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CHOI'S CHINESE KITCHEN

2638 N MILWAUKEE AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60647 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

CHOI'S CHINESE KITCHEN has been inspected 10 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since March 8, 2017. The most recent inspection, on October 22, 2025, recorded 2 infractions.

1 of 10 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there was 1 inspection with 2 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Cleaning and sanitizing, Pests and Food temperature control.

Recent inspections have recorded fewer infractions than earlier ones, so the record is improving.

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 6 separate inspections, most recently on October 22, 2025. For example: NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

  • 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 3 separate inspections, most recently on December 6, 2024. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

  • 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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on December 6, 2024. For example: PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

  • 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 October 24, 2019. For example: FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

  • Handwashing and staff hygieneHigher risk

    Hands are the main way germs like norovirus move from people to food. Inspectors look for stocked, accessible handwashing sinks, staff washing hands when required, hair restraints, and sick employees being kept away from food. Gaps here can spread illness quickly.

    Recorded 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on October 24, 2019. For example: PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

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.

10 inspections

  1. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • Prep tables and storage shelves not clean through out facility, grease and food debris noted, instructed to clean and maintain.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • Broken floor tiles noted in kitchen area, instructed to replace or repair.
  2. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 22. PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
      • OBSERVED FOOD CONTAINER OF RAW CHICKEN IN THE 2-DOOR UPRIGHT COOLER (NEAR WOK LINE) AT 48.6F AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO DENATURE AND DISCARD RAW CHICKEN AND MAINTAIN ALL TCS FOOD ITEMS AT 41.0F OR BELOW FOR COLD-HOLDING AT ALL TIMES. APPROXIMATELY 45 LBS. OF FOOD VALUED APPROXIMATELY $120.00 DISCARDED ON-SITE. PERSON-IN-CHARGE DISCARDED AND DENATURED ALL RAW CHICKEN AT TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED TOTAL OF 4 DEAD COCKROACHES IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS OF THE FACILITY: 3 COCKROACHES BENEATH WOK LINE IN THE MAIN KITCHEN AREA, 1 COCKROACH ON THE FLOOR OF THE REAR STORAGE CLOSET (BENEATH SHELVES). INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE DEAD INSECTS AND CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS AND MAINTAIN ALL AREAS OF THE FACILITY FREE OF DEAD INSECTS OR OTHER PESTS.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED SINGLE-USE PLASTIC BOWL USED AS A SCOOP IN BULK DRY FOOD STORAGE CONTAINER IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE SINGLE-USE BOWL AND REPLACE WITH A MULTI-USE UTENSIL WITH A HANDLE TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION WHILE SCOOPING AND MAINTAIN.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED HEAVY BUILD UP OF GREASE, FOOD DEBRIS, AND OTHER SOILS ON NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES OF COOK LINE EQUIPMENT (WOK LINE, DEEP DRYERS, GRILL). INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALL NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT ALONG THE MAIN COOK LINE AT ADEQUATE FREQUENCY TO PREVENT BUILD UP OF SOIL AND MAINTAIN.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED INTENSITY OF LIGHTING IN THE REAR STORAGE HALLWAY (LEADING TO EMPLOYEE RESTROOM) TO BE INSUFFICIENT. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE LIGHT FIXTURE(S) IN THE REAR STORAGE HALLWAY TO PROVIDE LIGHTING OF ADEQUATE INTENSITY FOR THIS AREA AND MAINTAIN.
  3. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS ON TABLE TOP IN 3-COMPARTMENT SINK DISH WASH ROOM. MUST CLEAN TABLE TOP AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ON WALL BEHIND 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST CLEAN WALL AND MAINTAIN.
  4. Canvass Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  5. Canvass Re-Inspection

    6 infractions

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • 6-501.112 CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL DEAD INSECTS FROM THE PREP AREA AND BASEMENT.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • 4-602.13 CLEAN THE EXTERIOR OF THE DRY STORAGE CONTAINERS, GARBAGE CONTAINER, PREP TABLES, ENCRUSTED GREASE ON TOP OF THE WOK STATIONS AND 2 DOOR PREP COOLERS, STORAGE SHELF ABOVE THE MOP SINK AND CHEST FREEZERS.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-501.11 REPLACE THE BROKEN FLOOR TILES IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. MUST SEAL ALL CRACKS AND CREVICES AND BASEBOARD TILES IN THE FOOD PREP AREA.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-501.12 CLEAN THE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON THE WALLS OF THE FOOD PREP AREA. CLEAN THE FOOD DEBRIS ON THE FLOOR UNDER THE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND IN THE DRY STORAGE ROOM.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-501.114 REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ITEMS CONTRIBUTING TO CLUTTER AND PEST HARBORAGE ISSUES IN THE BASEMENT AND FOOD PREP AREA. REMOVE ALL UNUSED CARDBOARD BOXES, EMPTY FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS, STYROFOAM GARBAGE, ETC.
    • 59. PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • 8-404.13(B)(3) PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION FROM REPORT 2562786 ON 8/25/22 NOT CORRECTED: 38 - OBSERVED LIVE INSECT ACTIVITY AND EVIDENCE OF RODENTS ON THE PREMISES. OBSERVED 6 LIVE COCKROACHES IN THE FOOD PREP AREA UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND BETWEEN THE WOOD SHELF AND WALL. ALSO OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 40 MOUSE DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR IN THE BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS FROM THE PREMISES. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
  6. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED LIVE INSECT ACTIVITY AND EVIDENCE OF RODENTS ON THE PREMISES. OBSERVED ONE LIVE COCKROACH ON A CUTTING BOARD IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. ALSO OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 40 MOUSE DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR IN THE DRY STORAGE CLOSET NEXT TO THE BACK EXIT DOOR. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS FROM THE PREMISES. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • CLEAN THE EXTERIOR OF THE DRY STORAGE CONTAINERS, PREP TABLES, ENCRUSTED GREASE ON TOP OF THE WOK STATIONS AND 2 DOOR PREP COOLERS.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • REPLACE THE BROKEN FLOOR TILES IN THE FOOD PREP AREA.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • CLEAN THE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON THE WALLS OF THE FOOD PREP AREA. CLEAN THE FOOD DEBRIS ON THE FLOOR UNDER THE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND IN THE DRY STORAGE ROOM.
  7. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 44. UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
      • OBSERVED KNIVES IMPROPERLY STORED BETWEEN 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND WALL. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST NOT STORE KNIVES AT SAID LOCATION AND PROVIDE ADDITIONAL KNIFE RACK.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • PREP AREA COOK LINE 1-DOOR REACH IN COOLER DOOR RUBBER GASKET RIPPED. MUST REPAIR/REPLACE DAMAGED COOLER DOOR GASKET.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED ACCUMULATE FOOD DEBRIS INSIDE REACH IN COOK LINE 1-DOOR COOLER AND PREP AREA HANDWASH BOWL HOT AND COLD WATER HANDLES. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN EQUIPMENT.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST BE CERTIFIED WITH NAMES OF EMPLOYEES ON PREMISES.
  8. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS NOT LABELED IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO LABEL BULK CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME OF FOOD.
    • 40. PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
      • OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED DEAD ROACHES ON FLOOR ALONG WALLS NEAR CHEST FREEZER IN PREP AREA AND DEAD INSECTS ON FLOORS IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN FLOORS AND MAINTAIN.
  9. Canvass

    6 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEANING PROCEDURE ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE A VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEANING PROCEDURE ON PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • NO FOOD METAL STEM THERMOMETER ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE AND CALIBRATE A METAL STEM FOOD THERMOMETER FOR FOOD HANDLERS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED ESTABLISHMENT USING ALUMINUM TIN FOIL ON SHELF AS SURFACE COVER AT/UNDER PREP TABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST REMOVE ALUMINUM TIN FOIL, SHELF SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASY TO CLEAN.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST HAVE ALL FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON PREMISES.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST HAVE FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON PREMISES.
  10. License

    4 infractions

    • 30. FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
      • OBSERVED READY TO EAT FOOD ITEMS STORED INSIDE PREP COOLERS WITH NO LABELS. MUST LABEL AND DATE ITEMS. MUST LABEL BULK FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS IN REAR STORAGE ROOM.
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED RUSTY STORAGE SHELVING IN REAR FOOD STORAGE AREA. MUST REPAINT OR REPLACE.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • OBSERVED GREASE BUILD-UP ON SIDES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT IN KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • OBSERVED WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES ABOVE PREP TABLES AND ABOVE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREA. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

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