Kala Modern Greek
Last inspected: Feb 17, 2026
90
Score
Kala Modern Greek has been inspected nine times since 2020. The most recent report on file is from Feb 17, 2026. Low risk means the most recent visit produced few or no significant findings.
Recent inspections have turned up more issues than earlier ones, averaging around eight violations lately compared to roughly four violations before.
Across the inspection history, “food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded seven times.
Restaurants in Chicago average 81, so Kala Modern Greek is doing better than most peers. The record is unremarkable in either direction.
9
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 17, 2026
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: 3-307.11--- NOTED SEVERAL BASEMENT BOX FREEZERS STORED UNDER WATER PIPING THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT PREP. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE FREEZERS OR PROPERLY ENCASE PIPING.
39
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: 3-304.14---- COOKS LINE WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE HELD IN A CONTAINER WITH A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USE.
41
90
Feb 10, 2026
Routine
5 major violations. 9 minor violations.
View 14 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED ON THE PREMISES. MUST PROVIDE A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE AND SUCH A PERSON MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.
2
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: MISSING HAND SINK IN THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP AREA WHERE ICE CREAM MAKING MACHINES AND A MEAT SLICER ARE LOCATED AND FOODS PREPARED. MUST PROVIDE A HAND WASHING SINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER THAT PROPERLY DRAINS, SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS, HAND WASHING SIGNAGE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.
10
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM 3-24-25 REPORT #2614376 NOT CORRECTED. #10 OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGN IN CUSTOMER BATHROOM AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGNAGE IN BATHROOM TO INSTRUCT EMPLOYEES THEY MUST WASH HANDS- #47-- OBSERVED TORN PROTECTIVE PLASTIC COATINGS ON INTERIOR OF DOORS OF REACH IN COOLERS ON PREP LINE (BOTH COOLERS) AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE AND PROVIDE A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE. #56-- OBSERVED LIGHT BULB IN WALK IN COOLER WITH MISSING PROTECTIVE SHIELDING. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE/PROVIDE TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTIVE SHIELDING.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.
60
Summary report displayed and visible to the public
Inspector notes: SUMMARY REPORT GIVEN AND POSTED ON 3-24-25 REPORT #2614376 NOT POSTED AT THIS TIME IN PLAIN VIEW OF THE ESTABLISHMENTS CUSTOMERS. TODAYS SUMMARY POSTED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-010(B) CITATION ISSUED.
61
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: THE PERSON IN CHARGE DURING THE INSPECTION DOES NOT HAVE A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.
1
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: NOTED SEVERAL BASEMENT BOX FREEZERS STORED UNDER WATER PIPING THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT PREP. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE FREEZERS OR PROPERLY ENCASE PIPING.
39
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: NOTED SEVERAL COOKS ON COOK'S LINE PREPARING FOODS WITH UNPROTECTED BEARDS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE BEARD RESTRAINTS.
40
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: COOKS LINE WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE HELD IN A CONTAINER WITH A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USE.
41
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: NOTED A KNIFE IMPROPERLY STORED BETWEEN PREP COOLER AND HOT HOLDING UNIT. MUST PROVIDE PROPER KNIFE HOLDER OR STORE ON A CLEAN PREP SURFACE.
43
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: ALL STORED ITEMS THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOORS.
45
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST NOT USE MILK CRATES AS A MEANS OF ELEVATION THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT PREP/STORAGE AND MAIN KITCHEN.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD AS LINER FOR SHELVING INSIDE KITCHEN CABINETS OR PAPER TOWELS AS LINER UNDER COOKS LINE CUTTING BOARDS.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FLOORS THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT DRY FOOD STORAGE WITH DIRT AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.----NOTED BLACKENED, MOLDY WALL CAULKING AT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.----NOTED A LARGE HOLE IN THE CEILING OF THE EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR TO BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES FOR ALL REQUIRED EMPLOYEES. NEW HIRED EMPLOYEES HAVE 30 DAYS TO AQUIRE TRAINING.
57
39
Mar 24, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 6 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Hot & cold water available; adequate pressure
Inspector notes: NOTED INADEQUATE HOT WATER ON PREMISES. TEMPERATURE AT THREE (3) HANDWASH SINKS IN MAIN PREP AREA @74.6F, 72.5F, 75.1F, 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AT 80.5F, 1 COMPARTMENT SINK AT 74.6F, WASHROOM SINK AT 75.1F. PRIORITY VIOLATION CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-030(C). MUST RESTORE AND MAINTAIN HOT RUNNING WATER AT 100F FOR ALL HAND WASHING SINKS AND 110F AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINKS. WATER RESTORED AT MINIMUM OF 100F AND 110 AT HAND WASHING SINKS AND 3 COMP SINK, RESPECTIVELY. PLUMBER ON SITE BY END OF INSPECTION.
50
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRT, FOOD DEBRIS, AND CRUMBS ACCUMULATING IN PREP COOLER GASKETS AT BOTH PREP COOLERS AT FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN GASKETS FREE OF EXCESSIVE FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP. OBSERVED HEAVY GREASE BUILD UP ON EXTERIOR OF FLAT TOP GRILL AND INTERIOR COMPARTMENTS/DOOR OF BOTH DEEP FRYERS. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FREE OF HEAVY GREASE BUILD UP.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LEAK FROM FAUCET OF ONE (1) COMPARTMENT SINK IN FRONT PREP AREA, AND LEAK FROM FAUCET OF 3 COMPARTMENT FAUCET IN REAR. OBSERVED LEAK FROM DRAIN OF MIDDLE BASIN DRAIN OF 3 COMPARTMENT IN REAR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SERVICE LEAKING SINKS AND DRAIN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD REPAIR.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HEAVY GREASE, FOOD DEBRIS, AND LOOSE PLASTIC/TRASH BUILD UP ON THE FLOORS BELOW THE FRYERS, UNDER THE 2 DOOR COOLERS, AND BELOW THE FLAT TOP/OVEN ON SIDE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DETAIL CLEAN ALL AREAS FREE OF EXCESSIVE GREASE AND LOOSE DEBRIS BUILD UP AND MAINTAIN FREE.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LIGHT BULB IN WALK IN COOLER WITH MISSING PROTECTIVE SHIELDING. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE/PROVIDE TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTIVE SHIELDING.
56
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGN IN CUSTOMER BATHROOM AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING SINAGE IN BATHROOM TO INSTRUCT EMPLOYEES THEY MUST WASH HANDS.
10
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TORN PROTECTIVE PLASTIC COATINGS ON INTERIOR OF DOORS OF REACH IN COOLERS ON PREP LINE (BOTH COOLERS) AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE AND PROVIDE A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.
47
64
Apr 16, 2024
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: NOTED CUTTING BOARDS ON COOK LINE PREP AREA WITH DEEP CUTS AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO RESTORE TO A SMOOTH CLEANABLE SURFACE OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
47
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: NOTED NO ALLERGEN CERTIFICATES FOR CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ALLERGEN CERTIFICATES ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETE THE ONLINE TRAINING AND MAINTAIN ON PREMISES AT ALL TIME.
58
90
Nov 8, 2022
License
No violations found.
100
Oct 31, 2022
Routine
2 critical violations. 7 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS RANGING FROM 57.0-58.6 F, SUCH AS EGGS (57.0F), CREAM CHEESE(57.9 F), MILK (57.0 F), AND BUTTER (58.6F) MANAGER DISCARDED PRODUCT. MUST HAVE COLD-HOLDING FOODS AT 41.0F OR BELOW.APPX. 25LBS AND 1/4 GALLON.$56.PRIORITY 7-38-005, CITATION ISSUED
22
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A COLD HOLDING UNIT AT AN IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 60.0F DURING THE INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD ALL TCS FOODS AND NOT USE REACH-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN PROPER COLD-HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF 41F OR BELOW AT ALL TIMES. THE COLD HOLDING UNIT WAS TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION BY THE CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH. IT MAY NOT BE USED UNTIL THE COLD HOLDING UNIT IS RE-INSPECTED BY CDPH AND MAINTAINS A PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 41F OR BELOW. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005, CITATION ISSUED.
33
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FACILITY MISSING THE REQUIRED HANDWASHING SIGNAGE IN THE EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOMS AND AT THE EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO POST REQUIRED HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT SAID LOCATIONS AND MAINTAIN.
10
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE ICE SCOOP STORED ON TOP OF THE ICE MACHINE IN THE BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO STORE THE ICE SCOOP AND MAINTAIN IT PROPERLY.
39
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS WITH OPEN SEAMS AND DARK STAINS IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REFINISH OR REPLACE DAMAGED OR STAINED CUTTING BOARDS.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IN THE WALK-IN COOLER, FOOD STORAGE BUCKETS BEING ELEVATED BY MILK CRATES. INSTRUCTED TO REFRAIN FROM USING MILK CRATES FOR STORAGE AND ELEVATION PURPOSES AND USE SURFACES THAT ARE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE FOR ELEVATION AND STORAGE PURPOSES.
47
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATION FROM EMPLOYEES. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL EMPLOYEES MUST COMPLY WITH FOOD HANDLER'S TRAINING BY THE FOOD HANDLING REGULATION ENFORCEMENT ACT.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ON DUTY WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.
58
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A BROKEN DOWN CARDBOARD BOX ON THE FLOOR NEAR THE THREE-COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE THE CARDBOARD BOX AND USE APPROPRIATE MATS FOR THE DISHWASHING AREA AND MAINTAIN.
55
52
Mar 16, 2021
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE COULD BE LOCATED ON WATER LINE OF COFFEE MACHINE. MUST INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
51
95
Mar 2, 2021
Complaint
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO BODILY FLUID CLEAN-UP KIT ON SITE. MUST OBTAIN. PROCEDURE WAS PROVIDED AT TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION NO CITATION ISSUED
5
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT # 2456738 DATED 11/17/2020 NOT CORRECTED INCLUDING VIOLATION # 51 NO HOT RUNNING WATER AT DUMP SINK LOCATED IN FRONT PREP AREA. #55 OBSERVED BROKEN CEILING TILE IN BATHROOM. MUST REPAIR. #53 NO LID ON TRASHCAN IN EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 NO CITATION ISSUED.
60
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE VERIFICATION FOR EACH EMPLOYEE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED
3
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 50 RODENT DROPPINGS IN BASEMENT ON SHELVES NEAR ICE MACHINE AND MOP SINK. OBSERVED 20 RODENT DROPPINGS IN CORNER OF BASEMENT NEAR REACH IN CHEST FREEZERS. OBSERVED 10 RODENT DROPPINGS AT TOP OF STAIRS LEADING TO BASEMENT. OBSERVED 20 RODENT DROPPINGS IN KITCHEN UNDER STOVE AND COOKING AREA. ALL EQUIPMENT IN KITCHEN NEEDS TO BE PULLED AWAY FROM WALLS, AND ALL RODENT DROPPINGS NEED TO BE REMOVED. CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AFFECTED AREAS. REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS FROM BASEMENT AND STAIRS LEADING TO BASEMENT. CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AFFECTED AREAS. ELIMINATE ALL AREAS OF HARBORAGE IN BASEMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020 (A)
38
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CARDBOARD USED AS SHELF LINER NEAR GRILL. REMOVE CARDBOARD AND MAINTAIN SHELF SURFACE. OBSERVED CAULKING AROUND DUMP SINK IN FRONT SERVICE AREA TO INSTALL SPLASH GUARD AND CAULKING AROUND HAND SINK TO INSTALL SPLASH GUARD IN REAR COOKING ARE NOT SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. RESTORE TO A SMOOTH EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED RED PLASTIC CUTTING BOARD SCRATCHED AND SCORED WITH DARK GROOVES UNABLE TO COME CLEAN. REMOVE CUTTING BOARD FROM FACILITY.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED AREA UNDER GRILL IN KITCHEN VERY UNCLEAN WITH AN EXCESS ACCUMULATION OF GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AREA UNDER GRILL. OBSERVED ALL UTILITY LINES AND GAS PIPES BEHIND GRILL DRIPPING WITH HEAVY GREASE ACCUMULATION. CLEAN ALL PIPES AND UTILITY LINES BEHIND GRILL AND MAINTAIN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE COULD BE LOCATED ON WATER LINE OF COFFEE MACHINE. MUST INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FLOOR UNDER DUMP SINK ON FRONT SERVICE AREA NOT SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE MUST RESTORE SURFACE TO A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE CONDITION AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED FLOORS THROUGHOUT KITCHEN UNDER ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT AND ALONG WALLS VERY UNCLEAN. CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL FLOORS. OBSERVED FLOOR AT TOP OF STAIRS VERY UNCLEAN. CLEAN, SANITIZE, AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MOPS NEED TO BE HUNG TO DRY AFTER USE.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: ALL UNNECESSARY ITEMS FROM BASEMENT NEED TO BE REMOVED TO REDUCE CLUTTER AND RODENT HARBORAGE.
55
47
Nov 17, 2020
License
1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE VERIFICATION FOR EACH EMPLOYEE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-38-010.
3
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BROKEN CEILING TILE IN BATHROOM. MUST REPAIR.
55
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RUSTY SHELVES IN WALK IN COOLER. MUST REPAINT OR REPLACE FOR CLEAN SHELVES.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HOT RUNNING WATER AT DUMP SINK LOCATED IN FRONT PREP AREA. MUST PROVIDE.
51
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: NO VISIBLE BACK FLOW PREVENTER DEVICE LOCATED ON ESPRESSO MACHINE WATERLINE. MUST PROVIDE.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO LID ON TRASH CAN IN EMPLOYEE BATHROOM. MUST PROVIDE.
53
70
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Kala Modern Greek last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Kala Modern Greek on file is from Feb 17, 2026. The public record contains nine inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Kala Modern Greek?
Across the inspection record, “food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable” has been cited seven times, more than any other issue at Kala Modern Greek.
Has Kala Modern Greek's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Kala Modern Greek have averaged around eight violations per visit, up from roughly four earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Kala Modern Greek 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 Kala Modern Greek inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Kala Modern Greek is inspected around two times per year on average.
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