Restaurant · Chicago, IL

Golden Dragon Chinese Restaurant

Name: Golden Dragon Chinese Restaurant
Address: 2459 W Madison St, Chicago, IL

2459 W Madison St

Last inspected Jan 20, 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

9 inspections

Canvass Re-Inspection

Jan 20, 2026

Pass

3 recorded violations

notedCode 37Food source and labeling

Official wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s notes

3-302.12: OBSERVED THE SMALL CLEAR CONTAINERS NOT LABELED ON THE SHELF ABOVE THE PREP COOLERS. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL WITH COMMON FOOD NAME 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 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

4-601.11(B): OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE IN NEED OF CLEANING. THE WALLS OF THE UNIT OBSERVED WITH SLIGHT BLACK-LIKE SUBSTANCE BUILD UP. 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 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

5-205.15: OBSERVED ALL EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINKS UNABLE TO COMPLETELY TURN OFF WATER. WATER VALVE BELOW SINK IS USED TO STOP TRICKLING WATER COMPLETELY. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR SO THAT WATER CAN BE OPERATED BY KNOBS.

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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jan 20, 2026 · Original Source

Canvass

Jan 9, 2026

Fail

5 recorded violations

notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED TWO OF THE THREE EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINKS INACCESSIBLE. FOUND BINS AND METAL CONTAINERS STORED INSIDE THE HANDWASHING SINKS IN THE PREP/DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED MUST KEEP SINKS CLEAR AND EASILY ACCESSIBLE FOR HANDWASHING. ITEMS WERE REMOVED ONCE NOTIFIED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 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

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED THE SMALL CLEAR CONTAINERS NOT LABELED ON THE SHELF ABOVE THE PREP COOLERS. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL WITH COMMON FOOD NAME 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 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE IN NEED OF CLEANING. THE WALLS OF THE UNIT OBSERVED WITH SLIGHT BLACK-LIKE SUBSTANCE BUILD UP. 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 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED ALL EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINKS UNABLE TO COMPLETELY TURN OFF WATER. WATER VALVE BELOW SINK IS USED TO STOP TRICKLING WATER COMPLETELY. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR SO THAT WATER CAN BE OPERATED BY KNOBS.

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 60Other

Official wording

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM 08/08/2025, REPORT #2621965 #38: 6-202.15: OBSERVED THE FRONT EXTERIOR DOOR NOT TIGHTLY FITTING AT THE BOTTOM. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN A PROPER WEATHER STRIP TO PREVENT POSSIBLE ENTRY POINTS FOR PESTS. #53: 6-501.18: MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FIXTURES IN THE WASHROOM. #55: 6-501.12: CLEAN THE WALLS OF THE FOOD PREP AREA, ESPECIALLY ABOVE THE 2-COMPARTMENT SINK. CLEAN THE FLOOR OF THE DRY STORAGE ROOM BENEATH THE STORAGE SHELVES AND THE FLOOR BENEATH THE COOKING EQUIPMENT. 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 9, 2026 · Original Source

Short Form Complaint

Aug 8, 2025

Pass

5 recorded violations

notedCode 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

6-202.15 OBSERVED THE FRONT EXTERIOR DOOR NOT TIGHTLY FITTING AT THE BOTTOM. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN A PROPER WEATHER STRIP TO PREVENT POSSIBLE ENTRY POINTS FOR PESTS.

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 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

4-602.13 MUST DETAIL CLEAN ALL STORAGE RACKS/SHELVING IN THE DRY STORAGE AREA TO REMOVE DUST, DEBRIS, AND COBB WEBBING.

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 53Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

Inspector’s notes

6-501.18 MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FIXTURES IN THE WASHROOM.

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

6-501.12 CLEAN THE WALLS OF THE FOOD PREP AREA, ESPECIALLY ABOVE THE 2-COMPARTMENT SINK. CLEAN THE FLOOR OF THE DRY STORAGE ROOM BENEATH THE STORAGE SHELVES AND THE FLOOR BENEATH THE COOKING EQUIPMENT.

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

4-202.18 MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE THE 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, Aug 8, 2025 · Original Source

Complaint

Jun 6, 2025

Pass

5 recorded violations

notedCode 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED THE FRONT EXTERIOR DOOR NOT TIGHT FITTING AT THE BOTTOM. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN A PROPER WEATHER STRIP TO PREVENT POSSIBLE ENTRY POINT FOR PESTS.

In plain English

More about signs of rodents or insects

notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

MUST DETAIL CLEAN ALL STORAGE RACKS/SHELVING IN THE DRY STORAGE AREA TO REMOVE DUST,DEBRIS AND COBB WEBBS.

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 53Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

Inspector’s notes

MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FIXTURES IN THE WASHROOM.

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

CLEAN THE WALLS OF THE FOOD PREP AREA ESPECIALLY ABOVE THE 2-COMPARTMENT SINK. CLEAN THE FLOOR OF THE DRY STORAGE ROOM BENEATH THE STORAGE SHELVES AND THE FLOOR BENEATH THE COOKING EQUIPMENT.

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 DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE THE 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, Jun 6, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

Mar 6, 2025

Pass

4 recorded violations

notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

CLEAN THE PREP TABLES, INTERIOR OF THE PREP COOLERS, INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE, WIRE STORAGE RACKS IN THE WALK-IN COOLER, STAINLESS STEEL STORAGE SHELVES ABOVE THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND PREP COOLERS, AND CAN OPENER BLADE.

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

CLEAN THE WALLS OF THE FOOD PREP AREA ESPECIALLY ABOVE THE 2-COMPARTMENT SINK. CLEAN THE FLOOR OF THE DRY STORAGE ROOM BENEATH THE STORAGE SHELVES AND THE FLOOR BENEATH THE COOKING EQUIPMENT.

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 EXCESSIVE GREASE ON THE VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.

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 57Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED SEVERAL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES WITH EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE A VALID FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE.

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 6, 2025 · Original Source

Complaint Re-Inspection

May 14, 2024

Pass

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, May 14, 2024 · Original Source

Complaint

Apr 12, 2024

Fail

3 recorded violations

notedCode 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED A DEAD MOUSE ON A GLUEBOARD UNDER THE EXPOSED HAND-WASHING SINK IN THE FOOD PREP AREA AND A DEAD MOUSE ON THE GROUND IN THE BASEMENT. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL DEAD RODENTS.

In plain English

More about signs of rodents or insects

notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE PREP COOLERS, PREP TABLES, AND WIRE STORAGE SHELVES IN THE 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 60Other

Official wording

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

Inspector’s notes

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION FROM REPORT #2588448 ON 1/23/24 NOT CORRECTED: 56 - CLEAN THE BUILDUP OF GREASE ON THE VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 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, Apr 12, 2024 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

Jan 23, 2024

Pass

1 recorded violation

notedCode 56Facility maintenance

Official wording

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector’s notes

6-501.14 CLEAN THE BUILDUP OF GREASE ON THE VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS.

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 23, 2024 · Original Source

Canvass

Jan 9, 2024

Fail

4 recorded violations

notedCode 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

REMOVE THE DEAD MOUSE FROM THE BASEMENT FLOOR.

In plain English

More about signs of rodents or insects

notedCode 53Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

Inspector’s notes

THE WASHROOM DOOR LACKS A SELF-CLOSING DOOR DEVICE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL.

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

CLEAN THE FOOD DEBRIS ON THE WIRE STORAGE SHELVES IN THE 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 56Facility maintenance

Official wording

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector’s notes

CLEAN THE BUILDUP OF GREASE ON THE VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS.

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 9, 2024 · Original Source