Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
Last inspected: Mar 7, 2025
90
Score
The health department has logged 19 inspections at Lou Malnati's Pizzeria, the earliest from 2015. The most recent visit was on Mar 7, 2025. Low risk means the most recent visit produced few or no significant findings.
There hasn't been much movement either way: counts have stayed near four violations per visit across recent inspections.
“Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing five times across the record.
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria's latest score of 90 sits above the Chicago average of 81. Taken together, the history is a positive one.
19
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 7, 2025
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RUSTY STORAGE SHELVES IN THE WALK-IN COOLER IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE RUST AND ENSURE ALL NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES REMAIN SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOOR THROUGHOUT THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS AND MAINTAIN.
55
90
Sep 27, 2024
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: NOTED SERVING PLATES ON SHELVES AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA AND BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AREA AND DINING AREA NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT ALL SERVING PLATES TO PREVENT DUST ACCUMULATION.
43
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: NOTED A SLIMY AND GREY SUBSTANCE INSIDE THE SODA GUN DISPENSER AT THE BAR. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS UNDERNEATH THE BAR BY THE DISHWASHING MACHINE AT THE BAR.
55
86
Jan 17, 2023
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HANDSINK BEHIND THE BAR AND IN THE SERVER STATION AREA.
10
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN STORAGE RACKS WITH GREASE AND MOLD LIKE ACCUMULATION INSIDE LIQUOR/BEER WALK-IN COOLER
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: FOUND NO APPROVED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE AVAILABLE. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSON WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.
58
82
Oct 28, 2021
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CUTTING BOARD ON HOT LINE COVERED IN DEEP GROOVES AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDTIION.
47
95
Oct 22, 2021
Reinspection
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO IRREVERSIBLE HIGH TEMPERATURE MEASURING DEVICES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION FOR CHECKING PROPER SANITIZING TEMPERATURE OF HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
48
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK LOCATED IN SERVER AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
10
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CUTTING BOARD ON HOT LINE COVERED IN DEEP GROOVES AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDTIION.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SLIGHT BUILD UP OF DUST ON CEILING ABOVE BEVERAGE STATION. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
55
78
Oct 21, 2021
Complaint
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERED THE FOLLOWING TCS ITEMS HELD AT THE STATED IMPROPER TEMPERATURES INSIDE 2 DOOR REFRIGERATOR LOCATED ON HOT LINE: ITALIAN BEEF AT 48.1F, VODKA SAUCE AT 46.1F, AND RANCH DRESSING AT 52.2F. MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AND DENATURED APPROXIMATELY 10LBS OF PRODUCT VALUED AT APPROXIMATELY $120. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL TCS ITEMS AT OR BELOW 41F AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
22
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 2 DOOR REFRIGERATOR ON HOT LINE CONTAINING TCS ITEMS SUCH AS ITALIAN BEEF, VODKA SAUCE, AND RANCH DRESSING MAINTAINING AN IMPROPER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE OF 50.1F. COOLER TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
33
Summary report displayed and visible to the public
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SUMMARY POSTED FROM PREVIOUS INSPECTION. LEFT NEW SUMMARY AND INSTRUCTED TO POST FOR PUBLIC VIEW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-010(B). NO CITATION ISSUED.
61
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS AT EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINKS LOCATED IN SERVER AREA AND ON HOT LINE IN KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN PAPER TOWELS AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
10
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO IRREVERSIBLE HIGH TEMPERATURE MEASURING DEVICES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION FOR CHECKING PROPER SANITIZING TEMPERATURE OF HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
48
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK LOCATED IN SERVER AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
10
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CUTTING BOARD ON HOT LINE COVERED IN DEEP GROOVES AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDTIION.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SLIGHT BUILD UP OF DUST ON CEILING ABOVE BEVERAGE STATION. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
55
47
Sep 14, 2020
Routine
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE BEING USED IN ESTABLISHMENT WITHOUT ANY HIGH TEMPERATURE TEST STRIPS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE IRREVERSIBLE REGISTERING TEMPERATURE INDICATORS AT ALL TIMES TO ACCURATELY MEASURE THE UTENSIL SURFACE TEMPERATURE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
48
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CUTTING BOARD AT MAIN COOK LINE AREA WITH DARK STAINS AND DEEP GROOVES. MUST DETAIL CLEAN OR REPLACE.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GREASE BUILD UP ON EXTERIOR PORTION OF COOKING FRYERS IN MAIN COOK LINE PREP AREA. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
82
Sep 11, 2019
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation.
View 2 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: FOUND THE FOLLOWING TCS FOODS HELD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES INSIDE ONE DOOR STAND UP COOLER IN PREP AREA - ROAST BEEF 46.5F, RAW CHICKEN 44.4F, PASTA 44.4F, AND COTTAGE CHEESE 49.5F. HOWEVER SAID STAND P COOLER ABMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE AT 41.0F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER ALL TCS FOODS MUST BE HELD AT 41.0F OR BELOW IF HELD COLD. ALL OUT OF TEMPERATURE TCS FOODS WERE VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AT THIS TIME. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005.
22
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: NO CITY OF CHICAGO CETIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON PREMISE WHILE TCS FOODS ( PASTA, CHICKEN, ETC) PREPARED. INSTRUCTED A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE PREMISE WHILE TCS FOODS ARE PREPARED.PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012.
2
78
Mar 6, 2018
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE STAINED, DEEP GROOVED CUTTING BOARD ON THE LINE UNDER THE MICROWAVES ON THE SALAD PREP LINE--MAINTAIN.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE GASKETS AROUND THE DOORS OF THE COLD HOLDING PIZZA REFRIGERATION UNITS ON THE PIZZA LINE TO REMOVE FOOD DEBRIS BUILDUP AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FOUND SODA SYRUP ACCUMULATION ON THE FLOOR IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE FLOORS UNDER THE SODA BOX DIPSENSERS IN THE BASEMENT TO REMOVE BUILDUP AND PREVENT FRUIT FLY HARBORAGE AREAS.
34
86
Jul 19, 2017
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 DUST BUILD UP ON WALL AT WAIT STATION AND DUST ON CEILING TILES AND AROUND CEILING VENTILATION AT PREP AREA. MUST CLEAN WALL AND CEILING TILES/CEILING VENTILATION COVER.
35
95
Jul 13, 2017
Complaint
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Sanitizing rinse for equipment and utensils: clean, proper temperature, concentration, exposure time
Inspector notes: GLASS MACHINE BEHIND BAR NOT MAINTAINED, SANITIZING AT 0 PPM IODINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER GLASS MACHINE MUST SANITIZE AT 25 PPM IODINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE ALL BAR GLASSES AT REAR DISHWASH AREA. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-020.
8
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUST BUILD UP ON WALL AT WAIT STATION AND DUST ON CEILING TILES AND AROUND CEILING VENTILATION AT PREP AREA. MUST CLEAN WALL AND CEILING TILES/CEILING VENTILATION COVER.
35
90
Jun 1, 2017
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
May 24, 2017
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BLACK DIRT/SLIME INSIDE BOTH ICE MACHINES DRIPPING INTO ICE, USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE INTERIOR OF BOTH ICE MACHINES AND MAINTAIN. ALL ICE INSIDE ICE MACHINES VOLUNTARILLY DISCARDED AT THIS TIME. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-005(A).
16
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED STANDING LIQUID INSIDE CABINET UNDER SODA MACHINE. MUST CLEAN/KEEP DRY INTERIOR OF SAID CABINET.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST RAISE FLOOR THRESHOLD AT REAR EXIT/ENTRANCE DOOR.
34
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: FRONT STORAGE/FUSE ROOM FLOOR CLUTTERED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL ITEMS OFF FLOOR.
41
82
Oct 25, 2016
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN THE EXTERIOR DOORS OF ALL REFRIGERATORS AT THE SALAD PREP STATION. ALSO AT SAME LOCATION DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE INTERIOR WALLS AND PIPES OF ALL DEEP FRYERS TO REMOVE EXCESS GREASE GRIME. MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE TOP EXTERIOR PORTION OF BOTH ICE MACHINE LIDS TO REMOVE CALCIFICATION BUILD-UP. ALSO MUST CLEAN THE INTERIOR PANEL OF THE ICE MACHINE ON THE LEFT HAND SIDE TO REMOVE SLIGHT GRAYISH BUILD-UP. MUST CLEAN THE BEER LINE AT THE WALK-IN BEER COOLER AT THE LINE LOCATED ON THE LEFT HAND SIDE AS YOU WALK INTO THE BEER COOLER.
33
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR SMALL LEAK UNDER THE PIPE AT THE RIGHT HAND SIDE AT EXPOSED HAND SINK NEXT TO THE PIZZA OVENS.
38
90
Jan 28, 2016
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR SMALL LEAK AT PIPE UNDER THE HAND WASHING SINK IN THE PIZZA PREP/COOKING AREA ON THE NORTH WALL.AT SAME STATED SINK ABOVE MUST ADJUST TEMP VALVE SO AS TO HAVE HOT WATER AT 85F FOR A MINIMUM OF 15 SECS AT ALL TIMES. MUST PROVIDE HOT WATER AT 1ST HAND SINK ON THE LEFT SIDE IN THE MEN'S RESTROOM(THERE 2 OTHER HAND SINKS IN WORKING ORDER IN THIS RESTROOM). MUST PROVIDE HOT WATER AT THE MIDDLE HAND SINK IN THE LADIES RESTROOM(THERE 2 OTHER HAND SINKSIN WORKING ORDER IN THIS RESTROOM.
38
95
Aug 27, 2015
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: CLEAN MULTI USE UTENSIL AND FLAT WARE IMPROPERLY STORED ON TABLES, INSTRUCTED TO RESTRICT TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION,
31
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: RUSTY SHELVES AT POP STATION, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE, LEAK UNDER PREP COOLER BY MAIN COOKING STATION, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR,
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS UNDER AND BEHIND EQUIPMENT NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS IN DETAIL AND MAINTAIN.
34
86
Aug 20, 2015
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: CLEAN MULTI USE UTENSIL AND FLAT WARE IMPROPERLY STORED ON TABLES, INSTRUCTED TO RESTRICT TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION,
31
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: RUSTY SHELVES AT POP STATION, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE, LEAK UNDER PREP COOLER BY MAIN COOKING STATION, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR,
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS UNDER AND BEHIND EQUIPMENT NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS IN DETAIL AND MAINTAIN.
34
86
Apr 27, 2015
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Apr 23, 2015
License
8 minor violations.
View 8 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: FOUND THE REAR EXIT DOOR LEADING TO DUMPSTERS AND SIDE STREET DOOR NOT INSECT/RODENT PROOF.INSTRUCTED TO MAKE DOORS TIGHT FITTING ALL ACROSS THE BOTTOMS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY AND MAINTAIN.
18
Outside garbage waste grease and storage area; clean, rodent proof, all containers covered
Inspector notes: FOUND OUTSIDE GARBAGE DUMPSTER OVERFLOWING AND EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF BUILDING MATERIALS AND CLUTTERED CONDITIONS.INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN DUE TO POTENTIAL PEST HARBORAGE.
19
Dish washing facilities: properly designed, constructed, maintained, installed, located and operated
Inspector notes: FOUND PLUMBERS PUTTY TOXIC MATERIAL IS INSIDE ALL SINKS THROUGHOUT THE KITCHEN AREAS.INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN.
24
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS BENEATH THE BAR SERVICE AREA ARE DIRTY,CLEAN FLOORS IN DETAIL AND MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: WALLS BEHIND BAR SERVICE AREA WITH HOLES AND NOT FINISHED;MUST BE SMOOTH,EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACES AND MAINTAIN AND SEAL NOTICEABLE OPENINGS AROUND PLUMBING PIPES AT NORTH SERVICE STATION AND INSIDE THE ELECTRICAL CLOSET AND SEAL OPENINGS ON WALLS SAME ROOM. ALSO,SEAL OPENING AROUND PIPE ON EAST WALL IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA AND PROVIDE MISSING CEILING TILES IN KITCHEN AREAS AND MAINTAIN. ALSO,A SECTION OF CEILING OVER THE NORTH DINING AREA WITH PEELING PAINT-MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACES AND MAINTAIN.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN BRIGHTER LIGHTING INSIDE THE WALK-IN-COOLER AND REPAIR BROKEN LIGHTING INSIDE THE WALK-IN-FREEZER AND MAINTAIN.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: DIPPER WELL MUST BE INSTALLED AND FUNCTIONING PROPERLY FOR ICE CREAM.
38
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE AND INVERT ICE SCOOPS FOR ICE MACHINE IN A CLEAN CONTAINER AND MAINTAIN.
43
67
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Lou Malnati's Pizzeria last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Lou Malnati's Pizzeria on file is from Mar 7, 2025. The public record contains 19 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Lou Malnati's Pizzeria?
Across the inspection record, “food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Lou Malnati's Pizzeria.
Has Lou Malnati's Pizzeria's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Lou Malnati's Pizzeria have averaged around four violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Lou Malnati's Pizzeria 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 Lou Malnati's Pizzeria inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Lou Malnati's Pizzeria is inspected around two times per year on average.
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