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LUELLA'S SOUTHERN KITCHEN LLC

4609 N LINCOLN AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60625 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

LUELLA'S SOUTHERN KITCHEN LLC has been inspected 16 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since January 26, 2015. The most recent inspection, on July 2, 2025, found no infractions.

3 of 16 inspections on record found no infractions at all. No inspections are on record from the past 12 months. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Cleaning and sanitizing, Handwashing and staff hygiene and Food source, labelling and allergens.

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 3 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on August 27, 2024. For example: NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

  • 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 3 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on March 13, 2020. For example: ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

  • 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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on March 13, 2020. For example: FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

  • 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 June 21, 2017. For example: NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS

  • Building, plumbing and upkeepLower risk

    Floors, walls and ceilings must be smooth and clean, with working lighting, ventilation, plumbing, hot and cold water, and washrooms. These are rarely an immediate food-safety risk on their own, but persistent problems can lead to pest or sanitation issues.

    Recorded 26 times across 12 separate inspections, most recently on August 27, 2024. For example: PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

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.

16 inspections

  1. Canvass

    0 infractions

  2. Complaint

    4 infractions

    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • NOTED CUTTING BOARD AT COOK/ SERVICE LINE WITH DEEP CUTS AND STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO RESTORE TO SMOOTH CLEANABLE SURFACE OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • NOTED STOVE, CONVECTION OVEN AND SMOKER IN KITCHEN IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • NOTED CEILING SQUARE WITH VENT IN THE DISHROOM/ FOOD STORAGE AREA WITH DROPLETS OF WATER COMING FROM COVERED COOLING SYSTEM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND REPLACE WITH CEILING TILES THAT ARE A NON-ABSORBENT, NON-CORROSIVE, SMOOTH, EASY TO CLEAN. MUST REPLACE ALL STAINED CEILING TILES IN PREP AREA.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • NOTED FLOORS UNDERNEATH 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN NEED OF CLEANING.INSTRUCTED TO DEEP CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN. ALSO NOTED SLIPPERY FLOORS IN LOBBY, INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN A SLIP FREE SURFACE.
  3. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • NOTED CUTTING BOARD AT COOK/ SERVICE LINE WITH DEEP CUTS AND STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO RESTORE TO SMOOTH CLEANABLE SURFACE OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • NOTED CARDBOARD USED AS SHELF-LINING OF FRONT WATER/SODA REFRIGERATOR. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE USING ONLY A SOLID NON-POROUS SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE LINER.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • NOTED BATHROOM VENTS WITH HEAVY DUST BUILDUP, YELLOW EXPANDING FOAM FROM WALLS UNDERNEATH KITCHEN HANDWASH SINK AND BEHIND LOW TEMP DISH MACHINE. ALSO NOTED HOLES IN CEILING ABOVE KITCHEN HANDWASH SINK "REPAIRED" WITH STEEL WOOL AND TAPE.
  4. Non-Inspection

    0 infractions

  5. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 16. FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
      • OBSERVED DISH MACHINE WITH A FINAL SANITIZING CONCENTRATION OF 0PPM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR MACHINE SO THAT THE FINAL CHLORINE SANITIZING CONCENTRATION IS AT LEAST 50PPM. MACHINE TAGGED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-025 NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED 3 COMPARTMENT SINK WITH NO GREASE TRAP. MANAGER STATED THAT GREASE TRAP WAS REMOVED INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO RE-INSTALL GREASE TRAP.
    • 54. GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED OUTSIDE DUMPSTER RECEPTACLE AREA WITH LIGHT DEBRIS BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED STAINED CEILING TILES IN BATHROOM ON LEFT HAND SIDE OF HALLWAY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE CEILING TILES.
  6. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR LOOSE FAUCET AT HANDSINK INSIDE (LEFT) WASHROOM.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN REAR PREP/STORAGE AREA ESPECIALLY UNDER AND AROUND DISHMACHINE WITH GREASE AND DRIED FOOD DEBRIS ACCUMULATION AND INSIDE REAR BOILER ROOM.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • FOOD HANDLERS WITH INCOMPLETE PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CERTIFICATE FOR EACH EMPLOYEE.
  7. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE DEEP FRYERS, THE INTERIOR OF THE MICROWAVE, AND PREP TABLES.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • REPAIR THE LEAK AT THE FAUCET OF THE EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK IN THE KITCHEN PREP AREA.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • CLEAN OR REPLACE THE CEILING TILES IN THE KITCHEN PREP AREA. CLEAN THE WALLS AROUND THE DISH WASHING AREA.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • CLEAN THE GREASE BUILDUP ON THE VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • NO VALID ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE PROVIDED FOR THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.
  8. Canvass Re-Inspection

    2 infractions

    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST REPLACE BROKEN CEILING TILES IN KITCHEN PREP AREA
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST CLOSE HOLES IN DRY STORAGE WALLS WALL BY REAR GARAGE DOOR
  9. Canvass

    7 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SINK AT FRONT SERVICE ICETEA/COFFEE PREPARATION AREA. PREMISES MUST OBTAIN AND INSTALL A HAND SINK UNDER CITY WATER PRESSURE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C), CITATION ISSUED. -
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • OBSERVED CONTAINER WITH SUGAR NOT PROPERLY LABELED.ALL BULK AND WORKING FOOD INGREDIENT CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH CONTENTS NAME
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES NOT LOCATED AT ICE MACHINE AND COFFEE MACHINE. MUST INSTALL SO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES OR AIR GAP BETWEEN THE WATER SUPPLY INLET AND THE UNIT SO IT MAY BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED NO BACK FLOW PREVENTION INSTALLED ON HOSE ATTACHED TO MOP SINK FAUCET. MAST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FLOOR ALONG WALL BASES IN PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS AND DRY STORAGE
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST REPLACE BROKEN CEILING TILES IN KITCHEN PREP AREA
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST CLOSE HOLES IN DRY STORAGE WALLS WALL BY REAR GARAGE DOOR
  10. Canvass

    7 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010, NO CITATION ISSUED. - -
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • FOUND NO PROCEDURE/PLAN FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN APPROPRIATE SUPPLIES OR KIT. (NECESSARY ITEMS AT A MINIMUM: GLOVES, FACE MASKS, DISPOSABLE MOPS AND APPROPRIATE SANITIZER THAT KILLS NOROVIRUS).PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005,NO CITATION ISSUED. -
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • HAND WASHING SINK IS NEEDED AT FRONT SERVICE ICED TEA/COFFEE PREPARATION AREA. PREMISES MUST OBTAIN AND INSTALL A HAND SINK UNDER CITY WATER PRESSURE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C),NO CITATION ISSUED. -
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • A toilet room used by females shall be provided with a covered receptacle for sanitary napkins.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • FOUND UNUSED EQUIPMENT (COCA-COLA COOLER)IN PREP/DISH WASHING AREA.INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES INCLUDING MILK CRATES NOT TO BE USED FOR STORING ITEMS IN AND USED FOR ELEVATION OF DRY GOODS AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE WATER STAINED CEILING TILE IN FRONT COUNTER PREP/SERVICE STATION AND TO MAINTAIN.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • LIGHT BULBS MUST BE SHIELDED WHERE THERE IS EXPOSED FOOD;CLEAN EQUIPMENT,UTENSILS AND LINENS OR UNWRAPPED SINGLE-SERVICE AND SINGLE-USE ARTICLES AND MAINTAIN.
  11. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 31. CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES
      • ALL CLEAN UTENSILS,POTS,PANS MUST BE STORED UPSIDE DOWN/INVERTED TO PREVENT POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION AND DUST BUILD-UP.
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • CAULK AROUND THE EXPOSED HAND SINK,WORN OUT WITH BLACK MOLDY LIKE SUBSTANCE. MUST RE CAULK AND MAINTAIN. CRACKED/BROKEN SOLID LIGHT SHIELD ABOVE THE PREP COOLER IN THE PREP AREA. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • MISSING PART OF THE COVING(BASEBOARD) IN THE PREP/KITCHEN AREA. MUST INSTALL MISSING COVING 4" AND MAINTAIN.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • HOLE ON THE ENTRANCE DOOR OF THE KITCHEN. MUST SEAL REPAIR HOLE AND MAINTAIN. WATER STAINED CEILING TILES IN THE WOMEN'S WASHROOM. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • VENTILATION IN BOTH WASHROOMS NOT WORKING. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
  12. Canvass Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  13. Canvass

    6 infractions

    • 18. NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
      • OBSERVED LIVE FRUIT FLIES IN THE 3 COMPARTMENGT DISHWASHING AREA AND THE REAR DRY STORAGE AREAS. APPROXIMATELY 40 LIVE FRUIT FLIES WERE OBSERVED ON THE WALLS, CEILING AND EQUIPMENT IN THESE AREAS.INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AFFECTED AREAS, ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO MINIMIZE OR ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. ALSO, THE REAR OVER HEAD DOOR FROM THE DRY STORAGE AREA IS NOT RODENT PROOF. THERE IS APPROXIMATELY 1/2" GAP ALONG THE BOTTOM OF THE OVERHEAD DOOR. MUST MAKE SAID DOOR TIGHT FITTING ALL ACROSS THE BOTTOM TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY AND MAINTAIN. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • DETAIL CLEAN SIDES OF HOT COOKING EQUIPMENTS,INTERIOR BOTTOM COMPARTMENTS OF DEEP FRYERS,INTERIORS OF COOLERS,CUTTING BOARDS,UPPER PANEL OF ICE MAKER AND MAINTAIN.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS THROUGHOUT THE KITCHEN AND DRY STORAGE AREAS REQUIRE A DETAIL CLEANING AND MAINTAIN FLOORS DRY BENEATH THE DISHMACHINE AREA.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • DETAIL CLEAN WALLS AND CEILINGS ALONG THE KITCHEN AND DISHWASHING AREAS AND DRY STORAGE AREAS TO REMOVE FOOD SPLASHED DEBRIS AND MAINTAIN TO SMOOTH,EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACES.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED WATER LEAKS AT BASE OF FAUCET AT THE DISHWASHING 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.INSTRUCTED TO REAPIR PLUMBING LEAKS AND MAINTAIN.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • INSTRUCTED TO ELEVATE STOCK ITEMS AT LEAST 6" INCHES OFF THE FLOOR/WALL FOR EASIER CLEANING AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES AT DRY STORAGE AREAS AND BETTER MAINTAIN DUE TO POTENTIAL PEST HARBORAGE.
  14. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 31. CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES
      • FOUND FOOD CONTAINERS NOT STORED PROPERLY. MUST STORE INVERTED.
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • FOUND INTERIOR OF REACH IN COOLERS NOT CLEAN. MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • FOUND NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES AT ICE MACHINE WATERLINE AND MOP SINK FAUCET. MUST PROVIDE.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • FOUND MOPS AND BROOMS NOT STORED PROPERLY. MUST RELOCATE.
  15. Complaint

    5 infractions

    • 30. FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
      • Instructed facility to label the bulk food containers and to maintain.
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • Observed torn gaskets on the two door coolers in the front prep area. Instructed facility to clean and maintain.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • Observed dirt and debris in the smoker cabinet and in the lower compartments of the deep fryers. Instructed facility to clean and maintain both.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • Observed dirt and debris on the floors under the cooking equipment and under the three compartment sink and dish machine. Instructed facility to clean and maintain. Instructed facility to install and maintain coving in the front prep area where tile coving is missing.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • Instructed facility to obtain and maintain sink stoppers for the three compartment sink.
  16. License

    3 infractions

    • 37. TOILET ROOM DOORS SELF CLOSING: DRESSING ROOMS WITH LOCKERS PROVIDED: COMPLETE SEPARATION FROM LIVING/SLEEPING QUARTERS
      • NO SELF-CLOSING DEVICES AT BATHROOM DOORS, MUST PROVIDE,
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • LEAKING FAUCET AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK, MUST REPAIR,
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • CLUTTER IN REAR STORAGE AREA, MUST CLEAN AND BETTER ORGANIZE,

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