Nita's Gumbo
Last inspected: Jun 11, 2025
90
Score
Nita's Gumbo appears in inspection records 15 times, starting in 2014. Inspectors last stopped by on Jun 11, 2025. Low risk means the most recent visit produced few or no significant findings.
Recent visits have produced comparable findings, with counts hovering near five violations per visit.
Looking across the full record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” is the recurring theme, flagged nine times.
Restaurants in Chicago average 81, so Nita's Gumbo is doing better than most peers. The full picture is one of consistent compliance.
15
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jun 11, 2025
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: EXTERIOR OF COOKING EQUIPMENT AND WHEELS ON PREP TABLES IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FLOORS THROUGHOUT IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ANY AND ALL BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
90
May 17, 2024
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DAMAGED GASKET ON 1-DOOR REACH-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE GASKET AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED RUSTY SURFACES ON BOTTOM OF PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR BOTTOM OF PREP TABLES AND MAINTAIN.
47
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE IN UNISEX WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
53
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING LIGHT SHIELD IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE LIGHT SHIELD AND MAINTAIN.
56
86
Jun 2, 2023
Reinspection
8 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: 4-903.11 (A;B;D): MUST INVERT MULTI-USE UTENSILS ON STORAGE SHELVES.
44
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 4-601.11(C) Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FRYER CABINETS, EXTERIOR OF COOKING KETTLE,PREP TABLES, REACH IN COOLER & FREEZER,1- EYE STOVE.MUST REMOVE ICE BUILD UP FROM INTERIOR OF REACH IN FREEZER.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: 5-205.15 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LEAKY FAUCET & PIPES AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-201.11 : MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM UPPER WALLS
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-201.13 : MUST SEAL GAPS AROUND PIPES AND WIRES LEADING INTO WALLS AND CEILING WHERE NEEDED.GAPS IN WALLS NEAR REAR DOOR.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES ,LOOSE WALL AT COOKING EQUIPMENT
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: 2-102.13 : OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR FOOD MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
58
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: 3-302.12 : MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
37
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: 6-202.15 : OBSERVED A GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT DOOR MUST MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING.
38
67
May 26, 2023
Routine
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 13 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURES OF COOKED TCS FOODS STORED INSIDE OF REACH IN COOLER SUCH AS 5-GALLONS CHICKEN GUMBO 50.7F..5LBS. SEAFOOD GUMBO 46.4F.3LBS. SAUSAGE 45.0F.2LBS. SHRIMP 44.6F PRODUCT WAS DISCARED BY MANAGER.MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING FOODS AT 41.0F OR BELOW.APPX. 48.6 LBS.$490.(PRIORITY 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED)(COS)
22
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF 2- DOOR REACH IN COOLER AT 46.4F WITH TCS FOODS ARE STORED INSIDE.A HELD FOR INSPECTION TAG HAS BEEN PLACED UNIT.ONCE REPAIRED EMAIL .MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING UNITS AT 41.0F OR BELOW .(PRIORITY 7-38-005)(CITATION )(COS)
33
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SIGNED EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICIES.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED)
3
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX. 20 OR MORE MICE DROPPINGS ON INTERIOR LEDGE & MIXED IN WITH DIRT ON FLOOR UNDERNEATH OF FRONT PREP COOLER.MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS. CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS. RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 5/26/23.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A)(CITATION ISSUED)
38
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PROBE THERMOMETER FOR TEMPERATURE TAKING OF FOODS.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED)
36
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
37
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT DOOR MUST MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING.
38
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: MUST INVERT MULTI-USE UTENSILS ON STORAGE SHELVES.
44
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FRYER CABINETS, EXTERIOR OF COOKING KETTLE,PREP TABLES, REACH IN COOLER & FREEZER,1- EYE STOVE.MUST REMOVE ICE BUILD UP FROM INTERIOR OF REACH IN FREEZER.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LEAKY FAUCET & PIPES AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM UPPER WALLS.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST SEAL GAPS AROUND PIPES AND WIRES LEADING INTO WALLS AND CEILING WHERE NEEDED.GAPS IN WALLS NEAR REAR DOOR.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES ,LOOSE WALL AT COOKING EQUIPMENT.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR FOOD MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
58
37
Oct 4, 2022
License
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EMPLOYEE RESTROOM NOT SELF CLOSING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN A SELF CLOSING DEVICE.
53
95
Mar 27, 2020
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DRY STORAGE CONTAINERS (FLOUR ETC.) AND FOOD CONTAINERS IN 2-DOOR REFRIGERATOR NOT LABELED WITH THE PRODUCT NAMES. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS.
37
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SCOOPS FOR HOT-HELD FOODS (RICE ETC.) BEING STORED DIRECTLY INSIDE OF THE CONTAINER. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL UTENSILS BETWEEN USE.
43
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE (WASTE CAN) FOR PROPER DISPOSAL OF SANITARY NAPKINS IN UNISEX EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE.
53
86
Oct 11, 2019
Reinspection
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: 3-302.12 OBSERVED DRY STORAGE CONTAINERS NOT LABELED WITH THE PRODUCT NAMES. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL DRY STORAGE CONTAINERS.
37
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: 2-402.11 OBSERVED MALE FOOD HANDLERS WITHOUT BEARD GUARDS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
40
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.12 OBSERVED ACCUMULATED DIRT DEBRIS LOCATED BY THE FRONT CUSTOMER SERVICE COUNTER AND MINOR ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS LOCATED BEHIND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
55
86
Oct 1, 2019
Routine
2 critical violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: 3-501.16(A:2,&B) OBSERVED TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS (RAW AND COOKED SHRIMP) INSIDE OF A PREP COOLER AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES; 10 LBS OF RAW SHRIMP A 57.1F AND 1 LB OF COOKED SHRIMP AT 101F. INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD AND DENATURE SAID TCS FOODS AND ALWAYS MAINTAIN ALL TCS COLD HOLDING FOODS AT 41F OR BELOW AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.
22
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: 4-301.11 OBSERVED A PREP COOLER WITH TCS FOODS INSIDE AT AN IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 56F DURING THE INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL COLD HOLDING UNITS AT 41F OR BELOW AT ALL TIMES. SAID UNIT TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION BY THE CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND MAY NOT BE USED. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.
33
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: 3-302.12 OBSERVED DRY STORAGE CONTAINERS NOT LABELED WITH THE PRODUCT NAMES. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL DRY STORAGE CONTAINERS.
37
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: 2-402.11 OBSERVED MALE FOOD HANDLERS WITHOUT BEARD GUARDS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
40
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.12 OBSERVED ACCUMULATED DIRT DEBRIS LOCATED BY THE FRONT CUSTOMER SERVICE COUNTER AND MINOR ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS LOCATED BEHIND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
55
64
Aug 21, 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(A) NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES AS REQUIRED; MUST PROVIDE. INSTRUCTED THE PIC TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION OF EMPLOYEES RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT ANY ILLNESS TRANSMISSIBLE THROUGH FOOD. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A).
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: 2-501.11 NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL CLEAN UP PROCEDURE ON PREMISES AS REQUIRED; MUST PROVIDE. INSTRUCTED THE PIC THAT A VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL CLEAN UP PROCEDURE MUST BE DOCUMENTED AND THE NECESSARY SUPPLIES ON HAND IN THE EVENT OF A VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL INCIDENT ON PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
5
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: 4-602.13 MUST CLEAN THE FOLLOWING EQUIPMENT AND MAINTAIN: EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, INTERIOR BOTTOM OF FRYERS TO REMOVE GREASE AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF BULK STORAGE CONTAINERS AT BOTTOM OF PREP TABLE.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.12 INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS AROUND AND BEHIND COOKING AND OTHER KITCHEN EQUIPMENT WHERE NEEDED.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.12 OBSERVED SOME WATER STAINED CEILING TILE IN PREP AREA; REPLACE WHERE NEEDED. LIGHT DUST OBSERVED ON THE VENTILATION FAN ON THE WASHROOM CEILING; CLEAN TO REMOVE DUST.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED PIC THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS ARE REQUIRED TO OBTAIN THE FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE.
58
67
Nov 28, 2017
License
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: FOUND POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS IN COOLER AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES. APPROX 4-LBS OF CHICKEN SAUSAGE AT 46.7F IN CONTAINER 4- 1/2 CONTAINERS OF CHICKEN RUE, APPROX 60-LBS AT 86.4F,82.4F,82.7F NOT DATED, AND APPROX 5-LBS OF COOKED RICE AT 54.4F. ALL FOODS REMOVED AND DISCARDED BY MANAGER AT COST APPROX $ 90.00, CDI. MUST MAINTAIN COLD FOODS AT 40.0F OR BELOW.CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A
3
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: FOODS COOKED INSIDE COOLER NOT LABELED.MUST ISTALL.
30
Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters
Inspector notes: EMPLOYEE WASHROOM DOOR BY PREP AREA NOT SELF CLOSING.MUST INSTALL SELF CLOSING DEVICE
37
86
Jan 12, 2017
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPLACE CUTTING BOARD IN THE PREP AREA ,HAS DARK DEEP OPEN SEAMS,INSTRUCTED TO REPACE CUTTING BOARD
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE DEEP FRYER ,AND STOVE HAS GREASE BUILD-UP ON SIDES OF STOVE AND BOTTOM COMPARTMENT OF DEEP FRYER,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AREA
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN WALL BASE BEHIND THE STOVE IN PREP AREA,HAS GREASE BUILD-UP,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AREA,
35
86
Mar 31, 2016
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: SHELVING INSIDE THE COOLERS NEED CLEANING TO REMOVE DEBRIS.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS NEED CLEANING ALONG THE WALL BASE AND IN CORNERS IN THE KITCHEN AND STORAGE AREA TO REMOVE SPILLS AND DEBRIS.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: NOTED THE AIR DUCTS AND VENT COVERS DIRTY. MUST CLEAN TO REMOVE HEAVY DUST.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: NOTED THE HAND SINK FIXTURES IN POOR REPAIR. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
38
82
Dec 3, 2015
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPLACE CUTTING BOARD AT PREP AREA,HAS OPEN SEAMS
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN INTERIOR OF REACH-IN FREEAER AND REACH-IN COOLER IN PREP AREA AND CLEAN COOKING EQUIPMENT OF OLD FOOD DEBRIS AND GREASE BUILD-UP ,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN EQUIPMENT
33
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZER SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE IN PREP AREA
43
86
Apr 17, 2015
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF THE DEEP FRYER,HAS GREASE BUILD-UP,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN EQUIPMENT
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOORS BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT,ALONG WALL BASE AND CORNERS
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: CLEAN WALL AND WALL BASE NEAR STOVE OF DIRT AND GREASE BUILD-UP,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AREA
35
86
May 5, 2014
License
No violations found.
100
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Nita's Gumbo last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Nita's Gumbo on file is from Jun 11, 2025. The public record contains 15 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Nita's Gumbo?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited nine times, more than any other issue at Nita's Gumbo.
Has Nita's Gumbo's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Nita's Gumbo have averaged around five violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Nita's Gumbo 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 Nita's Gumbo inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Nita's Gumbo is inspected roughly once per year on average.
Nearby Restaurants