Let's Eat to Live
Last inspected: Feb 5, 2026
43
Score
Let's Eat to Live has been inspected five times since 2022. The most recent report on file is from Feb 5, 2026. Diners may want to take note: high risk reflects issues that a health inspector considered important.
Violation counts have ticked up lately, averaging around 10 violations per visit versus roughly four violations earlier in the record.
Across the inspection history, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded six times.
That's lower than the typical Chicago restaurant, which scores around 81. The pattern in the record is worth a careful look.
5
Inspections
2
Critical latest
3
Major latest
5
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 5, 2026
Routine
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: NOTED IMPROPER COLD-HOLD TEMPERATURE OF 60F AT PREP COOLER. INFORMED ALL REFRIGERATOR UNITS SHALL MAINTAIN A PROPER TEMPERATURE OF 41F AND BELOW. REFRIGERATOR UNIT MUST NOT BE USED UNTIL REINSPECTED BY CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH (CDPH). PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
33
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: NOTED IMPROPER INTERNAL TEMPERATURES OF THE FOLLOWING TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD ITEMS INSIDE THE FOOD DISPLAY COOLER AND WALK-IN COOLER. IMPROPER: MACCARONI AND CHEESE 51.0F AND PANCAKE BATTER AT 50.5F. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY AND VOLUNTARILY DISPOSED OF 20 LBS OF PRODUCTS WORTH $100.00 THROUGH THE DENATURING PROCESS. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
22
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HANDSINK IN PREP AREA. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT HAND SOAP MUST BE AVAILABLE AT HANDSINKS AT ALL TIMES. FOOD HANDLER OBTAINED HAND SOAP FOR HAND SINK DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-030(C). SEE ABOVE.
10
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS IN THE WASHROOM AT THE WASHBOWL SINK NOR AT THE HAND-SINK IN THE PREP AREA. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT PAPER TOWELS MUST BE AVAILABLE AT HAND SINKS AT ALL TIMES. FOOD HANDLER OBTAINED PAPER TOWELS FOR HAND SINK DURING TIME OF INSPECTION PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
10
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL TEST KIT AVAILABLE DURING INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE TEST KIT FOR PROPER CONCENTRATION IN SANITIZING SOLUTIONS. EMPLOYEE BROGHT TEST STRIPS TO LOCATION DURING INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
48
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETERS INSIDE THE REACH IN COOLERS AND DISPLAY COOLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CONSPICUOUS AND EASILY READABLE THERMOMETERS INSIDE ALL REFRIGERATOR UNITS TO PROPERLY MONITOR THE AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF EQUIPMENT.
36
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MILK CRATES BEING USED AS SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE SHELVING THAT IS 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND PROVIDES FLOOR ACCESSIBILITY TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FACILITY CLEANING.
47
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE FOR PROPER DISPOSAL OF SANITARY NAPKINS IN EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN ALL AREAS. OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON FANS IN EMPLOYEE RESTROOMS AND AIR INTAKE FAN IN CUSTOMER SEATING AREA.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOUR BURNED OUT LIGHT BULBS AT VENTILATION HOOD. INSRTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
56
43
Jan 23, 2025
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: THE VENTS IN THE HOODED SYSTEM NEED CLEANING; CLEAN VENTS.
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING.
58
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: SOME CLEANING NEEDED UNDER THE GRILLS IN THE KITCHEN AND TABLE HOLDING SMALL GRILL.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A LEAK AT THE PIPE UNDER THE THIRD COMPARTMENT OF THE THREE COMP SINK; REPAIR LEAK.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FOUND SOME UNNECESSARY ITEMS IN REAR CORNER AREA NEAR REAR EXIT DOOR; INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND OR ORGANIZE TO AVOID CLUTTER.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: CLEANING NEEDED TO THE FLOORS UNDER AND AROUND COOKING AND KITCHEN EQUIPMENT AND INSIDE OF WALK-IN COOLER UNDER SHELVES; CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
74
Jan 4, 2024
Routine
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM AUGUST 12, 2022 AS REQUIRED; MUST CORRECT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 ISSUED. #58 ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING.
60
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUST ON THE VENTILATION FANS ON THE CEILING OF BOTH WASHROOMS; INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FANS.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: SOME FOOD HANDLERS DO NOT HAVE THE REQUIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES; INSTRUCTED TO HAVE FOOD HANDLERS OBTAIN THE REQUIRED CERTIFICATION.
57
82
Dec 13, 2023
Complaint
1 critical violation. 7 major violations. 12 minor violations.
View 20 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: FOUND THE FOLLOWING ITEMS IN WALK IN COOLER AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE. TEMPERATURES ARE RANGING FROM 45-57 DEGREES. MAC N CHEESE PAN, MASHED POTATOES, YELLOW RICE, COOKED BRUSSEL SPROATS, COOKED CHICKEN PATTIES, CHICKEN LEGS, ETC... ALL FOOD ITEMS HAVE BEEN DISCARDED AT THIS TIME. APPROX 50 LBS TOTAL APPROX VALUE $250.00 PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED
22
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICIES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO OBTAIN AND PROVIDE HEALTH POLICY FOR ALL EMPLOYEES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010 CITATION ISSUED
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: NO VOMIT/DIARHHEA CLEAN UP KIT OR POLICY ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN POLICY AND KIT ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. KIT MUST BE READILY AVAILABLE IF NEEDED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED
5
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND TOWELS OR ANY OTHER MEANS OF DRYING HANDS AT HAND SINK AT THE DISH MACHINE AREA. HAND DRYING DEVICES MUST BE AT ALL HANDWASH STATIONS AT ALL TIMES TO PROPER WASH AND DRY HANDS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030 CITATION ISSUED
10
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: NO CONSUMER ADVISORY POSTED OR POSTED ON MENU FOR ALL ITEMS THAT MAYBE CONSUMED UNSER COOKED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CONSUMER ADVISORY AND REMINDER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED
25
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: NO STEM THERMOMETER OR ANY OTHER TYPE OF MEASURING DEVICE ON SITE TO PROPERLY MEASURE TEMPERATURE OF FOOD ITEMS. ALL FOOD THAT IS BEING COOLED AND STORED MUST BE AT PROPER TEMPERATURE FOR STORAGE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED
36
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: NO CHEMICAL TEST STRIPS ON SITE TO TEST SANITIZING RINSE SOLUTION AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO OBTAIN STRIPS AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED
48
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM AUG 12, 2022 REPORT #2562037 #58 NO ALLERGEN CERTIFICATE ON SITE. MUST OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED
60
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: LEAKS AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK P-TRAP. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FLOORS AND WALLS IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP OF GREASE AND FOOD SPILLS INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: COVING UNDER 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN NEED OF REPAIR. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: HOOD VENTS IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL GREASE BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: SEE VIOLATION #60
58
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: REAR EXIT DOOR IN NEED OF RODENT PROOFING. LARGE SPACE BETWEEN FLOOR AND DOOR. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN
38
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: ICE MACHINE ON SITE IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
39
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: ALL WIPING CLOTHS WHEN NOT IN USE MUST BE STORED IN A CLEAN SAMITIZING SOLUTION. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
41
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: RUSTY SHELF AT BOTTOM OF TABLE AT REAR DISH MACHINE AREA IN NEED OF REMOVING OR REPAIRING. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD BUILD UP AND GREASE BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN ALL AREAS OF OOKING EQUIPMENT AND MAINTAIN.
49
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: ALL TABLE LEGS AND WHEELS ON ALL EQUIPMENT WITH LARGE AMOUNTS OF GREASE BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
23
Aug 12, 2022
License
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE: THAT ALL CITY CERTIFIED MANAGER MUST HAVE ALLERGEN TRAINING OR CITATIONS WILL FOLLOW.
58
95
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Let's Eat to Live last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Let's Eat to Live on file is from Feb 5, 2026. The public record contains five inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Let's Eat to Live?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at Let's Eat to Live.
Has Let's Eat to Live's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Let's Eat to Live have averaged around 10 violations per visit, up from roughly four earlier in the record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Let's Eat to Live 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.
How often is Let's Eat to Live inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Let's Eat to Live is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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