Lou Malnatis Pizzeria
Last inspected: Feb 6, 2026
74
Score
Inspectors have visited Lou Malnatis Pizzeria 18 times, with records going back to 2016. On Feb 6, 2026, the health department conducted the most recent visit. A medium risk rating points to a few notable findings at the last inspection, though nothing severe.
The trend has not been favorable: recent inspections average around four violations each, up from closer to two violations before.
“Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable” comes up most often, recorded 10 times in the inspection record.
By comparison, the average Chicago facility scores 81, putting Lou Malnatis Pizzeria on the weaker side. The inspection history reads as standard for a restaurant of this size.
18
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
6
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 6, 2026
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DEBRIS ON FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS IN UTILITY AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MOP NOT STORED PROPERLY. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO STORE PROPERLY.
55
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: NOTED SOME USE OF MILK CRATES FOR ELEVATION AT THE KITCHEN AREA AND DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE MILK CRATES FOR ELEVATION TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST. MUST PROVIDE APPROPRIATE SHELVING FOR STORAGE. ALL FOOD ITEMS MUST ALSO BE STORED 6" AWAY FROM THE WALL
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SLOW DRAINAGE AT THE HAND WASHING SINK BY THE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED BINS IN THE EMPLOYEE WASH ROOM. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE COVERED BINS IN THE EMPLOYEE WASH ROOM.
53
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DEBRIS AROUND DUMPSTER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
54
74
Jan 10, 2025
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BOX OF DISPOSABLE PAPER TOWEL REFILL ROLLS STORED ON SHELF IN THE EMPLOYEE WASHROOM AREA. INSTRUCTED TO RELOCATE DISPOSABLE PAPER TOWEL REFILL ROLLS OUTSIDE OF WASHROOM AND STORE ALL SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES OUTSIDE OF PROHIBITED AREAS SUCH AS TOILET ROOMS AND MAINTAIN.
45
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MILK CRATES USED TO MAINTAIN FOOD AND EQUIPMENT AT LEAST 6 INCHES ABOVE THE FLOOR THROUGHOUT KITCHEN AREA AND IN WALK-IN COOLER, NOT DESIGNED TO ALLOW FOR CLEANING FLOORS BENEATH EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE MILK CRATES AND REPLACE WITH EQUIPMENT THAT FACILITATES CLEANING BENEATH EQUIPMENT SUCH AS DUNNAGE RACKS AND MAINTAIN.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES OF PIZZA OVEN ALONG MAIN COOK LINE (NEXT TO DEEP FRYER) HEAVILY-SOILED WITH GREASE AND DUST. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES OF PIZZA OVEN AND OTHER EQUIPMENT AT ADEQUATE FREQUENCY TO PREVENT BUILD UP OF SOIL AND MAINTAIN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SMALL DRIP/LEAK AT 4-COMPARTMENT SINK LEFT-HAND FAUCET, FAUCET STILL FUNCTIONAL. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE 4-COMPARTMENT SINK LEFT-HAND FAUCET TO ELIMINATE LEAK AND MAINTAIN ALL PLUMBING FIXTURES IN GOOD REPAIR.
51
82
Jan 19, 2024
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO THERMOMETERS CONSPICUOUSLY PLACED IN DESSERT REACH-IN COOLER, IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE THERMOMETERS FOR ALL HOT AND COLD HOLDING EQUIPMENT AND MAINTAIN.
36
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DRAINPIPE WITH A LEAK UNDERNEATH EXPOSED HANDSINK, NEAR THE WALK-IN COOLER IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PIZZA DOUGH DEBRIS ON FLOOR THROUHGOUT WALK-IN COOLER IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO DETAIL CLEAN FLOOR IN WALK-IN COOLER AND MAINTAIN.
55
86
Feb 27, 2023
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE WASHROOM DOOR WITHOUT A SELF-CLOSING DOOR DEVICE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE FOOD DEBRIS ON THE WALLS OF THE FOOD PREP AREA.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.
58
86
May 6, 2022
Complaint
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CUTTING BOARD AT SALAD STATION WITH DARK GROOVES. MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZE CUTTING BOARD AND REMVOVE DARK GROOVES OR REPLACE CUTTING BOARD.
47
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: MUST SHOW PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLER EMPLOYEES.
57
90
Feb 4, 2022
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jan 28, 2022
Complaint
2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON THE PREMISES.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010,CITATION ISSUED.
3
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT#2523933 DATED:08/11/2021 #47--OBSERVED CHIPPED PAINT AND RUST ON THE WIRE STORAGE RACKS IN THE WALK-IN COOLER.INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CHIPPED PAINT AND RUST AND REPAINT OR REPLACE THE SHELVES. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT NOTED VIOLATION AND MAINTAIN BY 2/4/2022. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090,CITATION ISSIED.
60
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL FOOD CONTAINERS/BINS IDENTIFIED WITH COMMON NAME (SALT, SUGAR, FLOUR ETC).
37
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CHIPPED PAINT ON THE WIRE STORAGE RACKS DIRECTLY ACROSS THE WAREWASHING 4-COMPARTMENT SINK.INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CHIPPED PAINT AND REPAINT OR REPLACE THE SHELVES.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE INTERIORS OF THE PIZZA PREP COOLERS TO REMOVE FOOD DEBRIS SPILLAGE AND MAINTAIN.
49
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITH EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CURRENT CERTIFICATE AND MAINTAIN.
57
Miscellaneous / public health orders
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN RECORDS OF EMPLOYEE VACCINATION STATUS OR WEEKLY TESTING AS REQUIRED BY OSHA.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
64
64
Aug 11, 2021
Reinspection
1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE (TCS FOODS) (PIZZAS ETC.) ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED TO THE CUSTOMERS. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE, A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE MUST BE PRESENT WHEN HANDLING (TCS FOODS).PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012,CITATION ISSUED.
2
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT WITH CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER CERTIFICATE.
1
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-501.11--OBSERVED CHIPPED PAINT AND RUST ON THE WIRE STORAGE RACKS IN THE WALK-IN COOLER.INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CHIPPED PAINT AND RUST AND REPAINT OR REPLACE THE SHELVES.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-501.12--OBSERVED STAINED CUTTING BOARDS ON STORAGE RACK ABOVE THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO RESURFACE OR REPLACE THE CUTTING BOARDS.
47
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: 2-102.13-- ALLERGEN TRAINING IS REQUIRED FOR ALL EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE.INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETE TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ON SITE.
58
74
Aug 6, 2021
Complaint
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HANDWASHING SINK IN UNISEX WASHROOM NOT MEETING THE MINIMUM HOT WATER TEMPERATURE (87.1F).INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN THE MINIMUM HOT WATER TEMPERATURE AT THE HANDWASHING SINK MUST BE 100 F AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C),CITATION ISSUED.
10
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 20 LIVE SMALL FLIES ON THE WALLS AND CEILING IN THE REAR DELIVERY STATION AREA AND UTILITY MOP SINK AREA.ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A), CITATION ISSUED.
38
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CHIPPED PAINT AND RUST ON THE WIRE STORAGE RACKS IN THE WALK-IN COOLER.INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CHIPPED PAINT AND RUST AND REPAINT OR REPLACE THE SHELVES.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED STAINED CUTTING BOARDS ON STORAGE RACK ABOVE THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO RESURFACE OR REPLACE THE CUTTING BOARDS.
47
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE PROVIDED IN THE UNISEX WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE.
53
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ACCUMULATIONS OF DUSTS ON CEILING VENTILATION COVERS IN FOOD PREP AREA AND WASHROOM.
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: ALLERGEN TRAINING IS REQUIRED FOR ALL EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE.INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETE TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ON SITE.
58
61
Dec 11, 2020
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR LEAKY DRAIN PIPE UNDERNEATH THIRD AND FOURTH COMPARTMENT OF THE 4 COMPARTMENT SINK.
51
95
Jun 14, 2019
Complaint
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: FOUND NO THERMOMETER INSIDE THE PIZZAS HOT HOLDING UNIT LOCATED BEHIND FRONT SERVICE COUNTER AREA.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
36
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: FOUND COLORED CODED CUTTING BOARDS WITH OPEN SEAMS AND DARK STAINS. MUST REFINISH OR REPLACE DAMAGED OR STAINED CUTTING BOARDS.
47
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: A toilet room used by females shall be provided with a covered receptacle for sanitary napkins.
53
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: FOUND VENTILATION IN WASH ROOM NOT WORKING.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
56
82
Oct 31, 2018
Complaint
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-201.11 INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CARDBOARD LINER ON STORAGE SHELF IN PREP/COOKING AREA.
47
95
May 18, 2018
Complaint
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REFINISH OR REPLACE CUTTING BOARDS WITH STAIN AND DEEP SEEMS IN PREP/COOKING AREA.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN STORAGE METAL RACKS WITH DRIED FOOD DEBRIS INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOOR DRAIN UNDERNEATH 4 COMPARTMENT SINK.
34
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: ALL FOOD AND NON FOOD ITEMS MUST BE STORED 6" OFF THE FLOOR FOR EASY ACCESS ON CLEANING. NO MILK CRATES. MUST USE RAISED SHELVES/RACKS FOR PROPER STORAGE.
41
82
May 22, 2017
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: VENTILATION NOT WORKING INSIDE THE WASHROOM. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
38
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN AND SANITIZE CHOPPING BOARD WITH DEEP CUTS OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
33
90
Nov 18, 2016
Complaint
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: Found several potentially hazardous, prepackaged items (sauces, salads, etc) without proper label in front cooler. Instructed must label all prepackaged items with Business name, list of ingredients, and date. Must maintain
30
95
Sep 19, 2016
Complaint
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: Found several potentially hazardous, prepackaged items (sauces, salads, etc) without proper label in front cooler. Instructed must label all prepackaged items with Business name, list of ingredients, and date. Must maintain.
30
95
May 10, 2016
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
* inspection report summary displayed and visible to all customers
Inspector notes: Inspection report summary from 3/8/16 on site but not posted in plain view of customers. Instructed operator must have summary posted in plain view at all times. Corrected during inspection. Serious violation. 7-42-010(b)
28
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: Found salt, and oregano in large bulk containers without proper label. Instructed to properly label all bulk food containers with name. Must maintain.
30
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Found utility sink faucet without back flow device. Instructed must install back flow device on this faucet. Must maintain.
38
86
Mar 8, 2016
License
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EMPLOYEE WASHROOM DOOR WITHOUT SELF CLOSING MECHANISM. INSTRUCTED MUST INSTALL SELF CLOSING MECHANISM FOR DOOR BECAUSE IN FOOD PREP AREA.
38
95
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Lou Malnatis Pizzeria last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Lou Malnatis Pizzeria on file is from Feb 6, 2026. The public record contains 18 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Lou Malnatis Pizzeria?
Across the inspection record, “food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable” has been cited 10 times, more than any other issue at Lou Malnatis Pizzeria.
Has Lou Malnatis Pizzeria's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Lou Malnatis Pizzeria have averaged around four violations per visit, up from roughly two earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Lou Malnatis Pizzeria 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 Lou Malnatis Pizzeria inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Lou Malnatis Pizzeria is inspected around two times per year on average.
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