Italian Express
Last inspected: Mar 7, 2025
74
Score
The health department has logged eight inspections at Italian Express, the earliest from 2020. Italian Express was last inspected on Mar 7, 2025. Medium risk typically reflects a handful of issues that inspectors wrote up but didn't deem critical.
Recent visits have produced comparable findings, with counts hovering near four violations per visit.
Looking across the full record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” is the recurring theme, flagged seven times.
Compared to other Chicago restaurants (averaging 81), there's room to close the gap. Taken together, the history looks like that of a busy facility working through the usual inspection cycle.
8
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
6
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 7, 2025
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: SOME FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATES HAVE EXPIRED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO UPDATE EXPIRED FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATES.
57
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 1/2 INCH GAP AT REAR EXIT DOOR SWEEP. MUST RODENT PROOF REAR EXIT DOOR.
38
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUST BUILD UP ON PREP AREA COOLERS CONDENSERS. MUST CLEAN COOLERS CONDENSERS AND MAINTAIN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: MENS WASHROOM HANDWASH SINK PIPE DRAINING SLOWLY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MENS WASHROOM SINK MUST DRAIN QUICKLY.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SMALL HOLES IN WALL BY POTATOE FRIES CUTTER. MUST SEAL HOLES IN WALL.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED DUST BUILD UP ON PREP AREA CEILING TILES AROUND CEILING VENTILATION COVER. MUST CLEAN CEILING TILES AND MAINTAIN.
55
74
Aug 16, 2024
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Aug 6, 2024
Complaint
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: TCS FOODS STORED INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE. WE OBSERVED COOKED 5 EACH(5 POUNDS EACH) ROAST BEEF AT TEMP OF 110.8F TO 115.9F.RAW MARINATE CHICKEN(10 POUNDS)AT TEMP OF 50.7F,ALSO STORED INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER.NO TIME AND TEMPERATURE LOG PROVIDED. FOOD DISCARDED AND DENATURED BY THE MANAGER.POUNDS 35,VALUE 115. PRIORITY VIOLATION:7-38-005,CITATION ISSUED
22
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: STEM THERMOMETER PROVIDED ON SITE, HOWEVER BROKEN NOT ABLE TO TURN IT ON. NOT ABLE TO CHECK FOOD TEMPERATURE, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A STEM WORKING THERMOMETER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION:7-38-005,CITATION ISSUED
36
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FORM 9-8-2023, REPORT #2581427: #39) 3-305.11: OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE WALK-IN COOLER AND FREEZER IN THE REAR. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD SIX INCHES OFF THE FLOOR AND MAINTAIN. #47) 4-501.11: OBSERVED TORN/DAMAGED AND DIRTY RUBBER GASKET ON DOORS OF THREE DOOR COOLER IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR OR REPLACE GASKET. #47) 4-501.12:OBSERVED MULTIPLE CUTTING BOARDS WITH DEEP SCRATCHES AND STAINS ON PREP SURFACES IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO RESURFACE/REPLACE CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN. #55) 6-501.114: OBSERVED UNUSED ITEMS IN THE DRY STORAGE AREA IN THE REAR. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE ITEMS, KEEP THEM CLEAN ORGANIZED, AND MAINTAIN TO PREVENT POTENTIAL PEST HARBORAGE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION:7-42-090, CITATION ISSUED.
60
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: DRY FOOD STORED IN PLASTIC CONTAINER ON SHELF UNDER PIZZA PREP TABLE MUST BE LABELD WITH COMMON NAME.
37
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: MALE EMPLOYEES MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINT IN PREP AREA.
40
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED USED CLOTHS STORED ON TOP PREP TABLE AND CUTTING BOARDS AREA MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN PREP AREAS IN SANITIZER BUCKET BETWEEN USES TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
41
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: OUTSIDE REFUSE AREA NOT MAINTAINED. ACCUMULATION OF GREASE ON CEMENT GROUND AND BRICK WALL.CLEAN AND MAINTAIN TO MINIMIZER PEST AND INSECTS.
54
58
Sep 8, 2023
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE WALK-IN COOLER AND FREEZER IN THE REAR. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD SIX INCHES OFF THE FLOOR AND MAINTAIN.
39
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MULTIPLE CUTTING BOARDS WITH DEEP SCRATCHES AND STAINS ON PREP SURFACES IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO RESURFACE/REPLACE CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TORN/DAMAGED AND DIRTY RUBBER GASKET ON DOORS OF THREE DOOR COOLER IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR OR REPLACE GASKET.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GREASE ON THE FLOOR UNDERNEATH ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS UNDERNEATH ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED UNUSED ITEMS IN THE DRY STORAGE AREA IN THE REAR. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE ITEMS, KEEP THEM CLEAN ORGANIZED, AND MAINTAIN TO PREVENT POTENTIAL PEST HARBORAGE.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ONE CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGER WITHOUT ALLERGEN AWARENESS TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ENSURE THAT ANY INDIVIDUAL THAT HAS A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS CERTIFICATE OBTAINS ALLERGEN AWARENESS TRAINING AND CERTIFICATE AND MAINTAINS.
58
74
Jun 6, 2022
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER INSIDE OF WALK-IN COOLER LOCATED IN THE KITCHEN PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER FOR WALK-IN COOLER AND MAINTAIN.
36
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PLATES AND OTHER UTENSILS BEING STORED FACING UP ON THE SHELVING UNIT LOCATED IN THE REAR KITCHEN PREPRATION AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT ALL DISHES AND UTENSILS TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION AND MAINTAIN.
39
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS BEING USED TO STORE FOOD ITEMS IN WALK-IN COOLER LOCATED IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO USE FOOD GRADE BAGS OR CONTAINERS TO STORE FOOD ITEMS.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DRY STORAGE AREA LOCATED IN REAR KITCHEN PREPARATION AREA WITH CLUTTER AND ITEMS ON FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO ORGANIZE DRY ROOSTORAGE AREA AND KEEP ITEMS ELVEATED OFF OF FLOORS.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED VENT COVERS IN BOTH TOILET ROOMS WITH DUST ACCUMULATION. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EMPLOYEES WITH EXPIRED FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED TO RENEW FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATION AND MAINTAIN.
57
74
Jun 14, 2021
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jun 7, 2021
Routine
2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OUTSIDE GARBAGE DUMPSTER OVERFLOWING WITH TRASH PREVENTING LID CLOSURE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE TRASH INSIDE OF RECEPTACLE AT ALL TIMES TO PREVENT INSECTS AND RODENTS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-020(B). CITATION ISSUED.
54
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM 12/8/2020, REPORT #2463457. #10-OBSERVED NO HAND WASH SIGNAGE AT EXPOSED HAND WASH SINK CENTRALLY LOCATED IN REAR PREP AND DISH AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. #58- OBSERVED ONE OF 2 CERTIFIED MANAGERS WITHOUT ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-42-090.
60
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PACKAGED DESSERTS FOR CUSTOMER SELF SERVICE NOT PROPERLY LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE NAME OF FOOD, BUSINESS NAME, ADDRESS, INGREDIENTS, NET QUANTITY AND ANY ALLERGENS IF APPLICABLE.
37
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD SPLATTERS INSIDE OF MICROWAVES IN PREP AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MINOR GREASE ACCUMULATION INSIDE OF COOKING FRYERS IN PREP AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
70
Dec 8, 2020
License
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASH SIGNAGE AT EXPOSED HAND WASH SINK CENTRALLY LOCATED IN REAR PREP AND DISH AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
10
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER INSIDE PEPSI COOLER LOCATED IN PREP AREA ACROSS FROM GYROS SPITS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
36
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATION OF DIRT AND DUST UNDERNEATH PIZZA OVEN IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED UNCONNECTED C02 HOSE DANGLING FROM CEILING IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO EITHER MAKE FUNCTIONAL OR REMOVE FROM PREMISES.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ONE OF 2 CERTIFIED MANAGERS WITHOUT ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
58
78
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Italian Express last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Italian Express on file is from Mar 7, 2025. The public record contains eight inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Italian Express?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited seven times, more than any other issue at Italian Express.
Has Italian Express' inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Italian Express have averaged around four violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Italian Express means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.
How often is Italian Express inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Italian Express is inspected around two times per year on average.
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