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IsTheKitchenClean displays publicly available food inspection data from the Chicago Department of Public Health. Trending rankings and summaries are automated interpretations of that data and are not official health department assessments. Inspection findings reflect conditions at a specific point in time and may not represent current conditions at a restaurant.

China Cafe

Restaurant

2300-2302 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60616

Chinatown

Jan 26, 2023 — Complaint inspection

Fail

Triggered by a public complaint about this restaurant.

Inspector found 200 rodent droppings throughout kitchen and storage areas.

Standout Inspection

We flagged this inspection for serious public health concerns.

Key Findings

  • Extensive rodent infestation documented with 200 droppings found in basement storage, prep area, main kitchen, and storage room. Pest control service required before reopening.
  • Mold observed on dim sum kitchen walls, likely from steamer operation. Floors and walls need deep cleaning under and behind all equipment.
  • Multiple food handler and allergen training certificates are expired. All food handlers and managers must obtain current certifications.
  • Unlabeled bulk food containers in dim sum prep area and improperly stored wiping cloths pose contamination risks.

Key findings are derived directly from the inspector's notes from the Chicago Department of Public Health. See the full violation notes below.

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Violation code #38 — INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
Inspector's Notes:

OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF RODENTS ON PREMISES. FOUND 200 DROPPINGS ON PREMISES IN BASEMENT STORAGE ROOMS AND PREP AREA AND IN MAIN KITCHEN AND STORAGE ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALL AREAS AND HAVE PEST CONTROL COMPANY SERVICE PRIOR TO REINSPECTION NEXT WEEK. MUST HAVE A PRINTED PEST CONTROL RECEIPT VERIFYING DETAILED SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A) ISSUED.

Violation code #55 — PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector's Notes:

THE FLOORS AND WALLS NEED DETAIL CLEANING UNDER AROUND AND BEHIND KITCHEN EQUIPMENT, IN STORAGE ROOMS AND BASEMENT AREA. OBSERVED MOLD ON THE WALLS IN THE DIM SUM KITCHEN POSSIBLY DUE TO THE STEAMER; INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE MOLD; CLEAN WALLS AND MAINTAIN. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN LIGHT SHIELDS WHERE NEEDED IN MAIN KITCHEN.

Inspection History

China Cafe has had 12 inspections in the last 5 years with a 58% pass rate. Last inspection was on Jul 27, 2026.

Jul 27, 2026Pass

Complaint — Triggered by a public complaint about this restaurant.

3 violations
Jun 9, 2026Pass

Canvass Re-Inspection — A follow-up to confirm violations from a routine visit were fixed.

4 violations
Standout inspection
Jun 2, 2026Fail

Canvass — A routine, unannounced visit by a city health inspector.

6 violations
Jul 8, 2025Pass

Short Form Complaint — A shorter, targeted check prompted by a public complaint.

1 violation
Jun 10, 2025Pass

Short Form Complaint — A shorter, targeted check prompted by a public complaint.

1 violation
Standout inspection
Mar 27, 2025Pass

Complaint Re-Inspection — A follow-up to confirm complaint-related violations were fixed.

4 violations
Mar 18, 2025Fail

Complaint — Triggered by a public complaint about this restaurant.

8 violations
Jun 20, 2024Pass

Canvass Re-Inspection — A follow-up to confirm violations from a routine visit were fixed.

8 violations
Jun 18, 2024Fail

Canvass Re-Inspection — A follow-up to confirm violations from a routine visit were fixed.

9 violations
Standout inspection
Jun 11, 2024Fail

Canvass — A routine, unannounced visit by a city health inspector.

11 violations
Feb 2, 2023Pass

Complaint Re-Inspection — A follow-up to confirm complaint-related violations were fixed.

3 violations
Standout inspection
Jan 26, 2023FailVIEWING NOW

Complaint — Triggered by a public complaint about this restaurant.

13 violations