Pass

Yao

230 W Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60616

Restaurant ZIP 60616 Risk 1 (High)

Passed · as of May 7, 2026

Yao was last inspected on May 7, 2026 with a result of “Pass”. Inspectors found 7 violations, including signs of pests.

Latest inspection

May 7, 2026 · Complaint

Pass

Result: Pass

6 general1 paperwork
  • GeneralPests

    Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.

    Inspector’s note: Observed the front entrance door with a 1/4 inch gap underneath; instructed to rodent proof door.

    Official wording (code 38)

    Insects, rodents, & animals not present

  • GeneralPests

    Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.

    Inspector’s note: Observed fly strips in dishwashing area above machine; instructed to place strips in corner area of room and not over machine. Corrected on site.

    Official wording (code 38)

    Insects, rodents, & animals not present

  • GeneralFacility upkeep

    Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

    Inspector’s note: Observed some food items in freezer stored in grocery bags; instructed to use food grade bags for all food storage.

    Official wording (code 47)

    Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used

  • GeneralFacility upkeep

    Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

    Inspector’s note: 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.

    Official wording (code 49)

    Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

  • GeneralFacility upkeep

    Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

    Inspector’s note: Instructed to clean the floors under and around cooking equipment, under dishmachine, under storage shelves and sinks.

    Official wording (code 55)

    Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

  • GeneralFacility upkeep

    Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

    Inspector’s note: Observed the vents in the hooded system above the cooking equipment in need of cleaning; instructed to clean.

    Official wording (code 56)

    Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

  • PaperworkManagement & training

    Not all food employees had food-handler training.

    Inspector’s note: Found some expired food handler training certificates; instructed to have food handlers obtain valid certificates.

    Official wording (code 57)

    All food employees have food handler training

Inspection history

10 inspections on record

  1. Conditional

    Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions

    2 critical3 general Show violations
    • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

      Hand sinks were missing, blocked, or not stocked with soap and towels.

      Inspector’s note: 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.

      Official wording (code 10)

      Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

    • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

      Hand sinks were missing, blocked, or not stocked with soap and towels.

      Inspector’s note: 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.

      Official wording (code 10)

      Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

    • GeneralFood handling

      Food wasn’t labeled or wasn’t in its original container.

      Inspector’s note: Noted no labels for bulk storage containers. Instructed person in charge all bulk and working food ingredient containers must be labeled with contents name.

      Official wording (code 37)

      Food properly labeled; original container

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

      Inspector’s note: Observed various food items soted in grocery bags in coolers and freezers. Management instructed to use proper food grade storage bags and containers only.

      Official wording (code 47)

      Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: 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.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

  2. Conditional

    Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass w/ Conditions

    1 critical5 general1 paperwork Show violations
    • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

      Hand sinks were missing, blocked, or not stocked with soap and towels.

      Inspector’s note: 6-301.14: observed no handwashing signage at the handwashing sink in the dishwashing/mop sink storage area. Instructed to provide and maintain.

      Official wording (code 10)

      Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

    • GeneralFood temperature

      Thermometers were missing or inaccurate.

      Inspector’s note: 4-204.112(b): observed no ambient air thermometers in the cold holding units on site. Instructed to provide and maintain.

      Official wording (code 36)

      Thermometers provided & accurate

    • GeneralPests

      Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.

      Inspector’s note: 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.

      Official wording (code 38)

      Insects, rodents, & animals not present

    • GeneralFood handling

      Food wasn’t protected from contamination during prep, storage, or display.

      Inspector’s note: 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.

      Official wording (code 39)

      Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

      Inspector’s note: 4-601.11(b): observed slight black residue interior of the ice machine on the blue ice sheild. Instructed to clean, sanitize, and maintain.

      Official wording (code 49)

      Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: 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.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      No manager on duty held a City of Chicago food sanitation certificate.

      Inspector’s note: 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

      Official wording (code 2)

      City of chicago food service sanitation certificate

  3. Fail

    Canvass · Fail

    3 critical5 general1 paperwork Show violations
    • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

      Hand sinks were missing, blocked, or not stocked with soap and towels.

      Inspector’s note: 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

      Official wording (code 10)

      Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

    • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

      Hand sinks were missing, blocked, or not stocked with soap and towels.

      Inspector’s note: Observed no handwashing signage at the handwashing sink in the dishwashing/mop sink storage area. Instructed to provide and maintain.

      Official wording (code 10)

      Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

    • CriticalFood handling

      Surfaces that touch food weren’t cleaned and sanitized.

      Inspector’s note: 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

      Official wording (code 16)

      Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized

    • GeneralFood temperature

      Thermometers were missing or inaccurate.

      Inspector’s note: Observed no ambient air thermometers in the cold holding units on site. Instructed to provide and maintain.

      Official wording (code 36)

      Thermometers provided & accurate

    • GeneralPests

      Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.

      Inspector’s note: 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.

      Official wording (code 38)

      Insects, rodents, & animals not present

    • GeneralFood handling

      Food wasn’t protected from contamination during prep, storage, or display.

      Inspector’s note: 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.

      Official wording (code 39)

      Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Observed slight black residue interior of the ice machine on the blue ice sheild. Instructed to clean, sanitize, and maintain.

      Official wording (code 49)

      Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: 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.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      No manager on duty held a City of Chicago food sanitation certificate.

      Inspector’s note: 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

      Official wording (code 2)

      City of chicago food service sanitation certificate

  4. Pass

    Complaint · Pass

    1 paperwork Show violations
    • PaperworkManagement & training

      Required allergen training was missing.

      Inspector’s note: Observed certified manager on site without allergen training. Instructed pic to obtain allergen training and retain certificate on site at all times.

      Official wording (code 58)

      Allergen training as required

  5. Pass

    Short Form Complaint · Pass

    3 general2 paperwork Show violations
    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Instructed to clean the exterior surfaces of the cooking equipment where needed and maintain.

      Official wording (code 49)

      Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: 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.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

      Inspector’s note: Instructed to clean the vents in the hooded system above the cooking equipment where needed.

      Official wording (code 56)

      Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      Not all food employees had food-handler training.

      Inspector’s note: Found one expired food handler certificate; instructed to have employee obtain a valid certificate.

      Official wording (code 57)

      All food employees have food handler training

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      Required allergen training was missing.

      Inspector’s note: Instructed that all city of chicago food service managers must obtain the required food allergen training.

      Official wording (code 58)

      Allergen training as required

  6. Conditional

    Short Form Complaint · Pass w/ Conditions

    2 critical3 general3 paperwork Show violations
    • CriticalManagement & training

      No one in charge was present who knew the food-safety rules.

      Inspector’s note: Observed no person in charge at time of inspection with food service manager training.

      Official wording (code 1)

      Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties

    • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

      Hand sinks were missing, blocked, or not stocked with soap and towels.

      Inspector’s note: 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.

      Official wording (code 10)

      Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Instructed to clean the exterior surfaces of the cooking equipment where needed and maintain.

      Official wording (code 49)

      Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: 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.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

      Inspector’s note: Instructed to clean the vents in the hooded system above the cooking equipment where needed.

      Official wording (code 56)

      Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      No manager on duty held a City of Chicago food sanitation certificate.

      Inspector’s note: 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.

      Official wording (code 2)

      City of chicago food service sanitation certificate

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      Not all food employees had food-handler training.

      Inspector’s note: Found one expired food handler certificate; instructed to have employee obtain a valid certificate.

      Official wording (code 57)

      All food employees have food handler training

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      Required allergen training was missing.

      Inspector’s note: Instructed that all city of chicago food service managers must obtain the required food allergen training.

      Official wording (code 58)

      Allergen training as required

  7. Pass

    Complaint · Pass

    3 general2 paperwork Show violations
    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Instructed to clean the exterior surfaces of the cooking equipment where needed and maintain.

      Official wording (code 49)

      Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: 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.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

      Inspector’s note: Instructed to clean the vents in the hooded system above the cooking equipment where needed.

      Official wording (code 56)

      Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      Not all food employees had food-handler training.

      Inspector’s note: Found one expired food handler certificate; instructed to have employee obtain a valid certificate.

      Official wording (code 57)

      All food employees have food handler training

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      Required allergen training was missing.

      Inspector’s note: Instructed that all city of chicago food service managers must obtain the required food allergen training.

      Official wording (code 58)

      Allergen training as required

  8. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    5 general Show violations
    • GeneralFood handling

      Food wasn’t protected from contamination during prep, storage, or display.

      Inspector’s note: Observed using grocery bags for food storage. Instructed to use food grade storsge bags.

      Official wording (code 39)

      Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Observer food and grease buid up on cooking equipment. Instructed to detail clean and maintain.

      Official wording (code 49)

      Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

      Inspector’s note: Leak at ptrap on rear handsink. Instructed to repair and maintain.

      Official wording (code 51)

      Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: 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.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

      Inspector’s note: Hood ventilation in need of cleaning to remove all grease build up. Instructed to clean and maintain.

      Official wording (code 56)

      Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

  9. Pass

    License · Pass

    1 critical2 general Show violations
    • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

      Hand sinks were missing, blocked, or not stocked with soap and towels.

      Inspector’s note: 6-301.14 observed hand washing sign is needed at the hand washing sink in the dish washing area. Instructed to provide.

      Official wording (code 10)

      Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Dishwashing equipment wasn’t set up, maintained, or used correctly.

      Inspector’s note: 4-204.119 observed drain board is needed in the dish washing area. Instructed to provide.

      Official wording (code 48)

      Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Toilet rooms weren’t built, stocked, or cleaned properly.

      Inspector’s note: 5-501.17 observed no covered receptacle inside of the women's toilet room. Instructed to provide.

      Official wording (code 53)

      Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned

More in ZIP 60616

Source: Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) open data, refreshed hourly. Last inspection 6 months ago. Always confirm with the official record.