What is Lao Sze Chuan's health inspection score?

Lao Sze Chuan has a SafeDine safety score of 82 out of 100 (Grade B). This score is calculated from official government health inspection data, factoring in violation severity, recency, and trends.

When was Lao Sze Chuan last inspected?

Lao Sze Chuan was last inspected on January 21, 2026. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does Lao Sze Chuan have?

Lao Sze Chuan has 54 total violations across 9 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is Lao Sze Chuan safe to eat at?

Lao Sze Chuan has a good safety record with a score of 82/100. While there are some noted violations, overall compliance is solid.

What type of cuisine does Lao Sze Chuan serve?

Lao Sze Chuan serves American cuisine. Visit their SafeDine page for safety scores, inspection history, and more details.

Official Health Record

Lao Sze Chuan

Name: Lao Sze Chuan
Address: 520 N MICHIGAN AVE, Chicago, 60611
Rating: 82

520 N MICHIGAN AVE, Chicago

Last Inspected: 1/21/2026

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0Good

American•Streeterville

Ranked #302 of 705 in StreetervilleBetter than 17% of american restaurants

Improving

9 inspections

Last: Jan 21, 2026

high confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

22%

Clean Rate

Avg Violations

3 months ago

Last Inspected

Top Concerns

Most common issues from recent inspections

Employee illnessHigh Priority

Sick employee handling food — illness transmission risk

Pest issues

Evidence of pests found during inspection

Plumbing issues

Plumbing or waste disposal problems

Facility conditionHigh Priority

Building maintenance or structural issues

16x

Permit/documentationHigh Priority

Administrative or documentation issue

10x

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-18

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-0 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-2 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-9 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Inspection Timeline

+20 pts

Latest

100% weight

2nd

60% weight

3rd

30% weight

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

520 N MICHIGAN AVE, Chicago, IL 60611

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Violation Timeline

Jun 2022

2 inspections

3 high priority

3 intermediate

3 basic

Jun

Mar 2023

2 inspections

2 high priority

1 intermediate

Mar 2024

1 inspections

2 high priority

1 intermediate

7 basic

Mar

Dec 2024

1 inspections

1 intermediate

10 basic

Mar 2025

1 inspections

1 high priority

1 intermediate

10 basic

Mar

Jan 2026

2 inspections

1 intermediate

8 basic

Inspection History

9 records on file

2 Canvass Re-Inspection4 Canvass1 Short Form Complaint1 Complaint Re-Inspection1 Complaint

Jan 26

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionLatestPass

2 Basic

2 total

96/100inspection score

−4 pts

Basic (2)

−4 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED PREP AREA REACH IN COOLERS RUBBER DOOR GASKETS RIPPED/DAMAGED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST REPAIR/REPLACE ALL DAMAGED PREP AREA COOLERS DOOR RUBBER GASKETS.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED VENTILATION HOOD/FILTERS WITH ACCUMULATED GREASE/FOOD BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN VENTILATION HOOD/FILTERS.

Base deductions−4 pts

Jan 26

Canvass InspectionFail

1 Med6 Basic

7 total

83/100inspection score

−17 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED 6 LIVE ROACHES ON FLOOR AND WALLS IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST REMOVE ALL ROACH ACTIVITY BY DATE OF REINSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A). ADVISED TO CALL PEST CONTROL OPERATOR FOR SERVICE.

Basic (6)

−12 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED PREP AREA REACH IN COOLERS RUBBER DOOR GASKETS RIPPED/DAMAGED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST REPAIR/REPLACE ALL DAMAGED PREP AREA COOLERS DOOR RUBBER GASKETS.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS ON PREP AREA SHELVES, EXTERIOR/INTERIOR OF ALL SINKS AND INTERIOR/EXTERIOR OF ALL PREP AREA SHELVES. MUST CLEAN ALL PREP AREA EQUIPMENT AND MAINTAIN.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
BAR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK HOT/COLD WATER HANDLES STRIPPED ALSO PREP AREA HANDWASH SINK PIPE DRAINING SLOWLY. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SINKS.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD/DUST BUILD UP ON PREP AREA AND DISHWASH AREA WALLS. MUST CLEAN ALL WALLS AND MAINTAIN.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED VENTILATION HOOD/FILTERS WITH ACCUMULATED GREASE/FOOD BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN VENTILATION HOOD/FILTERS.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
ONE FOOD MANAGER MISSING ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST HAVE FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES.

Base deductions−17 pts

Mar 25

Short Form Complaint InspectionPass w/ Conditions

1 High1 Med10 Basic

12 total1 risk factor

60/100inspection score

−35 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

2CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATERisk Factor−10
NOTED �FACILITY DID NOT PROVIDE A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE FOR EMPLOYEES WORKING ON SITE. INFORMED A CERTIFIED MANAGER WITH A CURRENT CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFICATE MUST BE ON PREMISES AT ALL TIMES AND A VALID MUST REMAIN POSTED ON SITE WHENEVER TIME AND TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY(TCS) FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED, HANDLED AND/OR SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
NOTED ELECTRIC FLY TRAP HANGING DIRECTLY ABOVE PREP TABLE IN REAR PREP AREA BEHIND COUNTER. ACCORDING TO FOOD CODE: INSECT CONTROL DEVICES SHALL BE INSTALLED SO THAT THE DEVICES ARE NOT LOCATED OVER A FOOD PREPARATION AREA. MUST RELOCATE EXISTING FLY TRAP DEVICES IN DIRECT VIOLATION OF THIS RULE.

Basic (10)

−20 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS IN THE REAR PREP AREA WITH OPEN SEAMS AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REFINISH OR REPLACE DAMAGED OR STAINED CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED CAN OPENER WITH EXCESSIVE FOOD DEBRIS IN PIERCING PARTS OF CAN OPENER INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED CRATES AND DISH RACKS BEING USED AS SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE PREP AND STORAGE AND DISH AREAS. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE SHELVING THAT IS 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND PROVIDES FLOOR ACCESSIBILITY TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FACILITY CLEANING.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED AN ACCUMULATION OF FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOOR MIXER LOCATED IN THE REAR PREP AREA. MUST REMOVE DEBRIS AND CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AFTER EACH USE.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF THE WALK-IN COOLERS AND FREEZER IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED CLUTTER STORED ON FLOORAND BEHIND FLOOR MIXER IN REAR PREP IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNUSED ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED FLOOR TILES IN REAR PREP AREAS, DISH ROOM AND BAR AREA MISSING GROUT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR TO CREATE A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE. MUST MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED 1 OUT OF 3 HANDSINKS IN MENS TOILET ROOM FAUCET NOT WORKING INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT, INGREDIENT CONTAINERS, RACKS IN DISH ROOM AND SHELVING WITH EXCESSIVE DUST, GREASE. REMOVE DEAD INSECTS AND DIRT BUILD-UP THROUGHOUT DISH AND BAR AREA. RECOMMENDED TO INCREASE CLEANING FREQUENCY AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED AN ACCUMULATION OF DIRT/DEBRIS BUILDUP IN THE MENS AND WOMANS TOILET ROOM EXHAUST VENTILATION. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN

Base deductions−35 pts

Risk factor bonus (1× +5)−5 pts

Dec 24

Canvass InspectionPass

1 Med10 Basic

11 total

75/100inspection score

−25 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
NOTED ELECTRIC FLY TRAP HANGING DIRECTLY ABOVE PREP TABLE IN REAR PREP AREA BEHIND COUNTER. ACCORDING TO FOOD CODE: INSECT CONTROL DEVICES SHALL BE INSTALLED SO THAT THE DEVICES ARE NOT LOCATED OVER A FOOD PREPARATION AREA. MUST RELOCATE EXISTING FLY TRAP DEVICES IN DIRECT VIOLATION OF THIS RULE.

Basic (10)

−20 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED CRATES AND DISH RACKS BEING USED AS SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE PREP AND STORAGE AND DISH AREAS. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE SHELVING THAT IS 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND PROVIDES FLOOR ACCESSIBILITY TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FACILITY CLEANING.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS IN THE REAR PREP AREA WITH OPEN SEAMS AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REFINISH OR REPLACE DAMAGED OR STAINED CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED CAN OPENER WITH EXCESSIVE FOOD DEBRIS IN PIERCING PARTS OF CAN OPENER INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED AN ACCUMULATION OF FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOOR MIXER LOCATED IN THE REAR PREP AREA. MUST REMOVE DEBRIS AND CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AFTER EACH USE.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF THE WALK-IN COOLERS AND FREEZER IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED CLUTTER STORED ON FLOORAND BEHIND FLOOR MIXER IN REAR PREP IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNUSED ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED FLOOR TILES IN REAR PREP AREAS, DISH ROOM AND BAR AREA MISSING GROUT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR TO CREATE A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE. MUST MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED 1 OUT OF 3 HANDSINKS IN MENS TOILET ROOM FAUCET NOT WORKING INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT, INGREDIENT CONTAINERS, RACKS IN DISH ROOM AND SHELVING WITH EXCESSIVE DUST, GREASE. REMOVE DEAD INSECTS AND DIRT BUILD-UP THROUGHOUT DISH AND BAR AREA. RECOMMENDED TO INCREASE CLEANING FREQUENCY AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED AN ACCUMULATION OF DIRT/DEBRIS BUILDUP IN THE MENS AND WOMANS TOILET ROOM EXHAUST VENTILATION. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN

Base deductions−25 pts

Mar 24

Canvass InspectionPass w/ Conditions

2 High1 Med7 Basic

10 total2 risk factors

51/100inspection score

−39 pts

High Priority (2)

−20 pts

3MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTINGRisk Factor−10
OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISE, INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-010 CITATION ISSUED.
5PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTSRisk Factor−10
FACILITY DOES NOT HAVE A PROCEDURE & KIT FOR EMPLOYEES TO FOLLOW WHEN RESPONDING TO DISCHARGE OF VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL INCIDENTS. FACILITY MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS SALT & SUGAR OUT OF ORGINAL PACKAGING WITHOUT LABELING OF COMMON NAME, INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ITEMS WITH COMMON NAMES AND MAINTAIN.

Basic (7)

−14 pts

41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
IN-USE WIPING CLOTHS ARE NOT STORED PROPERLY. FOUND ON/NEAR HANDWASHING STATIONS. CLOTHS USED TO WIPE SURFACES AND EQUIPMENT SHALL BE HELD IN A PROPER SANITIZER SOLUTION. CLOTHS IN-USE FOR WIPING SURFACES IN CONTACT WITH RAW ANIMAL FOODS SHALL BE KEPT SEPARATE FROM CLOTHS USED FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OPBSERVED HEAVY FOOD DEBRIS UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT IN REAR PREP AREA, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED FOOD CART ENCRUSTED WITH FOOD DEBRIS WITH CARDBOARD USED AS A SPLASH GUARD, INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CARDBOARD AND CLEAN CART AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED THROUGHOUT REAR PREP FOODS DEBRIS IN FLOOR AND WALLS, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED HOOD SYSTEM LIGHTS PROTECTIVE SHELDING BROKEN AND MISSING LIGHT BULBS, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
OBSERVED NO ALLERGIN TRAINING CERTIFICATE, INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN & MAINTAIN.
61SUMMARY REPORT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC−2
OBSERVED SUMMARY NOT POSTED IN PLAIN VIEW, INSTRUCTED TO POST CURRENT SUMMARY AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-42-010 (B) CITATION ISSUED

Base deductions−39 pts

Risk factor bonus (2× +5)−10 pts

Mar 23

Complaint Re-Inspection InspectionCleanPass

No violations

100/100inspection score

Mar 23

Complaint InspectionFail

2 High1 Med

3 total2 risk factors

65/100inspection score

−25 pts

High Priority (2)

−20 pts

1PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIESRisk Factor−10
2CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATERisk Factor−10
No certified food service manager on site while handling and serving TCS foods ( chicken, beef....) instructed to obtain. Priority foundation violation 7-38-012.

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
Inadequate insects control, found over 200 live fruit flies at rear prep kitchen walls and ceiling. instructed to eliminate insects activity in all affected areas, pest control service recommended priority foundation violation 7-38-020.

Base deductions−25 pts

Risk factor bonus (2× +5)−10 pts

Jun 22

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionCleanPass

No violations

100/100inspection score

Jun 22

Canvass InspectionFail

3 High3 Med3 Basic

9 total2 risk factors

39/100inspection score

−51 pts

High Priority (3)

−30 pts

1PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIESRisk Factor−10
2CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATERisk Factor−10
No certified food service manager on site while handling and serving TCS foods ( chicken, Beef.... Instructed to obtain. priority foundation violation 7-38-012.
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
Obstructed hand wash sink at main kitchen. found pots and utensils placed in hand wash sink basin, instructed to keep all hand wash sinks free from any obstruction, Priority foundation violation 7-38-030(c)

Intermediate (3)

−15 pts

23PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION−5
No dates on cooked food containers ( chicken, beef, duck...) that were placed in cooler for more than one day. instructed to label. priority foundation violation 7-38-005.
35APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED−5
Improper thawing method, found frozen poultry being thawed in hot standing water. instructed to use approved methods only for thawing.
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
Found about 40 live fruit flies in kitchen and dish washing areas, Instructed to eliminate insects activity in all affected areas. pest control service recommended. Priority foundation violation 7-38-020.

Basic (3)

−6 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
contaminated foods, observed 8 cans of soda placed in ice maker imbedded in ice that is used for consumption, Instructed not to use ice as a cooling medium for consumption priority violation 7-38-005.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
counter tops and shelves not clean through out facility. instructed to clean and maintain.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
Meat slicer Not clean behind blade, food debris noted, instructed to clean and maintain.

Base deductions−51 pts

Risk factor bonus (2× +5)−10 pts

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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.

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