Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
Last inspected: Jul 21, 2025
95
Score
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria appears in inspection records 17 times, starting in 2010. The most recent report on file is from Jul 21, 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.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean”, showing up six 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.
17
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jul 21, 2025
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HOLE IN CEILING ABOVE WALK IN COOLER IN BASEMENT. MUST REPAIR.
55
95
Jul 9, 2024
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: NOTED CEILING IN BASEMENT MOP SINK CLOSET PEELING. ALSO NOTED METAL PLATES ON WODDEN STEPS TO BASEMENT RUSTED AND CORRODED. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
55
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: NOTED FOOD HANDLERS WITHOUT PROPER HAIR RESTRAINTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS THAT ARE IN THE KITCHEN.
40
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: NOTED CUTTING BOARDS WITH DEEP CUTS AND STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN SANITIZE AND RESTORE TO SMOOTH CLEANABLE SURFACE OR REPLACE.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: NOTED YELLOW AND BROWN STAINED, CORRODED/ MELTED TOP OF INTERIOR OF MICROWAVE IN KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE MICROWAVE.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: NOTED OVEN DOORS AND SHELF UNDERNEATH FRYER IN KITCHEN NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO DEEP CLEAN REMOVING ALL GREASE AND HEAVY BUILD UP OF FOOD DEBRIS AND MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: NOTED BOXES AND ITEMS ON THE FLOOR AND STORED IN BETWEEN SHELVING IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE UNNECCESSARY ITEMS. KEPT ITEMS SHOULD BE STORED ON SHELVES THAT ARE SMOOTH AND EASY TO CLEAN, AND A MINIMUM OF 6 INCHES OFF THE GROUND.
55
74
Jan 4, 2023
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE SHELVING UNITS IN THE WALK-IN COOLER IN THE BASEMENT WITH SLIGHT RUST AND RESIDUE BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE RUST AND SOILED RESIDUE AND CLEAN AND SANITIZE SAID SHELVING UNITS AND MAINTAIN, SO THAT THE SHELVING IS SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
49
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE OUTDOOR GREASE RECEPTACLE WITH DRIED UP GREASE DROPLETS AND NOT MAINTAINED. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN SAID OUTDOOR RECEPTACLE AND MAINTAIN.
54
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE FOR THE MANAGER ON DUTY. INSTRUCTED THAT ONLY CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST TAKE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING COURSE AND MAINTAIN RECORDS ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
58
86
Dec 28, 2022
Complaint
4 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A BLACK SLIMY SUBSTANCE BUILD UP ON THE INTERIOR PANEL OF THE INSIDE OF THE ICE MACHINE IN THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP AREA AND MADE CONTACT WITH THE ICE INSIDE THE UNIT, AND THE ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. MUST REMOVE BUILD-UP, CLEAN, AND SANITIZE. ADVISED NOT TO USE THE ICE IN THE ICE MACHINE UNIT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005, CITATION ISSUED.
16
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 15 RATS DROPPING ON THE FLOORS AT THE BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AREA UNDER THE SHELVING UNIT WHERE THE ALUMINUM FOIL-TO-GO CONTAINERS ARE STORED (10) AND IN THE BOILER STORAGE AREA ALSO LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT (5). INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS. RECOMMENDED TO CONSULT WITH PEST CONTROL COMPANY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-020(A), CITATION ISSUED.
38
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE DURING THE INSPECTION WHILE THE TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS (CHICKEN) HAS BEEN PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WHILE FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012, CITATION ISSUED.
2
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUSLY CORE VIOLATION WAS NOT CORRECTED FROM 09/10/2021 REPORT #2531249. #51 NOTED LEAKAGE AT THE BOTTOM PIPE OF THE HAND WASH SINK IN THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. #55 INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS ALONG THE WALL BASE AND UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT, ESPECIALLY AT THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP/DRY STORAGE AREA. PRIORITY FOUNDATION:7-42-090, CITATION ISSUED
60
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TWO LOAVES OF BREAD STORED BEHIND THE FAUCET HEAD AT THE ONE COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE MAIN FOOD PREP AREA, NEAR THE DEEP-FRYING UNITS AND HANDWASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE FOOD ITEMS AND MAINTAIN.
39
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE SHELVING UNITS IN THE WALK-IN COOLER IN THE BASEMENT WITH SLIGHT RUST AND RESIDUE BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE RUST AND SOILED RESIDUE AND CLEAN AND SANITIZE SAID SHELVING UNITS AND MAINTAIN, SO THAT THE SHELVING IS SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
49
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE OUTDOOR GREASE RECEPTACLE WITH DRIED UP GREASE DROPLETS AND NOT MAINTAIED. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN SAID OUTDOOR RECEPTACLE AND MAINTAIN.
54
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE FOR THE MANAGER ON DUTY. INSTRUCTED THAT ONLY CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST TAKE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING COURSE AND MAINTAIN RECORDS ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
58
55
Sep 10, 2021
Complaint
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: NOTED LEAKAGE AT THE BOTTOM PIPE OF THE HAND WASH SINK AT THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS ALONG WALL BASE AND UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT ESPECIALLY AT THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP/DRY STORAGE AREA.
55
90
Dec 23, 2019
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: - MUST INVERT THE CLEAN UTENSILS STORED ON THE BAR TO PREVENT POTENTIAL SOURCES OF CONTAMINATION DURING STORAGE. -
44
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: - MUST PROVIDE COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLES FOR THE WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM. -
53
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: - OBSERVED THE EXHAUST VENTILATION IN THE WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM NOT WORKING AT TIME OF INSPECTION. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. -
56
86
Nov 5, 2018
Routine
2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: 2-102.14(N) THE PERSON IN CHARGE UNABLE TO PROVIDE HEALTH EMPLOYEE POLICY. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HEALTH EMPLOYEE POLICY AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: 2-501.11 THE PERSON IN CHARGE UNABLE TO PROVIDE PROCEDURE FOR EMPLOYEE TO FOLLOW WHEN RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: 5-204.11 OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SINK AT THE SERVICE STATION AREA. MUST INSTALL A HAND WASHING SINK AND MAINTAIN.
10
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: 5-204.12 BACKFLOW PREVENTER DEVICE NOT LOCATED FOR ICE MACHINE AND SERVICE SINK IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL SO THAT BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.13 MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE BROKEN FLOOR TILES IN BASEMENT FOOD PREPARATION AREA.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.11 MUST REGROUT FLOOR IN BASEMENT FOOD PREPARATION AREA AND MUST MAINTAIN.
55
67
Jul 7, 2017
Reinspection
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE RUST FROM STORAGE RACKS ON THE 2-DOOR PREP COOLER IN REAR STORAGE. REPAIR/REPLACE BROKEN DOOR GASKET ON 6-DOOR PREP COOLER IN REAR PREP ALSO, DEFROST DEEP FREEZERS IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS FROM FLOORS IN REAR AND BASEMENT PREP. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN EXCESSIVE DUST FROM ALL CEILING AND WALL VENTS THROUGHOUT PREMISES, INCLUDING BASEMENT. ALSO, REPAIR MISSING WALL TRIM ON WALL IN BASEMENT NEXT TO THE BOILER ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN UNKNOWN DEBRIS FROM LIGHT SHIELDS IN REAR AND BASEMENT PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REAR LEAKY FAUCETS AT THE 3-COMP IN REAR PREP, AND THE 1-COMP SINK NEXT TO THE ICE CREAM COOLER IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
38
Linen: clean and soiled properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST STORE SOILED LINENS IN SANITIZER WATER (BUCKET) WHILE NOT IN USE TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
39
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST ORGANIZE/REMOVE CLUTTER IN BASEMENT. ELEVATE ITEMS 6" OFF FLOOR TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE AND MAINTAIN.
41
70
Jun 27, 2017
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 AND FILTER OF THE ICE MACHINE, IN THE BASEMENT. LIKELY TO CONTAMINATE ICE FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD ICE, DISCONTINUE USE OF ICE MACHINE UNTIL CLEANED AND SANITIZED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-005 (A).
16
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE RUST FROM STORAGE RACKS ON THE 2-DOOR PREP COOLER IN REAR STORAGE. REPAIR/REPLACE BROKEN DOOR GASKET ON 6-DOOR PREP COOLER IN REAR PREP ALSO, DEFROST DEEP FREEZERS IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS FROM FLOORS IN REAR AND BASEMENT PREP. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN EXCESSIVE DUST FROM ALL CEILING AND WALL VENTS THROUGHOUT PREMISES, INCLUDING BASEMENT. ALSO, REPAIR MISSING WALL TRIM ON WALL IN BASEMENT NEXT TO THE BOILER ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN UNKNOWN DEBRIS FROM LIGHT SHIELDS IN REAR AND BASEMENT PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REAR LEAKY FAUCETS AT THE 3-COMP IN REAR PREP, AND THE 1-COMP SINK NEXT TO THE ICE CREAM COOLER IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
38
Linen: clean and soiled properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST STORE SOILED LINENS IN SANITIZER WATER (BUCKET) WHILE NOT IN USE TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
39
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST ORGANIZE/REMOVE CLUTTER IN BASEMENT. ELEVATE ITEMS 6" OFF FLOOR TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE AND MAINTAIN.
41
67
Jun 10, 2016
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GRAYISH RESIDUE ON THE FLOOR BEHIND THE SODA FOUNTAIN AT THE SERVER STATION. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
34
95
Mar 6, 2015
Complaint
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: ONBSERVED UNCLEAN INTERIOR OF REACH IN ICE CREAM FREEZER. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR OF REACH IN ICE CREAM FREEZER.
33
95
Feb 27, 2014
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST RE CAULK AROUND THE EXPOSED HAND SINK IN THE BASEMENT PREP AREA.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN IN DETAIL THE VENT COVER (WITH DUST BUILD UP)IN BOTH WASHROOMS AND MAINTAIN.
35
90
May 7, 2013
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Apr 30, 2013
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Dish washing facilities: properly designed, constructed, maintained, installed, located and operated
Inspector notes: DISH WASHING FACILITY NOT MAINTAINED. KITCHEN THREE COMPARTMENT SINK MISSING NOZZLE ON LEFT WASH BOWL OF SINK, UNABLE TO PROPERLY SET SINK TO WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE. INSTRUCTED TO USE DISH WASHING MACHINE FOR ALL DISHWARE AND INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE NOZZLE ON SINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-030.
24
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: MUST NOT SAVE AND STORE DIRTY #10 TOMATO CANS IN DRY FOOD STORAGE TO BE RECYCLED. MUST DISCARD DIRTY CANS OR, WASH AND STORE CLEAN UNTIL PICKED UP FOR RECYCLING OR STORE IN AN OUTDOOR RECYCLING WASTE CONTAINER. ALL POTS/PAN AND TO GO FOOD CONTAINERS MUST BE STORED INVERTED.
31
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: PILED DIRT ON FLOOR IN DRY FOOD STORAGE ROOM NEXT TO STORED CLEAN PIZZA DELIVERY BOXES. MUST REMOVE DIRT.
34
86
Sep 28, 2012
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS STORED AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE. OBSERVED HALF AND HALF AT 45.1F, ARTICHOKE DIP AT 44.4F, BUTTER AT 45.5F, CHEESES AT 43.7F, SOUR CREAM AT 44.6F, ALFREDO SAUCE AT 47.1F, SALAD DRESSINGS AT 46.5F, DICED TOMATOES AT 46.7F, ROASTED GARLIC DIP AT 43.1F, MEAT SAUCE AT 43.5F, MARINARA SAUCE AT 44.4F. MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED 314# OF FOOD WORTH $860. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A.
3
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN THE CEILING TILES IN THE BASEMENT PREP AREA.
35
90
May 25, 2011
Complaint
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. MUST NOT USE TIN FOIL AS LINER FOR SHELVING IN SERVER STATION AREA.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. INTERIOR ICE MACHINE UPPER WATER RESERVOIR NEEDS CLEANING.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. FLOOR UNDER BAG IN BOX SODA DISPENSING SYSTEM WITH SPILLAGE. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. EXCESSIVE MOLD ON WALL AROUND BASEMENT UTILITY MOP SINK. MUST REMOVE. MISSING WALL AT BASEMENT PREP BEHIND FLOOR MIXER. MUST REPLACE.
35
82
Sep 3, 2010
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: All parts of the food establishment and all parts of the property used in connection with the operation of the establishment shall be kept neat and clean and should not produce any offensive odors. EMPLOYEE PERSONAL BELONGINGS MUST NOT BE STORED WITH FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT. MANAGEMENT CORRECTED DURING INSPECTION.
41
95
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 Jul 21, 2025. The public record contains 17 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 six 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 roughly once per year on average.
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