about where you'd expect for a Chicago restaurant. The file should reassure diners considering a visit.
13
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
4
Minor latest
Inspection History
Nov 18, 2025
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS OR POSTERS NEAR HAND WASHING SINKS IN BOTH WASHROOMS. MUST PROVIDE A HAND WASHING SIGNS AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
10
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: MUST PROPERLY LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS.
37
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON TOP OF PREP TABLES. MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZER SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
41
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ICE SCOOPS STORED ON TOP OF ICE BIN ON FRONT BAR AREA. MUST PROPERLY STORE ICE SCOOPS IN A CLEAN CONTAINER TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
43
82
Jan 28, 2025
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE ITEMS AND BOXES STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE BASEMENT STORAGE AREA AND BEHIND A DOOR IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO ELEVATE ALL SINGLE SERVICE ITEMS AT LEAST 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR.
45
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TWO LIGHT BULBS NOT FUNCTIONAL IN EXHAUST HOOD ABOVE MAIN COOKING AREA AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE LIGHT BULBS TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING.
56
90
May 29, 2024
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: THE FOLLOWING NOT CLEAN- OBSERVED ACCUMULATED DUST BUILD UP ON PREP AREA COOLERS CONDENSERS, OBSERVED FOOD BUILD UP INSIDE BAR GUN HOLDERS, FOOD BUILD UP ON LOWER SIDE 1ST FLOOR DISHMACHINE DRAINBOARD SHELVES AND FOOD BUILD UP INSIDE 1ST FLOOR PREP ARE REACH IN COOLERS. MUST CLEAN EQUIPMENT AND MAINTAIN.
49
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: NO COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE IN EMPLOYEES WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS/FOOD SPILLS ON BAR FLOOR UNDER AND AROUND EQUIPMENT. MUST DETAIL CLEAN BAR FLOOR AND MAINTAIN.
55
86
Apr 30, 2024
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS/FOOD SPILLS ON BAR FLOOR UNDER AND AROUND EQUIPMENT. MUST DETAIL CLEAN BAR FLOOR AND MAINTAIN.
55
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: THE FOLLOWING NOT CLEAN- OBSERVED ACCUMULATED DUST BUILD UP ON PREP AREA COOLERS CONDENSERS, OBSERVED FOOD BUILD UP INSIDE BAR GUN HOLDERS, FOOD BUILD UP ON LOWER SIDE 1ST FLOOR DISHMACHINE DRAINBOARD SHELVES AND FOOD BUILD UP INSIDE 1ST FLOOR PREP ARE REACH IN COOLERS. MUST CLEAN EQUIPMENT AND MAINTAIN.
49
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: NO COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE IN EMPLOYEES WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE.
53
86
Apr 17, 2023
Routine
1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Required records available: shellstock tags, parasite destruction
Inspector notes: NO SHELL FISH TAG WAS PROVIDED FOR 3LB OF FRESH MUSSELS STORED IN ICE INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER. WE OBSERVED MISSING MUSSELS FROM SAID BAG. SHELLFISH TAG MUST BE MAINTAIN WITH PRODUCT AND MUST DATE WHEN THE LAST MUSSEL IS CONSUMED ON THE SAID TAG.INSTRUCTED ALL SHELLFISH TAGS MUST BE RETAINED FOR A MINIMUM OF 90 DAYS. DISCARDED AND DENATURED MUSSELS.POUND 3, VALUE 18. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005, CITATION ISSUED.
14
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: ICE BUILD-UP AT CONDENSER UNIT INSIDE THE WALK-IN FREEZER IN BASEMENT, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST NOT USE MILK CRATES AS A MEANS OF ELEVATION FOR STORED ITEMS.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: NO BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE PROVIDED AT ESPRESSO COFFEE MACHINE WATER LINE,AT BAR AREA. MUST INSTALL SO BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE MAY BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAIN, OR TO KNOW THE LOCATION IF A MAIN BACKFLOW PRTEVENTION DEVICE IS INSTALLED ON SITE.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: WATER ON FLOOR UNDER THE ICE BIN AND HANDWASHING SINK AT BAR AREA,REPAIR ISSUE.KEEP FLOOR DRY
55
74
Aug 10, 2022
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: NOTED SERVING PLATES ON SHELVES AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA, BAR, AND DINING AREA NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT ALL SERVING PLATES AT THE KITCHEN, BAR, AND DINING TABLES TO PREVENT DUST ACCUMULATION.
43
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: NOTED TORN RUBBER GASKET INSIDE THE PREP SERVICE COOLER AT THE KITCHEN PREP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL REPAIR AND MAINTAIN AND/OR REPLACE.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: NOTED MILK FILMY WATER INSIDE THE STEAMER AT THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DRAIN, CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: NOTED HEAVY DIRT AND SLIME INSIDE THE FLOOR DRAINS AT THE BASEMENT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
82
Jun 29, 2021
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 11 minor violations.
View 14 violations
Hands clean & properly washed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE EMPLOYEE HANDLING DIRTY DISHES WITH HIS BARE HANDS, LOADING THE DISH MACHINE, THEN HANDLING AND STORING THE CLEAN DISHES WITHOUT WASHING HANDS IN BETWEEN TASKS SEVERAL TIMES DURING OBSERVATION. REVIEWED PROPER HANDWASHING AND GOOD HYGIENIC PRACTICES OF WHEN TO WASH HANDS WITH THE MANAGER. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-010 CITATION ISSUED.
8
Summary report displayed and visible to the public
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE SUMMARY REPORT FROM 8-12-20 NOT POSTED IN PLAIN VIEW OF THE ESTABLISHMENTS CUSTOMERS. SUMMARY FOUND POSTED IN THE KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO POST PROPERLY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.
61
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PREPARED TCS FOODS SUCH AS MEAT SAUCE, COOKED GRAINS, COOKED BEEF, SPINACH DIP, COOKED EGGS THROUGHOUT THE WALK-IN COOLERS NOT PROPERLY DATE LABELED WITH AN EXPIRATION/USE BY DATE NO LONGER THAN 7 DAYS. REVIEWED PROPER DATE LABELING. ALL FOODS DISCARDED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
23
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE INTERNAL THERMOMETERS FOR ALL REFRIGERATION UNITS ON THE COOKS LINE WITHOUT EXTERNAL INDICATORS.
36
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: ALL COOKS LINE SPICE/FOOD CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH THE PRODUCT COMMON NAME.
37
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: INSECT CONTROL DEVICES MUST NOT BE USED AT THE BASEMENT PREP TABLES. MUST BE INSTALLED AWAY FROM FOOD PREPARATION AREAS.
38
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: NOTED FOOD HANDLERS, INCLUDING BARTENDERS, WITH LONG BEARDS, MUST WEAR BEARD RESTRAINTS.
40
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: ICE SCOOP AT THE ICE MACHINE MUST BE STORED IN A CLEAN CONTAINER. NOT ON THE TOP OF THE MACHINE.
43
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: ALL STORED ITEMS THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT STORAGE CLOSET MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOOR AND ORGANIZED.
45
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: EXCESSIVE ICE BUILD UP INSIDE THE BASEMENT PREP TWO-DOOR TALL REACH-IN COOLER. MUST REMOVE ICE AND MAINTAIN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: EXTREMELY LOW HOT WATER PRESSURE AT THE BAR HAND WASHING SINK. MUST PROVIDE GREATER HOT WATER PRESSURE.
51
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE A WASTE RECEPTACLE AT THE COOKS LINE HAND WASHING SINK.
54
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: NOTED AN EXTREMELY DIRTY FLOOR DRAIN UNDER THE 1ST FLOOR DISHWASHING AREA THREE-COMPARTMENT SINK AND EXCESSIVE POOLING WATER UNDER THE SAME SINK. MUST CLEAN, REMOVE POOLING LIQUID AND MAINTAIN.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING OR CERTIFICATE FOR THE ABOVE CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER. MUST PROVIDE FOR ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS.
58
41
Aug 12, 2020
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULTED DUST BUILD UP ON FAN COVERS INSIDE WALK IN COOLERS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUST BUILD UP ON BASEMENT CEILING TILES ABOVE PREP TABLE. MUST CLEAN CEILING TILES AND CEILING VENTILATION COVER.
55
90
Oct 24, 2019
Routine
2 major violations.
View 2 violations
Required records available: shellstock tags, parasite destruction
Inspector notes: FOUND 20 EACH FRESH CLAMS STORED IN A CONTAINER INSIDE THE THREE DOOR PREP COOLER,NO IDENTIFICATION SHELL FISH TAG PROVIDED WITH PRODUCT AS REQUIRED BY THE CODE.INSTRUCTED MANAGER SHELL FISH TAG MUST REMAIN WITH PRODUCT UNTIL IS FINISHED,MUST KEEP SAID SHELL FISH TAG FOR 90 DAY, ON SITE. CHEF DISCARDED PRODUCT. POUNDS (20 EACH,VALUE 6 DOLLARS) PRIORITY FOUNDATION CITATION ISSUED: CITATION ISSUED ON REPORT #2320386 (DBA: CROSBY'S KITCHEN).
14
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: MENU DOES NOT DISCLOSE AND INFORM CONSUMERS THE SPECIFIC MENU ITEMS THAT ARE RAW OR UNDER COOKED AND A TCS FOOD OF CONSUMING SUCH FOOD(EGGS,HAMBURGER ETC). MUST DISCLOSE AND REMIND SUCH ITEMS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION:7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED
25
82
Aug 10, 2018
Reinspection
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AT PREMISES. PRIORITY VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-012A. MUST PROVIDE.
3
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: FOUND NO DISCLOSURE OR REMINDER STATEMENTS INSIDE MENU FOR RAW ITEMS BEING SERVED.(STEAK TARTARE).PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-005. MUST PROVIDE.
25
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: FOUND NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL CLEANUP PROCEDURE. PRORITY VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-005. MUST PROVIDE.
5
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: FOUND CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION MANAGER WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING. MUST PROVIDE.
58
70
Aug 8, 2018
Routine
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AT PREMISES. PRIORITY VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-012A. MUST PROVIDE.
3
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: FOUND NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES AT WATERLINES FOR ESPRESSO MACHINE AT BAR, 2 COFFEE MACHINES SERVING AREAS, AND SODA MACHINE AT LOWER LEVEL PREPARATION AREAS. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED.7-38-030C. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED.
51
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: FOUND NO DISCLOSURE OR REMINDER STATEMENTS INSIDE MENU FOR RAW ITEMS BEING SERVED.(STEAK TARTARE).PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-005. MUST PROVIDE.
25
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: FOUND NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL CLEANUP PROCEDURE. PRORITY VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-005. MUST PROVIDE.
5
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: FOUND CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION MANAGER WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING. MUST PROVIDE.
58
61
Feb 8, 2017
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: THE SODA GUN INSTALLATION IS INCOMPLETE. MUST FINISH TUBING CONNECTIONS.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE ANY REMAINING AND UNNECESSARY CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS FROM PREMISES (THROUGHOUT DINING ROOM AND IN REAR HALLWAY IN BASEMENT).
41
90
Feb 7, 2017
License
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: FOOD NOT PROTECTED DURING PREPARATION BECAUSE THERE IS NO SEPARATION BETWEEN THE COOK LINE AND THE SEPARATELY LICENSED FOOD ESTABLISHMENT NEXT DOOR. THE TWO FACILITIES ARE CURRENTLY CONNECTED BY AN OPEN, SHARED HALLWAY. MUST PROVIDE COMPLETE SEPARATION BETWEEN FOOD SERVICE ESTABLISHMENTS. SERIOUS VIOLATION: 7-38-005(A)
16
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: THE SODA GUN INSTALLATION IS INCOMPLETE. MUST FINISH TUBING CONNECTIONS.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE ANY REMAINING AND UNNECESSARY CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS FROM PREMISES (THROUGHOUT DINING ROOM AND IN REAR HALLWAY IN BASEMENT).
41
86
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Ella Elli last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Ella Elli on file is from Nov 18, 2025. The public record contains 13 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Ella Elli?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at Ella Elli.
Has Ella Elli's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Ella Elli have averaged around four violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Ella Elli means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.
How often is Ella Elli inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Ella Elli is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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