Restaurant · Chicago, IL

China Dragon

Name: China Dragon
Address: 1737 W 18th St, Chicago, IL

1737 W 18th St

Last inspected Aug 6, 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

Complaint

Aug 6, 2026

Pass

7 recorded violations

notedCode 35Food temperature

Official wording

APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED 2 BAGS OF SHRIMP THAT WERE BEING THAWED IN STANDING WATER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO THAW UNDER COLD RUNNING WATER OR TO THAW IN WALK IN COOLER UNDER REFRIGERATION. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN

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

ALL BULK FOOD CONTAINERS IN NEED OF LIDS AND COMMODITY NAME. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN

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 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

ALL REACH IN COOLER TRACKS IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS AND BUILD UP INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL 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 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

ALL COOKING WOKS IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS AND BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL 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

1 OF 2 FAUCETS ON 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN NEED OF REPAIR. HANDLE STRIPPED INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT 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

FLOORS THROUGHOUT PREP AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS AND BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN UNDER AND AROUND ALL EQUIPMENT, AND CLEAN UNDER AND AROUND ALL PREP TABLES 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 56Facility maintenance

Official wording

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector’s notes

HOOD VENT IN NEED OF CLEANING, FILTRS IN NEED OF CLEANING, ALL AREAS AROUND FILTERS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN HOOD VENT FREE FROM GREASE AND BUILD UP.

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, Aug 6, 2026 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

Jun 13, 2025

Pass

4 recorded violations

notedCode 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

3-307.11: OBSERVED ICE SCOOP IMPROPERLY STORED ON TOP OF ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE IN A BIN/CLEAN CONTAINER AND MAINTAIN.

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 contamination

notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

4-601.11(B): OBSERVED THE SHELVES UNDER THE FOOD PREP TABLES WITH CRUMBS AND IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO 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 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

6-201.11: OBSERVED A HOLE IN THE STAIR LEADING TO THE REAR DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL MENTIONED HOLE TO PREVENT POTENTIAL HARBORAGE POINTS FOR PEST 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 57Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

Inspector’s notes

2-102.13: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST TAKE COURSE AND MAINTAIN RECORDS ON SITE.

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, Jun 13, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

Jun 5, 2025

Fail

9 recorded violations

notedCode 8Handwashing

Official wording

HANDS CLEAN & PROPERLY WASHED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED IMPROPER HANDWASHING PROCEDURE. OBSERVED ONE EMPLOYEE RINSE HANDS WITH NO SOAP AND DRY THEM OFF ON APRON, SECOND EMPLOYEE DRIED HANDS ON APRON, AND LASTLY ANOTHER EMPLOYEE RINSED HANDS WITH GLOVES ON. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DISCUSS PROPER HANDWASHING PROCEDURES WITH FOOD HANDLERS: WASH BARE HANDS WITH SOAP, WATER, AND DRY WITH AN APPROPRIATE DRYING PROVISION (PAPER TOWEL). PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-010, CITATION ISSUED.

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

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED IMPROPER DISHWASHING IN THREE-COMPARTMENT SINK. FOUND TWO EMPLOYEES WASHING A BIG STRAINER AND A BOWL IN THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK WITHOUT SETTING IT UP TO WASH, RINSE, AND SANITIZE AS REQUIRED BY THE CODE. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO SET UP THE SINK WHEN WASHING EQUIPMENT. THE MANAGER IMMEDIATELY HAD EMPLOYEE SET UP THE THREE-COMPARTMENT SINK TO WASH, RINSE, AND SANITIZE USING THE CHLORINE. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005, CITATON 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 problems

notedCode 21Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED IMPROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS. FOUND TWO CONTAINERS OF FRIED CRAB RANGOONS ON A SPEED RACK AT IMPOPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES RANGED FROM 86.1F-104.0F. MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED APPROXIMATELY 16 LBS OF FOOD WORTH $65. INSTRUCTED TO HOLD HOT TCS FOODS AT 135°F OR ABOVE. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005, CITATION ISSUED

In plain English

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature

notedCode 22Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. TWO CONTAINERS OF RAW BEEF (52.3F-59.2F) ON THE DRAIN BOARD OF THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK, RAW BEEF INSIDE THE THREE DOOR REFRIGERATOR (52.0F), A CONTAINER OF FRIED CHICKEN (63.0F) INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER, A CONTAINER OF DICED HAM (55.0F) INSIDE A PREP COOLER, AND 65 EGGS FOUND OUT AT ROOM TEMPERATURE AT 61.0F-63.9F. APPROXIMATELY 45 LBS OF FOOD WORTH $178 WAS DISCARDED. MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING FOODS AT 41.0°F OR BELOW. PRIORITY 7-38-005 CITATION CONSOLIDATED WITH VIOLATION #21.

In plain English

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature

notedCode 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 50 OR MORE MICE DROPPINGS ON SITE DURING INSPECTION. MICE DROPPINGS WERE FOUND ON THE FLOORS IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: IN THE REAR DISHWASHING AREA, UNDER THE SHELVES IN THE REAR DRY STORAGE AREA, UNDER THE DRAINBOARD OF THE THREE-COMPARTMENT SINK, IN THE BASEMENT, IN THE EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM, SURROUNDING THE MOP SINK, AND BEHIND THE ICE MACHINE. THE SURFACES MICE DROPPINGS WERE FOUND WERE IN THE CREVICES OF THE SHELVES IN THE DRY STORAGE AREA AND ON THE LOWER SHELF UNDER A FOOD PREP TABLE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE MICE DROPPINGS, CLEAN, AND SANITIZE. RECOMMEND CONTACTING PEST CONTROL. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A), CITATION ISSUED

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 insects

notedCode 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED ICE SCOOP IMPROPERLY STORED ON TOP OF ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE IN A BIN/CLEAN CONTAINER AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

More about food not protected from contamination

notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED THE SHELVES UNDER THE FOOD PREP TABLES WITH CRUMBS AND IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO 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 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED A HOLE IN THE STAIR LEADING TO THE REAR DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL MENTIONED HOLE TO PREVENT POTENTIAL HARBORAGE POINTS FOR PEST 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 57Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST TAKE COURSE AND MAINTAIN RECORDS ON SITE.

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, Jun 5, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

Oct 16, 2024

Pass w/ Conditions

4 recorded violations

notedCode 22Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 10 LBS TCS FOOD OF CHICKEN AT IMPROPER COLD TEMP OF 58.9 F AT BACK PREP TABLE. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ALL COLD-HELD FOOD MUST BE AT 41.0 F OR BELOW. PIC VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AND DENATURED 10 LBS OF CHICKEN AT $35. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

In plain English

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature

notedCode 37Food source and labeling

Official wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FOOD STORED IN CONTAINERS ON DRY STORAGE RACKS WITHOUT PROPER LABELING OF NAMES (PINNUTS AND CASHEWS). INSTRUCTED TO PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE A LABEL REFLECTING THE FOOD ITEM'S NAME WHEN FOOD HAS BEEN REMOVE FROM ITS ORIGINAL PACKAGING.

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 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS WITH DEEP OPEN SEAMS. MUST REFINISH OR REPLACE DAMAGED OR STAINED CUTTING BOARDS.

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

NOTED DIRTY AND DUSTY CEILING TILEABOVE COOKING LINE. INSTRUCTED TO 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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Oct 16, 2024 · Original Source