Restaurant · Chicago, IL

Yao

Name: Yao
Address: 230 W Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL

230 W Cermak Rd

Last inspected May 7, 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

6 inspections

Complaint

May 7, 2026

Pass

6 recorded violations

notedCode 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED THE FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR WITH A 1/4 INCH GAP UNDERNEATH; INSTRUCTED TO 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 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED SOME FOOD ITEMS IN FREEZER STORED IN GROCERY BAGS; INSTRUCTED TO USE FOOD GRADE BAGS FOR ALL FOOD STORAGE.

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 THE BOTTOM AREA OF THE FRYERS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE GREASE AND OTHER PARTICLES; INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN BOTTOM AREA AND EXTERIOR SURFACES. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN BOTTOMS OF PREP TABLES AND INTERIOR OF REFRIGERATION UNITS WHERE NEEDED.

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

INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE FLOORS UNDER AND AROUND COOKING EQUIPMENT, UNDER DISHMACHINE, UNDER STORAGE SHELVES AND SINKS.

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 IN THE HOODED SYSTEM ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING; 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

FOUND SOME EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES; INSTRUCTED TO HAVE FOOD HANDLERS OBTAIN VALID CERTIFICATES.

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, May 7, 2026 · Original Source

Canvass

May 22, 2025

Pass w/ Conditions

4 recorded violations

notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED HANDSINK IN PREP AREA NOT STOCKED WITH HAND SOAP. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT HAND SOAP MUST BE AVAILABLE AT HANDSINKS AT ALL TIMES. FOOD HANDLER OBTAINED HAND SOAP FOR HAND SINK DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. 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

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s notes

NOTED NO LABELS FOR BULK STORAGE CONTAINERS. 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 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED VARIOUS FOOD ITEMS SOTED IN GROCERY BAGS IN COOLERS AND FREEZERS. 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

notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED LOOSE DEBRIS, DIRT AND DUST BUILDUP ON THE FLOORS AND CORNERS THROUGHOUT IN KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND INCREASE CLEANING FREQUENCY OF FLOORS. MUST 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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, May 22, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

Apr 16, 2024

Pass w/ Conditions

7 recorded violations

notedCode 2Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH THE ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE, WHILE OPEN AND OPERATING. INSTRUCTED A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE WITH THE ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE POSTED AT ALL TIMES WHILE OPEN AND OPERATING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012, CITATION ISSUED

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 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

6-301.14: OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT THE HANDWASHING SINK IN THE DISHWASHING/MOP SINK STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

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

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

Inspector’s notes

4-204.112(B): OBSERVED NO AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETERS IN THE COLD HOLDING UNITS ON SITE. 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

6-202.13: OBSERVED THREE STICKY INSECT TRAPS STORED IN THE DISHWASHING/MOP SINK AREA ABOVE THE SPRAYER SINK AND WHERE CLEAN BOWLS AND CUPS WERE STORED IN THE SAME MENTIONED AREA. INSTRUCTED TO RELOCATE AND REFRAIN FROM STORING INSECT CONTROL DEVICES ABOVE FOOD PREP AREA AND WHERE CLEAN DISHWARE IS STORED.

In plain English

More about signs of rodents or insects

notedCode 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

3-305.12: OBSERVED TWO FOOD STORAGE BINS WITH SEAWEED KNOTS AND PORK STORED ON THE FLOOR UNDER THE SHELVING UNIT, ACROSS FROM THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK NEAR THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REFRAIN FROM STORING FOOD ON THE 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 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

6-501.13: OBSERVED THE FLOORS IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: SURROUNDING ALL EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINKS, THREE COMPARTMENT SINKS, AND DISHWASHING MACHINE EQUIPMENT WITH DEBRIS, CLUTTER, AND STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL MENTIONED FLOORS.

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

4-601.11(B): OBSERVED SLIGHT BLACK RESIDUE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE ON THE BLUE ICE SHEILD. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE, 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, Apr 16, 2024 · Original Source

Canvass

Apr 11, 2024

Fail

8 recorded violations

notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO HOT RUNNING WATER AT THE HANDWASHING SINK ON THE SIDE OF THE TWO DOOR REFRIGERATOR IN THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA. TEMPERATURE OF WATER WAS 68.0F AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE HOT (100-120F) AND COLD RUNNING AT ALL HAND WASH SINKS. PRIORITY 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

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETERS IN THE COLD HOLDING UNITS ON SITE. 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 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED TWO FOOD STORAGE BINS WITH SEAWEED KNOTS AND PORK STORED ON THE FLOOR UNDER THE SHELVING UNIT, ACROSS FROM THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK NEAR THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REFRAIN FROM STORING FOOD ON THE FLOOR AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

More about food not protected from contamination

notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED THE FLOORS IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: SURROUNDING ALL EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINKS, THREE COMPARTMENT SINKS, AND DISHWASHING MACHINE EQUIPMENT WITH DEBRIS, CLUTTER, AND STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL MENTIONED FLOORS.

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 2Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

Inspector’s notes

UPON ARRIVAL, OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WITH THE ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE DURING THE INSPECTION WHILE OPEN AND OPERATING. INSTRUCTED A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WITH THE ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER CERTITICATE WHILE OPEN AND OPERATING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012, CITATION ISSUED

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 16Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED LOW-TEMPERATURE DISHWASHING MACHINE IN USE NOT PROPERLY SANITIZING. SANITIZING STRENGTH OF SANITIZER (CHLORINE) AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION WAS 0 PPM. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE UNTIL EQUIPMENT IS PROPERLY SANITIZING. PLEASE REVIEW COMMENTS FOR WTAG REMOVAL INSTRUCTIONS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-025, CITATION 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 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED THREE STICKY INSECT TRAPS STORED IN THE DISHWASHING/MOP SINK AREA ABOVE THE SPRAYER SINK AND WHERE CLEAN BOWLS AND CUPS WERE STORED IN THE SAME MENTIONED AREA. INSTRUCTED TO RELOCATE AND REFRAIN FROM STORING INSECT CONTROL DEVICES ABOVE FOOD PREP AREA AND WHERE CLEAN DISHWARE IS STORED.

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

OBSERVED SLIGHT BLACK RESIDUE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE ON THE BLUE ICE SHEILD. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE, 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, Apr 11, 2024 · Original Source

Complaint

Nov 28, 2023

Pass

1 recorded violation

notedCode 58Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE WITHOUT ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED PIC TO OBTAIN ALLERGEN TRAINING AND RETAIN CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.

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, Nov 28, 2023 · Original Source

Short Form Complaint

Oct 2, 2023

Pass

5 recorded violations

notedCode 56Facility maintenance

Official wording

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector’s notes

INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE VENTS IN THE HOODED SYSTEM ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT WHERE NEEDED.

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 58Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Inspector’s notes

INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING.

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 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE EXTERIOR SURFACES OF THE COOKING EQUIPMENT WHERE NEEDED 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

INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE FLOOR UNDER THE COOKING EQUIPMENT WHERE NEEDED TO REMOVE GREASE AND TO CLEAN FLOOR DRAINS UNDER ALL SINKS AND DISHMACHINE 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

FOUND ONE EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE; INSTRUCTED TO HAVE EMPLOYEE OBTAIN A VALID 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, Oct 2, 2023 · Original Source