CHICAGO, IL - Health inspectors documented violations at NICKY'S CHINESE FOOD during a routine inspection conducted on 04/14/2023.
The facility operates from 5231 S WOODLAWN AVE in Hyde Park, an area known for its diverse dining options. Health inspections in this district help ensure consistent food safety standards.
The inspection identified 5 distinct violations requiring correction. Health inspectors document such issues to ensure establishments take corrective action promptly.
The first violation concerned hand sanitation. Inspectors documented: Wiping Cloths: Properly Used & Stored - Comments: All Wiping Cloths Must Be Stored in a Clean Sanitizing Solution When Not in Use. Instructed to Provide Sanitizing Buckets at All Times.. According to FDA guidelines, proper handwashing with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds is the single most effective way to prevent foodborne illness transmission. For more information, see FDA handwashing requirements. Cross-contamination from raw foods to ready-to-eat items often occurs through unwashed hands.
The second violation involved sanitization. Inspectors documented: In-use Utensils: Properly Stored - Comments: Instructed to Remove Utensil From Between Reach in Coolers and Store in a Clean Sanitized Container. Instructed to Correct and Maintain.. FDA sanitation guidelines require regular cleaning and sanitizing of all food contact surfaces to prevent cross-contamination and bacterial growth. For more information, see FDA sanitation standards. Biofilms can form on inadequately cleaned surfaces, protecting bacteria from sanitizers.
The third violation involved sanitation and cleanliness. Inspectors documented: Food & Non-food Contact Surfaces Cleanable, Properly Designed, Constructed & Used - Comments: New Cutting Boards Need to Replace All Worn Boards. Instructed to Replace and Maintain. FDA sanitation guidelines require regular cleaning and sanitizing of all food contact surfaces to prevent cross-contamination and bacterial growth. For more information, see FDA sanitation standards. Inadequate sanitization allows bacteria to survive and multiply on food contact surfaces.
The fourth violation related to sanitization. Inspectors documented: Non-food/food Contact Surfaces Clean - Comments: All Cooking Equipment in Need of Detail Cleaning to Remove All Grease and Food Debri Build Up. Must Clean Sides of Fryers, Stove Top, and Wok Station. Instructed to Detail Clean and Maintain.. FDA sanitation guidelines require regular cleaning and sanitizing of all food contact surfaces to prevent cross-contamination and bacterial growth. For more information, see FDA sanitation standards. Biofilms can form on inadequately cleaned surfaces, protecting bacteria from sanitizers.
The fifth violation concerned cleaning procedures. Inspectors documented: Non-food/food Contact Surfaces Clean - Comments: Interior of All Reach in Coolers in Need of Detail Cleaning to Remove All Food Debris. Instructed to Clean Inside All Coolers to Remove Food Spills. Instructed to Correct and Ma. FDA sanitation guidelines require regular cleaning and sanitizing of all food contact surfaces to prevent cross-contamination and bacterial growth. For more information, see FDA sanitation standards. Allergen cross-contact can occur when surfaces are not properly cleaned between uses.
The correction of health violations is monitored through follow-up inspections and documentation requirements. Establishments must demonstrate that they have addressed the root causes of violations, not just the immediate symptoms.
This inspection data is provided by Chicago Department of Public Health. The establishment had violations identified during the 04/14/2023 inspection. Conditions may have changed since this inspection. For current compliance status, consult the Chicago Department of Public Health. For more information about restaurant inspection regulations in this area, visit the Chicago Food Service Sanitation Rules. Learn more about food safety at FDA.gov and CDC.gov.
This inspection was conducted on August 21, 2025.
Chicago Department of Public Health
The following violations were documented: CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER AND FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR. OBSERVED MISSING LIDS ON BULK FOOD CONTAINERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE MISSING LIDS TO PROTECT FOOD ITEMS FROM CONTAMINATION.; PERSONAL CLEANLINESS - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS.; WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED - Comments: OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED OPEN FOOD ITEMS STORED INSIDE GROCERY BAGS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE FOOD IN CLEAN FOOD STORAGE BAGS OR CONTAINERS.; NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, SHELVING UNITS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.; CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER AND FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR. OBSERVED MISSING LIDS ON BULK FOOD CONTAINERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE MISSING LIDS TO PROTECT FOOD ITEMS FROM CONTAMINATION.; PERSONAL CLEANLINESS - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS.; WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED - Comments: OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED OPEN FOOD ITEMS STORED INSIDE GROCERY BAGS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE FOOD IN CLEAN FOOD STORAGE BAGS OR CONTAINERS.; NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, SHELVING UNITS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.; SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED - Comments: OBSERVED WASTEWATER BACKING UP THROUGH FLOOR DRAIN INSIDE WASHROOM WHEN HAND WASHING SINK IS IN USE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALL PLUMBER AND REPAIR DRAINLINE.PRIORITY 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED; CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER AND FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR. OBSERVED MISSING LIDS ON BULK FOOD CONTAINERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE MISSING LIDS TO PROTECT FOOD ITEMS FROM CONTAMINATION.; PERSONAL CLEANLINESS - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS.; WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED - Comments: OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED OPEN FOOD ITEMS STORED INSIDE GROCERY BAGS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE FOOD IN CLEAN FOOD STORAGE BAGS OR CONTAINERS.; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS IN THE PREP AREA WITH DARK SEEMS. MUST RESURFACE AND/OR REPLACE.; PROPER EATING, TASTING, DRINKING, OR TOBACCO USE - Comments: OBSERVED EMPLOYEES EATING IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE SEPARATE AREA FOR EMPLOYEE MEALS.; INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED OVER 100 MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED ON FLOOR ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS IN REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALL AN EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED; CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER AND FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR. OBSERVED MISSING LIDS ON BULK FOOD CONTAINERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE MISSING LIDS TO PROTECT FOOD ITEMS FROM CONTAMINATION.; PERSONAL CLEANLINESS - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS.; WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED - Comments: OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS IN THE PREP AREA WITH DARK SEEMS. MUST RESURFACE AND/OR REPLACE.; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED OPEN FOOD ITEMS STORED INSIDE GROCERY BAGS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE FOOD IN CLEAN FOOD STORAGE BAGS OR CONTAINERS.; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED ICE BUILDUP ON COMPRESSOR INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.; NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS AND GREASE BUILDUP ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, SHELVING UNITS, COOLERS, FREEZERS, HOLDING UNITS, SINKS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAITAIN.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS, SPILLS AND GREASE BUILDUP ON WALLS AND FLOORS UNDER ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, HOLDING UNITS, COOLERS, FREEZERS, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP, STORAGE, AND DISH WASHING AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS IN THE PREP AREA WITH DARK SEEMS. MUST RESURFACE AND/OR REPLACE.; NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL STORAGE SHELVING THROUGH OUT INCLUDING INTERIOR OF WALK IN COOLERS.; NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED THE COOKING EQUIPMENT ENCRUSTED WITH FOOD DEBRIS AND/OR GREASE. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.; TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FIXTURES IN THE WASHROOM.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: MUST CLEAN THE FLOORS THROUGH OUT AND WALLS BEHIND PREP STATION TO REMOVE SPILLS, DEBRIS AND/OR GREASE.; ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: MUST CLEAN THE HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT TO REMOVE GREASE AND DEBRIS.; INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED 1 LIVE CRAWLING ROACH IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA AND 50 MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED ON THE FLOOR SIDE REAR DRY STORAGE AREA. PREMISES MUST UP-GRADE HOUSE KEEPING. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND DETAIL CLEAN AFFECTED AREAS. CALL PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION CITATION ISSUED #7-38-020(A).; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE FLOORS UNDER AROUND AND BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT, UNDER SINKS AND UNDER SHELVES IN THE STORAGE ROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE WALLS AROUND AND BEHIND COOKING AND OTHER EQUIPMENT WHERE NEEDED AND MAINTAIN.; ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT TO REMOVE GREASE BUILD UP.; FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED - Comments: THE INTERIOR SURFACE OF THE ICE MACHINE NEEDS CLEANING; INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.; NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: THE EXTERIOR SURFACES OF THE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND REFRIGERATION UNITS NEED CLEANING. CLEAN BOTTOM AREA OF FRYERS TO REMOVE GREASE. CLEAN SHELVES INSIDE OF WALK-IN COOLER AND FREEZER.; TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: THE PLUMBING FIXTURES IN THE WASHROOM IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING; CLEAN TOILET AND SINK AND MAINTAIN.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE FLOORS UNDER AROUND AND BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT, UNDER SINKS AND UNDER SHELVES IN THE STORAGE ROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE WALLS AROUND AND BEHIND COOKING AND OTHER EQUIPMENT WHERE NEEDED AND MAINTAIN.; ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING.; FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED - Comments: MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE.; NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: PREP TABLES IN THE KITCHEN IN NEED OF CLEANING ALONG WITH THE STORAGE SHELVES IN THE WALK-IN COOLER AND OTHER REFRIGERATION UNITS.; TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: OBSERVED THE FIXTURES IN THE WASHROOM DIRTY. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED THE FLOORS THROUGHT OUT AND THE CEILING AND WALL IN THE KITCHEN NEED CLEANING.; ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: MUST CLEAN THE FILTERS AND HOOD ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT TO REMOVE GREASE AND DEBRIS.; ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: OBSERVED CERTIFIED MANAGER ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE EXPIRED. INSTRUCTED TO RENEW AND MAINTAIN.; WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO STORE ALL WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.; NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE IN NEED OF CLEANING; INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN (CORRECTED ON SITE). OBSERVED THE BOTTOM OF THE FRYERS AND PREP TABLES IN THE KITCHEN IN NEED OF CLEANING ALONG WITH THE STORAGE SHELVES IN THE WALK-IN COOLER AND OTHER REFRIGERATION UNITS.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE FLOORS UNDER THE COOKING EQUIPMENT, IN THE STORAGE AREA UNDER AND AROUND SHELVES AND BULK STORAGE CONTAINERS AND ALSO INSIDE OF THE WALK-IN COOLER.; WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED - Comments: ALL WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE STORED IN A CLEAN SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SANITIZING BUCKETS AT ALL TIMES.; IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE UTENSIL FROM BETWEEN REACH IN COOLERS AND STORE IN A CLEAN SANITIZED CONTAINER. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: NEW CUTTING BOARDS NEED TO REPLACE ALL WORN BOARDS. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN; NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL GREASE AND FOOD DEBRI BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN SIDES OF FRYERS, STOVE TOP, AND WOK STATION. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.; NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: INTERIOR OF ALL REACH IN COOLERS IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN INSIDE ALL COOLERS TO REMOVE FOOD SPILLS. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.; PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: LEAK AT FRONT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK P TRAP. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: FLOORS THROUGHOUT ALL PREP AND STORAGE AREAS IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN UNDER SINKS, COOKING EQUIPMENT, IN WALK IN COOLER, AND UNDER STORAGE SHELVES. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.; ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: AIR VENTS ABOVE POP COOLER IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL DUST BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN..
Cross-contamination from raw foods to ready-to-eat items often occurs through unwashed hands. Biofilms can form on inadequately cleaned surfaces, protecting bacteria from sanitizers. Inadequate sanitization allows bacteria to survive and multiply on food contact surfaces. Biofilms can form on inadequately cleaned surfaces, protecting bacteria from sanitizers. Allergen cross-contact can occur when surfaces are not properly cleaned between uses.
This inspection data is sourced directly from Chicago Department of Public Health. For the most current information, please visit the official health department website.
Federal Guidelines: Our reporting follows standards established by the FDA Food Code, CDC Food Safety Guidelines, and USDA Food Safety Standards.
📖 Food Safety Codes: Reference the specific regulations that govern this establishment: Chicago Food Code, FDA Food Code 2022
⚠️ Important Note: Restaurant conditions can change rapidly. This inspection represents a snapshot in time and may not reflect current conditions. For the most up-to-date information, consider checking recent reviews or contacting the establishment directly.
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