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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.

Nicky's Chinese Food

Restaurant

5231 S Woodlawn Ave, Chicago, IL 60615

Hyde Park

May 23, 2025 — Complaint inspection

Fail

Triggered by a public complaint about this restaurant.

Over 100 mouse droppings found scattered throughout rear storage area.

Standout Inspection

We flagged this inspection for serious public health concerns.

Key Findings

  • Severe rodent infestation with droppings observed on floors and along walls in storage; exterminator service required.
  • Food stored directly on cooler and freezer floors instead of elevated surfaces; bulk containers missing protective lids.
  • Employees eating in food prep area instead of designated break area; food handlers not wearing required hair restraints.
  • Soiled wiping cloths left on prep tables instead of stored in sanitizing solution; cutting boards heavily discolored and need replacement.

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 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

Violation code #39 — CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
Inspector's Notes:

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.

Inspection History

Nicky's Chinese Food has had 20 inspections in the last 5 years with a 70% pass rate. Last inspection was on Aug 17, 2026.

Aug 17, 2026Pass

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

1 violation
Standout inspection
Aug 10, 2026Fail

Complaint — Triggered by a public complaint about this restaurant.

4 violations
Feb 19, 2026Pass

Complaint — Triggered by a public complaint about this restaurant.

4 violations
Dec 11, 2025Pass

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

8 violations
Standout inspection
Dec 3, 2025Fail

Complaint — Triggered by a public complaint about this restaurant.

9 violations
Jul 28, 2025Pass

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

5 violations
Jul 17, 2025Fail

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

6 violations
May 30, 2025Pass

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

5 violations
Standout inspection
May 23, 2025FailVIEWING NOW

Complaint — Triggered by a public complaint about this restaurant.

10 violations
Mar 17, 2025Pass

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

6 violations
Oct 30, 2024Pass

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

Standout inspection
Oct 21, 2024Fail

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

3 violations
Jun 14, 2024Pass

Complaint — Triggered by a public complaint about this restaurant.

5 violations
Feb 16, 2024Pass

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

6 violations
Sep 12, 2023Pass

Complaint — Triggered by a public complaint about this restaurant.

3 violations
Apr 14, 2023Pass

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

8 violations
Mar 20, 2023Pass

Complaint — Triggered by a public complaint about this restaurant.

9 violations
Oct 20, 2022Pass

Complaint — Triggered by a public complaint about this restaurant.

4 violations
Feb 24, 2022Pass

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

Standout inspection
Feb 17, 2022Fail

Complaint — Triggered by a public complaint about this restaurant.

7 violations