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CHOLIES PIZZERIA INC.

1601 E 53RD ST, CHICAGO, IL 60615 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

CHOLIES PIZZERIA INC. has been inspected 20 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since July 30, 2013. The most recent inspection, on March 24, 2026, recorded 2 infractions.

None of the 20 inspections on record were free of infractions. In the past 12 months there was 1 inspection with 2 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Cleaning and sanitizing, Food source, labelling and allergens and Food temperature control.

Recent inspections have recorded fewer infractions than earlier ones, so the record is improving.

What these findings mean

Health authorities word their violations differently, so we group them by what they mean for food safety. Higher-risk findings are the ones inspectors treat as critical, because they can directly make someone sick.

  • Cleaning and sanitizingHigher risk

    Anything that touches food, such as cutting boards, dishes and utensils, must be washed, rinsed and sanitized. Inspectors check dishwasher temperatures, sanitizer strength and how wiping cloths are stored. Poor sanitizing lets bacteria survive from one use to the next.

    Recorded 5 times across 5 separate inspections, most recently on March 24, 2026. For example: FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

  • Food source, labelling and allergensHigher risk

    Food must come from approved suppliers, stay in labelled containers and be thrown out when it is spoiled or damaged, such as dented or swollen cans. Labelling matters for allergies: an unlabelled container can hide an allergen.

    Recorded 3 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on March 26, 2018. For example: FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED

  • Food temperature controlHigher risk

    Bacteria multiply fastest between about 4 °C and 60 °C (40 °F to 140 °F). Inspectors check that cold food stays cold, hot food stays hot, cooked food is cooled quickly, and that staff have accurate thermometers. Temperature problems are one of the most common causes of food poisoning, so these are treated as critical findings.

    Recorded 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on March 24, 2026. For example: THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

  • Handwashing and staff hygieneHigher risk

    Hands are the main way germs like norovirus move from people to food. Inspectors look for stocked, accessible handwashing sinks, staff washing hands when required, hair restraints, and sick employees being kept away from food. Gaps here can spread illness quickly.

    Recorded once on February 19, 2019. For example: PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

  • PestsHigher risk

    Signs of mice, rats, cockroaches or flies, or gaps and clutter that let them get in or hide. Pests carry bacteria and can contaminate food and surfaces, so evidence of activity is treated seriously and usually triggers a follow-up visit.

    Recorded once on September 16, 2015. For example: NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS

About this data

These results come from Chicago Department of Public Health, which inspects food premises and other public facilities in this area. We republish the authority's public disclosure data and refresh it regularly; the official record is the final word.

20 inspections

  1. Complaint

    2 infractions

    • 16. FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
      • OBSERVED THE ICE BIN INTERIOR IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ICE, CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • NOTED BROKEN THERMOMETER INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO EQUIP ALL REFRIGERATION UNITS WITH ACCURATE AND WORKING THERMOMETERS.
  2. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION #58(ALLERGEN TRAINING) NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2609283, DATE 12-17-24. Violation Codes: 2-102.13 Inspector Comments: OBSERVERED CERTIFIED MANAGER ON DUTY WITH AN EXPIRED ALLERGEN CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO RENEW AND MAINTAIN AS REQUIRED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION CITATION ISSUED #7-42-090
  3. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 45. SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED
      • OBSERVED A FEW FOOD ITEMS STORED IN GROCERY BAGS IN THE REAR DEEP FREEZER. INSTRUTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS AND/OR CONTAINER.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN PROPER SINK STOPPERS FOR THE 3 COMP SINK.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOOR IN CORNER AREAS AROUND AND BEHIND EQUIPMENT WHERE NEEDED.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVERED CERTIFIED MANAGER ON DUTY WITH AN EXPIRED ALLERGEN CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO RENEW AND MAINTAIN AS REQUIRED.
  4. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED THE SHELVING INSIDE THE COOLER RUSTED AND DIRTY. MUST REMOVE RUST AND CLEAN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • NOTED CLUTTER THROUGH OUT PREMISES. MUST ORGANIZE AND/OR REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ITEMS TO PREVENT HARBORAGE.
  5. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOOR IN CORNER AREAS AROUND AND BEHIND EQUIPMENT WHERE NEEDED.
  6. Complaint

    2 infractions

    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT WHERE NEEDED.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE FLOORS IN CORNER AREAS AROUND AND BEHIND KITCHEN EQUIPMENT.
  7. Complaint

    2 infractions

    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED EXCESSIVE GREASE ACCUMULATION IN LOWER INTERIOR OF FRYER ON THE LEFT. MUST REMOVE GREASE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE. MUST MAINTAIN SAME.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED EXCESSIVE DUST ACCUMULATION ON VENTILATION FAN INSIDE EMPLOYEE RESTROOM. MUST REMOVE, DETAIL CLEAN. MUST MAINTAIN SAME.
  8. Complaint

    2 infractions

    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE BOTTOM OF THE FRYERS.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT.
  9. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED LEAKING AT THE FAUCET NECK OF THE THREE COMP SINK WHEN WATER IS RUNNING; REPAIR LEAKING OR REPLACE FAUCET NECK.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED DUST ON THE VENTILATION FAN ON THE CEILING OF THE WASHROOM; CLEAN VENT TO REMOVE DUST OBSERVED.
  10. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AVAILABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE IN A VERIFIABLE MANNER EMPLOYEE RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT ANY ILLNESS TRANSMISSIBLE THROUGH FOOD. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010 CITATION ISSUED.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED DAMAGED LIGHT SHIELD IN REAR PREP/DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING AVAILABLE. ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING.
  11. Complaint

    3 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • OBSERVED NO POLICY IN PLACE FOR EMPLOYEE HEALTH. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • NO PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEA EVENTS. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
    • 41. WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
      • MUST PROPERLY STORE UNUSED WASH CLOTHS IN ADEQUATE CHEMICAL SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
  12. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 30. FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
      • Observed several potentially hazardous foods throughout prep coolers without proper labels. Must label all potentially hazardous foods with name and prep date. Must maintain same.
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • Observed excessive ice accumulation in 1 door freezer in rear prep area. Must defrost, clean and sanitize. Must maintain same.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • Observed gap around pipes leading to meter in ceiling in rear of prep area. Observe gap around edges of metal door on wall in rear of prep area. Must seal all holes in ceilings and walls to prevent pest entry. Must maintain same.
  13. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • CLEAN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF FRYER CABINETS, PREP COOLERS, SINKS.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • CLEAN FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • SEAL OPENING ALONG BASEBOARD IN REAR STORAGE AREA.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • ELEVATE ALL STOCK OFF FLOOR IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. STORE MOP HEAD UPRIGHT TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING.
  14. Canvass

    6 infractions

    • 11. ADEQUATE NUMBER, CONVENIENT, ACCESSIBLE, DESIGNED, AND MAINTAINED
      • NO HOT RUNNING WATER ON SITE. NOTED WATER AT EACH SINK AT 78 DEGREES F. MUST PROVIDE HOT RUNNING WATER AT ALL TIMES. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030
    • 30. FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
      • MUST REMOVE ALL PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS BEING USED TO STORE FOOD ITEMS. MUST USE FOOD GRADE BAGS OR CONTAINERS.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • DETAIL CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF SINKS AND COOKING EQUIPMENT.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • MUST DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS UNDER SHELVING UNITS, COOKING EQUIPMENT AND REFRIGERATION UNITS.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • MUST REPAIR HEAVILY LEAKYING PIPES UNDER THE THREE COMPARMENT SINK AND REAR HAND SINK. ALSO REPAIR THE LEAKY FAUCET AT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • MUST PROVIDE ADDITIONAL SHELVING RACKS AT THE REAR REFRIGERATION UNIT. MUST STORE ALL ITEMS 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR.
  15. Canvass Re-Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN GREASE & FOOD DEBRI FROM FLOOR ALONG WALL BASES.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED FLOOR TILE UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT AND REAR REACH IN FREEZER.
  16. Canvass

    8 infractions

    • 18. NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
      • OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF 6 LIVE ROACHES CRAWLING ON FLOOR BEHIND CHEST FREEZER & IN OPENING IN WALL BASE BEHIND SAME AND ON LOWER WALL UNDER 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.6-8 LIVE LARGE FLIES FLYING AROUND PREMISES.FRONT DOOR NOT TIGHT FITTING ALONG BOTTOM.MUST RODENT PROOF DOORS.RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 9/16/15.(SERIOUS 7-38-020)
    • 30. FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
      • MUST LABEL COOKED FOODS STORED IN REACH IN FREEZER.
    • 31. CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES
      • MUST STORE PLASTIC WEAR PROPERLY IN UPRIGHT POSTION.
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKETS ON 2- DOOR LARGE REACH IN COOLER.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • MUST CLEAN DEBRI FROM INTERIOR PARTS OF ICE MACHINE,MICROWAVE,FRYER & WHEEL BASES,GRILL TABLE,PIPES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • MUST CLEAN GREASE & FOOD DEBRI FROM FLOOR ALONG WALL BASES.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED FLOOR TILE UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT AND REAR REACH IN FREEZER.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • MUST SEAL OPENING AROUND PIPE LEADING INTO CEILING WHERE NEEDED.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LOOSE & OPENINGS IN WALL BASES IN DINING AREA,UNDER 3- COMP SINK & BEHIND REACH IN FREEZER.
    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • MUST PROVIDE THERMOMETER FOR PIZZA PREP COOLER.
  17. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • CLEAN INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • REMOVE DUST FROM THE CEILING VENTILATION FAN IN EMPLOYEE WASHROOM.
  18. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • FOUND A LOOSE RUBBER GASKET AT ONE DOOR OF TWO DOOR UNIT IN REAR PREP AREA NEXT TO FLOOR MIXER; REPAIR OR REPLACE LOOSE RUBBER GASKET.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • OBSERVED WORN PAINT ON WALL NEXT TO PREP COOLER IN FRONT PREP AREA; REPAINT SECTION OF WALL.
  19. License Re-Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • MUST INSTALL A BACK FLOW DEVICE AT THE ICE MACHINE.
  20. License

    4 infractions

    • 11. ADEQUATE NUMBER, CONVENIENT, ACCESSIBLE, DESIGNED, AND MAINTAINED
      • MUST INSTALL ADDITIONAL HAND WASHING FACILITIES THAT ARE READILY ACCESSIBLE TO THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF COOKING EQUIPMENT.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • MUST DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS THROUGHOUT PREMISES.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • MUST INSTALL A BACK FLOW DEVICE AT THE ICE MACHINE.

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