The New Congress Pizza
Last inspected: Sep 5, 2025
95
Score
The New Congress Pizza has been inspected 13 times since 2021. The most recent visit was on Sep 5, 2025. When a facility lands in the low risk tier, it usually means nothing alarming showed up at the most recent visit.
Recent inspections have found fewer violations than earlier ones, averaging around one violation lately and about six violations before that.
“Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing five times across the record.
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.
13
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Sep 5, 2025
Complaint
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.114: OBSERVED AN OPENING IN THE LOWER WALL UNDER THE MOP SINK IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL AND MAINTAIN TO PREVENT POTENTIAL PEST ENTRY POINTS.
55
95
Aug 20, 2025
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.114: OBSERVED AN OPENING IN THE LOWER WALL UNDER THE MOP SINK IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL AND MAINTAIN TO PREVENT POTENTIAL PEST ENTRY POINTS.
55
95
Aug 12, 2025
Complaint
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM 05/13/2025, REPORT #2617356 #37:3-302.12: OBSERVED SQUIRT BOTTLES NOT LABELED IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL AND MAINTAIN. #49: 4-601.11(B): OBSERVED THE ICE SHIELD AND ABOVE THE ICE WITH SLIGHT BLACK-LIKE SUBSTANCE BUILDUP. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ICE, CLEAN, AND SANITIZE THE ICE MACHINE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION:7-42-090, CITATION ISSUED
60
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED AN OPEING IN THE LOWER WALL UNDER THE MOP SINK IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL AND MAINTAIN TO PREVENT POTENTIAL PEST ENTRY POINTS.
55
86
May 13, 2025
Reinspection
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: 4-204.112(B): OBSERVED NO AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETER INSIDE HOT HOLDING UNIT USED FOR PREPACKAGED PIZZA SLICES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
36
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: 3-302.12: OBSERVED SQUIRT BOTTLES NOT LABELED IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL AND MAINTAIN.
37
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: 4-301.12: OBSERVED FACILITY MISSING THREE SINK STOPPERS FOR THE WAREWASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
48
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: 4-601.11(B): OBSERVED THE ICE SHIELD AND ABOVE THE ICE WITH SLIGHT BLACK-LIKE SUBSTANCE BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ICE, CLEAN, AND SANITIZE ICE MACHINE AND MAINTAIN.
49
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: 2-102.13: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST TAKE COURSE AND MAINTAIN RECORDS ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
57
78
May 1, 2025
Routine
4 critical violations. 1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF A THREE DOOR REFRIGERATOR AT 51.0F WITH TCS FOODS STORED INSIDE FOR SALE. A HELD FOR INSPECTION TAG PLACED ON UNIT. PLEASE REVIEW COMMENTS FOR TAG REMOVAL INSTRUCTIONS. MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING EQUIPMENT AT 41.0F OR BELOW. PRIORITY 7-38-005, CITATION ISSUED
33
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER DISHWASHING AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. EMPLOYEE WASHING DISHES AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK WITHOUT HAVING BASINS SET UP TO WASH, RINSE, AND SANITIZE AS REQUIRED BY THE CODE. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT ALWAYS SETS UP THE WAREWASHING SINK WHEN WASHING EQUIPMENT. THE MANAGER IMMEDIATELY HAD THE EMPLOYEE SET UP THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK TO WASH, RINSE, AND SANITIZE. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005, CITATION ISSUED
16
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS ITEMS INSIDE OF A THREE DOOR COOLER, IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. FOUND CHICKEN WINGS (47.8F), CHICKEN THIGHS (48.0F), PORK (48.7-50.0F), 8-1 QUART BOTTLES OF HEAVY WHIPPING CREAM (49.3F). MANAGER DISCARDED APPROXIMATELY 38LBS AT $277 WORTH OF PRODUCT. MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING FOODS AT 41.0F OR BELOW. PRIORITY 7-38-005, CITATION ISSUED
22
Hands clean & properly washed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED, POOR HYGIENIC PRACTICES. FOOD HANDLER BLEW INSIDE GLOVE WITH MOUTH, PUT HAND INSIDE GLOVE, AND STARTED TO PREPARE FOOD. ALSO, OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER WIPING HANDS ON WIPING CLOTH USED TO WIPE SURFACES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROPERLY WASH HANDS AFTER ANY POSSIBLE SOURCE OF CONTAMINATION. ALSO, REFRAIN FROM USING WIPING CLOTHS FOR HANDS. EMPLOYEE WASHED HANDS ONCE NOTIFIED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-010, CITATION ISSUED.
8
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 2 LIVE ROACHES ON SITE DURING INSPECTION. 1 ROACH WAS FOUND CRAWLING ON EMPLOYEE SHIRT AND UNDER THE MICROWAVE IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE LIVE ROACH ACTIVITY AND MAINTAIN. RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A), CITATION ISSUED.
38
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETER INSIDE HOT HOLDING UNIT USED FOR PREPACKAGED PIZZA SLICES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
36
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SQUIRT BOTTLES NOT LABELED IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL AND MAINTAIN.
37
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FACILITY MISSING THREE SINK STOPPERS FOR THE WAREWASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
48
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE ICE SHEILD AND ABOVE THE ICE WITH SLIGHT BLACK-LIKE SUBSTANCE BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ICE, CLEAN, AND SANITIZE ICE MACHINE AND MAINTAIB.
49
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST TAKE COURSE AND MAINTAIN RECORDS ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
57
39
Oct 1, 2024
Complaint
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BUILD UP OF BLACK SUBSTANCE WITH SLIMY APPEARANCE ON FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES OF CHUTE PLATE AND INTERIOR CAVITY OF ICE MACHINE IN REAR KITCHEN AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD ICE AND CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL FOOD- AND NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES OF ICE MACHINE. PERSON-IN-CHARGE DISCARDED ALL ICE AND CLEANED AND SANITIZED ALL FOOD- AND NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES OF ICE MACHINE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
16
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO INTERIOR TEMPERATURE MEASURING DEVICE PROVIDED IN UPRIGHT COOLER IN FRONT PIZZA PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AT LEAST ONE INTERIOR TEMPERATURE MEASURING DEVICE INSIDE ALL EQUIPMENT USED TO COLD-HOLD TCS FOOD ITEMS IN A CONSPICUOUS AND EASILY-VIWEABLE LOCATION AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
36
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SINGLE-USE STYROFOAM CUP USED AS A SCOOP IN SEVERAL BULK DRY FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS THROUGHOUT THE KITCHEN AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE SINGLE-USE CUPS AND REPLACE WITH MULTI-USE UTENSILS WITH HANDLES TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION WHILE SCOOPING AND MAINTAIN.
39
82
Jul 8, 2024
Complaint
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 4 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TCS, TEMPERATURE AND TIME CONTROL FOR SAFETY, FOODS (PORK SAUSAGE AND TOMATO SAUCE) AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE AT 50.2F AND 53.2F, RESPECTIVELY. APPROXIMATELY 20LBS OF PORK SAUSAGE AT AN ESTIMATED COST OF $40 TOSSED IN THE GARBAGE AND DENATURED ALONG WITH APPROXIMATELY 15LBS OF TOMATO SAUCE AT AN ESTIMATED COST OF $25 ALSO TOSSED OUT AND DENATURED. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
22
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE INTERIOR CHUTE OF ICE MACHINE AND SURROUNDING SURFACE SOILED WITH DEBRIS WHICH APPEARS AS A PINK SLIME AND/OR BLACK SUBSTANCE. ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. INSTRUCTED TO DISPOSE OF ICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ICE MACHINE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
16
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ONSITE, AT THE START TIME OF INSPECTION AT 3:10PM, WHILE TCS, TIME AND TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY, FOODS SUCH AS CHICKEN, PORK, AND BEEF ARE BEING PREPARED, SERVED AND/OR STORED. CERTIFIED MANAGER MARIA MEDRANO ARRIVED ON SITE AT 3:18PM. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN EMPLOYEE HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS BEING STORED, IN THE REFRIGERATOR/FREEZER UNIT(S) NEAR THE BACK PREPARATION AREA, IN PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS INSTEAD OF USING FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS OR FREEZER BAGS.
47
67
May 9, 2024
Reinspection
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM PREVIOUS REPORT #257939 ISSUED ON 08-01-2023: -VIOLATION #58: NO ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED. COS 5/10/24
60
90
May 2, 2024
Complaint
2 major violations.
View 2 violations
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM PREVIOUS REPORT #257939 ISSUED ON 08-01-2023: - VIOLATION #56: NOTED HOOD VENTILATION FILTERS WITH A BUILD UP OF DUST AND GREASE -VIOLATION #58: NO ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
60
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED MANAGER FROM 2:35PM TO 3:05PM WHILE TCS FOODS SUCH AS CHICKEN WERE PREPARED. AT 3:05PM CERTIFIED MANAGER MARIA MEDRANO ARRIVED ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN EMPLOYEE HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED
2
82
Aug 1, 2023
Routine
2 major violations. 9 minor violations.
View 11 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FACILITY WITHOUT A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED ONSITE FOR FOOD EMPLOYEES.NO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE CITY OF CHICAGO ORIGINAL FOOD SERVICE CERTIFICATE MUST BE POSTED ALONG WITH THE CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE WHEN TIME AND TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY(TCS) FOODS ARE STORED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED
2
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TCS FOODS (COOKED LASAGNA, PASTA) HELD FOR OVER 24 HOURS WITH OUT DISCARD DATES. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO PROVIDE DISCARD DATE FOR ANY TCS FOODS HELD FOR OVER 24 HOURS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
23
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS, SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SOILED MOP HEADS NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO HANG MOP HEADS TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A HEAVY ACCUMULATION OF DIRT, DUST, GREASE, FOOD SPLATTER AND FOOD DEBRIS ON THE WALLS AND FLOORS ESPECIALLY ALONG THE HOT FOOD SERVICE LINE UNDER AND AROUND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND NON COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL AREAS.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE HOOD VENTILATION FILTERS WITH A BUILD UP OF DUST AND GREASE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AS A MEANS OF HELPING PREVENT POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION OF FOODS.
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATES MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES
58
Proper eating, tasting, drinking, or tobacco use
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ONE EMPLOYEE EATING IN THE PREP LINE AREA. INSTRUCTED NOT TO EAT AT THE PREP AREA TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION OF OTHER FOODS BEEN PREPARED.
6
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SUGAR, SALT AND GARLIC OUT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS LABELS CONTAINING THE PRODUCT NAME. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL FOODS AND SPICES WITH COMMON NAME THAT ARE OUT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS.
37
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE INSIDE OF THE DEEP FRYER OIL FILTERING UNIT WITH A BUILD UP OF GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RESIDUE ON INTERIOR SURFACES OF ICE MACHINE IN REAR, DUST BUILDUP ON INTERIOR SURFACES OF PIZZA OVEN AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF BULK CONTAINERS AND COOLERS IN PIZZA PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
49
52
Sep 1, 2022
Complaint
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RAW WOOD EXPSOED WORK STATION IN THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PAINT OR STAIN ALL RAW EXPOSED WOOD AS A MEANS OF MAKING SURFACE EASY TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
47
95
Oct 20, 2021
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Oct 6, 2021
License
1 critical violation. 4 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PREP COOLER IN REAR PREP AREA MAINTAINING TEMPERATURE OF 52.8F AND PREP COOLER IN FRONT PIZZA PREP AREA MAINTAINING TEMPERATURE OF 47.1F. ALL COLD HOLDING EQUIPMENT MUST MAINTAIN TEMPERATURE OF 41F OR BELOW. PRIORITY. 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
33
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO ESTABLISH AN APPROPRIATE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AND MAINTAIN WITH VERIFIABLE SIGNED COPIES ON SITE FOR ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: PREMISES HAS NO CLEAN UP PROCEDURES OR SUPPLIES TO CLEAN UP VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. MUST PROVIDE SUPPLIES OR BODY FLUID SPILL KIT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE THERMOMETER TO MEASURE HOT AND COLD FOOD TEMPERATURES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
36
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL TEST STRIPS FOR QUATERNARY AMMONIUM SANITIZER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
48
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SINK IN REGISTER AREA SLOW DRAINING. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: CERTIFIED MANAGER HAS NOT OBTAINED ALLERGEN TRAINING. ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN ALLERGEN TRAINING BY AN ANSI ACCREDITED AGENCY.
58
52
Frequently Asked Questions
When was The New Congress Pizza last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at The New Congress Pizza on file is from Sep 5, 2025. The public record contains 13 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at The New Congress Pizza?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at The New Congress Pizza.
Has The New Congress Pizza's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at The New Congress Pizza have averaged around one violation per visit, down from roughly six earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at The New Congress Pizza 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 The New Congress Pizza inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, The New Congress Pizza is inspected around three times per year on average.
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