Skip to content
Loading map…

YAO

230 W CERMAK RD, CHICAGO, IL 60616 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

YAO has been inspected 10 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since June 21, 2021. The most recent inspection, on May 7, 2026, recorded 7 infractions.

None of the 10 inspections on record were free of infractions. In the past 12 months there was 1 inspection with 7 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Cleaning and sanitizing, Handwashing and staff hygiene and Pests.

The number of infractions per inspection has stayed roughly the same over time.

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 9 times across 8 separate inspections, most recently on May 7, 2026. For example: NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

  • 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 7 times across 5 separate inspections, most recently on May 22, 2025. For example: ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

  • 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 4 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on May 7, 2026. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

  • 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 3 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on April 16, 2024. For example: CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

  • 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 April 16, 2024. For example: THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

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. Complaint

    7 infractions

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED THE FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR WITH A 1/4 INCH GAP UNDERNEATH; INSTRUCTED TO RODENT PROOF DOOR.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED FLY STRIPS IN DISHWASHING AREA ABOVE MACHINE; INSTRUCTED TO PLACE STRIPS IN CORNER AREA OF ROOM AND NOT OVER MACHINE. CORRECTED ON SITE.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED SOME FOOD ITEMS IN FREEZER STORED IN GROCERY BAGS; INSTRUCTED TO USE FOOD GRADE BAGS FOR ALL FOOD STORAGE.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED THE BOTTOM AREA OF THE FRYERS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE GREASE AND OTHER PARTICLES; INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN BOTTOM AREA AND EXTERIOR SURFACES. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN BOTTOMS OF PREP TABLES AND INTERIOR OF REFRIGERATION UNITS WHERE NEEDED.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE FLOORS UNDER AND AROUND COOKING EQUIPMENT, UNDER DISHMACHINE, UNDER STORAGE SHELVES AND SINKS.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED THE VENTS IN THE HOODED SYSTEM ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING; INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • FOUND SOME EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES; INSTRUCTED TO HAVE FOOD HANDLERS OBTAIN VALID CERTIFICATES.
  2. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED HAND SINK IN KITCHEN PREP AREA NOT ACCESSIBLE. BASIN WAS FILLED WITH UTENSILS AND A PLASTIC FOOD CONTAINER. INSTRUCTED THAT SINK MUST BE ACCESSIBLE AND MAINTAINED AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-030(C). SEE ABOVE.
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED HANDSINK IN PREP AREA NOT STOCKED WITH HAND SOAP. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT HAND SOAP MUST BE AVAILABLE AT HANDSINKS AT ALL TIMES. FOOD HANDLER OBTAINED HAND SOAP FOR HAND SINK DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • NOTED NO LABELS FOR BULK STORAGE CONTAINERS. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE ALL BULK AND WORKING FOOD INGREDIENT CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH CONTENTS NAME.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED VARIOUS FOOD ITEMS SOTED IN GROCERY BAGS IN COOLERS AND FREEZERS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE PROPER FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS AND CONTAINERS ONLY.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED LOOSE DEBRIS, DIRT AND DUST BUILDUP ON THE FLOORS AND CORNERS THROUGHOUT IN KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND INCREASE CLEANING FREQUENCY OF FLOORS. MUST MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
  3. Canvass Re-Inspection

    7 infractions

    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH THE ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE, WHILE OPEN AND OPERATING. INSTRUCTED A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE WITH THE ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE POSTED AT ALL TIMES WHILE OPEN AND OPERATING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012, CITATION ISSUED
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • 6-301.14: OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT THE HANDWASHING SINK IN THE DISHWASHING/MOP SINK STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • 4-204.112(B): OBSERVED NO AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETERS IN THE COLD HOLDING UNITS ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • 6-202.13: OBSERVED THREE STICKY INSECT TRAPS STORED IN THE DISHWASHING/MOP SINK AREA ABOVE THE SPRAYER SINK AND WHERE CLEAN BOWLS AND CUPS WERE STORED IN THE SAME MENTIONED AREA. INSTRUCTED TO RELOCATE AND REFRAIN FROM STORING INSECT CONTROL DEVICES ABOVE FOOD PREP AREA AND WHERE CLEAN DISHWARE IS STORED.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • 3-305.12: OBSERVED TWO FOOD STORAGE BINS WITH SEAWEED KNOTS AND PORK STORED ON THE FLOOR UNDER THE SHELVING UNIT, ACROSS FROM THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK NEAR THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REFRAIN FROM STORING FOOD ON THE FLOOR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • 4-601.11(B): OBSERVED SLIGHT BLACK RESIDUE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE ON THE BLUE ICE SHEILD. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE, AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-501.13: OBSERVED THE FLOORS IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: SURROUNDING ALL EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINKS, THREE COMPARTMENT SINKS, AND DISHWASHING MACHINE EQUIPMENT WITH DEBRIS, CLUTTER, AND STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL MENTIONED FLOORS.
  4. Canvass

    9 infractions

    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • UPON ARRIVAL, OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WITH THE ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE DURING THE INSPECTION WHILE OPEN AND OPERATING. INSTRUCTED A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WITH THE ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER CERTITICATE WHILE OPEN AND OPERATING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012, CITATION ISSUED
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO HOT RUNNING WATER AT THE HANDWASHING SINK ON THE SIDE OF THE TWO DOOR REFRIGERATOR IN THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA. TEMPERATURE OF WATER WAS 68.0F AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE HOT (100-120F) AND COLD RUNNING AT ALL HAND WASH SINKS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C), CITATION ISSUED
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT THE HANDWASHING SINK IN THE DISHWASHING/MOP SINK STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 16. FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
      • OBSERVED LOW-TEMPERATURE DISHWASHING MACHINE IN USE NOT PROPERLY SANITIZING. SANITIZING STRENGTH OF SANITIZER (CHLORINE) AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION WAS 0 PPM. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE UNTIL EQUIPMENT IS PROPERLY SANITIZING. PLEASE REVIEW COMMENTS FOR WTAG REMOVAL INSTRUCTIONS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-025, CITATION ISSUED
    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • OBSERVED NO AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETERS IN THE COLD HOLDING UNITS ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED THREE STICKY INSECT TRAPS STORED IN THE DISHWASHING/MOP SINK AREA ABOVE THE SPRAYER SINK AND WHERE CLEAN BOWLS AND CUPS WERE STORED IN THE SAME MENTIONED AREA. INSTRUCTED TO RELOCATE AND REFRAIN FROM STORING INSECT CONTROL DEVICES ABOVE FOOD PREP AREA AND WHERE CLEAN DISHWARE IS STORED.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED TWO FOOD STORAGE BINS WITH SEAWEED KNOTS AND PORK STORED ON THE FLOOR UNDER THE SHELVING UNIT, ACROSS FROM THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK NEAR THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REFRAIN FROM STORING FOOD ON THE FLOOR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED SLIGHT BLACK RESIDUE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE ON THE BLUE ICE SHEILD. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE, AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED THE FLOORS IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: SURROUNDING ALL EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINKS, THREE COMPARTMENT SINKS, AND DISHWASHING MACHINE EQUIPMENT WITH DEBRIS, CLUTTER, AND STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL MENTIONED FLOORS.
  5. Complaint

    1 infraction

    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE WITHOUT ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED PIC TO OBTAIN ALLERGEN TRAINING AND RETAIN CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
  6. Short Form Complaint

    5 infractions

    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE EXTERIOR SURFACES OF THE COOKING EQUIPMENT WHERE NEEDED AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE FLOOR UNDER THE COOKING EQUIPMENT WHERE NEEDED TO REMOVE GREASE AND TO CLEAN FLOOR DRAINS UNDER ALL SINKS AND DISHMACHINE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE VENTS IN THE HOODED SYSTEM ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT WHERE NEEDED.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • FOUND ONE EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE; INSTRUCTED TO HAVE EMPLOYEE OBTAIN A VALID CERTIFICATE.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING.
  7. Short Form Complaint

    8 infractions

    • 1. PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
      • OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE AT TIME OF INSPECTION WITH FOOD SERVICE MANAGER TRAINING.
    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • OBSERVED NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT VALID ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE IS REQUIRED TO BE POSTED ON SITE AS WELL AS CERTIFIED MANAGER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED HAND SINKS IN REAR PREP AREA NOT ACCESSIBLE. ALL BASINS FILLED WITH UTENSILS AND A PLASTIC FOOD CONTAINERS. INSTRUCTED THAT SINK MUST BE ACCESSIBLE AND MAINTAINED AT ALL TIMES.(ITEMS REMOVED DURING INSPECTION) PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE EXTERIOR SURFACES OF THE COOKING EQUIPMENT WHERE NEEDED AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE FLOOR UNDER THE COOKING EQUIPMENT WHERE NEEDED TO REMOVE GREASE AND TO CLEAN FLOOR DRAINS UNDER ALL SINKS AND DISHMACHINE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE VENTS IN THE HOODED SYSTEM ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT WHERE NEEDED.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • FOUND ONE EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE; INSTRUCTED TO HAVE EMPLOYEE OBTAIN A VALID CERTIFICATE.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING.
  8. Complaint

    5 infractions

    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE EXTERIOR SURFACES OF THE COOKING EQUIPMENT WHERE NEEDED AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE FLOOR UNDER THE COOKING EQUIPMENT WHERE NEEDED TO REMOVE GREASE AND TO CLEAN FLOOR DRAINS UNDER ALL SINKS AND DISHMACHINE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE VENTS IN THE HOODED SYSTEM ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT WHERE NEEDED.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • FOUND ONE EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE; INSTRUCTED TO HAVE EMPLOYEE OBTAIN A VALID CERTIFICATE.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING.
  9. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED USING GROCERY BAGS FOR FOOD STORAGE. INSTRUCTED TO USE FOOD GRADE STORSGE BAGS.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVER FOOD AND GREASE BUID UP ON COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • LEAK AT PTRAP ON REAR HANDSINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • FLOORS IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING AT FOOD PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN BEHIND ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT AND ALONG THE WALL OF STORAGE AREA. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • HOOD VENTILATION IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL GREASE BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
  10. License

    3 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • 6-301.14 OBSERVED HAND WASHING SIGN IS NEEDED AT THE HAND WASHING SINK IN THE DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • 4-204.119 OBSERVED DRAIN BOARD IS NEEDED IN THE DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • 5-501.17 OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE INSIDE OF THE WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

Nearby inspected facilities

Own this business? Add a badge to your website