Restaurant · Chicago, IL

Cho Sun Ok Restaurant

Name: Cho Sun Ok Restaurant
Address: 4200 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL

4200 N Lincoln Ave

Last inspected Mar 10, 2025 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

Read Reviews on Google

Pass

Get the next inspection, free.

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

Own this restaurant? Add an inspection badge to your website · Inspection prep checklist

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

The full inspection history

4 inspections

Canvass

Mar 10, 2025

Pass

6 recorded violations

notedCode 16Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE BIN AND INTERIOR GUARD WITH SOME DIRT, NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE 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 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED BOXED FOOD ITEMS BEING STORED ON FLOOR IN BOTH WALK-IN COOLERS IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS AT LEAST SIX INCHES FROM FLOOR 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 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED RUSTY STROAGE SHELVES IN THE PRODUCE WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE RUST AND ENSURE ALL NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES REMAIN SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.

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 ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS, SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. (NONFOOD CONTACT SURFACES)

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 ACCUMULATED DIRT UNDERNEATH 3-COMPARTMENT AND ONE COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE 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 57Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED MULTIPLE FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES WITH EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO RENEW EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES TO COMPLY WITH IDPH FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS.

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, Mar 10, 2025 · Original Source

Complaint

Oct 30, 2024

Pass w/ Conditions

7 recorded violations

notedCode 6Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

PROPER EATING, TASTING, DRINKING, OR TOBACCO USE

Inspector’s notes

NOTED EMPLOYEES DRINKING AND PREPARING FOOD AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PROVIDE A DESIGNATED AREA FOR EMPLOYEES TO DRINK AND EAT AND NOT AT THE PREP AREAS.

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 issues

notedCode 8Handwashing

Official wording

HANDS CLEAN & PROPERLY WASHED

Inspector’s notes

NOTED EMPLOYEE WITHOUT WASHING HANDS OR WEARING GLOVES, COUGHED ON THE HANDS AND PROCEEDED TO PICK A PLATED PLATE WITH FOOD TO SERVE A CUSTOMER. EMPLOYEE STILL DID NOT WASH HANDS, WASH HANDS OR WEAR GLOVES STILL. DISCUSSED WITH MANAGEMENT THE NO BARE HAND CONTACT POLICY WITH READY TO EAT FOODS. MUST WEAR GLOVES, USE SPOONS, TONGS ETC. 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

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

NOTED NO COLD RUNNING WATER AT THE EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK OF THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER AT ALL HAND WASHING SINK TO CONTROL AND REGULATE THE TEMPERATURE OF THE HOT RUNNING WATER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#7-38-030(C). 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

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

Inspector’s notes

NOTED INTERNAL TEMPERATURE OF THE FOLLOWING TCS FOOD ITEMS INSIDE SERVICE COOLERS TO BE IMPROPER:-POTATOES 80.9F, KOREAN BEAN CAKE 78.4F, NOODLES 73.2F, KIMCHI 82.4F, POTATOE SALAD 49.5F, SHRIMP 44.6. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY AND VOLUNTARILY DISPOSED OF 17 LBS OF PRODUCTS WORTH $65.00 THROUGH DENATURING PROCESS. 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 43Equipment and utensils

Official wording

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED

Inspector’s notes

NOTED SERVING PLATES ON SHELVES AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT ALL SERVING PLATES TO PREVENT DUST ACCUMULATION.

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 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

NOTED ASSORTED FOOD ITEMS INSIDE COOLERS AND REFRIGERATION UNITS FOOD STORED INSIDE GROCERY BAGS. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL FOOD ITEMS INSIDE APPROVED FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS.

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 HEAVY CLUTTER THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP/DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN, ORGANIZE AND REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY OR UNUSED ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST.

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 30, 2024 · Original Source

Complaint Re-Inspection

May 6, 2024

Pass

2 recorded violations

notedCode 45Equipment and utensils

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE 1 GALLON MILK JUGS BEING REUSED TO HOLD AND FREEZE SOUP. 1 GALLON MILK JUGS CAN NOT BE PROPERLY WASHED RINSED AND SANITIZED AND ARE ONLY INTENDED FOR SINGLE USE.

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 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED TOO MUCH CLUTTER IN BASEMENT. REMOVE ALL UNECESSARY ITEMS FROM BASEMENT AND STORE ALL REMAINING ITEMS AT LEAST 6 INCHES OFF UP OFF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS FOR PROPER CLEANING AND PEST CONTROL MONITORING AND TREATING.

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 6, 2024 · Original Source

Complaint

Apr 15, 2024

Fail

5 recorded violations

notedCode 29Other

Official wording

COMPLIANCE WITH VARIANCE/SPECIALIZED PROCESS/HACCP

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED APPROVED HAACP PLAN ON SITE FOR THE FERMENTATION OF KIMCHI. HAACP PLAN IS NOT BEING FOLLOWED. NO DAILY RECORDS ARE BEING KEPT FOR PH OR NA. MAINTAIN REQUIRED DAILY RECORDS. OBSERVED SUBMITTED AND APPROVED FLOOR PLAN OF BASEMENT INDICATES 2 LONG PREP TABLES. ONLY OBSERVED 1 SMALL 2FT BY 2 FT PREP TABLE NOT UNDER PROTECTIVE CEILING. MOVE PREP AREA BACK UNDER PROTECTIVE CEILING OR INSTALL ADDITIONAL PROTECTIVE CEILING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding

notedCode 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED 4 LIVE COCKROACHES IN BASEMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(a)

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 45Equipment and utensils

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE 1 GALLON MILK JUGS BEING REUSED TO HOLD AND FREEZE SOUP. 1 GALLON MILK JUGS CAN NOT BE PROPERLY WASHED RINSED AND SANITIZED AND ARE ONLY INTENDED FOR SINGLE USE.

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 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED THE WASHING OF VEGETABLES IN LARGE TUBS IN BASEMENT. WATER IN BEING FILLED BY GARDEN HOSE AND THEN DISPOSED OF IN FLOOR DRAIN. FOOD PREPARATION SINK MUST BE INSTALLED TO WASH AND RINSE VEGETABLES INCLUDING CABBAGE, RAW SPROUTS, GREEN ONION ETC. UNDER POTABLE RUNNING WATER.

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

OBSERVED AREA UNDER 3 COMPARTMENT, HAND SINK AND 1 COMPARTMENT SINKS NEEDS TO BE KEPT CLEAN AND DRY. OBSERVED FLOOR IN BASEMENT MUST BE KEPT CLEAN AND DRY.

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 15, 2024 · Original Source