What is Nicky's Chinese Food's health inspection score?

Nicky's Chinese Food has a SafeDine safety score of 81 out of 100 (Grade B). This score is calculated from official government health inspection data, factoring in violation severity, recency, and trends.

When was Nicky's Chinese Food last inspected?

Nicky's Chinese Food was last inspected on February 19, 2026. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does Nicky's Chinese Food have?

Nicky's Chinese Food has 56 total violations across 16 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is Nicky's Chinese Food safe to eat at?

Nicky's Chinese Food has a good safety record with a score of 81/100. While there are some noted violations, overall compliance is solid.

What type of cuisine does Nicky's Chinese Food serve?

Nicky's Chinese Food serves Chinese cuisine. Visit their SafeDine page for safety scores, inspection history, and more details.

Official Health Record

Nicky's Chinese Food

Name: Nicky's Chinese Food
Address: 5231 S WOODLAWN AVE, Chicago, 60615
Rating: 81

5231 S WOODLAWN AVE, Chicago

Last Inspected: 2/19/2026

▲Improving

Own or manage this restaurant?

Claim it to unlock analytics →

0Good

Chinese•Hyde Park

Ranked #112 of 274 in Hyde ParkBetter than 90% of chinese restaurants

Improving

10 inspections

Last: Feb 19, 2026

high confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

10%

Clean Rate

5.6

Avg Violations

3 months ago

Last Inspected

Top Concerns

Most common issues from recent inspections

Cross-contamination

Raw and cooked foods not properly separated

Employee hygiene

Personal hygiene practices not followed

Plumbing issues

Plumbing or waste disposal problems

Pest issues

Evidence of pests found during inspection

Food storage

Food not properly stored or protected

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-23

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-0 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-6 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-10 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Inspection Timeline

+10 pts

Latest

100% weight

2nd

60% weight

3rd

30% weight

Real-time Score: 77/100 — This score includes today's freshness penalty and may differ slightly from the displayed score (81/100) which is computed during our regular data sync.

How scoring works: Every restaurant starts at 100 points. Points are deducted for violations found during inspections.

Recent inspections are weighted more heavily. High priority violations (direct health hazards) have the greatest impact.

Location

Open location in Google Maps →

5231 S WOODLAWN AVE, Chicago, IL 60615

Open in Maps

View Menu Order Online

Violation Timeline

Oct 2024

2 inspections

1 intermediate

2 basic

Oct

Mar 2025

1 inspections

6 basic

May 2025

2 inspections

1 high priority

1 intermediate

13 basic

May

Jul 2025

2 inspections

11 basic

Dec 2025

2 inspections

3 intermediate

14 basic

Dec

Feb 2026

1 inspections

1 intermediate

3 basic

Inspection History

10 records on file

3 Complaint4 Complaint Re-Inspection2 Short Form Complaint1 Canvass

Feb 26

Complaint InspectionLatestPass

1 Med3 Basic

4 total

89/100inspection score

−11 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
OBSERVED FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE COMMON NAME OF FOODS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

Basic (3)

−6 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED VARIOUS FROZEN FOOD ITEMS IN PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS IN THE WALK-IN FREEZER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE PROPER FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS AND CONTAINERS ONLY.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP ON COOKING EQUIPMENT, WALLS, SURROUNDING FLOORS AND SHELVING UNITS IN THE KITCHEN/PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO DEGREASE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP, FOOD DEBRIS, AND DIRT ON FLOOR UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP, DISH WASHING, AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN ALL AREAS. OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON CEILING AND WALL VENTS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS.

Base deductions−11 pts

Dec 25

Complaint Re-Inspection InspectionPass

1 Med7 Basic

8 total

81/100inspection score

−19 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS NOT LABELED IN STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO LABEL ALL BULK CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME OF FOOD.

Basic (7)

−14 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK-IN COOLER AND FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
40PERSONAL CLEANLINESS−2
OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS.
41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON PREP TABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.
43IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED−2
OBSERVED HANDLE OF DISPENSING UTENSIL INSIDE FOOD ITEMS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE LONG HANDLE DISPENSING UTENSILS AND STORE HANDLE ABOVE FOOD TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS AND SPILLS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, BULK CONTAINERS, SHELVING UNITS, PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
OBSERVED LEAKING DRAINPIPE UNDER PREP SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED DEBRIS AND SPILLS ON WALLS AND FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−19 pts

Dec 25

Complaint InspectionFail

2 Med7 Basic

9 total

76/100inspection score

−24 pts

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS NOT LABELED IN STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO LABEL ALL BULK CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME OF FOOD.
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED OVER 100 MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED ON FLOOR ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS IN FRONT BEVERAGE, PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALL AN EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANTIZE ALL AREAS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED

Basic (7)

−14 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK-IN COOLER AND FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
40PERSONAL CLEANLINESS−2
OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS.
41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON PREP TABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.
43IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED−2
OBSERVED HANDLE OF DISPENSING UTENSIL INSIDE FOOD ITEMS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE LONG HANDLE DISPENSING UTENSILS AND STORE HANDLE ABOVE FOOD TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS AND SPILLS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, BULK CONTAINERS, SHELVING UNITS, PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
OBSERVED LEAKING DRAINPIPE UNDER PREP SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED DEBRIS AND SPILLS ON FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−24 pts

Jul 25

Complaint Re-Inspection InspectionPass

5 Basic

5 total

90/100inspection score

−10 pts

Basic (5)

−10 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER AND FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR. OBSERVED MISSING LIDS ON BULK FOOD CONTAINERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE MISSING LIDS TO PROTECT FOOD ITEMS FROM CONTAMINATION.
40PERSONAL CLEANLINESS−2
OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS.
41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED OPEN FOOD ITEMS STORED INSIDE GROCERY BAGS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE FOOD IN CLEAN FOOD STORAGE BAGS OR CONTAINERS.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, SHELVING UNITS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−10 pts

Jul 25

Short Form Complaint InspectionFail

6 Basic

6 total

88/100inspection score

−12 pts

Basic (6)

−12 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER AND FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR. OBSERVED MISSING LIDS ON BULK FOOD CONTAINERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE MISSING LIDS TO PROTECT FOOD ITEMS FROM CONTAMINATION.
40PERSONAL CLEANLINESS−2
OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS.
41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED OPEN FOOD ITEMS STORED INSIDE GROCERY BAGS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE FOOD IN CLEAN FOOD STORAGE BAGS OR CONTAINERS.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, SHELVING UNITS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
52SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED−2
OBSERVED WASTEWATER BACKING UP THROUGH FLOOR DRAIN INSIDE WASHROOM WHEN HAND WASHING SINK IS IN USE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALL PLUMBER AND REPAIR DRAINLINE.PRIORITY 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED

Base deductions−12 pts

May 25

Complaint Re-Inspection InspectionPass

5 Basic

5 total

90/100inspection score

−10 pts

Basic (5)

−10 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER AND FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR. OBSERVED MISSING LIDS ON BULK FOOD CONTAINERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE MISSING LIDS TO PROTECT FOOD ITEMS FROM CONTAMINATION.
40PERSONAL CLEANLINESS−2
OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS.
41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED OPEN FOOD ITEMS STORED INSIDE GROCERY BAGS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE FOOD IN CLEAN FOOD STORAGE BAGS OR CONTAINERS.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS IN THE PREP AREA WITH DARK SEEMS. MUST RESURFACE AND/OR REPLACE.

Base deductions−10 pts

May 25

Complaint InspectionFail

1 High1 Med8 Basic

10 total1 risk factor

64/100inspection score

−31 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

6PROPER EATING, TASTING, DRINKING, OR TOBACCO USERisk Factor−10
OBSERVED EMPLOYEES EATING IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE SEPARATE AREA FOR EMPLOYEE MEALS.

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED OVER 100 MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED ON FLOOR ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS IN REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALL AN EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED

Basic (8)

−16 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER AND FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR. OBSERVED MISSING LIDS ON BULK FOOD CONTAINERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE MISSING LIDS TO PROTECT FOOD ITEMS FROM CONTAMINATION.
40PERSONAL CLEANLINESS−2
OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS.
41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS IN THE PREP AREA WITH DARK SEEMS. MUST RESURFACE AND/OR REPLACE.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED OPEN FOOD ITEMS STORED INSIDE GROCERY BAGS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE FOOD IN CLEAN FOOD STORAGE BAGS OR CONTAINERS.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED ICE BUILDUP ON COMPRESSOR INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS AND GREASE BUILDUP ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, SHELVING UNITS, COOLERS, FREEZERS, HOLDING UNITS, SINKS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAITAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS, SPILLS AND GREASE BUILDUP ON WALLS AND FLOORS UNDER ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, HOLDING UNITS, COOLERS, FREEZERS, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP, STORAGE, AND DISH WASHING AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−31 pts

Risk factor bonus (1× +5)−5 pts

Mar 25

Canvass InspectionPass

6 Basic

6 total

88/100inspection score

−12 pts

Basic (6)

−12 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS IN THE PREP AREA WITH DARK SEEMS. MUST RESURFACE AND/OR REPLACE.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL STORAGE SHELVING THROUGH OUT INCLUDING INTERIOR OF WALK IN COOLERS.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED THE COOKING EQUIPMENT ENCRUSTED WITH FOOD DEBRIS AND/OR GREASE. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FIXTURES IN THE WASHROOM.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
MUST CLEAN THE FLOORS THROUGH OUT AND WALLS BEHIND PREP STATION TO REMOVE SPILLS, DEBRIS AND/OR GREASE.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
MUST CLEAN THE HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT TO REMOVE GREASE AND DEBRIS.

Base deductions−12 pts

Oct 24

Complaint Re-Inspection InspectionCleanPass

No violations

100/100inspection score

Oct 24

Short Form Complaint InspectionFail

1 Med2 Basic

3 total

91/100inspection score

−9 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED 1 LIVE CRAWLING ROACH IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA AND 50 MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED ON THE FLOOR SIDE REAR DRY STORAGE AREA. PREMISES MUST UP-GRADE HOUSE KEEPING. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND DETAIL CLEAN AFFECTED AREAS. CALL PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION CITATION ISSUED #7-38-020(A).

Basic (2)

−4 pts

55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE FLOORS UNDER AROUND AND BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT, UNDER SINKS AND UNDER SHELVES IN THE STORAGE ROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE WALLS AROUND AND BEHIND COOKING AND OTHER EQUIPMENT WHERE NEEDED AND MAINTAIN.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT TO REMOVE GREASE BUILD UP.

Base deductions−9 pts

Community Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!

Leave a Review

Community Safety Reports

No reviewed safety reports. Help keep others safe by reporting any food safety concerns.

Data source: Chicago CDPH · Official government inspection records

Grading System

85 – 100
Excellent
70 – 84
Good
Below 70
Fair

About SafeDine Scores

Scores are calculated using official government inspection data. High Priority violations (direct health hazards) have the greatest impact, followed by Intermediate and Basic violations. Community reviews can adjust the score by up to 5 points when 3+ reviews are submitted.

Explore More

Restaurants in Chicago Chinese Restaurants Best in Chicago All Illinois Restaurants