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Restaurant · Chicago, IL

Kala Modern Greek

2523 N Clark St

Last inspected Apr 9, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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SteadyThe last two inspections recorded a similar number of violations. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

5 inspections

Short Form Complaint

Apr 9, 2026

Pass

2 recorded violations

notedCode 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

3-307.11--- NOTED SEVERAL BASEMENT BOX FREEZERS STORED UNDER WATER PIPING THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT PREP. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE FREEZERS OR PROPERLY ENCASE PIPING.

In plain English

Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.

More about food not protected from contamination
notedCode 41Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

Inspector’s notes

3-304.14---- COOKS LINE WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE HELD IN A CONTAINER WITH A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USE.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Apr 9, 2026 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

Feb 17, 2026

Pass

2 recorded violations

notedCode 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

3-307.11--- NOTED SEVERAL BASEMENT BOX FREEZERS STORED UNDER WATER PIPING THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT PREP. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE FREEZERS OR PROPERLY ENCASE PIPING.

In plain English

Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.

More about food not protected from contamination
notedCode 41Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

Inspector’s notes

3-304.14---- COOKS LINE WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE HELD IN A CONTAINER WITH A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USE.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Feb 17, 2026 · Original Source

Canvass

Feb 10, 2026

Fail

14 recorded violations

notedCode 1Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES

Inspector’s notes

THE PERSON IN CHARGE DURING THE INSPECTION DOES NOT HAVE A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues
notedCode 2Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

Inspector’s notes

NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED ON THE PREMISES. MUST PROVIDE A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE AND SUCH A PERSON MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues
notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

MISSING HAND SINK IN THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP AREA WHERE ICE CREAM MAKING MACHINES AND A MEAT SLICER ARE LOCATED AND FOODS PREPARED. MUST PROVIDE A HAND WASHING SINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER THAT PROPERLY DRAINS, SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS, HAND WASHING SIGNAGE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.

In plain English

Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.

More about handwashing problems
notedCode 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

NOTED SEVERAL BASEMENT BOX FREEZERS STORED UNDER WATER PIPING THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT PREP. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE FREEZERS OR PROPERLY ENCASE PIPING.

In plain English

Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.

More about food not protected from contamination
notedCode 40Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

Inspector’s notes

NOTED SEVERAL COOKS ON COOK'S LINE PREPARING FOODS WITH UNPROTECTED BEARDS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE BEARD RESTRAINTS.

In plain English

This covers things like hair restraints, jewelry, clean clothing, eating or drinking in food prep areas, touching ready-to-eat food with bare hands, or not having a sick-employee policy.

More about employee hygiene or health policy issues
notedCode 41Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

Inspector’s notes

COOKS LINE WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE HELD IN A CONTAINER WITH A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USE.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 43Equipment and utensils

Official wording

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED

Inspector’s notes

NOTED A KNIFE IMPROPERLY STORED BETWEEN PREP COOLER AND HOT HOLDING UNIT. MUST PROVIDE PROPER KNIFE HOLDER OR STORE ON A CLEAN PREP SURFACE.

In plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues
notedCode 45Equipment and utensils

Official wording

SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED

Inspector’s notes

ALL STORED ITEMS THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOORS.

In plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues
notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

Inspector’s notes

MUST NOT USE MILK CRATES AS A MEANS OF ELEVATION THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT PREP/STORAGE AND MAIN KITCHEN.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD AS LINER FOR SHELVING INSIDE KITCHEN CABINETS OR PAPER TOWELS AS LINER UNDER COOKS LINE CUTTING BOARDS.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

FLOORS THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT DRY FOOD STORAGE WITH DIRT AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.----NOTED BLACKENED, MOLDY WALL CAULKING AT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.----NOTED A LARGE HOLE IN THE CEILING OF THE EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR TO BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 57Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

Inspector’s notes

NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES FOR ALL REQUIRED EMPLOYEES. NEW HIRED EMPLOYEES HAVE 30 DAYS TO AQUIRE TRAINING.

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues
notedCode 60Other

Official wording

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

Inspector’s notes

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM 3-24-25 REPORT #2614376 NOT CORRECTED. #10 OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGN IN CUSTOMER BATHROOM AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGNAGE IN BATHROOM TO INSTRUCT EMPLOYEES THEY MUST WASH HANDS- #47-- OBSERVED TORN PROTECTIVE PLASTIC COATINGS ON INTERIOR OF DOORS OF REACH IN COOLERS ON PREP LINE (BOTH COOLERS) AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE AND PROVIDE A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE. #56-- OBSERVED LIGHT BULB IN WALK IN COOLER WITH MISSING PROTECTIVE SHIELDING. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE/PROVIDE TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTIVE SHIELDING.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
notedCode 61Other

Official wording

SUMMARY REPORT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC

Inspector’s notes

SUMMARY REPORT GIVEN AND POSTED ON 3-24-25 REPORT #2614376 NOT POSTED AT THIS TIME IN PLAIN VIEW OF THE ESTABLISHMENTS CUSTOMERS. TODAYS SUMMARY POSTED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-010(B) CITATION ISSUED.

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Feb 10, 2026 · Original Source

Canvass

Mar 24, 2025

Pass w/ Conditions

7 recorded violations

notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED DIRT, FOOD DEBRIS, AND CRUMBS ACCUMULATING IN PREP COOLER GASKETS AT BOTH PREP COOLERS AT FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN GASKETS FREE OF EXCESSIVE FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP. OBSERVED HEAVY GREASE BUILD UP ON EXTERIOR OF FLAT TOP GRILL AND INTERIOR COMPARTMENTS/DOOR OF BOTH DEEP FRYERS. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FREE OF HEAVY GREASE BUILD UP.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGN IN CUSTOMER BATHROOM AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING SINAGE IN BATHROOM TO INSTRUCT EMPLOYEES THEY MUST WASH HANDS.

In plain English

Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.

More about handwashing problems
notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED TORN PROTECTIVE PLASTIC COATINGS ON INTERIOR OF DOORS OF REACH IN COOLERS ON PREP LINE (BOTH COOLERS) AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE AND PROVIDE A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 50Other

Official wording

HOT & COLD WATER AVAILABLE; ADEQUATE PRESSURE

Inspector’s notes

NOTED INADEQUATE HOT WATER ON PREMISES. TEMPERATURE AT THREE (3) HANDWASH SINKS IN MAIN PREP AREA @74.6F, 72.5F, 75.1F, 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AT 80.5F, 1 COMPARTMENT SINK AT 74.6F, WASHROOM SINK AT 75.1F. PRIORITY VIOLATION CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-030(C). MUST RESTORE AND MAINTAIN HOT RUNNING WATER AT 100F FOR ALL HAND WASHING SINKS AND 110F AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINKS. WATER RESTORED AT MINIMUM OF 100F AND 110 AT HAND WASHING SINKS AND 3 COMP SINK, RESPECTIVELY. PLUMBER ON SITE BY END OF INSPECTION.

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
notedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED LEAK FROM FAUCET OF ONE (1) COMPARTMENT SINK IN FRONT PREP AREA, AND LEAK FROM FAUCET OF 3 COMPARTMENT FAUCET IN REAR. OBSERVED LEAK FROM DRAIN OF MIDDLE BASIN DRAIN OF 3 COMPARTMENT IN REAR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SERVICE LEAKING SINKS AND DRAIN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD REPAIR.

In plain English

The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.

More about water, plumbing, or sewage problems
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED HEAVY GREASE, FOOD DEBRIS, AND LOOSE PLASTIC/TRASH BUILD UP ON THE FLOORS BELOW THE FRYERS, UNDER THE 2 DOOR COOLERS, AND BELOW THE FLAT TOP/OVEN ON SIDE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DETAIL CLEAN ALL AREAS FREE OF EXCESSIVE GREASE AND LOOSE DEBRIS BUILD UP AND MAINTAIN FREE.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 56Facility maintenance

Official wording

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED LIGHT BULB IN WALK IN COOLER WITH MISSING PROTECTIVE SHIELDING. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE/PROVIDE TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTIVE SHIELDING.

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Mar 24, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

Apr 16, 2024

Pass

2 recorded violations

notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

Inspector’s notes

NOTED CUTTING BOARDS ON COOK LINE PREP AREA WITH DEEP CUTS AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO RESTORE TO A SMOOTH CLEANABLE SURFACE OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 58Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Inspector’s notes

NOTED NO ALLERGEN CERTIFICATES FOR CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ALLERGEN CERTIFICATES ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETE THE ONLINE TRAINING AND MAINTAIN ON PREMISES AT ALL TIME.

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Apr 16, 2024 · Original Source

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