Masala Magic
Last inspected: Dec 1, 2025
86
Score
Inspectors have visited Masala Magic seven times, with records going back to 2024. The most recent visit was on Dec 1, 2025. Low risk indicates the latest report didn't flag anything that would worry the average customer.
Recent visits have produced comparable findings, with counts hovering near six violations per visit.
When inspectors have written things up, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been the most frequent reason, cited seven times.
The city-wide average for Chicago sits at 81, putting Masala Magic on the better side of that line. The file should reassure diners considering a visit.
7
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Dec 1, 2025
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: NOTED INDIVIDUAL TO-GO DISPOSABLE CONTAINERS AND BOWLS WITH NO HANDLE USED FOR SCOOPING SERVING FOOD AT THE SERVICE PREP COOLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TONGS, SERVING SPOONS, OR LADLE FOR SCOOPING FOOD.
39
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS AT THE FOLLOWING AREAS:- FLOORS UNDERNEATH COOKING STOVE AND FRYERS AT THE FIRST FLOOR PREP AREA, FLOORS THROUGHOUT THE DRY STORAGE AREA AND DISH WASHING AREA. MUST UPGADE HOUSE KEEPING ESPECIALLY AT THE KITCHEN AND DRY STORAGE AREAS.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: NOTED HEAVY DIRT AND GREASE ACCUMULATION INSIDE, ON PIPES/CONDUITS AND ON EDGES OF THE EXHAUST HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN HOOD, FILTERS AND PIPES/CONDUITS
56
86
Oct 2, 2025
Complaint
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: NOTED INTERNAL TEMPERATURE OF THE FOLLOWING TCS FOOD ITEMS INSIDE THE 2 DOOR REFRIGERATION UNIT TO BE IMPROPER:-EGGS 75.5F (SHELF), LAMB 47F, SOUP 58.4F, FISH 47.1F, YOGURT 48F. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY AND VOLUNTARILY DISPOSED PRODUCTS OF 2O LBS WORTH $250 THROUGH DENATURING PROCESS. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
22
Compliance with variance/specialized process/haccp
Inspector notes: NOTED PREMISE MAKING YOGURT WITH NO HACCP PLAN OR VARIANCE AS REQUIRED BY THE CITY ORDINANCE. MUST USE COMMERCIALLY PREPARED YOGURT UNTIL A HACCP PLAN APPROVAL IS OBTAINED.MANAGER IMMEDIATELY AND VOLUNTARILY DISPOSED OF 10 LBS OF PRODUCTS WORTH $60.00 THROUGH DENATURING PROCESS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005(A). CITATION ISSUED.
29
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: NOTED INDIVIDUAL TO-GO DISPOSABLE CONTAINERS AND BOWLS WITH NO HANDLE USED FOR SCOOPING SERVING FOOD AT THE SERVICE PREP COOLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TONGS, SERVING SPOONS, OR LADLE FOR SCOOPING FOOD.
39
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS AT THE FOLLOWING AREAS:- FLOORS UNDERNEATH COOKING STOVE AND FRYERS AT THE FIRST FLOOR PREP AREA, FLOORS THROUGHOUT THE DRY STORAGE AREA AND DISH WASHING AREA. MUST UPGADE HOUSE KEEPING ESPECIALLY AT THE KITCHEN AND DRY STORAGE AREAS.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: NOTED HEAVY DIRT AND GREASE ACCUMULATION INSIDE, ON PIPES/CONDUITS AND ON EDGES OF THE EXHAUST HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN HOOD, FILTERS AND PIPES/CONDUITS.
56
67
Jul 23, 2025
Recent Inspection
9 minor violations.
View 9 violations
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: NOTED SERVING PLATES ON SHELVES AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT ALL SERVING PLATES TO PREVENT DUST ACCUMULATION.
43
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: NOTED CARDBOARD BOXES USED TO LINE SHELVES AT THE REAR DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL CARDBOARD BOXES TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST.
47
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: NOTED LARGE POTS UNABLE TO FIT INSIDE THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK FOR PROPER WASHING, RINSING AND SANITIZING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A PROCEDURE FOR PROPER WASHING AND SANITIZING OF EQUIPMENT OR REMOVE EQUIPMENT.(LARGE POTS AND PANS).
48
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: NOTED HEAVY DIRT, DEBRIS AND SPILAGE INSIDE OF THE TWO DOOR REACH IN COOLING UNIT IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: NOTED LOW WATER PRESSURE AT THE BATHROOM HAND WASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN PER CITY CODE.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS AT THE FOLLOWING AREAS:- FLOORS UNDERNEATH COOKING STOVE AND FRYERS AT THE FIRST FLOOR PREP AREA, FLOORS THROUGHOUT THE DRY STORAGE AREA AND DISH WASHING AREA. MUST UPGADE HOUSE KEEPING ESPECIALLY AT THE KITCHEN AND DRY STORAGE AREAS.
55
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: NOTED ASSORTED FOOD ITEMS INSIDE REFRIGERATION UNITS NOT PROPERLY LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL ALL FOOD ITEMS WITH PRODUCT NAME INCLUDING BULK FOOD CONTAINERS.
37
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: NOTED REAR EXIT DOOR AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA AND REAR EXIT DOOR AT THE DINING AREA NOT RODENT PROOF WITH GAP AT THE BOTTOM OF DOOR (ABOUT 1/4 INCH). INSTRUCTED TO SEAL GAPS TO PREVENT ENTRY POINTS FOR PESTS.
38
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: NOTED DIRTY WIPING CLOTHS ON PREP TABLES AT FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL WASHCLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION ESPECIALLY WHEN NOT IN USE.
41
64
Jun 25, 2025
Complaint
3 critical violations. 9 minor violations.
View 12 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: NOTED EMPLOYEE WASHING DISHES AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK WITHOUT SETTING IT UP TO WASH RINSE AND SANITIZE AS REQUIRED BY THE CODE. NO SANITIZER WAS USED TO SET UP THE SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO ALWAYS SET UP THE SINK WHEN WASHING EQUIPMENT. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY HAD EMPLOYEE SET UP THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK TO WASH RINSE AND SANITIZE USING THE CHLORINE. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED.
16
Proper hot holding temperatures
Inspector notes: NOTED IMPROPER INTERNAL TEMPERATURES OF THE FOLLOWING HOT ITEMS AT THE HOT HOLDING UNIT:-BEANS 114>4F, FISH 83.3F, CAULIFLOWER 83.3F, RICE 128F, BEEF 82.7F, CHICKEN 83.9F.MANAGER IMMEDIATELY AND VOLUNTARILY DISPOSED OF 51 LBS OF PRODUCTS WORTH $650.00 THROUGH DENATURING PROCESS. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
21
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: NOTED INTERNAL TEMPERATURE OF THE FOLLOWING TCS FOOD ITEMS INSIDE THE 2 DOOR REFRIGERATION UNIT TO BE IMPROPER:-EGGS 91.5F, BEEF 47F/48F. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY AND VOLUNTARILY DISPOSED PRODUCTS. SEE VIOLATION #21 FOR INVENTORY THROUGH DENATURING PROCESS. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.CONSOLIDATED WITH ABOVE VIOLATION.
22
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: NOTED ASSORTED FOOD ITEMS INSIDE REFRIGERATION UNITS NOT PROPERLY LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL ALL FOOD ITEMS WITH PRODUCT NAME INCLUDING BULK FOOD CONTAINERS.
37
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: NOTED REAR EXIT DOOR AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA AND REAR EXIT DOOR AT THE DINING AREA NOT RODENT PROOF WITH GAP AT THE BOTTOM OF DOOR (ABOUT 1/4 INCH). INSTRUCTED TO SEAL GAPS TO PREVENT ENTRY POINTS FOR PESTS.
38
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: 4-901.12 NOTED DIRTY WIPING CLOTHS ON PREP TABLES AT FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL WASHCLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION ESPECIALLY WHEN NOT IN USE.
41
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: NOTED SERVING PLATES ON SHELVES AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT ALL SERVING PLATES TO PREVENT DUST ACCUMULATION.
43
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: NOTED CARDBOARD BOXES USED TO LINE SHELVES AT THE REAR DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL CARDBOARD BOXES TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST.
47
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: NOTED LARGE POTS UNABLE TO FIT INSIDE THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK FOR PROPER WASHING, RINSING AND SANITIZING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A PROCEDURE FOR PROPER WASHING AND SANITIZING OF EQUIPMENT OR REMOVE EQUIPMENT.(LARGE POTS AND PANS).
48
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: NOTED HEAVY DIRT, DEBRIS AND SPILAGE INSIDE OF THE TWO DOOR REACH IN COOLING UNIT IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: NOTED LOW WATER PRESSURE AT THE BATHROOM HAND WASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN PER CITY CODE.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS AT THE FOLLOWING AREAS:- FLOORS UNDERNEATH COOKING STOVE AND FRYERS AT THE FIRST FLOOR PREP AREA, FLOORS THROUGHOUT THE DRY STORAGE AREA AND DISH WASHING AREA. MUST UPGADE HOUSE KEEPING ESPECIALLY AT THE KITCHEN AND DRY STORAGE AREAS.
55
41
Feb 5, 2025
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED KNIFE SITTING BETWEEN WALL AND PREP TABLE NEXT TO THE MOP SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE UNTINSELS WHEN NOT USING IN A CLEAN DRY AREA AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.
43
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE LOWER SHELVING OF THE PREP TABLES IN THE FOOD PREP AREA WITH A BUILD UP OF FLOUR AND OTHER DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL SHELVING.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BUILD UP OF FOOD DEBRIS AND SPILLAGE INSIDE OF THE TWO DOOR REACH IN COOLING UNIT IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SERVICE WINDOW LOCATED AT THE KITCHEN/FRONT SERVICE AREA INNER WALL MISSING WALL COVERING. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL AND COVER TO MAKE AREA EASY TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE STORAGE AREA IN THE BASEMENT JUST BEYOND THE TOILET ROOMS WITH A BUILD UP OF ITEMS ON THE FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO ELEVATE ITEMS AT LEAST SIX INCHES FROM THE FLOOR AND MAINTAIN AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE HARBORING SPACE FOR PEST AND OR INSECTS.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A BUILD UP OF DEBRIS, FOOD DEBRIS AND OTHER ITEMS ON THE FLOOR BEHIND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE FOOD PREP AREA ALSO IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AREAS
55
74
Sep 9, 2024
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: 6-303.11: OBSERVED DIM REAR STORAGE ROOM WITH TWO DOOR REFRIGERATOR. INSTRUCTED TO INCREASE LIGHT INTENSITY IN REAR STORAGE ROOM WITH TWO DOOR REFRIGERATOR.
56
95
Aug 26, 2024
License
4 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 12 violations
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED METAL STEM THEMOMETERS SHALL BE PROVIDED AND READILY ACCESSIBLE FOR USE IN ENSURING ATTAINMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF FOOD TEMPERATURES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION
36
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EXPOSED SINK FOR HANDWASHING LOCATED IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK IN FRONT PREP AREA FOR CONVENIENT USE BY EMPLOYEES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.
10
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TWO LARGE POTS IN THE FACILITY TOO LARGE TO FIT AND FULLY IMMERSE WITHIN THE COMPARTMENTS OF THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. FACILITY MUST INSTALL A LARGER 3COMPARTMENT SINK THAT WILL ALLOW ALL EQUIPMENT TO BE IMMERSED, USE SMALLER EQUIPMENT THAT CAN FIT IN THE EXISTING 3 COMPARTMENT SINK OR USE AN ALTERNATIVE METHOD OF MANUAL WAREWASHING APPROVED BY THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION
48
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND DRYING PROVISION AT HANDWASHING SINK IN REAR PREP AND MEN'S STALL WITH TOILET. OBSERVED PAPER TOWEL DISPENSER NOT WORKING AT EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK IN DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HAND DRYING PROVISIONS AT ALL HANDWASHING SINKS AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION
10
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HANDWASHING SINKS IN FACILITY, AT BOTH HANDWASHING SINKS IN MEN'S WASHROOM, IN ALL GENDER WASHROOM AND AT EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK IN DINING ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO POST HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT ALL HANDWASHING SINKS USED BY FOOD EMPLOYEES, SIGNAGE SHALL BE CLEARLY VISIBLE TO FOOD EMPLOYEES.
10
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OPENINGS AT BASE OF DINING ROOM PARKING LOT ENTRANCE DOOR, SIDES AND BOTTOM OF REAR EXIT DOOR IN REAR STORAGE, AT BASE OF FRONT ENTRANCE(ORLEANS ST) AND SIDES, BASE AND CORNERS OUTER ENTRANCE DOOR OF PARKING LOT ENTRANCE DOOR NEAR ALL GENDER WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRANCE.
38
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DRAINIPE LEAKING UNDERNEATH WASH COMPARTMENT OF THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AND OBSERVED DRAINPIPE OF HANDWASHING SINK IN REAR PREP LEAKING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR DRAINPIPES OF SAID SINKS AND MAINTAIN.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ALL THREE DOORS OF WASHROOMS NOT SELF CLOSING. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL SELF CLOSING DEVICES ON WASHROOM DOORS SO THAT THEY SHALL BE TIGHT FITTING AND SELF CLOSING.
53
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE IN ALL GENDER WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COVERED RECEPTACLE IN ALL GENDER WASHROOM FOR SANITARY PRODUCTS.
53
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIM REAR STORAGE ROOM WITH TWO DOOR REFRIGERATOR. INSTRUCTED TO INCREASE LIGHT INTENSITY IN REAR STORAGE ROOM WITH TWO DOOR REFRIGERATOR.
56
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO MECHANICAL VENTILATION IN MEN'S AND ALL GENDER WASHROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR INSTALL MECHANICAL VENTILATION IN MEN'S AND ALL GENDER WASHROOM OF SUFFICIENT CAPACITY.
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TWO EMPLOYEES WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATES WITH NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES WITH A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTICATE SHALL PROVIDE PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING.
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45
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Masala Magic last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Masala Magic on file is from Dec 1, 2025. The public record contains seven inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Masala Magic?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited seven times, more than any other issue at Masala Magic.
Has Masala Magic's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Masala Magic have averaged around six violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Masala Magic means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.
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