Canvass
Jan 27, 2026
Out of Business
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jan 27, 2026 · Original Source
Restaurant · Chicago, IL
Nola Cafe & Bar
3481-3483 N Clark St
Last inspected Jan 27, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗
The department’s records list this business as closed or out of business.
Out of Business
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ImprovingThe latest inspection recorded fewer violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.
The full inspection history
5 inspectionsComplaint Re-Inspection
Mar 4, 2025
Pass
4 recorded violations
notedCode 37Food source and labeling
Official wording
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
Inspector’s notes
3-302.12// NOTED BULK DRY INGREDIENTS STORED IN KITCHEN WITHOUT LABELS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN LABELS ON CONTAINERS OF ITEMS REMOVED FROM ITS ORIGINAL CONTAINER.
In plain English
Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.
More about food source, dating, or labeling problemsnotedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
Inspector’s notes
4-501.12// NOTED CUTTING BOARD IN KITCHEN WITH DEEP CUTS AND STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO DEEP CLEAN AND RESTORE TO SMOOTH AND EASY TO CLEAN SURFACE BY SANDING AND SEALING. OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
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 problemsnotedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
4-601.11// NOTED ENCRUSTED GREASE ON ALL SURFACES(TOPS AND BOTTOMS) OF ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT,STOVE, FRYERS AND OVEN. THE SHELF UNDER STOVE AND GRILL WITH FLOUR AND FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO DEEP CLEAN AND SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.
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 problemsnotedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
6-201.11//FLOORS THROUGHOUT KITCHEN, UNDER FRONT MAIN BAR AND KITCHEN 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND FLOOR DRAIN WITH HEAVY GREASE AND FOOD RESIDUE. INSTRUCTED TO DEEP CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS AND MAINTAIN.
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 problemsOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Mar 4, 2025 · Original Source
Complaint
Feb 25, 2025
Fail
10 recorded violations
notedCode 10Handwashing
Official wording
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
Inspector’s notes
NOTED NO HANDWASH SIGNAGE IN GUEST/EMPLOYEE WASHROOM AND BASEMENT WASHROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
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 problemsnotedCode 16Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED ICE MACHINE LOCATED IN KITCHEN AND AT NORTH WALL BAR WITH A BUILD-UP OF BLACK AND BROWN SUBSTNACE IN DIRECT CONTACT WITH ICE CUBES STORED AT BELOW ICE BIN. ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005.CITATION ISSUED
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 problemsnotedCode 23Food source and labeling
Official wording
PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED READY-TO-EAT, TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY (TCS) FOODS (COOKED PASTA IN TALL REFRIGERATOR, JAMBALAYA, GUMBO, COOKED LOBSTER, COOKED CRAWFISH, HOUSEMADE MAYO BASE DIP NOT LABELED TO INDICATE THE PRODUCT'S NAME AND DATE IN WHICH THE FOOD MUST BE SOLD, DISCARDED OR CONSUMED WITHIN 7 DAYS OF PREPARATION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER LABELS FOR DATE MARKING AND DISCARD DATE FOR REFRIGERATED, READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOODS HELD OVER 24HRS PLACED IN ALL COLD-HOLDING UNITS. PERSON IN CHARGE DISCARDED AND DENATURED APPROX. 80 LBS VALUED AT $300 PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED
In plain English
Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.
More about food source, dating, or labeling problemsnotedCode 37Food source and labeling
Official wording
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
Inspector’s notes
NOTED BULK DRY INGREDIENTS STORED IN KITCHEN WITHOUT LABELS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN LABELS ON CONTAINERS OF ITEMS REMOVED FROM ITS ORIGINAL CONTAINER.
In plain English
Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.
More about food source, dating, or labeling problemsnotedCode 39Contamination
Official wording
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED CHIPS STORED ON SHELF ABOVE KITCHEN STOVE IN AN UNCOVERED BIN THAT HAS EXCESSIVE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF CONTAINER. INSTRUCTED TO COVER ALL STORED FOOD AND MAINTAIN CLEAN FOOD CONTACT SURFACES
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 contaminationnotedCode 40Employee health and hygiene
Official wording
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
Inspector’s notes
NOTED FOOD HANDLER IN KITCHEN WITHOUT PROPER HAIR RESTRAINTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS IN AND OUT OF KITCHEN.
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 issuesnotedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
Inspector’s notes
NOTED CUTTING BOARD IN KITCHEN WITH DEEP CUTS AND STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO DEEP CLEAN AND RESTORE TO SMOOTH AND EASY TO CLEAN SURFACE BY SANDING AND SEALING. OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
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 problemsnotedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
NOTED ENCRUSTED GREASE ON ALL SURFACES(TOPS AND BOTTOMS) OF ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT,STOVE, FRYERS AND OVEN. THE SHELF UNDER STOVE AND GRILL WITH FLOUR AND FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO DEEP CLEAN AND SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.
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 problemsnotedCode 53Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
Inspector’s notes
NOTED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE IN WOMANS WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
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 problemsnotedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
FLOORS THROUGHOUT KITCHEN, UNDER FRONT MAIN BAR AND KITCHEN 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND FLOOR DRAIN WITH HEAVY GREASE AND FOOD RESIDUE. INSTRUCTED TO DEEP CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS AND MAINTAIN.
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 problemsOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Feb 25, 2025 · Original Source
Canvass Re-Inspection
Aug 13, 2024
Pass
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Aug 13, 2024 · Original Source
Canvass
Aug 6, 2024
Fail
4 recorded violations
notedCode 16Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED SLIGHT PINK BUILD UP INSIDE BOTH ICE MACHINES UPPER PORTIONS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST CLEAN INTERIOR OF BOTH ICE MACHINES AND MAINTAIN.
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 problemsnotedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED ON THE FLOORS THROUGHOUT THE FOOD PREP AREA (UNDER THREE-COMPARTMENT SINK AND UNDER AND ON THE SIDES OF ALL THE EQUIPMENT UNDER THE VENTILATION HOOD, INTERIOR OF DEEP FRYERS) WITH GREASE BUILD-UP, FOOD DEBRIS, AND FLOUR. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL SAID EQUIPMENT AND FLOORS.
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 problemsnotedCode 56Facility maintenance
Official wording
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED GREASE BUILD UP ON VENTILATION HOOD. MUST CLEAN VENTILATION HOOD AND MAINTAIN.
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 issuesnotedCode 60Other
Official wording
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
Inspector’s notes
THE FOLLOWING PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT #2578464 DATED ON 07/11/23 NOT CORRECTED-# 49 OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ON PREP AREA SHELVES AND GREASE BUILD UP ON SHELF UNDER VENTILATION HOOD, MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN PREP AREA SHELVES AND #58 CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS WITHOUT FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST HAVE FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090. SAID PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS MUST BE CORRECTED BY DATE OF REINSPECTION.
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Aug 6, 2024 · Original Source