Chop Stick Express
Last inspected: Apr 17, 2025
100
Score
Inspectors have visited Chop Stick Express 21 times, with records going back to 2010. The newest entry in the record is dated Apr 17, 2025. Low risk indicates the latest report didn't flag anything that would worry the average customer.
Recent inspections have turned up roughly the same number of issues each time, hovering near one violation per visit.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “proper cooling methods used”, showing up six times.
Chop Stick Express' latest score of 100 sits above the Chicago average of 81. Overall, the inspection record reads well.
21
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 17, 2025
Routine
No violations found.
100
Sep 24, 2024
Complaint
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON COUNTER. MUST BE STORED IN SANITIZER SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
41
95
May 9, 2024
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TORN GASKETS ON 2 DOOR PREP COOLER AND WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
47
95
May 8, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WALK-IN COOLER CONTAINING TCS ITEMS SUCH AS CHICKEN AND BEEF MAINTAINING AN IMPROPER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE OF 48.1F. COOLER TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE COOLER AND MAINTAIN AMBIENT AIR AT OR BELOW 41F AT ALL TIMES. SEE COMMENTS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
33
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TORN GASKETS ON 2 DOOR PREP COOLER AND WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
47
82
Sep 28, 2023
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: PREP AREA HANDWASH SINK PIPE DRAINING SLOWLY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER PREP AREA HANDWASH SINK MUST DRAIN QUICKLY.
51
95
Jun 10, 2022
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ALL SPICES ON COOKING LINE NEED TO BE LABELED.
37
95
May 11, 2021
Routine
2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 NO CITATION ISSUED
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 NO CITATION ISSUED
5
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO TRANSFER FOOD PRODUCTS FROM AN OPEN ORIGINAL CAN CONTAINER INTO FOOD GRADE CONTAINER FOR PROPER FOOD STORAGE.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN REAR STORAGE AREA.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY USE STORAGE SHELF 6" OFF THE FLOOR INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER FO EASY ACCESS ON CLEANING. NO MILK OR SODA CRATES.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED ANY PERSON WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE MUST HAVE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.
58
67
Jan 28, 2020
Routine
3 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 4 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: s: FOUND NO PROCEDURE/PLAN FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN APPROPRIATE SUPPLIES OR KIT. PREVIOUSLY INFORMED ON 2/25/2019 SEE REPORT #2268493 PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED
5
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED VIOLATION #58 NOT CORRECTED-NO ALLERGEN CERTIFICATION ON SITE-PREVIOUSLY INFORMED ON 2/25/2019 SEE REPORT#2268493 PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED
60
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION PREVIOUSLY INSTRUCTED 2/25/2019 SEE REPORT #2268493 7-38-010 CITATION ISSUED
3
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CLUTTER IN THE REST ROOM.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REMOVE CLUTTER FROM RESTROOM
55
70
Feb 25, 2019
Routine
3 major violations. 9 minor violations.
View 12 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: FOUND NO PROCEDURE/PLAN FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN APPROPRIATE SUPPLIES OR KIT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
5
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL AND DATE READY TO EAT TCS FOODS HELD OVER 24 HOURS INSIDE COOLERS. MUST IDENTIFY PRODUCT SHELF LIFE OR "CONSUME BY" DATING (7 DAYS FROM PREPARATION DATE). PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
23
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 NO CITATION ISSUED
3
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT (2) HAND SINK INCLUDING HAND SINK INSIDE WASHROOM
10
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL STORAGE BINS IDENTIFIED WITH COMMON NAME.
37
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO TRANSFER FOOD PRODUCTS FROM AN OPEN ORIGINAL CAN CONTAINER INTO FOOD GRADE CONTAINER FOR PROPER FOOD STORAGE INSIDE COOLERS.
39
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO STORE WIPING CLOTH IN A CLEAN CONTAINER WITH SANITIZING SOLUTION.
41
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE SINGLE SERVICE TO GO CONTAINERS/BOX IN PREP/COOKING AREA TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
45
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE GROCERY BAGS FOR FOOD STORAGE INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER AND INSIDE REACH-IN FREEZER. MUST USE FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, REORGANIZE AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES STORED IN REAR STORAGE AREA (BY EXIT DOOR), PREP/COOKING AREA AND INFRONT BEHIND STORAGE COUNTER. USABLE ITEMS (FOOD AND NON FOOD) MUST BE STORE 6" OFF THE FLOOR FOR EASY ACCESS ON CLEANING.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLER (S) WITH EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CURRENT CERTIFICATE. INFORMATION GIVEN.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: FOUND NO APPROVED ALLERGEN TRAINING IN ACCORDANCE WITH PA 100-0367 ON SITE. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSON WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING.
58
47
Jun 27, 2018
Complaint
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Must adjust threshold of front and rear screen doors.
35
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: Observed excess clutter in the dry storage room, the toilet room, and in the storage closet. Must remove all unnecessary articles, clean, organize, and maintain areas.
41
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: Observed wash cloths stored on edge of sinks. Must remove and store wash cloths in a sanitizing solution while not in use.
43
Only authorized personnel in the food-prep area
Inspector notes: The traffic of unnecessary persons through the food preparation and the utensil washing areas is prohibited.
44
82
Jun 26, 2017
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jun 19, 2017
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Dish washing facilities: properly designed, constructed, maintained, installed, located and operated
Inspector notes: Observed the three compartment sink not draining properly: when water is released from a compartment it must be done at slow intervals to help prevent possible overflow onto floor. Instructed facility to repair and maintain so sink drains properly. Serious violation 7-38-030.
24
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Observed dirt and debris on the floors along wall bases and under and around equipment. Instructed facility to clean and maintain.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Observed the exhaust hood filters to have dust and grease accumulation. Instructed facility to clean and maintain.
35
86
Mar 4, 2016
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO TRANSFER FOOD PRODUCTS FROM AN OPEN ORIGINAL CAN CONTAINER INTO FOOD GRADE CONTAINER FOR PROPER FOOD STORAGE.-------INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE GROCERY BAGS FOR FOOD STORAGE INSIDE REACH-IN FREEZER.---------MUST REMOVE CARDBOARD LINER ON SHELVES IN PREP/COOKING AREA.
32
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR SLOW DRAINING EXPOSED HAND SINK IN REAR PREP AREA.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, MAINTAIN AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES AND CLUTTER STORED IN REAR STORAGE AREA AND INSIDE WASHROOM TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE. USABLE ITEMS MUST BE STORED 6" OFF THE FLOOR FOR EASY ACCESS ON CLEANING. MUST REORGANIZE.
41
86
Mar 27, 2015
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: ESTABLISHMENT HAS NOT MET REQUIREMENT FOR FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST COMPLETE FOOR HANDLERS TRAINING WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE BEING HANDLED.
45
95
Mar 20, 2015
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Dish washing facilities: properly designed, constructed, maintained, installed, located and operated
Inspector notes: DISH WASHING FACILITIES NOT MAINTAINED OR OPERATED. WHILE DRAINING WATER IN MIDDLE OF THREE COMPARTMENT SINK, WATER COMING-UP FROM AIR GAP FLOOR DRAIN. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN DRAINLINE AND GREASE TRAP TO PREVENT INADEQUATE DISPOSAL OF DRAIN WATER. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030
24
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: FOODS NOT PROPERLY STORED INSIDE FREEZERS. INSTRUCTED TO STORE FOODS IN FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS.
30
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: SINGLE USE ARTICLES NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT CONTAINERS TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION BEFORE USE.
31
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: EXHAUST HOOD AND FILTERS, DEEP FRYER CABINETS AND STORAGE SHELVES INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL FOOD CONTACT SURFACES.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOOR ALONG WALLBASE AND UNDER EQUIPMENT NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN DAILY.
34
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: ESTABLISHMENT HAS NOT MET REQUIREMENT FOR FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST COMPLETE FOOR HANDLERS TRAINING WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE BEING HANDLED.
45
74
Oct 28, 2014
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ON EXTERIOR OF 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND LOWER SIDE OF DRAIN BOARD SHELVES AT SAME. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN SINK/SHELVES.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ON WALL BEHIND 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN WALL.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: 3-COMPARTMENT SINK PIPE DRAINING SLOWLY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR/MAINTAIN SINK.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: METAL STEM THEROMETER NOT CALIBRATED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALIBRATE METAL STEM THEROMETER FOR FOOD HANDLERS.
40
82
Feb 18, 2014
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: BULK CONTAINER NOT LABELED (RICE). INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO LABEL BULK CONTAINER.
30
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: 3-COMPARTMENT SINK LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE FAUCETS LEAKING AT BASE ALSO WATER LEAKING AT HOT HANDLE RIGHT SIDE AT SAME. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SINK.
38
90
Feb 25, 2013
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: NOTED INTERNAL TEMPERATURE OF THE FOLLOWING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD ITEMS TO BE IMPROPER BETWEEN 56.6F - 123F AT KITCHEN PREP TABLE. EGGS 56.6F, FRIED RICE 94.4, FRIED CHICKEN 75.2F AND FRIED EGGS 123.0F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO IMMEDIATELY DISPOSE OF PRODUCTS THROUGH RENATURING PROCESS. CITATION ISSUED FOR CRITICAL VIOLATION #7-38-005(A)
3
Sanitizing rinse for equipment and utensils: clean, proper temperature, concentration, exposure time
Inspector notes: NOTED EMPLOYEE WASHING AND RINSING POTS, KNIVES AND CUTTING BOARD AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND NOT SANITIZING. INSTRUCTED AND EDUCATED THE EMPLOYEES ON THE PROPER METHOD OF SANITIZING. CITATION ISSUED FOR CRITICAL VIOLATION #7-38-030
8
* inspection report summary displayed and visible to all customers
Inspector notes: NOTED NO SUMMARY REPORT FROM THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC AS REQUIRED BY CITY OF CHICAGO ORDINANCE. CITATION ISSUED FOR SERIOUS VIOLATION #7-42-010.
28
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: NOTED FOOD ITEMS STORED IN TIN CANS INSIDE SERVICE LINE COOLER.INSTRUCTED TO USE PROPER STORING CONTAINERS WITH LIDS FOR FOOD STORAGE TO PREVENT FOOD CONTAMINATION.
30
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN INSIDE B.B.Q PIT AT THE PREP AREA EMBEBED WITH GREASE AT THE BOTTOM.
33
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, REMOVE OR ORGANIZE CLUTTER BY THE HAND WASH SINK, INSIDE ROOM WITH HEATING UNIT AND AT THE GARAGE WHERE FOOD IS STORED TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE.
41
74
Feb 3, 2012
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Non food contact surfaces of cooler shelving in walk in cooler, reach in cooler not clean need detailed cleaning, prep table lower shelving, and shelving by cooking equipment not clean need detailed cleaning.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Floors under heavy equipment, cooking equipment, and in storage room under shelving need detailed cleaning(corners).
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Ceiling tiles, walls in kitchen prep area need cleaning.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Exhaust canopy had excess grease build up, needs detailed cleaning.
38
82
Mar 3, 2011
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Exterior between cooking equipment not cleaned. instructed to detail clean and sanitize.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Floor in corners and behind equipment not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean daily.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Ceiling tile damaged in storage room. Instructed to replace any damaged ceiling tile. Light and ventilation covers through-out not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean.
35
86
Feb 11, 2010
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. FLOOR UNDER AND BESIDE THE 2 DOOR REACH IN FREEZER AND WALK IN COOLER ,INSIDE THE DRY STORAGE ROOM- NEEDS DETAIL CLEANING.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. WATER STAINED CEILING TILES INSIDE THE WASHROOM, INSIDE THE STORAGE ROOM AND BY THE DINING ROOM, MUST REPLACE CEILING TILES. FILTER BY THE HOOD WITH GREASE BUILT UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN IN DETAIL AND MAINTAIN.
35
90
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Chop Stick Express last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Chop Stick Express on file is from Apr 17, 2025. The public record contains 21 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Chop Stick Express?
Across the inspection record, “proper cooling methods used” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at Chop Stick Express.
Has Chop Stick Express' inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Chop Stick Express have averaged around one violation per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Chop Stick Express means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.
How often is Chop Stick Express inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Chop Stick Express is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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