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CHINA DRAGON

1737 W 18TH ST, CHICAGO, IL 60608 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

CHINA DRAGON has been inspected 6 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since August 7, 2023. The most recent inspection, on August 6, 2026, recorded 8 infractions.

None of the 6 inspections on record were free of infractions. In the past 12 months there was 1 inspection with 8 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Cleaning and sanitizing, Food temperature control and Pests.

Recent inspections have recorded more infractions than earlier ones, so it is worth reading the latest reports closely.

What these findings mean

Health authorities word their violations differently, so we group them by what they mean for food safety. Higher-risk findings are the ones inspectors treat as critical, because they can directly make someone sick.

  • Cleaning and sanitizingHigher risk

    Anything that touches food, such as cutting boards, dishes and utensils, must be washed, rinsed and sanitized. Inspectors check dishwasher temperatures, sanitizer strength and how wiping cloths are stored. Poor sanitizing lets bacteria survive from one use to the next.

    Recorded 6 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on August 6, 2026. For example: NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

  • Food temperature controlHigher risk

    Bacteria multiply fastest between about 4 °C and 60 °C (40 °F to 140 °F). Inspectors check that cold food stays cold, hot food stays hot, cooked food is cooled quickly, and that staff have accurate thermometers. Temperature problems are one of the most common causes of food poisoning, so these are treated as critical findings.

    Recorded 4 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on August 6, 2026. For example: APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED

  • PestsHigher risk

    Signs of mice, rats, cockroaches or flies, or gaps and clutter that let them get in or hide. Pests carry bacteria and can contaminate food and surfaces, so evidence of activity is treated seriously and usually triggers a follow-up visit.

    Recorded 3 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on June 5, 2025. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

  • Food source, labelling and allergensHigher risk

    Food must come from approved suppliers, stay in labelled containers and be thrown out when it is spoiled or damaged, such as dented or swollen cans. Labelling matters for allergies: an unlabelled container can hide an allergen.

    Recorded 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on August 6, 2026. For example: FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

  • Protecting food from contaminationHigher risk

    This covers how food is stored, prepared and displayed: raw meat kept away from ready-to-eat food, food covered and stored off the floor, and nothing dripping or splashing into it. Cross-contamination from raw to cooked food is a direct route for salmonella and E. coli.

    Recorded 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on June 13, 2025. For example: CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

About this data

These results come from Chicago Department of Public Health, which inspects food premises and other public facilities in this area. We republish the authority's public disclosure data and refresh it regularly; the official record is the final word.

6 inspections

  1. Complaint

    8 infractions

    • 35. APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED
      • OBSERVED 2 BAGS OF SHRIMP THAT WERE BEING THAWED IN STANDING WATER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO THAW UNDER COLD RUNNING WATER OR TO THAW IN WALK IN COOLER UNDER REFRIGERATION. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • ALL BULK FOOD CONTAINERS IN NEED OF LIDS AND COMMODITY NAME. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • ALL REACH IN COOLER TRACKS IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS AND BUILD UP INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • ALL COOKING WOKS IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS AND BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • THE FOOD CATCH ALL IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS AND BUILD UP. ALL SCREENS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE FOOD SPILLS CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • 1 OF 2 FAUCETS ON 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN NEED OF REPAIR. HANDLE STRIPPED INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • FLOORS THROUGHOUT PREP AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS AND BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN UNDER AND AROUND ALL EQUIPMENT, AND CLEAN UNDER AND AROUND ALL PREP TABLES CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • HOOD VENT IN NEED OF CLEANING, FILTRS IN NEED OF CLEANING, ALL AREAS AROUND FILTERS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN HOOD VENT FREE FROM GREASE AND BUILD UP.
  2. Canvass Re-Inspection

    5 infractions

    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • 3-307.11: OBSERVED ICE SCOOP IMPROPERLY STORED ON TOP OF ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE IN A BIN/CLEAN CONTAINER AND MAINTAIN.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • 4-601.11(B): OBSERVED THE SHELVES UNDER THE FOOD PREP TABLES WITH CRUMBS AND IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-201.11: OBSERVED A HOLE IN THE STAIR LEADING TO THE REAR DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL MENTIONED HOLE TO PREVENT POTENTIAL HARBORAGE POINTS FOR PEST AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-501.13: OBSERVED THE FLOORS UNDER THE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND SHELVES IN THE FRONT PREP AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • 2-102.13: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST TAKE COURSE AND MAINTAIN RECORDS ON SITE.
  3. Canvass

    10 infractions

    • 8. HANDS CLEAN & PROPERLY WASHED
      • OBSERVED IMPROPER HANDWASHING PROCEDURE. OBSERVED ONE EMPLOYEE RINSE HANDS WITH NO SOAP AND DRY THEM OFF ON APRON, SECOND EMPLOYEE DRIED HANDS ON APRON, AND LASTLY ANOTHER EMPLOYEE RINSED HANDS WITH GLOVES ON. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DISCUSS PROPER HANDWASHING PROCEDURES WITH FOOD HANDLERS: WASH BARE HANDS WITH SOAP, WATER, AND DRY WITH AN APPROPRIATE DRYING PROVISION (PAPER TOWEL). PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-010, CITATION ISSUED.
    • 16. FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
      • OBSERVED IMPROPER DISHWASHING IN THREE-COMPARTMENT SINK. FOUND TWO EMPLOYEES WASHING A BIG STRAINER AND A BOWL IN THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK WITHOUT SETTING IT UP TO WASH, RINSE, AND SANITIZE AS REQUIRED BY THE CODE. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO SET UP THE SINK WHEN WASHING EQUIPMENT. THE MANAGER IMMEDIATELY HAD EMPLOYEE SET UP THE THREE-COMPARTMENT SINK TO WASH, RINSE, AND SANITIZE USING THE CHLORINE. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005, CITATON ISSUED
    • 21. PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES
      • OBSERVED IMPROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS. FOUND TWO CONTAINERS OF FRIED CRAB RANGOONS ON A SPEED RACK AT IMPOPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES RANGED FROM 86.1F-104.0F. MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED APPROXIMATELY 16 LBS OF FOOD WORTH $65. INSTRUCTED TO HOLD HOT TCS FOODS AT 135°F OR ABOVE. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005, CITATION ISSUED
    • 22. PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
      • OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. TWO CONTAINERS OF RAW BEEF (52.3F-59.2F) ON THE DRAIN BOARD OF THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK, RAW BEEF INSIDE THE THREE DOOR REFRIGERATOR (52.0F), A CONTAINER OF FRIED CHICKEN (63.0F) INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER, A CONTAINER OF DICED HAM (55.0F) INSIDE A PREP COOLER, AND 65 EGGS FOUND OUT AT ROOM TEMPERATURE AT 61.0F-63.9F. APPROXIMATELY 45 LBS OF FOOD WORTH $178 WAS DISCARDED. MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING FOODS AT 41.0°F OR BELOW. PRIORITY 7-38-005 CITATION CONSOLIDATED WITH VIOLATION #21.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 50 OR MORE MICE DROPPINGS ON SITE DURING INSPECTION. MICE DROPPINGS WERE FOUND ON THE FLOORS IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: IN THE REAR DISHWASHING AREA, UNDER THE SHELVES IN THE REAR DRY STORAGE AREA, UNDER THE DRAINBOARD OF THE THREE-COMPARTMENT SINK, IN THE BASEMENT, IN THE EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM, SURROUNDING THE MOP SINK, AND BEHIND THE ICE MACHINE. THE SURFACES MICE DROPPINGS WERE FOUND WERE IN THE CREVICES OF THE SHELVES IN THE DRY STORAGE AREA AND ON THE LOWER SHELF UNDER A FOOD PREP TABLE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE MICE DROPPINGS, CLEAN, AND SANITIZE. RECOMMEND CONTACTING PEST CONTROL. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A), CITATION ISSUED
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED ICE SCOOP IMPROPERLY STORED ON TOP OF ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE IN A BIN/CLEAN CONTAINER AND MAINTAIN.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED THE SHELVES UNDER THE FOOD PREP TABLES WITH CRUMBS AND IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED A HOLE IN THE STAIR LEADING TO THE REAR DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL MENTIONED HOLE TO PREVENT POTENTIAL HARBORAGE POINTS FOR PEST AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED THE FLOORS UNDER THE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND SHELVES IN THE FRONT PREP AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST TAKE COURSE AND MAINTAIN RECORDS ON SITE.
  4. Canvass

    6 infractions

    • 22. PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
      • OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 10 LBS TCS FOOD OF CHICKEN AT IMPROPER COLD TEMP OF 58.9 F AT BACK PREP TABLE. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ALL COLD-HELD FOOD MUST BE AT 41.0 F OR BELOW. PIC VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AND DENATURED 10 LBS OF CHICKEN AT $35. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • OBSERVED FOOD STORED IN CONTAINERS ON DRY STORAGE RACKS WITHOUT PROPER LABELING OF NAMES (PINNUTS AND CASHEWS). INSTRUCTED TO PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE A LABEL REFLECTING THE FOOD ITEM'S NAME WHEN FOOD HAS BEEN REMOVE FROM ITS ORIGINAL PACKAGING.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS WITH DEEP OPEN SEAMS. MUST REFINISH OR REPLACE DAMAGED OR STAINED CUTTING BOARDS.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • NOTED SOME USE OF MILK CRATES FOR ELEVATION IN THE KITCHEN AREA AND DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE MILK CRATES FOR ELEVATION TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST. MUST PROVIDES APPROPRIATE SHELVING FOR STORAGE. ALL FOOD ITEMS MUST ALSO BE STORED 6" AWAY FROM THE WALL.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • NOTED DIRTY AND DUSTY CEILING TILEABOVE COOKING LINE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • NOTED HEAVY CLUTTER THROUGHOUT ESTABLISHMENT ON SHELVES, FLOORS INSIDE UNUSED EQUIPMENT AND IN STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN, ORGANIZE AND REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY OR UNUSED ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST. MUST UPGRADE HOUSING KEEPING.
  5. License Re-Inspection

    3 infractions

    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • 4-301.16 FOUND NO FOOD PREP SINK IN FRONT FOOD PREP AREA WHERE SMOOTHIES ARE MADE, MUST PROVIDE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-501.114 FOUND A LOW-TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE IN THE REAR PREP. THE MANAGER STATES THEY WILL NO LONGER USE IT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN OR REMOVE THE UNNECESSARY ITEM.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-501.114 FOUND SINGLE SERVICE CONTAINERS, AND FREEZER LOCATED IN BASEMENT. MANAGEMENT STATES IT BELONGS TO LANDLORD. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ITEMS.
  6. License

    6 infractions

    • 16. FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
      • FOUND LOW-TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE INADEQUATELY SANITIZING DISHES AT 0 PPM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE A SANITIZING SOLUTION TO SANITIZE DISHES PER MANUFACTURER'S INSTRUCTIONS ADEQUATELY. LOW-TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION BY THE CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO NO LONGER USE DISH MACHINE UNTIL IT IS RE-INSPECTED BY CDPH AND AT AN ADEQUATE SANITIZING SOLUTION OF 50 - 100 PPM. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-025.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • FOUND APPROX 50 MOUSE DROPPINGS IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: 10 (FRONT PREP UNDER PREP TABLE ACROSS FROM THE STATION), 10 (IN THE CORNER OF THE FLOOR NEXT TO FRYER) AND 30 DROPPINGS UNDER 3 DOOR REACH IN COOLER LOCATED AT BACK OF COOLER BEHIND GRATE. FOUND APPROX. 4 LARGE FLIES IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. ALSO NOTED APPROX 2 SMALL FLIES LOCATED IN THE FRONT PREP AREA. AND 4 SMALL FLIES LOCATED IN THE FRONT PREP AREA/ DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO MINIMIZE ALL FLY ACTIVITY. RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-020(A).
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • FOUND 1/4 INCH AT BOTTOM OF REAR EXIT DOOR. MUST PROVIDE CLOSED TIGHT-FITTING DOORS AT ALL TIMES.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • FOUND NO FOOD PREP SINK IN FRONT FOOD PREP AREA WHERE SMOOTHIES ARE MADE, MUST PROVIDE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • FOUND A LOW-TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE IN THE REAR PREP. THE MANAGER STATES THEY WILL NO LONGER USE IT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN OR REMOVE THE UNNECESSARY ITEM.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • FOUND SINGLE SERVICE CONTAINERS, AND FREEZER LOCATED IN BASEMENT. MANAGEMENT STATES IT BELONGS TO LANDLORD. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ITEMS.

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