GOOD INFORMATION. BETTER PEACE OF MIND.Español · Always free. No signup required.

Restaurant · Chicago, IL

China Town Restaurant

207 W Cermak Rd

Last inspected Mar 24, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

Read Reviews on Google

Pass

Get the next inspection, free.

We'll email you when China Town Restaurant has a new health inspection. No spam, one-click unsubscribe.

No account needed. Unsubscribe at any time.

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

The full inspection history

5 inspections

Canvass

Mar 24, 2026

Pass

7 recorded violations

notedCode 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED A HALF INCH GAP AT BOTTOM OF THE REAR EXIT DOOR; INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE DOOR SWEEP TO COMPLETLY RODENT PROOF DOOR.

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 41Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED A WIPING CLOTH ON THE COUNTER AND NOT INSIDE OF A SANITIZING SOLUTION; INSTRUCTED THAT WHEN CLOTH IS NOT IN USE TO STORE IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION.

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 45Equipment and utensils

Official wording

SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED GROCERY BAGS INSIDE OF REACH IN FREEZER BEING USED TO STORE FOODS; INSTRUCTED TO USE FOOD GRADE BAGS FOR FOOD STORAGE ONLY.

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 THE FOLLOWING IN NEED OF CLEANING: EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT TO REMOVE GREASE, BOTTOM OF FRYERS TO REMOVE GREASE, WOK STATION, UNDER GRILL, PREP TABLES, REFRIGERATION UNITS AND SHELVES INSIDE OF WALK-IN COOLER.

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 THE HANDSINK IN THE BASEMENT PREP AREA DRAINING SLOWLY; INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT SO THAT SINK DRAINS PROPERLY.

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 AND WALLS AROUND UNDER AND BEHIND KITCHEN EQUIPMENT AND MAINTAIN. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE FAN ABOVE THE REAR EXIT DOOR IN THE KITCHEN 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

OBSERVED THE VENTS ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE HOODED SYSTEM IN NEED OF CLEANING; CLEAN VENTS.

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, Mar 24, 2026 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

May 20, 2025

Pass

4 recorded violations

notedCode 16Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

Inspector’s notes

4-602.11(B-E) OBSERVED THE ICE BIN INTERIOR IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ICE, 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 problems
notedCode 37Food source and labeling

Official wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s notes

3-302.12 NOTED NO LABELS FOR BULK STORAGE CONTAINERS (FLOUR AND SUGAR). INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE ALL BULK AND WORKING FOOD INGREDIENT CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH CONTENTS NAME.

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 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

3-302.12 NOTED NO LABELS FOR BULK STORAGE CONTAINERS (FLOUR AND SUGAR). INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE ALL BULK AND WORKING FOOD INGREDIENT CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH CONTENTS NAME.

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 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

4-101.11(B, C, D, E) OBSERVED FROZEN FOOD ITEMS IN PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS IN THE FREEZER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE PROPER FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS AND CONTAINERS ONLY.

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, May 20, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

May 19, 2025

Pass w/ Conditions

6 recorded violations

notedCode 16Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED THE ICE BIN INTERIOR IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ICE, 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 problems
notedCode 22Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED RAW FOODS HELD AT IMPROPER INTERNAL TEMPERATURES IN THE FRONT PREP COLD HOLDING UNIT, SUCH AS 2LBS OF BEEF AT 47.2F AND 2LBS OF PORK AT 48.3F. MANAGER DISCARDED AND DENATURED A TOTAL 4LBS AT $50. 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 temperature
notedCode 33Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FACILITY EQUIPMENT FOR COLD HOLDING IN DISREPAIR. NOTED REACH IN PREP COOLER TO BE AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE AT 49.5F. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR OR REPLACE FOR PROPER COLD HOLDING OF 41 DEGREES F OR BELOW. TAGGED UNIT. 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 37Food source and labeling

Official wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s notes

NOTED NO LABELS FOR BULK STORAGE CONTAINERS (FLOUR AND SUGAR). INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE ALL BULK AND WORKING FOOD INGREDIENT CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH CONTENTS NAME.

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 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FOOD CONTAINERS STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE WALK-IN COOLER, PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY STORE AND PROTECT FOOD ITEMS FROM CONTAMINATION WHILE STORED BY ELEVATING AT LEAST SIX INCHES FROM THE FLOOR ON RAISED SHELVING UNITS.

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 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FROZEN FOOD ITEMS IN PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS IN THE FREEZER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE PROPER FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS AND CONTAINERS ONLY.

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, May 19, 2025 · Original Source

Complaint Re-Inspection

Mar 25, 2024

Pass

4 recorded violations

notedCode 36Equipment and utensils

Official wording

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

Inspector’s notes

4-204.112(B): OBSERVED NO AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETERS IN THE COLD HOLDING UNITS IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA AND THE FRONT DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE 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 issues
notedCode 48Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

Inspector’s notes

4-301.12: OBSERVED FACILITY MISSING TWO SINK STOPPERS FOR THE WAREWASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE 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

6-501.11: OBSERVED A SMALL OPENING WITH A DEAD ROACH INSIDE IN THE WALL AND FLOOR UNDER THE DRAINBOARD OF THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE FOOD PREP AREA ON THE MAINT FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL SAID OPENING 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 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

6-501.112: OBSERVED A DEAD ROACH ON TOP OF THE CONTAINER OF THE FLOUR IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA, UNDER THE DRAINBAORD OF THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK, AND IN THE DRY STORAGE CLOSET IN THE DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE DEAD ROACHES AND SANITIZE ALL AFFCTED SURFACES 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 insects

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Mar 25, 2024 · Original Source

Complaint

Mar 18, 2024

Fail

7 recorded violations

notedCode 14Food source and labeling

Official wording

REQUIRED RECORDS AVAILABLE: SHELLSTOCK TAGS, PARASITE DESTRUCTION

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO SHELLSTOCK TAG ATTACHED TO CONTAINER OF MUSSELS, LOCATED IN THE PREP COOLER ACROSS FROM THE WOK STATION. INFORMED MANAGER THAT TAG MUST REMAIN ATTACHED TO CONTAINER UNTIL CONTAINER IS EMPTY. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN APPROVED SOURCES OF THE SHELLSTOCK TAGS FOR 90 DAYS ON PREMISES. MANAGER DISCARDED APPROXIMATELY 8LBS AT $60. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005, CITATION ISSUED.

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 48Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FACILITY MISSING TWO SINK STOPPERS FOR THE WAREWASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE 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 8Handwashing

Official wording

HANDS CLEAN & PROPERLY WASHED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED IMPROPER HANDWASHING PROCEDURE. OBSERVED MALE FOOD HANDLER RINSE HANDS IN THE WATER INSIDE THE RINSE COMPARTMENT OF THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK, DRIED HANDS ON A WASHCLOTH ON THE PREP COOLER, AND STARTED TO PREPARE FOOD. INSTRUCTED TO ONLY WASH HANDS AT HANDWASHING SINK WITH SOAP AND DRY HANDS SINGLE USE HAND DRYING PROVISIONS (PAPER TOWEL). THE WASHCLOTH THAT WAS USED TO DRY THE FOOD HANDLER HANDS WAS DICARDED AT THIS TIME. PRIORITY 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.

More about handwashing problems
notedCode 36Equipment and utensils

Official wording

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETERS IN THE COLD HOLDING UNITS IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA AND THE FRONT DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE 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 issues
notedCode 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED A DEAD ROACH ON TOP OF THE CONTAINER OF THE FLOUR IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA, UNDER THE DRAINBAORD OF THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK, AND IN THE DRY STORAGE CLOSET IN THE DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE DEAD ROACHES AND SANITIZE ALL AFFCTED SURFACES 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 insects
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED A SMALL OPENING WITH A DEAD ROACH INSIDE IN THE WALL AND FLOOR UNDER THE DRAINBOARD OF THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE FOOD PREP AREA ON THE MAINT FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL SAID OPENING 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 60Other

Official wording

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM 05/16/2023, REPORT # 2575945 #49: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN INTERIOR BOTTOM OF FRYERS TO REMOVE GREASE, CLEAN INTERIOR OF FREEZER UNIT. #51: THE FAUCET AT THE EXPOSED HAND SINK IN THE BASEMENT PREP AREA IS IN POOR REPAIR; INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR FAUCET TO HAVE RUNNING HOT (100F) AND COLD WATER. (THIS TIME AREA WAS BEING USED FOR PREPPING AT THE TIME OF THE INSPECTION) #55: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS IN BASEMENT AREA AND IN KITCHEN UNDER AND AROUND EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN WALLS IN BASEMENT AND KITCHEN AREA TO REMOVE SPLATTER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE WINDOW FAN ABOVE THE REAR EXIT DOOR IN KITCHEN TO REMOVE DUST OBSERVED. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN VENT FANS ON CEILINGS OF BOTH WASHROOMS TO REMOVE DUST. #56: VENT SYSTEMS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT NEED CLEANING; CLEAN VENTS. #58: THE CERTIFIED MANAGER HAS NO FOOD ALLERGEN CERTIFICATE; INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN A FOOD ALLERGEN CERTIFICATE. 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, Mar 18, 2024 · Original Source

More restaurants nearby