Canvass
Oct 19, 2026
Out of Business
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Oct 19, 2026 · Original Source
Restaurant · Chicago, IL
So Soulful Eatery
3944 W Chicago Ave
Last inspected Oct 19, 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.
Quick Answers
- When was So Soulful Eatery last inspected?
- The most recent inspection on record was on Oct 19, 2026. The result listed by Chicago Department of Public Health was “Out of Business”.
- Were any violations recorded at the last inspection?
- No. No violations were recorded at the most recent inspection.
- How many inspections are on record?
- 5 inspections on record, from Sep 17, 2024 to Oct 19, 2026.
- Has So Soulful Eatery ever been closed by the health department?
- No closure appears in the 5 inspection records we hold for this business. The earliest is dated Sep 17, 2024.
The Full Inspection History
5 inspectionsCanvass
Jul 6, 2026
Pass w/ Conditions
11 recorded violations
notedCode 1Permits, training, and postings
Official Wording
PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED NO PERSON-IN-CHARGE PRESENT WITH CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER CERTIFICATE.
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 issuesnotedCode 2Permits, training, and postings
Official Wording
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
Inspector’s Notes
NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE OR VALID DOCUMENTATION ON THE PREMISES WHILE TCS FOODS (MACARONI W/CHEESE, CABBAGE, GRAVY ETC.) IS BEING HANDLED AND PREPARED.INSTRUCTED THE PERSON-IN-CHARGE THAT A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGER WITH AN ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE MUST BE ON THE PREMISES AT ALL TIMES WHEN (TCS FOODS) ARE PREPARED, HANDLED, AND/OR 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 issuesnotedCode 3Permits, training, and postings
Official Wording
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON THE PREMISES.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE WORKING ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 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 issuesnotedCode 36Equipment and utensils
Official Wording
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER INSIDE THE 1 DOOR COKE STAND-UP COOLER CONSPICUOUSLY POSTED TO MONITOR THE AMBIENT TEMPERATURE OF EQUIPMENT.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ALL REFRIGERATION UNITS WITH VISIBLE, ACCURATE AND WORKING THERMOMETERS AND MAINTAIN.
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 issuesnotedCode 38Pests
Official Wording
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED GAP OPENINGS APPROX:1/4" INCH ON THE REAR METAL EXIT DOOR.INSTRUCTED TO MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY AND MAINTAIN.
In Plain English
The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.
More about signs of rodents or insectsnotedCode 44Equipment and utensils
Official Wording
UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
Inspector’s Notes
INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE AND INVERT ALL CLEAN POTS/PANS MULTI-USE UTENSILS TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION BEFORE USE (HANDLES-UP).
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 issuesnotedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
Inspector’s Notes
INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE FOLLOWING EQUIPMENT AND MAINTAIN: PREP TABLES (TOPS AND BOTTOMS), EXTERIOR SURFACES OF FRYERS AND OTHER COOKING EQUIPMENTS, UNDER GRILLS AND SHELVES INSIDE OF REFRIGERATION UNITS AND STORAGE RACKS THROUGHOUT THE FOOD PREP/DISHWASHING AREA 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 FOOD DEBRIS AND SPILLS ON THE FLOORS AND SURFACES THROUGHOUT THE FOOD PREP/DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN UNDER ALL SHELVING UNITS, UNDER AND AROUND THE DISHWASHING 3-COMPARTMENT SINK, PREP TABLES AND ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT TO REMOVE SPILLS, FOOD DEBRIS, AND DIRT BUILDUP.INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN 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 problemsnotedCode 56Facility maintenance
Official Wording
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
Inspector’s Notes
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE KITCHEN EXHAUST HOOD SYSTEM/FILTERS TO REMOVE ACCUMULATION OF HANGING DUST BULD-UP 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
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT#2613629 DATED:03/12/2025 #58---2-102.13: **C** Allergen Training - All certified food service sanitation managers employed by a restaurant must receive or obtain training in basic allergen awareness principles within 30 days after employment and every 3 years thereafter. Training programs must be accredited by the American National Standards Institute or another reputable accreditation agency under the ASTM International E2659-09 (Standard Practice for Certificate Programs). OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE POSTED FOR CFM WITH FOOD SERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLY AND MAINTAIN AS REQUIRED.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 findingnotedCode 61Other
Official Wording
SUMMARY REPORT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC
Inspector’s Notes
PREVIOUS INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY FROM (03/12/2025) WAS NOT DISPLAYED FOR THE PUBLIC TO VIEW.TODAY'S INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY WAS ISSUED AND DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC AT ALL TIMES.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 findingOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jul 6, 2026 · Original Source
Canvass
Mar 12, 2025
Pass w/ Conditions
12 recorded violations
notedCode 40Employee health and hygiene
Official Wording
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER WITHOUT HAIR NET/RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
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 2Permits, training, and postings
Official Wording
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION WHILE TCS FOODS BEING STORED, PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED A CFM MUST BE ON SITE AND PROVIDE A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE POSTED ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. 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 issuesnotedCode 3Permits, training, and postings
Official Wording
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED BLANK COPIES OF EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN POLICY WITH VERIFIABLE SIGNED COPIES ON SITE FOR ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES. 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 issuesnotedCode 5Other
Official Wording
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED NO SPILL/CLEAN UP KIT ON SITE FOR VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS AND NO CORRESPONDING CLEAN UP PROCEDURE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
In Plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingnotedCode 10Handwashing
Official Wording
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HANDWASHING SINKS THROUGHOUT FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
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 35Food temperature
Official Wording
APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED CHICKEN IN 3-COMPARTMENT SINK NOT THAWING IMPROPER WHILE SITTING IN SINK WITH STAGNANT WATER. INSTRUCTED TO THAW PROPER UNDER 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 temperaturenotedCode 36Equipment and utensils
Official Wording
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED NO AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETERS INSIDE COOLER#2 AND DISPLAY COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
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 issuesnotedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage
Official Wording
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED LEAKING PIPE UNDER 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO 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 problemsnotedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED UNUSED EQUIPMENT AND FURNITURE IN THE REAR OF THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE 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 56Facility maintenance
Official Wording
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED BUILD UP OF GREASE AT VENT HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN 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 57Permits, training, and postings
Official Wording
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CURRENT FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATES 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 issuesnotedCode 58Permits, training, and postings
Official Wording
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE POSTED FOR CFM WITH FOOD SERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
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 issuesOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Mar 12, 2025 · Original Source
License
Sep 23, 2024
Pass w/ Conditions
10 recorded violations
notedCode 3Permits, training, and postings
Official Wording
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED NO VERIFIABLE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. LEFT TEMPLATE AND INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN COPIES OF VERIFIABLE HEALTH POLICY SIGNED BY ALL EMPLOYEES ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010. NO 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 issuesnotedCode 22Food temperature
Official Wording
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED TCS FOODS HELD AT IMPROPER INTERNAL TEMPERATURES IN THE PREP COLD HOLDING UNIT, SUCH AS 40LBS OF GRILLED CHICKEN AT 50.8F. MANAGER DISCARDED AND DENATURED A TOTAL 40LBS AT $100. ALL COLD TCS FOOD MUST MAINTAIN 41F OR BELOW . PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.
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 temperaturenotedCode 41Cleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.
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 47Cleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED THE INSIDE OF THE DEEP FRYER OIL FILTERING UNIT WITH A BUILD UP OF GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL
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 57Permits, training, and postings
Official Wording
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES MUST COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE 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 issuesnotedCode 2Permits, training, and postings
Official Wording
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED MANAGER FROM 11:00AM TO 11:40PM WHILE TCS FOODS SUCH AS CHICKEN WERE PREPARED. AT 11:40AM CERTIFIED MANAGER LESTER SWIMS ARRIVED ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN EMPLOYEE HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. 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 issuesnotedCode 5Other
Official Wording
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED NO KIT AND PROCEDURE ON SITE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN KIT CONTAINING ALL NECESSARY SUPPLIES INCLUDING A SANITIZER RATED AS EFFECTIVE AGAINST NOROVIRUS ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
In Plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingnotedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED UNDER HANDWASHING SINK IN REAR, UTILITY SINK AND 3 COMPARTMENT SINK NOT CLEAN, WATER STAINED, DEBRIS. INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN SAME
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 EXCESSIVE CLUTTER IN GATED STORAGE AREA IN REAR LEADING TO GARBAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL UNUSED EQUIPMENT AND ORGANIZE ITEMS AND ELEVATE ITEMS 6 INCHES OFF GROUND TO PREVENT HIDING SPACES FOR PEST. MUST MAINTAIN PREMISES.
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 58Permits, training, and postings
Official Wording
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATES MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE 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 issuesOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Sep 23, 2024 · Original Source
License
Sep 17, 2024
Not Ready
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Sep 17, 2024 · Original Source