Kai Zan
Last inspected: Aug 11, 2025
100
Score
The health department has logged 19 inspections at Kai Zan, the earliest from 2012. The most recent report on file is from Aug 11, 2025. A low risk rating suggests inspectors haven't found much to be concerned about lately.
Inspection results have stayed in a similar range over the last few visits, averaging around three violations each.
Across the inspection history, “food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded six times.
Compared to the broader Chicago restaurant scene, where the average is 81, this is a stronger showing. There isn't much in the file that would give a customer pause.
19
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Aug 11, 2025
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Aug 4, 2025
Routine
2 major violations. 9 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Required records available: shellstock tags, parasite destruction
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO 90-DAY SHELLFISH TAG WITH 2.5LBS. OYSTERS AND NO SIGNED AND DATE ON TAG OF WHEN LAST ITEM WAS SERVED OR SOLD. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.APPX. 2.5LBS. $75.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)(COS)(CITATION ISSUED)
14
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SINKS IN FRONT BAR AREA AND REAR TEA CLOSET PREP AREAS.MUST INSTALL A HAND SINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER,SOAP & TOWELS AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C)
10
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN AND DISCOLORED CUTTING BOARDS.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED DOOR GASKET ON DESSERT COOLER.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST DELIME DISH MACHINE.MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP ON INTERIOR PARTS OF ICE MACHINE.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM TROUGH FLOOR DRAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: MUST PLACE TABLE TOP FRYER UNDER VENTILATION HOOD.
56
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS AT HAND SINKS IN REAR LARGE TOILET ROOM,HAND SINK IN KITCHEN ON LINE AND DINING ROOM DRINK STATION MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
10
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
37
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A GAP ALONG BOTTOM RIGHT CORNER OF REAR DOOR NEAR TOILET ROOMS MUST MAKE TIGHT FITTING.
38
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: MUST ELEVATE FOOD ITEMS OFF OF FLOOR IN REAR FOOD STORAGE AREA.
39
52
Nov 20, 2024
Routine
No violations found.
100
Dec 6, 2023
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXPIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR SOME CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGERS MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING.
58
95
Mar 31, 2022
Routine
No violations found.
100
Dec 12, 2019
Routine
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISOR DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU FOR RAW OR UNDERCOOKED FOODS. INSTRUCTED TO TO DESCRIBE AND DISCLOSE WHICH FOODS CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED AND LINK THOSE ITEMS TO A REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
25
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGN SOR POSTERS NEAR HAND WASHING SINK IN FRONT SUSHI PREP AREAS. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
10
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: ADDITIONAL WATER PRESSURE NEEDED AT THE FRONT SUSHI PREP SINK. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUST BUILD UP ON CEILING VENTILATION VENTS INSIDE ALL WASHROOMS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
78
Sep 28, 2018
Complaint
2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: PREMISES HAS NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH THE NEW CODES OR CITATIONS WILL FOLLOW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #2-102.14(N).
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: PREMISES HAS NO CLEAN UP PROCEDURES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH THE NEW CODES OR CITATIONS WILL FOLLOW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #2-501.11.
5
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: NOTED THE FLOOR DRAINS DIRTY THROUGH OUT. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN TO PREVENT BREEDING PLACE FOR PEST.
51
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: NO ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGERS TO COMPLY WITH THE NEW CODES OR CITATIONS WILL FOLLOW.
58
74
Mar 31, 2017
Complaint
No violations found.
100
Feb 10, 2017
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Feb 2, 2017
Complaint
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN INTERIOR SURFACE OF THE MICROWAVE AND DEEP FRYER TO REMOVE FOOD DEBRIS AND GREASE BUILDUP- MAINTAIN.
33
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUST IN THE CEILING VENT ABOVE THE WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
38
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #1960434 ON SEPTEMBER 14, 2016: (30) Found several items (fish, seafood, etc) without proper label. Instructed must label all prepped potentially hazardous foods with name and date. All bulk foods must be labeled with name. Must maintain. (32) Found excessive ice buildup on rear freezer. Must defrost, clean and sanitize. Found rust on shelves in rear of kitchen area, near dishwasher. Instructed to remove rust, or paint shelves. All surfaces must be smooth and easily cleanable. Must maintain same. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-090
29
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OLD TAPE HANGING FROM A STORAGE RACK OVER CLEAN PLATES AND UTENSILS. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE TAPE AND MAINTAIN.
32
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CLEAN CUTTING BOARDS BEHIND THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO STORE CLEAN CUTTING BOARDS IN A SEPARATE CLEAN AREA AWAY FROM THE 3-COMPARMTENT SINK TO AVOID SPLASH CONTAMINATION.
32
78
Sep 14, 2016
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: Found several items (fish, seafood, etc) without proper label. Instructed must label all prepped potentially hazardous foods with name and date. All bulk foods must be labeled with name. Must maintain.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Found broken handle on 2 door cooler in front prep area (Santiago station cooler). Must repair or replace. Found excessive ice buildup on rear freezer. Must defrost, clean and sanitize. Found rust on shelves in rear of kitchen area, near dishwasher. Instructed to remove rust, or paint shelves. All surfaces must be smooth and easily cleanable. Must maintain same.
32
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: Must have thermometers in all coolers in a conspicuous spot. Must have stem thermometers available for food handlers. Must maintain.
40
86
Dec 18, 2015
Complaint
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Sanitizing rinse for equipment and utensils: clean, proper temperature, concentration, exposure time
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LOW TEMPERATURE DISHMACHINE WITH NO SANITIZING RINSE DETECTED (0 PPM CHLORINE) AT THE FINAL RINSE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR SO THAT 100PPM CHLORINE IS DETECTED AT THE FINAL RINSE. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030.
8
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: FOOD NOT PROTECTED FROM CONTAMINATION DURING PREPARATION. OBSERVED A VACUUM PACKAGING MACHINE IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA AND VACUUM PACKAGED FISH LOCATED IN THE LINE PREP COOLER. MANAGEMENT STATED THAT THEY VACUUM PACKAGE THE FISH ONSITE WITH THE MACHINE. NO APPROVED HACCP PLAN LOCATED ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CEASE USING MACHINE UNTIL A HACCP PLAN HAS BEEN APPROVED BY CDPH. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-005A.
16
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF RODENT ACTIVITY ON THE PREMISES. APPROXIMATELY 100 MOUSE DROPPINGS WERE OBSERVED ON THE FLOOR AND STORAGE SHELVES OF THE REAR STORAGE AREA AND FOOD PREP AREA BEHIND THE ICE MACHINE. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO MINIMIZE OR ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
18
* inspection report summary displayed and visible to all customers
Inspector notes: NO INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY WAS POSTED IN THE ESTABLISHMENT. MANAGEMENT WAS GIVEN A COPY OF TODAY'S INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY AND WAS INSTRUCTED TO POST IT IN VIEW OF ALL CUSTOMERS. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-010B.
28
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN THE FLOOR OF THE FOOD PREP AREA AND REAR STORAGE AREA ESPECIALLY BEHIND EQUIPMENT AND ALONG THE WALLS.
34
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE AT THIS TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO HAVE CERTIFICATES ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
45
74
Oct 13, 2015
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE BUULD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
33
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE AT THIS TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO HAVE CERTIFICATES ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
45
90
May 23, 2014
Reinspection
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: SEAL LOOSE GASKET ON PREP COOLER DOOR.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT IN PREP AREA.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN ALL FLOOR DRAINS IN PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS.
34
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELDS OR SHATTERPROOF BULBS IN PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS.
36
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: STORE MOP HEAD UPRIGHT TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING.
41
78
May 22, 2014
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED PER MUNICIPAL CODE OF CHICAGO FROM REPORT #1277658 ON 1-17-13. 32-EXPOSED HAND SINK IN REAR PREP AREA NO MAINTAINED. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL SHIELD ON BOTH SIDES OF SINK. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.
29
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: SEAL RAW WOOD SHELVING IN REAR STORAGE AREA. SEAL LOOSE GASKET ON PREP COOLER DOOR.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT IN PREP AREA.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN ALL FLOOR DRAINS IN PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS.
34
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELDS OR SHATTERPROOF BULBS IN PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS.
36
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: STORE MOP HEAD UPRIGHT TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING.
41
74
Jan 17, 2013
Complaint
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Exposed handsink in rear prep area not maintained. Instructed to install shield on both sides of sink.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Floor along wallbase and behind equipment not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean daily.
34
90
Jan 15, 2013
Complaint
No violations found.
100
Jun 5, 2012
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
May 25, 2012
License
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Source sound condition, no spoilage, foods properly labeled, shellfish tags in place
Inspector notes: A certified laboratory analysis is required for the testing of sushi rice.
1
Hand washing facilities: with soap and sanitary hand drying devices, convenient and accessible to food prep area
Inspector notes: Found no soap,no hand papertowels available to the exposed handsinks at this time.
12
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: Foods not protected during storage, preparation display and service. Front counter must be to protected at all times against possible contamination of customers including entry way to food prep/dishroom.
16
Dish washing facilities: properly designed, constructed, maintained, installed, located and operated
Inspector notes: Found Plumbers puddy inside three compartment sink,exposed handsink Instructed to remove toxic plumbers puddy.
24
82
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Kai Zan last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Kai Zan on file is from Aug 11, 2025. The public record contains 19 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Kai Zan?
Across the inspection record, “food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at Kai Zan.
Has Kai Zan's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Kai Zan have averaged around three violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Kai Zan 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 Kai Zan inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Kai Zan is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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