CHICAGO, IL - Health department officials identified compliance issues at LITTLE WOK in an inspection dated 04/17/2023.
Located at 1950 W DIVISION ST in the West Town area, the establishment serves the local community. The West Town neighborhood maintains numerous food service establishments that undergo regular health monitoring.
The inspection identified 4 distinct violations requiring correction. Each violation has established correction procedures that must be followed to achieve compliance.
The first violation concerned hand hygiene and handwashing facilities. Inspectors documented: Adequate Handwashing Sinks Properly Supplied and Accessible - Comments: Observed No Soap at Exposed Handwashing Sinks Located in the Bar and Sushi Station. Instructed to Maintain Soap at All Handwashing Sinks at All Times. Priority Foundation Violation 7-38-030(c). Citation Issued.. 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. Fecal-oral transmission of pathogens occurs when hands are not properly washed after restroom use.
The second violation involved hand sanitation. Inspectors documented: Adequate Handwashing Sinks Properly Supplied and Accessible - Comments: Observed No Paper Towels at the Exposed Handwashing Sink Located at the Bar. Instructed to Provide Paper Towels at All Exposed Handwashing Sinks at All Times. Priority Foundation Violation 7-38-030(c). Citation Combined with the Above Violation.. 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. Inadequate handwashing can transmit Norovirus, Hepatitis A, and other pathogens directly to food.
The third violation concerned food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: Consumer Advisory Provided for Raw/undercooked Food - Comments: Observed No Consumer Advisory on the Digital Version of the Menu. Instructed to Add Disclosure, Reminder, and Footnote on Digital Version of Menu. Priority Foundation Violation 7-38-005. No Citation Was Issued.. Violations of health codes can increase the risk of foodborne illness.
The fourth violation involved pest management. Inspectors documented: Contamination Prevented During Food Preparation, Storage & Display - Comments: Observed Ice Scoop Stored Directly in Ice Bin at Bar and Food F. The FDA Food Code requires establishments to eliminate conditions that attract and harbor pests, including proper waste management and facility maintenance. For more information, see FDA pest control standards. Flies can transfer pathogens from garbage and feces to food preparation areas.
Health code violations require prompt correction to maintain operating permits. The health department typically conducts re-inspections to verify that identified issues have been properly addressed.
This inspection data is provided by Chicago Department of Public Health. The establishment had violations identified during the 04/17/2023 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: PROPER EATING, TASTING, DRINKING, OR TOBACCO USE - Comments: OBSERVED SEVERAL EMPLOYEES IN REAR PREP AREA EATING INSTRUCTED TO DESIGNATE AN AREA FOR EATING.(COS); ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO HAND DRYING DEVICES AT HAND SINKS IN MAIN PREP AREA,DISH WASHING AREA,BAR PAPER TOWELS WERE PROVIDED DURING INSPECTION .MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C)(CITATION ISSUED)(CONSOLIDATED VIOLATION)(COS); ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED HAND SINK IN DISH WASHING AREA NOT ACCESSIBLE OBSERVED SEVERAL BUCKETS AND BOXES PILED UP IN FRONT OF SAID SINK.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C)(CITATION ISSUED)(CONSOLIDATED VIOLATION)(COS); ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO SOAP AT HAND SINKS IN MAIN PREP AREA,DISH WASHING AREA SOAP WAS PROVIDED DURING INSPECTION .MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C)(CITATION ISSUED)(COS); PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURES OF TCS COOKED FOODS IN SEVERAL PREP COOLERS, SUCH AS 4 LBS. COOKED CHICKEN-45.0F.1LB. DICED CHICKEN-46.4F.3LBS. EGG ROLLS-51.3F-56.7F.1LB. BREADED CHICKEN-97.9F.THE PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED BY THE MANAGER. It MUST HAVE HAD COLD-HOLDING FOODS AT 41.0�F OR BELOW.APPX.9LBS.$45.(COS)(PRIORITY 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED); INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX. 100 OR MORE MICE DROPPINGS ON FLOOR UNDER, AROUND, ALONG WALL BASES IN PREP, DISHWASHING, SUSHI, BAR AREAS OF ALL EQUIPMENT.ALSO APPX. 15 OR MORE LIVE SMALL FLIES ON UPPER WALLS AND CEILINGS IN PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS.MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS, CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS. RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 5/8/25.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A)(CITATION ISSUED); INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE GAPS ALONG THE BOTTOM OF THE GARBAGE AND REAR DOORS TO PREVENT INSECT ENTRY.; CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK-IN COOLER MUST BE STORED ON ADEQUATE SHELVING UNITS.; WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments: OBSERVED NO HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE MEASURING DEVICE FOR THE PLATE OF A HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. (PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED); NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: MUST CLEAN EXCESSIVE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILDUP FROM ALL NONFOOD & FOOD COOKING EQUIPMENT.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: MUST CLEAN EXCESSIVE FOOD DEBRIS FROM FLOOR AND DRAINS THROUGHOUT PREMISES.; CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE UPON ARRIVAL. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER IS ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ARRIVED ON SITE APPROXIMATELY 30 MINUTES AFTER THE INSPECTION BEGAN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.; CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: OBSERVED VARIOUS FOOD ITEMS STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL ITEMS ARE AT LEAST SIX INCHES OFF THE FLOOR. OBSERVED EMPLOYEE PREPARING FOOD BY PEELING VEGETABLES INTO A CONTAINER ON THE FLOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE FOOD IS PREPARED IN A WAY IN WHICH CROSS-CONTAMINATION CANNOT OCCUR.; PERSONAL CLEANLINESS - Comments: OBSERVED SEVERAL FOOD HANDLERS WITH NO HAIR RESTRAINTS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL FOOD HANDLERS WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS.; FOOD SEPARATED AND PROTECTED - Comments: OBSERVED THE COOK PREP SWEET AND SOUR CHICKEN BY PICKING UP RAW CHICKEN WITH ONE HAND, WHICH HAD A GLOVE, THEN PLACING SAID CHICKEN INTO THE FRYER; THE COOK WAS USING A TONG WITH THE OTHER HAND TO PICK UP THE CHICKEN THAT WAS COOKED. THE CONTENTS FROM THE GLOVE USED TO MAKE RAW CHICKEN IN ONE HAND WOULD THEN DRIP DIRECTLY ON THE BATCH OF FRESHLY COOKED CHICKEN. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REVIEW PREPPING PRACTICES TO ENSURE NO CROSS-CONTAMINATION OF ANY KIND OCCURS. THE MANAGER DISCARDED 10 POUNDS OF CHICKEN. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.; PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: OBSERVED LEFT COMPARTMENT OF 3-COMPARTMENT SINK UNABLE TO DRAIN. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.; GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED - Comments: OBSERVED OUTSIDE OIL RECEPTACLE WITH HEAVY SOIL BUILD UP ON OUTSIDE AND A LOOSE FITTING LID. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN SAID OIL RECEPTACLE AND ENSURE LID IS TIGHT FITTING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(B) CITATION ISSUED.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED CLUTTER IN THE HALLWAY OF THE FACILITY LEADING BACK TO THE ALLEY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DECLUTTER AND DISCARD ANY UNNECESSARY ITEMS.; ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: OBSERVED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS HAVE FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING.; CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON DUTY BETWEEN 12:10 AND 12:45 PM WHILE TCS ITEMS SUCH AS FISH WERE PREPARED. CERTIFIED MANAGER DEXIN TAN ARRIVED ON SITE AT 12:45 PM. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN AN EMPLOYEE HOLDING A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.; ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINKS LOCATED IN THE BAR AND DISH AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.; FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: OBSERVED BULK CONTAINER OF RICE NOT LABELLED. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL BULK INGREDIENTS WITH COMMON NAMES.; CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: OBSERVED ICE SCOOP STORED DIRECTLY IN ICE BIN AT BAR. INSTRUCTED TO STORE OUTSIDE OF ICE CONTAINER TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.; PERSONAL CLEANLINESS - Comments: OBSERVED 3 EMPLOYEES IN AND OUT OF FOOD PREP AREAS WITHOUT HAIR RESTRAINTS. INSTRUCTED EMPLOYEES MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS IN FOOD PREP AREAS.; PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: OBSERVED LOW WATER PRESSURE AT 1 OF 2 FAUCETS AT WASHBOWL SINK LOCATED IN MEN'S TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.; ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED HOOD OVER COOK LINE IS NOW WORKING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.; ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED LIGHTS IN HOOD OVER COOK LINE DO NOT TURN ON. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.; ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO SOAP AT EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINKS LOCATED IN THE BAR AND SUSHI STATION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN SOAP AT ALL HANDWASHING SINKS AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.; ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS AT THE EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK LOCATED AT THE BAR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PAPER TOWELS AT ALL EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINKS AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION COMBINED WITH THE ABOVE VIOLATION.; CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD - Comments: OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY ON THE DIGITAL VERSION OF THE MENU. INSTRUCTED TO ADD DISCLOSURE, REMINDER, AND FOOTNOTE ON DIGITAL VERSION OF MENU. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION WAS ISSUED.; CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: OBSERVED ICE SCOOP STORED DIRECTLY IN ICE BIN AT BAR AND FOOD FROZEN IN SHOPPING BAGS. INSTRUCTED TO STORE ICE SCOOP OUTSIDE OF ICE AND FREEZE FOODS ONLY IN FOOD-GRADE CONTAINERS.; WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments: OBSERVED FINAL RINSE GAUGE ON HIGH-TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE NOT FUNCTIONING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN WORKING ORDER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.; SUMMARY REPORT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC - Comments: OBSERVED NO SUMMARY POSTED FROM PREVIOUS INSPECTION #2545597 DATED 12/14/2021. LEFT NEW SUMMARY AND INSTRUCTED TO POST FOR PUBLIC VIEW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-010(B). CITATION ISSUED..
Fecal-oral transmission of pathogens occurs when hands are not properly washed after restroom use. Inadequate handwashing can transmit Norovirus, Hepatitis A, and other pathogens directly to food. Flies can transfer pathogens from garbage and feces to food preparation areas.
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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