What is Zora Restaurant's health inspection score?

Zora Restaurant has a SafeDine safety score of 17 out of 100 (Grade C). This score is calculated from official government health inspection data, factoring in violation severity, recency, and trends.

When was Zora Restaurant last inspected?

Zora Restaurant was last inspected on February 3, 2025. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does Zora Restaurant have?

Zora Restaurant has 38 total violations across 5 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is Zora Restaurant safe to eat at?

Zora Restaurant has a safety score of 17/100, which suggests room for improvement. Review the detailed inspection history on SafeDine for more information.

What type of cuisine does Zora Restaurant serve?

Zora Restaurant serves American cuisine. Visit their SafeDine page for safety scores, inspection history, and more details.

Official Health Record

Zora Restaurant

Name: Zora Restaurant
Address: 8443-8445 W LAWRENCE AVE, Chicago, 60656
Rating: 17

8443-8445 W LAWRENCE AVE, Chicago

Data may be outdated — inspected 2/3/2025

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0Poor

American•Chicago

Ranked #960 of 1000 in ChicagoBetter than 22% of american restaurants

Declining

5 inspections

Last: Feb 3, 2025

low confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

Clean Rate

7.6

Avg Violations

16 months ago

Last Inspected

Top Concerns

Most common issues from recent inspections

HandwashingHigh Priority

Employees not properly washing hands — contamination risk

Temperature controlHigh Priority

Food not kept at safe temperatures — risk of bacterial growth

Cross-contamination

Raw and cooked foods not properly separated

SanitationHigh Priority

Equipment or surfaces not properly cleaned/sanitized

Pest issuesHigh Priority

Evidence of pests found during inspection

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-83

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-37 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-6 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-7 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Freshness Penalty

-12 pts

Score reduced due to stale inspection data

Inspection Timeline

-28 pts

Latest

100% weight

2nd

60% weight

3rd

30% weight

How scoring works: Every restaurant starts at 100 points. Points are deducted for violations found during inspections.

Recent inspections are weighted more heavily. High priority violations (direct health hazards) have the greatest impact.

Location

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8443-8445 W LAWRENCE AVE, Chicago, IL 60656

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Violation Timeline

Mar 2023

2 inspections

5 high priority

2 intermediate

8 basic

Mar

Jan 2024

2 inspections

5 high priority

7 basic

Feb 2025

1 inspections

5 high priority

2 intermediate

4 basic

Feb

Inspection History

5 records on file

3 Canvass2 Canvass Re-Inspection

Feb 25

Canvass InspectionLatestPass w/ Conditions

5 High2 Med4 Basic

11 total

32/100inspection score

−68 pts

High Priority (5)

−50 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
NOTED HAND WASH SINK AT THE KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREA EASILY INACCESSIBLE WITH AND WITH A SMALL TABLE USED AS A PREP TABLE. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY HAD EMPLOYEES REMOVE THE TABLE FROM THE HAND WASH SINK. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL HAND WASH SINKS ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-030(C).CITATION ISSUED.
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
NOTED NO PAPER TOWELS AT THE HAND WASHING SINK OF THE BAR. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE SOAP AND PAPAER TOWELS AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.CONSOLIDATED WITH ABOVE CITATION.
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
NOTED NO HANDWASHING SOAP AT THE KITCHEN AND BAR AND WASH SINK. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS AT ALL HAND WASHING SINK. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY HAD EMPLOYEES PUT THE SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED. CONSOLIDATED WITH ABOVE CITATION.
16FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED−10
NOTED A THICK BLACK AND SLIMY SUBSTANCE INSIDE THE INNER COMPARTMENT OF ICE MACHINE DRIPPING ONTO THE ICE. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT NOT TO USE ICE MACHINE UNTIL EQUIPMENT IS DETAIL CLEANED AND SANITIZE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
33PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL−10
EQUIPMENT NOT MAINTAINING PROPER TEMPERATURE. NOTED TEMPERATURE OF SERVICE COOLER AT THE PREP AREA TO BE IMPROPER AT 50.4F. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE EQUIPMENT UNTIL MAINTAINING PROPER TEMPERATURE OF 41F AND BELOW. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

22PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES−5
NOTED INTERNAL TEMPERATURE OF THE FOLLOWING TCS FOOD ITEMS INSIDE SERVICE COOLERS TO BE IMPROPER:-CHEESE 46.4F, SAUSAGE 48.3F, PORK 52.1F, CHICKEN 48F, HAM 48.2F, HAMBURGER 48.5F. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY AND VOLUNTARILY DISPOSED OF 15 LBS OF PRODUCTS WORTH $750.00 THROUGH DENATURING PROCESS. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
23PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION−5
NOTED TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED FOR SAFETY FOOD ITEMS INSIDE WALK IN COOLER AND REFRIGERATION UNITS NOT PROPERLY LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL ALL READY TO EAT FOOD ITEMS WITH PRODUCT NAME AND USED BY DATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-005(A). CITATION ISSUED TODAY.

Basic (4)

−8 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
NOTED INDIVIDUAL TO-GO DISPOSABLE CONTAINERS AND BOWLS WITH NO HANDLE USED FOR SCOOPING SERVING FOOD AT THE SERVICE PREP COOLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TONGS, SERVING SPOONS, OR LADLE FOR SCOOPING FOOD.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
NOTED HEAVY CLUTTER THROUGHOUT ESTABLISHMENT ON SHELVES, FLOORS AT THE REAR DRY STORAGE AREA AND THE BAR. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN, ORGANIZE AND REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY OR UNUSED ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG WALLBASE AND UNDERNEARTH EQUIPMENT ESPECIALLY UNDERNEATH THE DISH WASHING AREA, COOKING STOVE AND DRY STORAGE AREA.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
NOTED HEAVY DIRT AND GREASE ACCUMULATION INSIDE, ON PIPES/CONDUITS AND ON EDGES OF THE EXHAUST HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN HOOD, FILTERS AND PIPES/CONDUITS.

Base deductions−68 pts

Jan 24

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionPass

1 High2 Basic

3 total

86/100inspection score

−14 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
6-301.14:NOTED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT THE HANDWASHING SINKS. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT ALL HANDWASHING SINKS.

Basic (2)

−4 pts

43IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED−2
3-304.12: NOTED SERVING PLATES ON SHELVES AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT ALL SERVING PLATES TO PREVENT DUST ACCUMULATION.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
4-102.11: NOTED ASSORTED FOOD ITEMS INSIDE COOLERS AND REFRIGERATION UNITS STORED INSIDE GROCERY BAGS. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL FOOD ITEMS INSIDE APPROVED FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS.

Base deductions−14 pts

Jan 24

Canvass InspectionFail

4 High5 Basic

9 total2 risk factors

40/100inspection score

−50 pts

High Priority (4)

−40 pts

1PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIESRisk Factor−10
NO PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
2CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATERisk Factor−10
NOTED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE CERTIFICATE ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS (RICE, CHICKEN SOUPS ETC.) WERE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. MANAGER PRESENTED A SERVSAFE CERTIFICATE DATED 3/25/2023. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO ORIGINAL FOOD SERVICE CERTIFICATE MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES TCS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED, AND ALSO THE PERSON IN CHARGE MUST HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFICATE BY NEXT INSPECTION (UPON BEING INSPECTED) PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
NOTED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT THE HANDWASHING SINKS. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT ALL HANDWASHING SINKS.
16FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED−10
NOTED LOW TEMPERATURE DISH WASHING MACHINE IN USE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION AT THE DISHWASHING/PREP AREA. FINAL READING OF SANITIZING RINSE WAS AT "0" PPM CHLORINE CONCENTRATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. A MECHANICAL DISHWASHING MACHINES SHOULD PROVIDE A FINAL SANITIZING RINSE OF EITHER 50 ? 100 PPM CHLORINE (FOR CHEMICAL SANITIZING MACHINE) .DISHMACHINE IS TAGGED "HELD FOR INSPECTION" INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE UNTIL REPAIRED . PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED.

Basic (5)

−10 pts

43IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED−2
NOTED SERVING PLATES ON SHELVES AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT ALL SERVING PLATES TO PREVENT DUST ACCUMULATION.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
NOTED ASSORTED FOOD ITEMS INSIDE COOLERS AND REFRIGERATION UNITS STORED INSIDE GROCERY BAGS. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL FOOD ITEMS INSIDE APPROVED FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG WALL BASE AND UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT ESPECIALLY UNDERNEATH THE COOKING EQUIPMENT WITH THICK GREASE ACCUMMULATION.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
6-305.11 NOTED EMPLOYEE BELONGINGS ON SHELVES AT THE DRY STORAGE AREA AND PREP AREA WITH FOOD ITEMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A DESIGNATED AREA FOR EMPLOYEES TO STORE THEIR BELONGINGS.
60PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
8-404.13(B:4) NOTED THE FOLLOWING PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS 57,58 WITH THE RULES NUMBERS BELOW FROM INSPECTION #2572127 DATED 3/7/2023 NOT CORRECTED:- -57) 2-102.13: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES PROVIDED ON THE PREMISES. MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES. -#58)2-102.13: ALLERGEN TRAINING IS REQUIRED FOR ALL EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE.INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETE TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL THE ABOVE VIOLATIONS MUST BE CORRECTED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.

Base deductions−50 pts

Risk factor bonus (2× +5)−10 pts

Mar 23

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionPass

3 Basic

3 total

94/100inspection score

−6 pts

Basic (3)

−6 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
4-501.12 OBSERVED STAINED CUTTING BOARDS ON TOP OF THE KITCHEN PREP LINE COOLERS. INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE OR REPLACE THE CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
2-102.13 OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES PROVIDED ON THE PREMISES. MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
2-102.13 ALLERGEN TRAINING IS REQUIRED FOR ALL EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE.INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETE TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ON SITE.

Base deductions−6 pts

Mar 23

Canvass InspectionFail

5 High2 Med5 Basic

12 total2 risk factors

20/100inspection score

−70 pts

High Priority (5)

−50 pts

1PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIESRisk Factor−10
OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
2CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATERisk Factor−10
OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE DURING THE INSPECTION WHILE THE TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS (BEEF,SOUPS,CABBAGE ETC.) IS PREPARED AND SERVED TO CUSTOMERS. INSTRUCTED A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES FOODS WHILE (TCS FOODS) ARE BEING HANDLED PREPARED AND SERVED.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012,CITATION ISSUED.
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT ALL HANDSINKS (PREP AREA,BAR,WASHROOMS).
16FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED−10
FOUND LOW TEMPERATURE DISH WASHING MACHINE IN USE AT THIS TIME FINAL SANITIZING RINSE AT "0" PPM CHLORINE CONCENTRATION IN REAR KITCHEN PREP/DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. A MECHANICAL DISHWASHING MACHINES SHOULD PROVIDE A FINAL SANITIZING RINSE OF EITHER 50 ? 100 PPM CHLORINE (FOR CHEMICAL SANITIZING MACHINE) OR 180F FINAL RINSE (FOR HOT WATER SANITIZING MACHINE).DISHMACHINE IS TAGGED "HELD FOR INSPECTION" INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE UNTIL REPAIRED (** SEE COMMENTS BELOW).PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-025,CITATION ISSUED.
16FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED−10
OBSERVED A SLIGHT DEBRIS ACCUMULATION ENCRUSTED ON THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE LOCATED AT BAR AREA.MUST REMOVE DEBRIS, DETAIL CLEAN INSIDE ICE MACHINE/HAVE SERVICED AND MAINTAIN ICE MACHINE AT ALL TIMES.

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS IN REAR WITHOUT A LABEL. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE COMMON NAME ON ALL BULK CONTAINERS TO PROPERLY IDENTIFY ITEM(SALT, SUGAR, FLOUR ETC.)
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
FOUND NO LICENSED PEST CONTROL LOGBOOK AVAILABLE ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK WITH A COMPLETE CONTENTS (CONTRACT/SERVICE AGREEMENT, SERVICE REPORT, CHEMICALS USED ETC.) PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020 (C),CITATION ISSUED.

Basic (5)

−10 pts

41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL WASHCLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION ESPECIALLY WHEN NOT IN USE AND MAINTAIN.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED STAINED CUTTING BOARDS ON TOP OF THE KITCHEN PREP LINE COOLERS. INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE OR REPLACE THE CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS WITH GREASE AND DRIED FOOD DEBRIS ACCUMULATION ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS THROUGHOUT KITCHEN PREP/COOKING AREA ESPECIALLY UNDER AND AROUND COOKING EQUIPMENTS.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES PROVIDED ON THE PREMISES. MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
ALLERGEN TRAINING IS REQUIRED FOR ALL EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE.INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETE TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ON SITE.

Base deductions−70 pts

Risk factor bonus (2× +5)−10 pts

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Data source: Chicago CDPH · Official government inspection records

Grading System

85 – 100
Excellent
70 – 84
Good
Below 70
Fair

About SafeDine Scores

Scores are calculated using official government inspection data. High Priority violations (direct health hazards) have the greatest impact, followed by Intermediate and Basic violations. Community reviews can adjust the score by up to 5 points when 3+ reviews are submitted.

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