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Restaurant · Chicago, IL

Brightwok Kitchen

21 E Adams St

Last inspected Jan 29, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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ImprovingThe latest inspection recorded fewer violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

7 inspections

Canvass Re-Inspection

Jan 29, 2026

Pass

4 recorded violations

notedCode 37Food source and labeling

Official wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s notes

3-302.12 : MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE(SQUEEZE BOTTLES,SHAKERS,ETC)

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 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

4-601.11(C) : MUST CLEAN EXCESSIVE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM PIPES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT,ROLLING CARTS,DISH RACKS,SINK BASINS,PREP TABLES,EXTERIOR OF FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS, WALK IN COOLER-FAN GUARD COVERS,SHELVING UNITS.

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

6-201.13 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED WALL ON BOTH SIDES AT FRONT ENTRY TO PREP AREA IN POOR REPAIR AND LOOSE WALL BASES IN HALLWAY LEADING TO REAR PREP AREA.

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

6-501.14 : MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FILTERS AND HOOD OF 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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jan 29, 2026 · Original Source

Canvass

Jan 22, 2026

Fail

10 recorded violations

notedCode 1Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES

Inspector’s notes

PIC DOESN'T HAVE A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS CERTIFICATE MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)

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

OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED,HANDLED AND SERVED SUCH AS (CHICKEN.RICE,STEAK,EGGS,ETC)MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)(CITATION ISSUED)MANAGER ARRIVED ON SITE AT 3:33 P.M.(COS)

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 21Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS SUCH AS 11 LBS. COOKED RICE-98.6F-114.6F IN HOT HOLDIMG UNIT.PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED BY MANAGER MUST HAVE HOT HOLDING FOODS AT 135.0F OR ABOVE. APPX. 11LBS. $6.(PRIORITY 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED)(COS)

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 22Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURES OF 3- DOZEN SHELLED EGGS-49.5F,1LBS. SHREEDED SWEET POTATOS-49.1F IN A PAN AT GRILL . PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED BY MANAGER. MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING FOODS AT 41.0F OR BELOW. APPX.4LBS. $30.(PRIORITY 7-38-005)(CONSOLIDATED VIOLATION )(COS)

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 33Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED HOT HOLDING CABINET AT 75.2F WITH TCS FOODS STORED INSIDE. A HELD FOR INSPECTION TAG PLACED ON UNIT.MUST HAVE HOT HOLDING UNIT AT 135.0F OR ABOVE. (PRIORITY 7-38-005)(COS)(CITATION ISSUED)

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 37Food source and labeling

Official wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s notes

MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE(SQUEEZE BOTTLES,SHAKERS,ETC)

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 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

MUST CLEAN EXCESSIVE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM PIPES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT,ROLLING CARTS,DISH RACKS,SINK BASINS,PREP TABLES,EXTERIOR OF FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS, WALK IN COOLER-FAN GUARD COVERS,SHELVING UNITS.

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

MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED WALL ON BOTH SIDES AT FRONT ENTRY TO PREP AREA IN POOR REPAIR AND LOOSE WALL BASES IN HALLWAY LEADING TO REAR PREP AREA.

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

MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FILTERS AND HOOD OF 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 60Other

Official wording

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

Inspector’s notes

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT #2619990 7/2/25 NOT CORRECTED-#47-4-101.19 : OBSERVED RUST ON GREEN SHELVING UNITS IN WALK IN COOLER AND ON LOWER SHELF OF PREP TABLE IN MIDDLE OF REAR PREP. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE RUST FROM SHELVING UNITS IN WALK IN COOLER AND MIDDLE PREP TABLE IN REAR PREP, INSTRUCTED NON FOOD CONTACT SURFACES OF EQUIPMENT SHALL BE CONSTRUCTED OF A CORROSION RESISTANT, NONABSORBENT AND SMOOTH MATERIAL.#49-4-601.11(B) : OBSERVED GREASE BUILD UP ON COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT AND MAINTAIN.#51-5-205.15 : OBSERVED DRAIN PIPE LEAKING AT HANDWASHING SINK IN REAR PREP/DISHWASHING AREA( NEAR WALK IN COOLER). INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR DRAIN PIPE OF HANDWASHING SINK IN REAR PREP/DISHWASHING AREA( NEAR WALK IN COOLER) AND MAINTAIN.#55-6-501.12 : OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP AND DEBRIS ON FLOORS IN FRONT PREP AREA UNDER AND BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT . INSTRUCTED MUST DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS UNDER AND BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE FRONT PREP AREA. OBSERVED DEBRIS ON FLOORS UNDERNEATH SHELVING AND IN CORNERS IN STORAGE CLOSET. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS UNDERNEATH SHELVING AND IN CORNERS IN STORAGE CLOSET.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jan 22, 2026 · Original Source

Canvass

Jul 2, 2025

Out of Business

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jul 2, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

Jul 2, 2025

Pass w/ Conditions

4 recorded violations

notedCode 22Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED COLD TCS FOODS, HELD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES RANGING BETWEEN 49.8-55.5F. OBSERVED COLD TCS FOODS, RAW EGGS IN SHELL(55.4F), RICE NOODLES(49.8F), AND SHREDDED KALE AND CABBAGE(50.9F) HELD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE. INSTRUCTED ALL COLD TCS FOOD MUST BE HELD AT 41F OR BELOW. CORRECTED ON SITE MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AND DENATURED FOOD VALUED AT $10 WEIGHING 5LBS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

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 33Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED ONE DOOR COLD HOLDING UNIT IN FRONT PREP AREA ACROSS FROM COOKLINE AT IMPROPER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE OF 52.2F. INSTRUCTED ALL COLD HOLDING UNITS MUST BE MAINTAINED AT 41F OR BELOW. HELD FOR INSPECTION TAG PLACED ON ONE DOOR COLD HOLDING UNIT IN FRONT PREP AREA ACROSS FROM COOKLINE. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

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 GREASE BUILD UP ON COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT 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 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

MUST DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS UNDER AND BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE FRONT PREP AREA.

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, Jul 2, 2025 · Original Source

License

Jul 2, 2025

Pass w/ Conditions

7 recorded violations

notedCode 33Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED ONE DOOR COLD HOLDING UNIT IN FRONT PREP AREA ACROSS FROM COOKLINE AT IMPROPER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE OF 52.2F. INSTRUCTED ALL COLD HOLDING UNITS MUST BE MAINTAINED AT 41F OR BELOW. HELD FOR INSPECTION TAG PLACED ON ONE DOOR COLD HOLDING UNIT IN FRONT PREP AREA ACROSS FROM COOKLINE. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED DURING LICENSE INSPECTION(NOTE: CITATION FOR VIOLATION ISSUED DURING CANVASS INSPECTION ON 07/02/2025)

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 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED RUST ON GREEN SHELVING UNITS IN WALK IN COOLER AND ON LOWER SHELF OF PREP TABLE IN MIDDLE OF REAR PREP. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE RUST FROM SHELVING UNITS IN WALK IN COOLER AND MIDDLE PREP TABLE IN REAR PREP, INSTRUCTED NON FOOD CONTACT SURFACES OF EQUIPMENT SHALL BE CONSTRUCTED OF A CORROSION RESISTANT, NONABSORBENT AND SMOOTH MATERIAL.

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

OBSERVED GREASE BUILD UP ON COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT 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 DRAIN PIPE LEAKING AT HANDWASHING SINK IN REAR PREP/DISHWASHING AREA( NEAR WALK IN COOLER). INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR DRAIN PIPE OF HANDWASHING SINK IN REAR PREP/DISHWASHING AREA( NEAR WALK IN COOLER) 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 54Facility maintenance

Official wording

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED DEBRIS ON GROUND UNDERNEATH AND SURROUNDING GREASE CONTAINER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN GROUND UNDERNEATH AND SURROUNDING GREASE CONTAINER 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 issues
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NON SMOOTH AREA ON PLANK ON WALL ABOVE THREE COMPARTMENT. INSTRUCTED TO SMOOTHLY REPAIR PLANK ABOVE WALL ABOVE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK FOR EASE OF CLEANABILITY.

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 NON WORKING MECHANICAL VENTILATION IN BOTH ALL GENDER WASHROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR INSTALL MECHANICAL VENTILATION OF SUFFICIENT CAPACITY IN BOTH ALL GENDER WASHROOMS.

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, Jul 2, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

Apr 14, 2025

Pass

2 recorded violations

notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED GREASE BUILD UP ON COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT 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 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

MUST DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS UNDER AND BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE FRONT PREP AREA.

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 14, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

Jul 31, 2024

Pass

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jul 31, 2024 · Original Source

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