Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
Last inspected: Feb 10, 2026
100
Score
Across the available record, Lou Malnati's Pizzeria has 22 inspections on file, the first dated 2014. Lou Malnati's Pizzeria was last inspected on Feb 10, 2026. Low risk indicates the latest report didn't flag anything that would worry the average customer.
Recent inspections have turned up roughly the same number of issues each time, hovering near one violation per visit.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “insects, rodents, & animals not present”, showing up five times.
Among Chicago restaurants, the typical score is 81; Lou Malnati's Pizzeria is comfortably above that bar. Taken together, the history is a positive one.
22
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 10, 2026
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Feb 3, 2026
Routine
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: INOPERABLE RINSE TEMPERATURE GAUGE AT REAR WAREWASHING UNIT. UNIT NOT IN USE AT THIS TIME, UNIT CURRENTLY PENDING REPAIRS FOR CONSTANTLY RUNNING. INSTD TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN GAUGES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005
48
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: MULTI USE EQUIPMENT STORED IN MECHANICAL ROOM AND UNDER SEWER LINES THAT ARE NOT SHIELDED. INSTD TO REMOVE FROM MECHANICAL ROOM AND STORE PROPERLY
44
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: PLASTIC LINING ON EXTERIOR SIDES OF BAR WAREWASHING UNIT. INSTD TO REMOVE PLASTIC LINING SO AS SURFACE TO BE SMOOTH, EVEN, AND EASILY CLEANABLE
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: TAPE/PLASTIC TYPE MATERIAL SUSPENDED FROM OPEN CEILING VENT IN PREP AREA. INSTD TO REMOVE MATERIAL AND PROVIDE PROPER VENT COVER.
55
78
Jul 23, 2025
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jul 16, 2025
Routine
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED APPROX. 20 LIVE SMALL FLYING INSECTS ON THE WALLS AND CEILING OF THE DISHWASHING AREA AND AROUND THE FLOOR DRAIN IN THE 2ND FLOOR PREP AREA. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
38
90
Jul 11, 2024
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jul 8, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: NOTED NO HOT RUNNING WATER AT THE HANDWASHING SINK IN THE BACK PREP AREA NEXT TO THE MAN'S BATHROOM DOOR. THE WATER'S TEMPERATURE WAS 72.5F AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION, AND A TRICKLE OF WATER. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE HOT AND COLD RUNNING AT ALL HAND WASH SINKS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C).
10
Hot & cold water available; adequate pressure
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A TRICKLE OF WATER AT THE HANDWASHING SINK ON THE SECOND FLOOR IN THE BACK PREP AREA. WATER IS NOT SUFFICIENT CAPACITY TO MEET THE PEAK WATER DEMANDS. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE FACILITY MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
50
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A BURNED OUT LIGHT-BULBS IN THE BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE BULBS AND MAINTAIN LIGHTING IN THE UNIT.
56
74
Jul 25, 2023
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT THE BAR HANDWASHING SINK. MUST PROVIDE.
10
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A 1-INCH GAP IN BETWEEN THE TWO FRONT ENTRY DOORS. MUST SEAL GAP TO PREVENT PEST/RODENT ENTRY AND MAINTAIN.
38
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE 2ND FLOOR WOMENS WASHROOM HANDWASHING SINK SLOW DRAINING. OBSERVED A LEAK AT THE 1-COMPARTMENT PREP SINK FAUCET (LOCATED ON THE SALAD PREP LINE). MUST REPAIR BOTH SINKS AND MAINTAIN.
51
86
Apr 21, 2023
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: FOUND MULTILPE CONTAINERS OF SPICES/FLOUR NOT LABELED. MUST LABEL ALL BULK FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME AND MAINTAIN.
37
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: FOUND NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE INSIDE THE EMPLOYEE 2ND FLOOR WASHROOM AND THE 1ST FLOOR UNISEX WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE ONE INSIDE EACH WASHROOM AND MAINTAIN.
53
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: FOUND MULTIPLE LIGHTS BURNED OUT INSIDE THE COOKS LINE VENTILATION HOOD. MUST REPLACE ALL BURNED OUT LIGHT BULBS AND PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING.
56
86
Feb 14, 2022
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Feb 7, 2022
Routine
3 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Summary report displayed and visible to the public
Inspector notes: SUMMARY REPORT NOT POSTED FROM PREVIOUS INSPECTION ON 4/21/2020, REPORT #2369544. INSTRUCTED TO POST RECENT SUMMARY REPORT VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-42-010(B). CITATION ISSUED.
61
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 75 LIVE ANTS CRAWLING ON FLOOR UNDER HAND WASHING SINK AT DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE ALL EVIDENCE OF PEST ACTIVITY ON PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
38
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO IRREVERSIBLE REGISTERING TEMPERATURE INDICATORS TO MEASURE THE UTENSIL SURFACE TEMPERATURE INSIDE HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE. MUST PROVIDE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
48
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DARK STAINS AND DEEP GROOVES AT CUTTING BOARD NEAR HOT HOLDING TABLE IN PREP AREA. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
47
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE FOR CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS.
58
67
Apr 21, 2020
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE INTERIOR BOTTOM OF THE FRYERS TO REMOVE GREASE OBSERVED.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A VALVE ON TOP OF THE DISHWASHER LEAKING WHEN MACHINE IS IN USE; MUST REPAIR LEAKING FROM THE VALVE.
51
90
Oct 11, 2019
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DEEP GROOVED , DARK STAINED CUTTING BOARDS IN PREP AREA NEAR DISH MACHINE IN REAR. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN EASILY CLEANABLE CUTTING SURFACES.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PREP TABLE SHELVES ON 2ND FLOOR WITH FOOD DEBRIS THROUGHOUT. MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
49
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING COMPLETION CERTIFICATES FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS AND MAINTAIN.
58
86
Jun 5, 2018
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST REPLACE CUTTING BOARDS ON PREP COOLERS IN REAR PREP AREA, DARK GROOVES PRESENT.
32
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MUST REPLACE BURNED OUT LIGHTS IN KITCHEN HOOD.
36
90
May 25, 2018
Routine
8 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A BLACK SLIME LIKE SUBSTANCE ON THE INTERIOR PANEL OF THE ICE MACHINE, LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT. SUBSTANCE LIKELY TO CONTAMINATE ICE FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE MACHINE CLEANED, SANITIZED AND SERVICED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-005(A)
16
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: MUST LABEL FOOD CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM ITS ORIGINAL PACKAGING (SUGAR, FLOUR, ETC.)
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPLACE CUTTING BOARDS ON PREP COOLERS IN REAR PREP AREA, DARK GROOVES PRESENT. DEFROST EXCESSIVE ICE ACCUMULATION ON DOOR, WALLS AND AIR CURTAINS IN WALK IN FREEZER IN BASEMENT.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DRIED FOOD DEBRIS FROM FLOORS IN REAR PREP, WALK-IN COOLER/FREEZER IN BASEMENT, DISH ROOM, AND BEHIND BAR.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN UNKNOWN DEBRIS FROM LIGHT SHIELDS AND CEILING VENTS IN REAR PREP AREA.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MUST REPLACE BURNED OUT LIGHTS IN KITCHEN HOOD.
36
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EMPLOYEE EATING FOOD IN AN AREA NOT DESIGNATED FOR EATING. INSTRUCTED TO IDENTIFY DESIGNATED AREA AWAY FROM FOOD PREP AND HOST STAND.
41
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EMPLOYEE WITH A BEARD NOT WEARING A BEARD GUARD, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
42
67
Jul 26, 2017
Complaint
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: LIDS TO PREP COOLERS IN KITCHEN AREA IN POOR REPAIR, HINGES BROKEN, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR,
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: WHITE PRODUCE CUTTING BOARD, NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN DAILY,
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS NOT CLEAN UNDER, IN CORNERS AND BEHIND EQUIPMENT, BAR, BASEMENT AND KITCHEN PREP AREAS, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND KEEP DRY,
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: LIGHT SHIELDS NOT CLEAN IN FIRST FLOOR KITCHEN AREA, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN DAILY,
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: LEAKING PIPES UNDER THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AT DISH AREA, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR,
38
78
Jan 10, 2017
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NO FOOD CERTIFIED MANAGER ON DUTY WITH A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE, POSTED OR AVAILABLE, WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE COOKED AND SERVED, AT THIS TIME OF INSPECTION, FOOD ITEMS LISTED BELOW, INSTRUCTED TO ENROLL IN A CLASS WITH PROOF OF ENROLLMENT OR ACTUAL CERTIFICATE MUST BE AVAILABLE, AND A CERTIFIED MANAGER MUST BE ON DUTY AT ALL TIMES FOODS ARE COOKED, SERVED AND PREPARED, SERIOUS ISSUED: 7-38-012
21
* inspection report summary displayed and visible to all customers
Inspector notes: INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY NOT DISPLAYED NOR VISIBLE TO CUSTOMERS. INSTD TO BE IN VISIBLE VIEW OF CUSTOMERS AT ALL TIMES. SERIOUS VIOLATION: 7-42-010B
28
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: NO EXPOSED HAND SINK 2ND FLOOR REAR SERVICE AREA, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE UPON NEXT INSPECTION,
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: CLUTTER BASEMENT STORAGE AREA, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND BETTER MAINTAIN,
41
82
Jul 14, 2016
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Hands washed and cleaned, good hygienic practices; no bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods.
Inspector notes: OBSERVED POOR HYGENIC PRACTICES BY FOOD HANDLER IN PIZZA PREP AREA. OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER PLACING FOOD IN MOUTH AND CHEWING FOOD CONTINUOUSLY WHILE PREPARING FOOD AND HANDLING COOKED PIZZA. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-010A CRITICAL. EATING IN PREP AREAS IS PROHIBITED. INSTD TO EAT IN DESIGNATED AREAS ONLY.
6
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: MULTI USE UTENSILS IMPROPERLY STORED EXPOSED ON DINING TABLES. INSTD TO HAVE PRE WRAPPED OR RE SET PLACE SETTING AS CUSTOMERS ARE SEATED.
31
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: CUTTING BOARD AT PASTA STATION WORN, WITH DEEP, DARK GROOVES. INSTD TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN CUTTING BOARDS.
32
86
Nov 3, 2015
Reinspection
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN WHEELS ON STORAGE RACKS IN WALK-IN COOLER(S), CUTTING BOARD ACROSS FROM COOK LINE, AND CABINET INTERIORS OF BOTH DEEP FRYERS.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: CLEAN WALLS IN DISH WASHING AREA BEHIND AND UNDERNEATH DISH MACHINE, ABOVE MOP SINK, AND IN ORDER TAKING AREA. CLEAN HOOD ABOVE PIZZA OVENS. CLEAN DUST BUILD-UP FROM VENT COVERS IN WASHROOMS.
35
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: ALL EMPLOYEES HANDLING OPEN FOODS MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS.
42
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: ICE SCOOP FOUND ON TOP OF ICE MACHINE IN BASEMENT. ICE SCOOP MUST BE PROPERLY STORED TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
43
82
Oct 30, 2015
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Sanitizing rinse for equipment and utensils: clean, proper temperature, concentration, exposure time
Inspector notes: DISH MACHINE NOT PROPERLY SANITIZING IN FINAL RINSE CYCLE, GAUGE ONKY REACHING 124F AND TEST STRIP DID NOT TURN REQUIRED COLOR. NO DISHES WERE BEING WASHED AT THIS TIME. INSTRUCTED TO CONTACT DISH MACHINE TECHNICIAN. CRITICAL VIOLATION NO CITATION ISSUED. HELD FOR INSPECTION TAG PLACED ON UNIT. MUST WASH, RINSE, AND SANITIZE ALL MULTI-USE EQUIPMENT IN 3 COMPARTMENT SINK UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
8
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED OR PROVIDED FOR MANAGER ON PREMISES DURING INVESTIGATION WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS WERE BEING PREPARED(SALADS, PIZZAS). SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012(A).
21
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN WHEELS ON STORAGE RACKS IN WALK-IN COOLER(S), CUTTING BOARD ACROSS FROM COOK LINE, AND CABINET INTERIORS OF BOTH DEEP FRYERS.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: CLEAN WALLS IN DISH WASHING AREA BEHIND AND UNDERNEATH DISH MACHINE, ABOVE MOP SINK, AND IN ORDER TAKING AREA. CLEAN HOOD ABOVE PIZZA OVENS. CLEAN DUST BUILD-UP FROM VENT COVERS IN WASHROOMS.
35
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: ALL EMPLOYEES HANDLING OPEN FOODS MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS.
42
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: ICE SCOOP FOUND ON TOP OF ICE MACHINE IN BASEMENT. ICE SCOOP MUST BE PROPERLY STORED TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
43
74
Oct 17, 2014
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Oct 16, 2014
License
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: NOTED WASTE LINES ABOVE THE BASEMENT FOOD STORAGE AREA. MUST PROPERLY ENCASE LINES TO PROTECT ALL FOOD STORED BELOW.
16
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: MUST RODENT PROOF THE SECOND FLOOR EXIT DOOR.
18
Adequate number, convenient, accessible, properly designed and installed
Inspector notes: TOILET AND HANDWASHING FACILITIES NOT PROPERLY INSTALLED. MUST FINISH THE FIRST FLOOR WASHROOM AND PROVIDE WORKING TOILET AND HAND WASHING FACILITIES.
26
86
Oct 9, 2014
License
No violations found.
100
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 Feb 10, 2026. The public record contains 22 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Lou Malnati's Pizzeria?
Across the inspection record, “insects, rodents, & animals not present” 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 one violation 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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