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THE GOOD LIFE SOUL FOOD CAFE

11226-11238 S HALSTED ST, CHICAGO, IL 60628 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

THE GOOD LIFE SOUL FOOD CAFE has been inspected 6 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since October 23, 2024. The most recent inspection, on February 3, 2026, recorded 9 infractions.

None of the 6 inspections on record were free of infractions. In the past 12 months there were 2 inspections with 19 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Cleaning and sanitizing, Protecting food from contamination 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 6 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on February 3, 2026. For example: WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

  • 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 5 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on March 26, 2025. For example: CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

  • 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 4 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on February 3, 2026. 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 3 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on January 27, 2026. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

  • 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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on February 3, 2026. For example: PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

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.

6 inspections

  1. Canvass Re-Inspection

    9 infractions

    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • OBSERVED PACKAGED DESSERTS NOT PROPERLY LABELED IN DISPLAY COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO LABEL ALL PACKAGED DESSERTS WITH INGREDIENTS, BUSINESS NAME, ADDRESS AND ALLERGENS.
    • 40. PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
      • FOOD HANDLER NOT WEARING A HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL IN THE FOOD PREP AREAS TO WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT. MAINTAIN SAME.
    • 41. WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
      • WIPING CLOTHS ARE NOT PROPERLY STORED WHEN NOT IN USE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION (SANITIZER MUST BE AT THE REQUIRED PPM) WHEN NOT IN USE. MAINTAIN SAME.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • BOTH CAN OPENERS WITH FOOD AND DIRT BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CAN OPENERS.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • THE INTERIOR OF THE FRYERS HAS RODENT DROPPINGS, GREASE BUILD UP, DIRT AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FRYERS.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • THE STORAGE RACKS IN THE WALK IN COOLER WITH DIRT AND FOOD BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN STORAGE RACKS. ALSO, THE COOLERS BEING USED AS STORAGE NEEDS TO BE CLEANED AND ORGANIZED. MAINTAIN SAME.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • THE INTERIOR OF THE FLOOR DRAINS AND FLOORS IN THE CORNERS, WALK IN COOLER, UNDER/AROUND ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT, STORAGE RACKS AND COOLERS WITH FOOD, DIRT, DEBRIS AND RODENT DROPPINGS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL FLOOR DRAINS AND FLOORS THROUGHOUT.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • WALK IN FREEZER IN THE BAKERY AREA NEEDS LIGHTING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ADEQUATE LIGHTING TO WALK IN FREEZER.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • FOOD HANDLER ON SITE WITH NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN A VALID FOOD HANDLER'S CERTIFICATE.
  2. Canvass

    10 infractions

    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • OBSERVED PACKAGED DESSERTS NOT PROPERLY LABELED IN DISPLAY COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO LABEL ALL PACKAGED DESSERTS WITH INGREDIENTS, BUSINESS NAME, ADDRESS AND ALLERGENS.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • RODENT DROPPINGS ON THE PREMISES. 60 BEHIND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT/FRYERS; 40 IN THE FRYERS; 60 IN THE CORNERS OF THE MOP SINK AREA AND 40 ALONG THE WALL BASE BEHIND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE BAKERY AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS, CLEAN/SANITIZE ALL AFFECTED AREAS AND CONTACT PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICES. MAINTAIN SAME. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED
    • 40. PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
      • FOOD HANDLER NOT WEARING A HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL IN THE FOOD PREP AREAS TO WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT. MAINTAIN SAME.
    • 41. WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
      • WIPING CLOTHS ARE NOT PROPERLY STORED WHEN NOT IN USE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION (SANITIZER MUST BE AT THE REQUIRED PPM) WHEN NOT IN USE. MAINTAIN SAME.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • BOTH CAN OPENERS WITH FOOD AND DIRT BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CAN OPENERS.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • THE STORAGE RACKS IN THE WALK IN COOLER WITH DIRT AND FOOD BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN STORAGE RACKS. ALSO, THE COOLERS BEING USED AS STORAGE NEEDS TO BE CLEANED AND ORGANIZED. MAINTAIN SAME.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • THE INTERIOR OF THE FRYERS HAS RODENT DROPPINGS, GREASE BUILD UP, DIRT AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FRYERS.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • THE INTERIOR OF THE FLOOR DRAINS AND FLOORS IN THE CORNERS, WALK IN COOLER, UNDER/AROUND ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT, STORAGE RACKS AND COOLERS WITH FOOD, DIRT, DEBRIS AND RODENT DROPPINGS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL FLOOR DRAINS AND FLOORS THROUGHOUT.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • WALK IN FREEZER IN THE BAKERY AREA NEEDS LIGHTING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ADEQUATE LIGHTING TO WALK IN FREEZER.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • FOOD HANDLER ON SITE WITH NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN A VALID FOOD HANDLER'S CERTIFICATE.
  3. Canvass Re-Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED OPENINGS IN WALLS AND CEILINGS IN UTILITY CLOSET. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
  4. Canvass

    10 infractions

    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS NOT LABELED IN BAKERY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO LABEL ALL BULK CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME OF FOOD.
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • OBSERVED PACKAGED DESSERTS NOT PROPERLY LABELED IN DISPLAY COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO LABEL ALL PACKAGED DESSERTS WITH INGREDIENTS, BUSINESS NAME, ADDRESS AND ALLERGENS.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED OVER 80 MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED ON COMPRESSOR UNIT NEAR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN BAKERY, INSIDE COMPRESSOR UNIT OF PREP COOLER IN REAR PREP AREA, ON FLOOR ALONG WALLS NEAR UTILITY SINK AND WATER HEATER IN UTILITY CLOSET. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALL AN EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED 1/4" GAP ON BOTTOM RIGHT CORNER OF SOUTHEAST DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS ON DOOR TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED MILK CRATES USED AS SHELVING UNITS IN WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING FOR STORAGE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED DEBRIS INSIDE FLOOR DRAINS AND ON FLOOR ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED OPENINGS IN WALLS AND CEILINGS IN UTILITY CLOSET. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED NO LIGHTING IN WALK-IN COOLER AND FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING AND MAINTAIN.
    • 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2605791 ON 11-1-24:39-OBSERVED NO SPLASH GUARD BETWEEN HAND WASHING SINK AND PREP SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE. 58- OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CERTIFIED MANAGERS. ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED
  5. License Re-Inspection

    7 infractions

    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED NO SHELVING UNITS INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER AND FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE SHELVING IN ALL COOLERS/FREEZERS.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED NO SPLASH GUARD BETWEEN HAND WASHING SINK AND PREP SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
    • 54. GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED NO RECEPTACLES AT HAND WASHING SINKS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED DEBRIS ON FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED SOILED AND PEELING SURFACES ON FILTERS INSIDE VENTILATION HOOD. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CERTIFIED MANAGERS. ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING.
  6. License

    17 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AVAILABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE SIGNED ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF EMPLOYEE RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT ANY ILLNESS TRANSMISSIBLE THROUGH FOOD. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005
    • 33. PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
      • OBSERVED PREP COOLER NOT MAINTAINING PROPER TEMPERATURE 47.2F AND SEVERAL COOLERS NOT OPERABLE. ALL COOLERS MUST MAINTAIN 41 FOR BELOW. PRIORITY 7-38-005
    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • OBSERVED NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER AVAILABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE FOR INTERNAL TEMPERATURES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED NO SHELVING UNITS INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER AND FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE SHELVING IN ALL COOLERS/FREEZERS.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED NO SPLASH GUARD BETWEEN HAND WASHING SINK AND PREP SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED RAW WOOD SURFACES UNDER FRONT COUNTERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL RAW WOOD SURFACES AND MAINTAIN.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED STOPPERS NOT OPERABLE AT 3-COMPARTMENT SINKS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR.
    • 50. HOT & COLD WATER AVAILABLE; ADEQUATE PRESSURE
      • OBSERVED NO HOT WATER AT MULTIPLE SINKS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HOT WATER UNDER CITY PRESSURE AT LEAST 100F AT HAND WASHING SINKS AND 110F AT 3-COMPARTMENT SINKS. PRIORITY 7-38-030(C)
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE IN WOMEN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
    • 54. GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED NO RECEPTACLES AT HAND WASHING SINKS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED PEELING SURFACES IN CEILING OF PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED UNUSED EQUIPMENT INSIDE AND OUTSIDE PREMISES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNUSED EQUIPMENT TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED DEBRIS ONFLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED MISSING LIGHT SHIELDS IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED SOILED AND PEELING SURFACES ON FILTERS INSIDE VENTILATION HOOD. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CERTIFIED MANAGERS. ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING.

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