Skip to content
Loading map…

PALACE GATE AFRICA RESTAURANT

4548 N MAGNOLIA AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60640 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

PALACE GATE AFRICA RESTAURANT has been inspected 13 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since April 17, 2017. The most recent inspection, on September 17, 2025, found no infractions.

4 of 13 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, Pests and Food source, labelling and allergens.

The last 2 inspections in a row found no infractions. 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 6 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on March 22, 2021. For example: WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

  • 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 3 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on October 11, 2022. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

  • 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 22, 2021. For example: FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

  • Protecting food from contaminationHigher risk

    This covers how food is stored, prepared and displayed: raw meat kept away from ready-to-eat food, food covered and stored off the floor, and nothing dripping or splashing into it. Cross-contamination from raw to cooked food is a direct route for salmonella and E. coli.

    Recorded once on May 5, 2023. For example: CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

  • 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 November 27, 2019. For example: PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

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.

13 inspections

  1. Canvass

    0 infractions

  2. Canvass Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  3. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 1. PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
      • PERSON IN CHARGE DOES NOT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.
    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • FOUND NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS (BEEF, CHICKEN, GOAT MEAT ETC) ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE, A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH A CURRENT CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES THAT TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY (TCS) FOOD IS BEING PREPARED, HELD FOR SERVICE, OR SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • FOOD HANDLER WITH NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT, ALL FOOD HANDLER THAT DO NOT HAVE CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE SHALL COMPLETE AN APPROVED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING PROGRAM.
    • 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT# 2575474 ISSUED ON 05-05-2023 PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED #39 - OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN THE REAR DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR. #55 - OBSERVED LOOSE DEBRIS, DIRT AND DUST BUILDUP ON THE FLOORS AND CORNERS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO DETAIL CLEAN AND INCREASE CLEANING FREQUENCY OF FLOORS AND MAINTAIN. #55 - OBSERVED UNNECESSARY ITEMS BEING STORED ALONG THE WALLS IN FRONT DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE ALL UNUSED ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE. #58 - OBSERVED ONE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT ALLERGEN AWARNESS TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ENSURE THAT ANY INDIVIDUAL THAT HAS A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS CERITFICATE RECEIVES ALLERGEN AWARENESS TRAINING AND KEEPS CERTIFICATE ON THE PREMISES.
  4. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN THE REAR DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED LOOSE DEBRIS, DIRT AND DUST BUILDUP ON THE FLOORS AND CORNERS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO DETAIL CLEAN AND INCREASE CLEANING FREQUENCY OF FLOORS AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED UNNECESSARY ITEMS BEING STORED ALONG THE WALLS IN FRONT DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE ALL UNUSED ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED ONE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT ALLERGEN AWARNESS TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ENSURE THAT ANY INDIVIDUAL THAT HAS A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS CERITFICATE RECEIVES ALLERGEN AWARENESS TRAINING AND KEEPS CERTIFICATE ON THE PREMISES.
  5. Canvass Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  6. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED 3 LIVE ROACHES ON WALLS AT PREP AREA ABOVE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REMOVE ALL ROACH ACTIVITY BY THE DATE OF REINSPECTION. ADVISED TO CALL PEST CONTROL OPERATOR FOR SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A).
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED DIRT BUILD UP REAR STORAGE ROOM SOUTH WALL BEHIND STAND-UP FREEZER. MUST CLEAN FLOOR AND MAINTAIN.
  7. Canvass Re-Inspection

    2 infractions

    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-201.11 REPLACE BROKEN FLOOR TILES IN FRONT OF THE COOKING EQUIPMENT. SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH, CLEANABLE, AND NON-ABSORBENT MATERIAL
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • 2-102.13 NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE PROVIDED ON SITE, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
  8. Non-Inspection

    8 infractions

    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • FOOD STORED IN CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH A COMMON NAME
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • PEST CONTROL NOT COMPLETE. MISSING IDPH LICENSE AND INVOICE OF SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION: 7-38-020(C), NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 41. WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
      • MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN PREP AREAS IN SANITIZER BUCKET BETWEEN USES TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • NOTED USED LARGE POTS ON-SITE ON TOP SHELF INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A PROCEDURE FOR PROPER WASHING AND SANITIZING OF EQUIPMENT OR REMOVE SAID UTENSILS -
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS AND SPILLS INSIDE COOLERS AND FREEZERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • REPLACE BROKEN FLOOR TILES IN FRONT OF THE COOKING EQUIPMENT. SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH, CLEANABLE, AND NON-ABSORBENT MATERIAL
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • EXCESS DEBRIS ON WALL VENT COVERS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE PROVIDED ON SITE, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
  9. Canvass

    8 infractions

    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • FOOD STORED IN CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH A COMMON NAME
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • PEST CONTROL NOT COMPLETE. MISSING IDPH LICENSE AND INVOICE OF SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION: 7-38-020(C), NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 41. WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
      • MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN PREP AREAS IN SANITIZER BUCKET BETWEEN USES TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • NOTED USED LARGE POTS ON SITE ON TOP SHELF INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A PROCEDURE FOR PROPER WASHING AND SANITIZING OF EQUIPMENT OR REMOVE SAID UTENSILS -
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS AND SPILLS INSIDE COOLERS AND FREEZERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • EXCESS DEBRIS ON WALL VENT COVERS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • REPLACE BROKEN FLOOR TILES IN FRONT OF THE COOKING EQUIPMENT. SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH, CLEANABLE, AND NON-ABSORBENT MATERIAL
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE PROVIDED ON SITE,INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
  10. Canvass

    8 infractions

    • 1. PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
      • NO PERSON IN CHARGE DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOLLOWING THE NEW CODE AND GUIDELINES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE VERIFICATION OF EACH EMPLOYEE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEAN UP KIT AND PROCEDURE ON SITE DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROCEDURE ALONG WITH THE NECESSARY SUPPLIES AS OUTLINED IN POLICY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 23. PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
      • OBSERVED REFRIGERATED READY TO EAT TCS FOODS HELD FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS NOT PROPERLY DATE MARKED. INSTRUCTED TO CLEARLY MARK FOOD ITEMS WITH THE USE BY DATE ALONG WITH THE PREP DATE HELD NO LONGER THAN 7 DAYS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 54. GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED GARBAGE BAGS FILLED WITH FOOD BY REAR DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO THROW AWAY GARBAGE IN DUMPSTER OUTSIDE TO PREVENT PESTS FROM ENTERING PREMISES.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED REFRIGERATOR HANDLE IN REAR BY BACK DOOR LOOSE AND IN POOR REPAIR. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES FOR ALL CURRENT EMPLOYEES.
  11. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • NOTED HEAVY DUST ACCUMULATION ON HOOD OF STOVE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • NOTED EMPLOYEE BELONGINGS ON SHELF AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND PROVIDE APPROPRIATE AREA FOR EMPLOYEES TO PUT THEIR BELONGINGS.
  12. License Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  13. License

    3 infractions

    • 2. FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE
      • ONE OF SEVERAL REFRIGERATORS NOT MAINTAINING ADEQUATE TEMPERATURE. FOUND COOLER TO BE AT 45.9F. COOLER TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION AND MUST NOT USE UNTIL REPAIRED OR REPLACED AND MAINTAINS A TEMPERATURE OF 40F OR BELOW AND CDPH CONTACTED FOR RE-INSPECTION AND TAG REMOVAL. INSTRUCTED TO USE OTHER REFRIGERATION ON SITE THAT IS MAINTAINING PROPER TEMPERATURES. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A).
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • MUST PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELDS THROUGHOUT THE FOOD, DISH AND REAR DRY FOOD STORAGE AREAS.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • ALL UNNECESSARY ITEMS STORED ON THE REAR WALKWAY MUST BE REMOVED TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORING.

Nearby inspected facilities

Own this business? Add a badge to your website