Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
Last inspected: Oct 16, 2025
100
Score
Going back to 2014, Lou Malnati's Pizzeria has 16 inspections in the public record. On Oct 16, 2025, the health department conducted the most recent visit. A low risk rating suggests inspectors haven't found much to be concerned about lately.
Recent inspections have turned up roughly the same number of issues each time, hovering near two violations per visit.
Looking across the full record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” is the recurring theme, flagged eight times.
Compared to the broader Chicago restaurant scene, where the average is 81, this is a stronger showing. The full picture is one of consistent compliance.
16
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Oct 16, 2025
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Oct 9, 2025
Routine
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF PEST ACTIVITY ON THE PREMISES. OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 30 LIVE SMALL FLIES ON THE WALLS AND CEILINGS IN THE 2ND FLOOR UTILITY MOP SINK ROOM.INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS AND ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NOW RECCOMENDED.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A), CITATION ISSUED.
38
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ICE SCOOP STORED INSIDE THE ICE BIN AT BAR AREA.INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE IN A SEPARATE CLEAN CONTAINER TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION AND MAINTAIN.
43
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 AND MAINTAIN.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO RE-GROUT FLOOR TILES IN THE BASEMENT DISHWASHING AREAS AND MAINTAIN.
55
78
Sep 18, 2024
Complaint
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: 6-301.11: OBSERVED NO SOAP AT HANDWASHING SINK IN FIRST FLOOR BAR. INSTRUCTED HANDWASHING SINKS SHALL BE PROVIDED WITH SOAP. CORRECTED ON SITE SOAP PROVIDED FOR HANDWASHING SINK IN FIRST FLOOR BAR BEFORE CONCLUSION OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED
10
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: 6-501.112: OBSERVED ONE DEAD ROACH IN SMALL ROOM IN BASEMENT. DEAD ROACH REMOVED FROM AREA BEFORE CONCLUSION OF INSPECTION.
38
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: 3-304.12: Knives and spatulas kept in stagnant water at room temp, instructed to keep in a clean dry container.
43
82
Aug 13, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: Low Temp dish washing machine at bar area not sanitizing at final rinse, 0ppm obtained on Cl test strips, instructed manager to provide proper sanitizer concentration at final rinse. Priority violation 7-38-025.
16
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: Knives and spatulas kept in stagnant water at room temp, instructed to keep in a clean dry container.
43
82
Oct 31, 2023
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS NEAR HAND WASHING SINK IN FRONT BAR AREA. MUST POVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
10
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: VISIBLE AND WORKING THERMOMETER NEEDED IN 2-DOOR REAR PREP COOLER WHERE CUT FRUIT IS STORED IN 1ST FLOOR. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN VISIBLE AND WORKING THERMOMETERS IN ALL REFRIGERATION UNITS IN BASEMENT FOOD PREP AREA,
36
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST REGROUT FLOOR IN REAR DISHWASHING AREA LOCATED IN REAR OF BASEMENT AND MUST MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUST BUILD UP INSIDE LIGHT SHIELDS IN REAT STORAGE AREAS MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
82
Nov 17, 2022
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SCRAPER STORED BETWEEN 2 COOLERS. INSTRUCTED TO STORE PROPERLY.
43
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ONE OF 3 WASHBOWL SINKS IN 2ND FLOOR MEN'S ROOM NOT WORKING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
51
90
Nov 12, 2021
Complaint
1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: FOUND NO IRREVERSIBLE REGISTERING TEMPERATURE INDICATOR FOR HOT WATER SANITIZING DISH MACHINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PROVIDE AND HAVE READILY ACCESSIBLE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
48
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BROKEN AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETERS INSIDE A PREP COOLER AND A 1-DOOR REACH IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CONSPICUOUS AND EASILY READABLE THERMOMETERS INSIDE ALL REFRIGERATOR UNITS TO PROPERLY MONITOR THE AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF EQUIPMENT.
36
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A BLACK MOLD-LIKE BUILD UP INSIDE THE 1-DOOR COCA COLA COOLER. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: TWO OUT OF THE THREE SINKS IN THE 2ND FLOOR WOMENS RESTROOM HAVE LOW WATER PRESSURE. MUST REPAIR.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FOUND FLOOR TILES MISSING GROUT IN THE COOKS LINE AREA NEAR THE FRY STATION. MUST REGROUT TILES AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: FOUND HEAVY DUST BUILD UP ON THE CEILING VENT LOCATED ABOVE THE SALAD MIX/LETTACE DISPENSING MACHINE AND CLEAN DISH STORAGE. MUST CLEAN VENT AND MAINTAIN.
56
70
Jul 26, 2021
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: OBSERVED COOK NOT WEAR A BEARD GUARD WHILE HANDLING FOOD, BEARDS LONGER THAN 1/4" LONG MUST BE COVERED WITH BEARD GUARDS AT ALL TIMES, INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
40
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: OBSERVED UTENSILS AND DISHES NOT INVERTED IN FOOD PREP AREA, INSTRUCTED TO INVERT AND MAINTAIN.
44
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TORN DOOR GASKETS ON MULTIPLE PREP COOLERS, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CUTTING BROWN/TAN ON PREP COOLER IN NEED OF REPLACING, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LEAKY DRAIN PIPE UNDER 3-COMP SINK, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LOOSE FOOD DEBRIS AND WATER ON FLOORS THROUGHOUT PREP AREA, WALK IN COOLER/FREEZER, FURNACE ROOM, AND UNDER DISH MACHINE.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXCESSIVE DUST ACCUMULATION ON CEILING VENTS THROUGHOUT FOOD PREP AREA, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND AND MAINTAIN.
55
70
Mar 5, 2020
Complaint
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS ON PREP LINE NEAR PIZZA OVENS IN BASEMENT PREP KITCHEN COVERED IN DEEP GROOVES AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH, CLEANABLE CUTTING SURFACES.
47
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BUILD UP OF GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON EXTERIOR OF USED COOKING OIL RECEPTACLE LOCATED IN ALLEY TO THE NORTH OF THE FIRST FLOOR DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
54
90
Jan 13, 2020
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE IN 2ND FLOOR UNISEX EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
53
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS ON PREP LINE NEAR PIZZA OVENS IN BASEMENT PREP KITCHEN COVERED IN DEEP GROOVES AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH, CLEANABLE CUTTING SURFACES.
47
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BUILD UP OF GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON EXTERIOR OF USED COOKING OIL RECEPTACLE LOCATED IN ALLEY TO THE NORTH OF THE FIRST FLOOR DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
54
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SEVERAL MISSING CEILING PANELS IN HALLWAY LOCATED ON 3RD FLOOR NEXT TO KEG WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN CEILING PANELS.
55
82
Jan 8, 2019
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: REFRIGERATION THERMOMETERS KEPT IN THE COLDEST PART OF COOLER BEHIND FOOD CONTAINERS, INSTRUCTED TO KEEP IN WARMEST PART IN A CONSPICUOUS AREA.
36
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: STORING IN-USE UTENSILS IN A STANDING WATER CONTAINER, INSTRUCTED TO KEEP IN A CLEAN DRY CONTAINER.
43
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MISSING A VENT COVER ON BASEMENT'S CEILING ABOVE PREP TABLES
55
86
Jan 31, 2018
Routine
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 RED AND YELLOW COLORED FOOD SPLATTERS AND STAINS ON THE CEILING NEAR THE OVEN COOK LINE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
35
95
Jan 17, 2017
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RACKS WITHIN REACH IN REFRIGERATOR AT BAR WITH PEELING PAINT. MUST REPAINT ALL RACKS AND REMOVE RUST. RESTORE SURFACES TO A SMOOTH EASILY CLENABLE SURFACE AND MAINTAIN.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FLOORS IN BASEMENT NEED TO BE CLEANED IN DETAIL UNDER ALL SINKS IN CORNERS AND ALONG WALLS. MAINTAIN.
34
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CRACKED ,IGHT SHEILD IN DISHWASHING AREA. OBSERVED 2 MISSING LIGHT SHEILDS IN DISHWASHING AREA. REPAIR AND REPLACE ALL BROKEN OR MISSING LIGHT SHEILDS.
36
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: HANG ALL MOPS TO DRY AND PUT AWAY ALL CLEANING EQUIPMENT AFTER USE.
41
82
May 16, 2016
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS INSIDE BAR REACH IN COOLER DOORS RUBBER GASKETS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN COOLERS DOOR GASKETS.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS/STAINS ON WALLS AT DISHWASH 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AREA, PEELING PAPER FROM CEILING TILES ABOVE DISHMACHINE ALSO OBSERVED FOOD SPLATTERS ON CEILING TILES AT SAME. MUST REPLACE ALL PEELING PAPER FROM CEILING TILES AND CLEAN WALLS/CEILING TILES AT DISHMACHINE AREA.
35
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: THERMOMETER MISSING INSIDE SERVER REACH IN COOLER AND 2ND FLOOR REACH IN STAND UP COOLER. MUST PROVIDE THERMOMETERS FOR ALL COOLERS.
40
86
May 7, 2015
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Hand washing facilities: with soap and sanitary hand drying devices, convenient and accessible to food prep area
Inspector notes: FOUND EXPOSED HAND SINK BEHIND THE BAR WITHOUT PAPER TOWEL AND HAND SOAP. ESTABLISHMENT HAS BEEN OPEN FOR BUSINESS SINCE 11:00AM AND SERVING CUSTOMER IN THE BAR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT ALL HAND WASHING FACILITIES MUST HAVE A PAPER TOWEL AND HAND SOAP. CITATION ISSUED CRITICAL 7-38-030. MANAGER PROVIDED THE PAPER TOWEL AND HAND SOAP DURING INSPECTION.
12
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR AND EXIT DOOR NOT RODENT/INSECTS PROOFED WITH APPROXIMATELY 1/4 OF AN INCH GAP ON THE BOTTOM OF THE DOOR AND 1/3 OF AN INCH GAP IN BETWEEN THE TWO GLASS DOOR MIDDLE BOTTOM OF THE DOOR. CITATION ISSUED SERIOUS 7-38-020. ALFREDO THE MAINTENANCE PERSON CAME AND WAS ABLE TO FIX THE DOORS. DOORS ARE NOW RODENT/INSECTS PROOFED.
18
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST INSTALL OR PROVIDE LID FOR THE ICE BIN BEHIND THE BAR.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: VENT COVER IN BOTH 2ND FLOOR WASHROOMS WITH DUST BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELD ON THE LIGHT BULBS IN FRONT OF THE WALK IN FREEZER AND ICE MAKER,IN 3RD FLOOR.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: VENTILATION IN EMPLOYEE'S WASHROOM NOT WORKING. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
38
74
Sep 23, 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 Oct 16, 2025. The public record contains 16 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Lou Malnati's Pizzeria?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited eight 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 two 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 roughly once per year on average.
Nearby Restaurants