Restaurant · Chicago, IL

Yassa African Restaurant

Name: Yassa African Restaurant
Address: 3511 S Dr Martin Luther King Jr Dr, Chicago, IL

3511 S Dr Martin Luther King Jr Dr

Last inspected Jan 26, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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More issues recentlyThe latest inspection recorded more violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

4 inspections

Canvass

Jan 26, 2026

Pass

6 recorded violations

notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

OBESRVED MISSING HANDWASH SIGNS AT KITCHEN HANDWASH SINK. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL 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.

Official wording

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETERS INSIDE THE REACH IN COOLERS AND DISPLAY COOLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CONSPICUOUS AND EASILY READABLE THERMOMETERS INSIDE ALL REFRIGERATOR UNITS TO PROPERLY MONITOR THE AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF EQUIPMENT.

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 37Food source and labeling

Official wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE COMMON NAME OF FOODS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

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 problems

notedCode 44Equipment and utensils

Official wording

UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED PLATES NOT INVERTED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT PLATES AFTER SANITIZING AND AIR DRYING.

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 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP ON COOKING EQUIPMENT, WALLS, SURROUNDING FLOORS AND SHELVING UNITS IN THE KITCHEN/PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO DEGREASE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE.

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

OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP, FOOD DEBRIS, AND DIRT ON FLOOR UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP, DISH WASHING, AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN ALL AREAS.

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, Jan 26, 2026 · Original Source

Complaint

Feb 14, 2025

Pass

5 recorded violations

notedCode 35Food temperature

Official wording

APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FROZEN CHICKEN IN LARGE POT IN THE KITCHEN THAWING OUT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY THAW INSIDE THE COOLER OR UNDERNEATH COOL RUNNING WATER.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature

notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED EXTERIOR OF COOKING EQUIPMENT DIRTY. MUST CLEAN 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 problems

notedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED A LEAKY PIPE UNDERNEATH THE HAND SINK IN THE REAR PREP AREA. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

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

INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE FLOORS UNDER AROUND AND BEHIND ALL KITCHEN EQUIPMENT, BEHIND STORAGE SHELVES, REFRIGERATION UNITS AND FREEZERS, UNDER SINKS AND IN CLOSETS WHERE HOT WATER TANK AND FURNACE LOCATED. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE WALLS IN PREP AREAS AROUND AND BEHIND KITCHEN EQUIPMENT, ALSO CLEAN CEILING VENTS AND LIGHT SHIELDS WHERE NEEDED IN PREP AREAS.

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

OBSERVED THE PIC WITHOUT HER ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AS REQUIRED OR CITATIONS WILL FOLLOW.

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, Feb 14, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

Apr 22, 2024

Pass w/ Conditions

5 recorded violations

notedCode 40Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS IN THE FOOD PREP AREA WITHOUT PROPER HAIR RESTRAINT. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

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 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

FLOORS NEED DETAIL CLEANING THROUGH OUT TO REMOVE SPILLS,DEBRIS AND/OR GREASE.

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 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED CUTTING BOARD IN POOR REPAIR(DEEP DARK OPEN SEEMS). MUST 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 problems

notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

MUST DEFROST AND CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE SMALL DEEP FREEZER IN THE 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 60Other

Official wording

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

Inspector’s notes

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION #57 FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2586318, DATE: 12-5-23. PREMISES STILL UNABLE TO PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE AS REQUIRED. Violation Codes: 2-102.13 Inspector Comments: UNABLE TO PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER CERTICATES FOR FOOD HANDLERS; MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION CITATION ISSUED #7-42-090.

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, Apr 22, 2024 · Original Source

Canvass

Dec 5, 2023

Pass w/ Conditions

8 recorded violations

notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FOLLOWING: INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE IN KITCHEN (COS), BOTTOMS OF ALL PREP TABLES, INTERIORS OF ALL REFRIGERATION AND FREEZER UNITS, EXTERIOR SURFACES OF ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT, INSIDE OF STOVE AND BOTTOM AREA OF FRYERS, TOP AREA OF STOVE AND CUTTING BOARD AT STEAM TABLE.

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

INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FOLLOWING: REMOVE DUST ON VENT FANS IN WASHROOMS, REMOVE DUST ON CEILING VENTS AND CEILING FANS IN DINNING AREA, CLEAN FLOORS UNDER AROUND AND BEHIND KITCHEN EQUIPMENT, CLEAN WALLS AROUND AND BEHIND KITCHEN EQUIPMENT TO REMOVE SPLATTER.

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

INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS; MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

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 61Other

Official wording

SUMMARY REPORT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC

Inspector’s notes

NO INSPECTION SUMMARY POSTED FROM PREVIOUS INSPECTION MADE ON NOVEMBER 2, 2022 AS REQUIRED; MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-010(B) CITATION ISSUED. SUMMARY WAS FOUND IN A FOLDER BY THE PERSON IN CHARGE.

In plain English

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

More about other finding

notedCode 3Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

Inspector’s notes

NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES AS REQUIRED; INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 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 53Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

Inspector’s notes

NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN WOMENS WASHROOM AS REQUIRED; INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE.

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

INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE VENTS IN THE HOODED SYSTEM ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT.

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

notedCode 57Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

Inspector’s notes

UNABLE TO PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER CERTICATES FOR FOOD HANDLERS; MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

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, Dec 5, 2023 · Original Source