Lex Chinese Food
Last inspected: Jan 9, 2026
86
Score
Across the available record, Lex Chinese Food has 11 inspections on file, the first dated 2020. On Jan 9, 2026, the health department conducted the most recent visit. A low risk rating suggests inspectors haven't found much to be concerned about lately.
There hasn't been much movement either way: counts have stayed near five violations per visit across recent inspections.
Across the inspection history, “non-food/food contact surfaces clean” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded seven times.
Restaurants in Chicago average 81, so Lex Chinese Food is doing better than most peers. The record reflects steady performance over time.
11
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 9, 2026
License
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED AREA WHERE COOLERS ARE STORED ACCESSIBLE TO CUSTOMERS. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE LOCKS OR BARRIER TO AREA.
39
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED INTERIOR CABINETS OF DEEP FRYERS WITH BUILD UP OF FOOD DEBRIS AND GRIME. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON BOTH RESTROOM DOORS NOT OEPRABLE. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
53
86
May 8, 2025
Routine
1 major violation. 8 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL, TCS, FOODS (COOKED PORK, CHICKEN AND CHICKEN EGG ROLLS) WITHOUT LABELS IN WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE DISCARD OR USE BY DATE ON LABELS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
23
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED IN WALK-IN FREEZER UNCOVERED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDED FOOD GRADE LIDS AND/OR COVERINGS TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
39
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER STORAGE OF WIPING CLOTH AT 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE FRONT LINE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO STORE PROPERLY BETWEEN USAGE.
41
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MILK CRATES BEING USED AS SHELVING IN WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND PROVIDE SHELVING THAT IS 6" FROM THE FLOOR.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED AN ACCUMULATION OF FOOD DEBRIS/DIRT ON TOP OF FOOD CONTAINERS ON SHELVING UNITS IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DRAINPIPE LEAKING UNDER 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AT THE FRONT LINE/CASHIER AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING TRASH CAN COVER IN THE 2 PUBLIC WASHROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER STORAGE OF MOP IN THE UTILITY CLOSET. INSTRUCTED TO STORE PROPERLY AS NOT TO ATTRACT PESTS.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRTY VENTS IN THE FOOD PREP AREA AND IN THE PUBLIC WASHROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
56
61
Sep 19, 2024
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: 4-601.11(C): THE FOLLOWING NOT CLEAN EXCESSIVE ACCUMULATION OF FOOD DEBRIS, GREASE: ENTIRE WOK LINE; INCLUDING ATTACHED PIPING AND DRIP TRAYS, INTERIOR CABINETS AND EXTERIOR SIDES OF FRYERS, ALL PREP TABLES, STEAM TABLE, ALL SINK BASINS, EXTERIOR SURFACE OF WALK IN COOLER BEHIND PREP TABLE, ALL STORAGE SHELVES AND STORAGE CONTAINERS. INSTD TO CLEAN ALL AND MAINTAIN CLEAN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.12: FLOOR UNDER AND BEHIND ENTIRE COOKING LINE NOT CLEAN, HEAVY GREASE/DEBRIS ACCUMULATION. INSTD TO CLEAN FLOOR AND MAINTAIN
55
90
Sep 12, 2024
Routine
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OVER 50 MICE DROPPINGS NOTED ON FLOOR SURROUNDING FURNACE. INSTD TO REMOVE DROPPINGS, CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS. INSTD TO CONTACT PEST CONTROL COMPANY FOR SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED
38
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: KNIVES IMPROPERLY STORED INBETWEEN PREP TABLE AND WALK IN COOLER. INSTD TO STORE KNIVES PROPERLY
43
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: THE FOLLOWING NOT CLEAN EXCESSIVE ACCUMULATION OF FOOD DEBRIS, GREASE: ENTIRE WOK LINE; INCLUDING ATTACHED PIPING AND DRIP TRAYS, INTERIOR CABINETS AND EXTERIOR SIDES OF FRYERS, ALL PREP TABLES, STEAM TABLE, ALL SINK BASINS, EXTERIOR SURFACE OF WALK IN COOLER BEHIND PREP TABLE, ALL STORAGE SHELVES AND STORAGE CONTAINERS. INSTD TO CLEAN ALL AND MAINTAIN CLEAN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FLOOR UNDER AND BEHIND ENTIRE COOKING LINE NOT CLEAN, HEAVY GREASE/DEBRIS ACCUMULATION. INSTD TO CLEAN FLOOR AND MAINTAIN
55
78
Oct 25, 2023
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: 5-501.17 OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE FOR PROPER DISPOSAL OF SANITARY NAPKINS IN ALL-GENDER WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE.
53
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: 6-501.14- OBSERVED THE VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND ALL HVAC VENTS ON PREMISES ARE IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
56
90
Oct 18, 2023
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HELD AT IMPROPER INTERNAL TEMPERATURE IN THE WALK IN COOLER, SUCH AS 10LBS OF CHICKEN AT 50.1F. MANAGER DISCARDED AND DENATURED A TOTAL 10LBS AT $100. ALL COLD FOOD MUST MAINTAIN 41F OR BELOW. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.
22
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF RODENT ACTIVITY ON THE PREMISES. OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 60 MOUSE DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR OF THE REAR STORAGE AREA NEAR BACK DOOR AND IN REAR RESTROOM. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS FROM ALL AFFECTED AREAS. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS RECOMMENDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
38
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WATER BACKING UP AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AREA. WHEN WATER IS RELEASED FROM 2ND SINK BASIN, WATER BACKS UP INTO 1ST AND 3RD SINK BASINS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR BEFORE RE-INSPECTION DATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED.
48
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 3-COMPARTMENT SINK STOPPERS MISSING/NOT WORKING AT LEFT SIDE AND MIDDLE COMPARTMENTS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE WORKING STOPPERS AT 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.
47
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE FOR PROPER DISPOSAL OF SANITARY NAPKINS IN ALL-GENDER WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PEELING PAINT ON THE CEILING IN THE KITCHEN ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VENTILATION HOOD. INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE AND REPAINT AREAS TO ENSURE WALLS ARE SEALED, SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP, FOOD DEBRIS, AND DIRT ON FLOOR UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP, DISH WASHING, AND STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN ALL AREAS.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND ALL HVAC VENTS ON PREMISES ARE IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSONS WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH COMPLETION OF TRAINING. MUST PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION.
58
52
Sep 1, 2022
Reinspection
8 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS NOT LABELED IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO LABEL ALL BULK CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME OF FOOD.
37
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
39
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS WITHOUT HAIR RESTRAINTS. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS.
40
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON PREP TABLES AND FAUCET OF 3-COMPARTMENT AND SPLASHGUARD ON HAND WASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.
41
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MILK CRATES USED AS SHELVING IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE STORAGE SHELVING FOR EASY CLEANING AND PEST CONTROL.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE, FOOD DEBRIS AND SPILLS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF BULK CONTAINERS, FRYER CABINETS, WOK STATION, STEAM TABLE, PREP TABLE, ROLLING CARTS, SHELVING UNITS, COOLERS, AND FREEZERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SELF-CLOSING DEVICE IN POOR REPAIR ON REAR WASHROOM DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP, FOOD DEBRIS AND SPILLS ON FLOORS, WALLS AND CEILINGS IN PREP, DISH WASHING AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
67
Aug 23, 2022
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OVER TWO DOZEN RAW EGGS (57.2F) AND POOLED EGGS (83.5F) STORED AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE ON PREP TABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DISCARD. ALL COLD TCS FOOD MUST MAINTAIN 41F OR BELOW DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY AND SERVICE. PRIORITY 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
22
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OVER 100 MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED ON BOTTOM OF PREP TABLES, STEAM TABLE, ROLLING CARTS, SHELVING UNITS, ON FLOOR ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT, 3-COMPARTMENT SINK, WATER HEATER AND UTILITY SINK IN PREP, STORAGE AND FRONT COUNTER AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALL AN EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED
38
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2528642 ON 8-26-21:10-OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT HANDSINK IN REAR NEAR COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. 57-OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATES ON SIE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH THE IDPH FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED
60
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS NOT LABELED IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO LABEL ALL BULK CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME OF FOOD.
37
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
39
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS WITHOUT HAIR RESTRAINTS. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS.
40
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON PREP TABLES AND FAUCET OF 3-COMPARTMENT AND SPLASHGUARD ON HAND WASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.
41
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MILK CRATES USED AS SHELVING IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE STORAGE SHELVING FOR EASY CLEANING AND PEST CONTROL.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE, FOOD DEBRIS AND SPILLS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF BULK CONTAINERS, FRYER CABINETS, WOK STATION, STEAM TABLE, PREP TABLE, ROLLING CARTS, SHELVING UNITS, COOLERS, AND FREEZERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SELF-CLOSING DEVICE IN POOR REPAIR ON REAR WASHROOM DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP, FOOD DEBRIS AND SPILLS ON FLOORS, WALLS AND CEILINGS IN PREP, DISH WASHING AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
47
Aug 26, 2021
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HALF DOZEN EGGS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE. TEMPERATURE OF RAW EGG WAS 94.7F. MANAGER DISCARDED AND DENATURED EGGS. PRIORITY VIOLATION.7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
22
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED COOKED CHICKEN AND CRAB RANGOON WITHOUT ANY DISCARD DATES.INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT ALL TCS FOODS HELD FOR 24 HOURS MUST BE PROPERLY DATE MARKED WITH THE DATE THE FOOD WILL BE SOLD, DISCARDED OR CONSUMED. MANAGER DISCARDED 30LBS AT $200. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
23
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT HANDSINK IN REAR NEAR COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
10
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE ON VENTILATION HOOD FILTERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN..
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH THE IDPH FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENT.
57
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A MALE EMPLOYEE IN KITCHEN, PREPARING FOOD WITH NO HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO HAVE ALL EMPLOYEES WORKING IN KITCHEN TO WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT.
40
61
Jul 8, 2020
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: 5-203.13: NO UTILITY SINK ON SITE. INSTD TO PROVIDE SAME WITH HOT/COLD RUNNING WATER UNDER CITY PRESSURE
51
95
Jun 30, 2020
License
3 major violations.
View 3 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY IN PLACE. INSTD TO PROVIDE A VERIFIABLE EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGED HEALTH POLICY AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-38-010
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: NO PROCEDURE IN PLACE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTD TO PROVIDE PROCEDURE AND NECESSARY SUPPLIES EFFECTIVE AGAINST NOROVIRUS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
5
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: NO HANDWASH SINK IN FRONT PREP AREA WHERE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK ALSO LOCATED. INSTD TO PROVIDE UNDER CITY PRESSURE WITH HOT WATER 100F-120F. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C)
10
74
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Lex Chinese Food last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Lex Chinese Food on file is from Jan 9, 2026. The public record contains 11 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Lex Chinese Food?
Across the inspection record, “non-food/food contact surfaces clean” has been cited seven times, more than any other issue at Lex Chinese Food.
Has Lex Chinese Food's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Lex Chinese Food have averaged around five violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Lex Chinese Food 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 Lex Chinese Food inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Lex Chinese Food is inspected around two times per year on average.
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