JUL 14
2025
PASSED
9 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO
✕
WEN CAI CHINESE KITCHEN.
YOUR CALL. 62/100
2334 W CERMAK RD · PILSEN, CHICAGO
Last inspected July 14, 2025 · passed
4 of 8 inspections passed, 1 failed, 3 passed with conditions. 6 critical violations across the record.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTIONS
8
4 passed · 3 w/ conditions · 1 failed
VIOLATIONS
45
includes 6 critical
RECORDS COVER
7 YEARS
since Nov 2017
INSPECTION HISTORY
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
SPICES BY THE WOK STATION OUT OF THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING AND IN CONTAINERS WITHOUT A LABEL WITH THE PRODUCT NAMES. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL DRY SPICES OUT OF THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING.
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
FLY STRIP HANGING BY REAR HAND WASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE FLY STRIP AND TO USE ONLY IN NON FOOD PREP AREAS. MAINTAIN SAME.
IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
PLASTIC CONTAINERS USED TO SCOOP TCS FOODS STORED IN THE REACH IN COOLERS NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO USE PROPER UTENSILS AND TO PROPERLY STORE SAID UTENSIL(S) IN A BIN/CONTAINER OR HANDLE UP IN THE PRODUCT WHEN NOT IN USE. MAINTAIN SAME.
SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED
ALUMINUM FOIL BEING USED ON THE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND STORAGE RACKS AS A LINER. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE FOIL AND KEEP SURFACES SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. MAINTAIN SAME.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
THE STORAGE RACKS INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER, THE PREP TABLES, EXTERIOR/INTERIOR OF THE SINKS (INCLUDING THE FAUCET KNOBS) WITH A BUILD UP OF FOOD, DIRT AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
EXCESSIVE FOOD AND GREASE DEBRIS ON ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT, THE WOK STATION, INTERIOR OF FRYERS AND STOVE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
THE BASE OF THE FAUCET ON THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK LEAKS. INSTRUCTED TO FIX AND MAINTAIN GOOD PLUMBING.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
FLOORS THROUGHOUT THE FOOD PREP AREA WITH EXCESSIVE FOOD, GREASE AND DIRT DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN UNDER ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT, UNDER THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK, AROUND THE HOT WATER HEATER AND REFRIGERATORS, UNDER ALL PREP TABLES, AND ALL DRY STORAGE SHELVES. MAINTAIN SAME.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
FILTERS ON THE VENTILATION HOOD WITH GREASE, DIRT AND DUST BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN VENTILATION FILTERS.
AUG 162024PASS W/ CONDITIONS7 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
AUG 16
2024
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
7 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
3-501.17 OBSERVED READY-TO-EAT TCS FOODS (COOKED CHICKEN, COOKED EGG ROLLS) HELD IN A REFRIGERATOR FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS AND NOT LABELED WITH THE DISCARD DATE. INSTRUCTED ALL READY-TO-EAT TCS FOODS THAT ARE HELD IN THE REFRIGERATOR FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS MUST BE LABELED WITH DISCARD DATES NOT EXCEEDINGLY MORE THAN 7 DAYS (DAY 1 IS THE DAY OF PREPARATION). MANAGER PROVIDED LABELS DURING THE INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
3-302.12 OBSERVED SOME DRY STORAGE AND SPICES BY THE WOK STATION OUT OF THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING AND IN CONTAINERS WITHOUT A LABEL WITH THE PRODUCT NAMES. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL DRY STORAGE AND SPICES OUT OF THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING.
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
6-202.13 OBSERVED FLY TRAPS HANGING BY THE HOT WATER HEATER. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.
IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
3-304.12 OBSERVED SCOOPS STORED DIRECTLY INSIDE OF THE CONTAINERS WITH TCS FOODS INSIDE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE SCOOPS PROPERLY AT ALL TIMES.
SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED
4-502.13 OBSERVED CARDBOARD BEING RE-USED AS A SHELF LINER. INSTRUCTED TO NOT REUSE CARDBOARD; ALL SURFACES MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
4-601.11(C) OBSERVED EXCESSIVE FOOD AND GREASE DEBRIS ON ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT, THE WOK STATION, INTERIOR OF FRYERS, STOVE, AND ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS ON THE DOORS AND HANDLES OF THE REFRIGERATION UNITS AND GASKETS ON THE PREP COOLER, 2-DOOR REFRIGERATOR AND REFRIGERATOR. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
6-501.12 OBSERVED FLOORS THROUGHOUT THE FOOD PREP AREA WITH EXCESSIVE FOOD, GREASE AND DIRT DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN UNDER ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT, UNDER THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK, AROUND THE HOT WATER HEATER AND REFRIGERATORS, UNDER ALL PREP TABLES, AND ALL DRY STORAGE SHELVES.
SEP 252023PASS W/ CONDITIONS4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
SEP 25
2023
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
OBSERVED COLD TCS FOOD STORED AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE IN WALK-IN COOLER: RAW EGGS 63.8F, RAW CHICKEN 60.3F, RAW BEEF 60.2F, TOFU 60.2F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DISCARD APPROXIMATELY 100 LBS AND $350 WORTH OF FOOD. ALL COLD TCS FOOD MUST MAINTAIN 41F OR BELOW DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY AND SERVICE. PRIORITY 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED
PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
OBSERVED WALK-IN COOLER NOT MAINTAINING PROPER TEMPERATURE 64F INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN COOLER AT 41F OR BELOW. WALK-IN COOLER IS TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION AND MUST NOT BE USED UNTIL REINSPECTED BY CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH. PRIORITY 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
OBSERVED FLY STRIPS HANGING IN PREP AREA ABOVE HAND WASHING SINK AND 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
AUG 102021PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
AUG 10
2021
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
MUST CLEAN ALL PREP TABLES, DRY STORAGE SHELVING AND INTERIOR OF PREP COOLERS TO REMOVE SPILLS AND DEBRIS.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
FLOORS NEED CLEANING THROUGH TO REMOVE SPILLS, DEBRIS AND GREASE.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FILTERS AND THE HOOD ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT.
NOV 62020PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
NOV 6
2020
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
MUST CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE FRONT PREP COOLER AND REACH IN COOLER TO RMOVE SPILLS AND/OR DEBRIS.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
FLOORS NEED CLEANING UNDERNEATH COOKING EQUIPMENT AND DRY STORAGE SHELVING TO REMOVE SPILLS AND DEBRIS.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
MUST CLEAN THE AIR VENT COVER ABOVE THE PREP STATION TO REMOVE DUST.
show all 8 inspections →
FEB 72019PASS W/ CONDITIONS6 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
FEB 7
2019
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
6 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES AT THIS TIME, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
OBSERVED NO CLEAN UP PROCEDURES ON PREMISES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE NECESSARY ITEMS AT A MINIMUM GLOVES, FACE MASKS,DISPOSABLE MOPS AND APPRORIATE SANITIZER WITH PROPER TEST STRIPS(1000-5000PPM), OR DISINFECTANT RATED FOR NOROVIRUS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
OBSERVED TCS FOODS STORED IN COOLER WITH ONLY PREPARED DATE, INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL AND DATE TO INDICATE THE DATE OR DAY BY WHICH THE FOOD SHALL BE CONSUMED, SOLD,OR DISCARDED FOR A MAXIMUM OF 7 DAYS PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
OBSERVED WIPING CLOTH ON REAR PREP TABLE, INSTRUCTED TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED CUT MEATS/FRUIT IN FREEZER AND IN WALK-IN COOLER CUT VEGETABLES IN GROCERY BAGS, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS, OR FOOD GRADE BAGS ie. ZIP-LOC, OR BAGGIES.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE ON PREMISES AT THIS TIME, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
DEC 62017PASSED5 violationsDETAILS
DEC 6
2017
PASSED
5 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKETS ON SMOOTHIE PREP COOLER.MUST REMOVE RUST FROM WALK IN COOLER SHELVING UNITS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS AND GREASE BUILD UP FROM INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF WOK STATION,(BOTH)GREASE TRAPS,PIPES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT,PREP COOLERS,UNDERSIDES OF SHELVING UNITS ABOVE PREP COOLERS.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
Inspector Comments: MUST SEAL OPENINGS AROUND PIPES LEADING INTO CEILINGS.MUST CLEAN LIGHT SHIELDS IN DINING AREA AND CEILING VENTS.MUST REMOVE GRAFFITI FROM WALL IN MEN'S TOILET ROOM.
LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
Inspector Comments: MUST REPLACE BURNTOUT LIGHT ABOVE SERVICE COUNTER
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN GREASE TRAP AT 3- COMP SINK THAT HAS A FOUL ODOR.
NOV 282017FAILED8 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
NOV 28
2017
FAILED
8 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX. 25 OR MORE LIVE SMALL FLIES CRAWLING IN FLOOR DRAIN UNDER 1- COMPARTMENT SINK AND EXCESSIVE FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP.ALSO.APPX."1/2-3/4" GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT ENTRY DOOR.MUST RODENT PROOF DOOR.CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS FROM FLOOR DRAINS.RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 11/28/17.(SERIOUS 7-38-020)
FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKETS ON SMOOTHIE PREP COOLER.MUST REMOVE CARDBOARD AND FOIL FROM TOP OF STOVE,SHELVING UNITS IN KITCHEN AND INSIDE OF SMOOTHIE PREP COOLER,RUST FROM WALK IN COOLER SHELVING UNITS.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS AND GREASE BUILD UP FROM INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF WOK STATION,FRYERS,(BOTH)GREASE TRAPS,PIPES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT,PREP COOLERS,UNDERSIDES OF SHELVING UNITS ABOVE PREP COOLERS,PREP TABLES,FOOD STORAGE BINS(BLACK).
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
MUST CLEAN EXCESSIVE FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FLOOR UNDER WOK STATION AND THROUGHOUT PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
MUST SEAL OPENINGS AROUND PIPES LEADING INTO CEILINGS.MUST CLEAN LIGHT SHIELDS IN DINING AREA AND CEILING VENTS.MUST REMOVE GRAFFITI FROM WALL IN MEN'S TOILET ROOM.
LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
MUST REPLACE BURNTOUT LIGHT ABOVE SERVICE COUNTER.
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
MUST PROVIDE SINK STOPPERS FOR 3- COMP SINK.MUST CLEAN GREASE TRAP AT 3- COMP SINK THAT HAS A FOUL ODOR .
Data sourced from Chicago Dept. of Public Health. We'd love to link you straight to this restaurant's record — turns out Chicago considers that a luxury. The full dataset is what's on offer →