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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

Jun 2, 2026 — Canvass inspection

Fail

A routine, unannounced visit by a city health inspector.

Extensive rodent infestation with 120 droppings found throughout basement and kitchen areas.

Standout Inspection

We flagged this inspection for serious public health concerns.

Key Findings

  • 120 rat droppings discovered in basement and kitchen closet; pest control required before reopening.
  • Expired food handler training certificates found; all staff must obtain valid certifications.
  • Food service manager has expired allergen training certificate.
  • Extensive buildup of dirt, grease, and grime on prep tables, cooking equipment, floors, walls, and ceiling vents throughout kitchen and storage areas.

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 RODENT ACTIVITY ON PREMISES. FOUND 100 RAT DROPPINGS IN THE BASEMENT AREA ON THE FLOOR IN VARIOUS AREAS OF THE BASEMENT USED BY THE RESTAURANT. FOUND 20 RAT DROPPINGS IN THE KITCHEN CLOSET. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALL AREAS AND HAVE PEST CONTROL COMPANY SERVICE ESTABLISHMENT PRIOR TO NEXT WEEK. PRIORITY FOUNDATION CITATION 7-38-020(A) ISSUED FOR CONTROL OF VERMIN AND INSECTS.

Violation code #57 — ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
Inspector's Notes:

FOUND EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES; INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST OBTAIN VALID CERTIFICATES.

Viewing inspection from Jun 2, 2026 · Show current spotlight →

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, 2026FailVIEWING NOW

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

6 violations