Chicago Chinese Restaurants: 1 in 3 Failed Health Inspections in Early 2025

The State of Chinese Restaurant Safety in Chicago

CHICAGO, IL - Nearly one-third of Chicago's Chinese restaurants failed health inspections during the first four months of 2025, according to an analysis of official inspection data from the Chicago Department of Public Health. From January through mid-April, health inspectors conducted 28 inspections at Chinese food establishments across the city, resulting in 9 failures—a concerning 32.1% failure rate. The data reveals persistent issues with rodent infestations, improper food storage, and inadequate cleaning practices across multiple establishments.

This comprehensive analysis by CleanKitchens.org examined inspection reports from January 1 to April 18, 2025, documenting a total of 144 violations across all inspected Chinese restaurants. While none of these violations were classified as "critical" by health inspectors, the patterns identified raise significant public health concerns for Chicago diners.

Rodent Infestations: The Leading Cause of Failures

The most alarming trend identified in the data was the prevalence of rodent infestations. Five of the nine failed inspections specifically cited evidence of mice or rats, with inspectors documenting mouse droppings "too numerous to count" in several establishments.

New Grand Chinese Kitchen on South Wentworth Avenue failed three consecutive inspections between February and March due to persistent rodent issues. During the February 18 inspection, approximately 80 mouse droppings were found "scattered throughout rear prep area and restroom." Despite being cited, the restaurant failed to address the problem, leading to additional failed inspections on February 26 and February 28.

Similarly, China Garden Chinese Restaurant on South Halsted Street failed its February 25 inspection when inspectors discovered "over 100 mice droppings scattered on shelving units, rolling carts, prep tables, utility sink basin and floors along walls and corners in prep, storage, furnace, and dish washing areas."

Perhaps most concerning was the January 29 inspection of Sky Lake Chinese Kitchen on West 111th Street, where inspectors found "over 80 mice droppings scattered on shelves under front counter, near computer equipment, electrical wires, bulk containers, etc."

Neighborhood Patterns: Where Violations Occurred

The inspection data reveals that health code violations at Chinese restaurants were distributed across multiple Chicago neighborhoods, from the South Side to the West Side. Several establishments along major thoroughfares showed recurring problems, particularly those located near public transportation hubs where foot traffic is high.

The South Side showed a notable concentration of violations, with multiple establishments along Halsted Street, Ashland Avenue, and Stony Island Avenue receiving citations. In particular, the stretch of restaurants near the CTA Red Line's 79th and 87th Street stations had multiple establishments with sanitation issues.

The Chinese Community Center in Chinatown, located just a short walk from the Cermak-Chinatown Red Line station, failed multiple inspections in February 2025. This is particularly concerning given the cultural significance of this area, which draws both tourists and locals seeking authentic Chinese cuisine.

West Side establishments weren't exempt from problems either. See Thru Chinese Restaurant on West Division Street failed its January 9 inspection due to improper garbage disposal, with inspectors noting an "outside garbage dumpster with lids not able to close due overloaded with trash preventing lid closure."

Common Violations Beyond Rodent Issues

While rodent infestations were the most serious violations identified, the inspection data revealed several other recurring problems across Chicago's Chinese restaurants:

Inadequate Handwashing Facilities

Proper handwashing is fundamental to food safety, yet multiple establishments were cited for violations related to handwashing sinks. See Thru Chinese Kitchen #19 on South Ashland Avenue received a conditional pass on March 18 after inspectors found "front prep and rear prep area handwashing sinks obstructed by equipment in utensils in the basins, inaccessible for use in handwashing."

Several restaurants also lacked required handwashing signage, including New Grand Chinese Kitchen, where inspectors noted "handwashing sink in the front prep area missing signage notifying food employees to wash hands."

Improper Food Storage

Inspectors frequently cited restaurants for storing food items directly on the floor, a violation that increases the risk of contamination. China Garden Chinese Restaurant was instructed to "elevate all food items six inches off floor" after violations were found in both prep and walk-in cooler areas.

Similarly, See Thru Chinese Restaurant on West Division Street was cited for "box of chicken wings stored improperly on the floor in the walk-in freezer."

Unclean Food Contact Surfaces

Dirty equipment and food preparation surfaces were commonly cited across multiple establishments. Nicky's Chinese Food on South Woodlawn Avenue was instructed to clean "cooking equipment encrusted with food debris and/or grease," while See Thru Chinese Kitchen on South Western Avenue needed to "detail clean" its "large can opener...to remove all build up."

Success Stories: Establishments with Clean Records

Despite the concerning number of failed inspections, several Chinese restaurants demonstrated excellent food safety practices. Chinese Kitchen on North Milwaukee Avenue passed its February 24 inspection with zero violations, while See Thru Chinese Kitchen on South Jeffery Boulevard passed its January 17 inspection without any citations after addressing previous violations.

New Grand Chinese Kitchen, despite its earlier failures, passed its March 5 inspection with zero violations after addressing its rodent infestation and other issues, demonstrating how establishments can successfully correct problems when properly motivated.

These success stories highlight that maintaining proper food safety standards is achievable for Chicago's Chinese restaurants when owners and staff prioritize sanitation and pest control.

Historical Context: Chicago's Chinese Restaurant Scene

Chicago's relationship with Chinese cuisine dates back to the late 19th century, when the city's first Chinese restaurants opened in what would eventually become today's Chinatown. The South Side neighborhood centered around Cermak Road and Wentworth Avenue has been a cultural hub since the early 1900s, when Chinese immigrants relocated from the original downtown Chinatown.

Beyond Chinatown, Chinese restaurants spread throughout Chicago's neighborhoods in the mid-20th century, offering affordable dining options and convenient takeout service. The "See Thru Chinese Kitchen" chain, which appears multiple times in the inspection data, represents a Chicago-specific phenomenon of standardized Chinese-American cuisine available in neighborhoods across the city.

These establishments have become integral parts of Chicago's food landscape, particularly in areas where dining options may be limited. This makes the health inspection results all the more significant, as these restaurants serve diverse communities across the city's 77 neighborhoods.

Public Health Implications

The prevalence of rodent infestations in Chicago's Chinese restaurants represents a significant public health concern. Rodents can transmit various diseases through their droppings, urine, and saliva, including Salmonellosis, Hantavirus, and Leptospirosis. When these pests have access to food preparation areas, the risk of foodborne illness increases substantially.

Dr. Allison Arwady, Chicago's former Commissioner of Public Health, has previously emphasized that rodent control is a critical component of the city's public health strategy. The Chicago Department of Public Health regularly conducts thousands of inspections annually to protect residents from foodborne illnesses and other health hazards associated with unsanitary food establishments.

The inspection data from early 2025 suggests that enforcement efforts must continue to focus on rodent control in food establishments, particularly in areas where older buildings may provide more entry points and harborage for pests.

Consumer Guidance: What Diners Should Know

For Chicago residents who enjoy Chinese cuisine, the inspection data offers valuable guidance for making informed dining choices. While a failed health inspection doesn't necessarily mean that a restaurant's food will cause illness, it does indicate potential risks that consumers should consider.

Diners can check a restaurant's inspection history through the City of Chicago Data Portal or through resources like CleanKitchens.org before deciding where to eat. Visual cues inside restaurants can also provide insights into their cleanliness standards—clean dining areas, properly attired staff with hair restraints, and visible handwashing stations are positive indicators.

It's worth noting that many restaurants quickly address violations after failed inspections. For example, New Grand Chinese Kitchen failed three inspections in February but passed with zero violations by early March after addressing its rodent problem.

Conclusion: The Path Forward

The early 2025 inspection data for Chicago's Chinese restaurants reveals both concerning patterns and promising signs. While the 32.1% failure rate indicates significant room for improvement, the data also shows that many establishments maintain high standards or successfully address violations when identified.

For restaurant owners and managers, the data highlights the importance of proactive pest control, regular deep cleaning, proper food storage practices, and staff training on handwashing and personal hygiene. The success stories among the inspected establishments demonstrate that compliance with health codes is achievable even in older buildings or challenging urban environments.

For Chicago's public health officials, the data suggests that continued vigilance and enforcement are necessary, particularly regarding rodent control in food establishments. The city's inspection program plays a vital role in protecting public health and encouraging restaurants to maintain proper sanitation standards.

CleanKitchens.org will continue to monitor and analyze health inspection data to provide Chicago residents with the information they need to make informed dining choices. Follow our Facebook page for updates when we post new stories about food safety in Chicago and beyond.