What is Kai Sushi's health inspection score?

Kai Sushi has a SafeDine safety score of 78 out of 100 (Grade B). This score is calculated from official government health inspection data, factoring in violation severity, recency, and trends.

When was Kai Sushi last inspected?

Kai Sushi was last inspected on November 14, 2025. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does Kai Sushi have?

Kai Sushi has 33 total violations across 8 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is Kai Sushi safe to eat at?

Kai Sushi has a good safety record with a score of 78/100. While there are some noted violations, overall compliance is solid.

Official Health Record

Kai Sushi

Name: Kai Sushi
Address: 3819 N SOUTHPORT AVE, Chicago, 60613
Rating: 78

3819 N SOUTHPORT AVE, Chicago

Last Inspected: 11/14/2025

▲Improving

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0Good

Lakeview

Ranked #557 of 997 in Lakeview

Improving

8 inspections

Last: Nov 14, 2025

high confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

25%

Clean Rate

4.1

Avg Violations

6 months ago

Last Inspected

Top Concerns

Most common issues from recent inspections

HandwashingHigh Priority

Employees not properly washing hands — contamination risk

Pest issues

Evidence of pests found during inspection

Plumbing issues

Plumbing or waste disposal problems

Employee hygiene

Personal hygiene practices not followed

Food storage

Food not properly stored or protected

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-22

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-7 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-7 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-5 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Inspection Timeline

+13 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

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3819 N SOUTHPORT AVE, Chicago, IL 60613

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Violation Timeline

Oct 2022

2 inspections

3 high priority

2 intermediate

5 basic

Oct

Dec 2023

2 inspections

3 high priority

1 intermediate

3 basic

Dec 2024

2 inspections

1 intermediate

4 basic

Dec

Nov 2025

2 inspections

2 high priority

3 intermediate

6 basic

Inspection History

8 records on file

3 Canvass Re-Inspection4 Canvass1 Non-Inspection

Nov 25

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionLatestPass

1 Med1 Basic

2 total

93/100inspection score

−7 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED THE FRONT EXIT/ENTRANCE DOUBLE DOORS NOT RODENT PROOFED WITH AND OPEN 1/2 INCH GAP ON THE BOTTOM OF THE DOORS AND IN BETWEEN DOORS. MUST PROVIDE A TIGHT-FITTING SEAL.

Basic (1)

−2 pts

51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
OBSERVED LEAKING FAUCET BASE AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−7 pts

Nov 25

Canvass InspectionFail

2 High2 Med5 Basic

9 total

60/100inspection score

−40 pts

High Priority (2)

−20 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED NO HAND SOAP PROVIDED IN THE REAR PREP EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK. HAND WASHING SINKS MUST BE PROPERLY SUPPLIED WITH HAND SOAP AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. MANAGEMENT PROVIDED HAND SOAP DURING INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED NO HAND PAPER TOWEL PROVIDED AT THE EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK IN REAR PREP AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HAND PAPER TOWEL AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. MANAGEMENT PROVIDED HAND PAPER TOWEL DURING INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). NO CITATION ISSUED. CONSOLIDATED WITH ABOVE VIOLATION.

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN THE ORIGINAL CONTAINER.
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED THE FRONT EXIT/ENTRANCE DOUBLE DOORS NOT RODENT PROOFED WITH AND OPEN 1/2 INCH GAP ON THE BOTTOM OF THE DOORS AND IN BETWEEN DOORS. MUST PROVIDE A TIGHT-FITTING SEAL.

Basic (5)

−10 pts

40PERSONAL CLEANLINESS−2
OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS PREPARING AND SERVING FOOD WITHOUT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS. MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS AT ALL TIMES FOOD IS BEING PREPARED AND SERVED.
41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON TOP OF PREP TABLES. MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
OBSERVED LEAKING FAUCET BASE AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
OBSERVED CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGER WITHOUT ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS.
60PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT2609761 # ON 12/27/2024. #43. OBSERVED IN USE UTENSILS AND SCOOPS IN DRY STORAGE BINS TO BE STORED WITH HANDLES IN CONTACT WITH CONTENTS OF STORAGE BINS IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL HANDLES ARE STORED NOT IN CONTACT WITH CONTENTS OF STORAGE BINS. #47. OBSERVED THE 2 DOOR PREP COOLER IN REAR PREP AREA TO HAVE A TORN GASKET ON LEFT SIDE DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR OR REPLACE TO MAINTAIN UNIT IN GOOD REPAIR. #55. OBSERVED THE MOP SINK INTERIOR, FLOOR IN MOP SINK CLOSET IN MENS BATHROOM, AND FLOOR IN FRONT PREP AREA NEXT TO HAND SINK TO BE SOILED WITH FOOD DEBRIS, PLASTIC DEBRIS, AND BUILD UP OF SPILLAGE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FREE OF BUILD UP AND DEBRIS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.

Base deductions−40 pts

Dec 24

Canvass InspectionPass w/ Conditions

1 Med4 Basic

5 total

87/100inspection score

−13 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED 2 LIVE COCKROACHES ON THE CABINET DOOR AT FRONT DUMP SINK. MANAGER ELIMINATED BOTH PESTS AND CLEANED AND SANITIZED THE AREA UNDER SINK. DID NOT OBSERVE ANY EVIDENCE OF PESTS OR LIVE ACTIVITY THROUGHOUT FACILITY CABINETS, UNDER SINKS, AND ANY SHELVES. INSTRUCTED TO REGULARLY TREAT AREAS FOR PESTS AND MAINTAIN FREE OF LIVE COCKROACHES. MOST RECENT PEST CONTROL REPORT AND ADDITIONAL REPORTS FROM ORKIN SHOW REGULAR MAINTAINANCE OF FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AS NECESSARY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.

Basic (4)

−8 pts

43IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED−2
OBSERVED IN USE UTENSILS AND SCOOPS IN DRY STORAGE BINS TO BE STORED WITH HANDLES IN CONTACT WITH CONTENTS OF STORAGE BINS IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL HANDLES ARE STORED NOT IN CONTACT WITH CONTENTS OF STORAGE BINS.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED THE 2 DOOR PREP COOLER IN REAR PREP AREA TO HAVE A TORN GASKET ON LEFT SIDE DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR OR REPLACE TO MAINTAIN UNIT IN GOOD REPAIR.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED MOP STORED IN MOP BUCKET IN STORAGE CLOSET AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INVERT AND ALLOW MOPS TO AIR DRY IN BETWEEN USE.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED THE MOP SINK INTERIOR, FLOOR IN MOP SINK CLOSET IN MENS BATHROOM, AND FLOOR IN FRONT PREP AREA NEXT TO HAND SINK TO BE SOILED WITH FOOD DEBRIS, PLASTIC DEBRIS, AND BUILD UP OF SPILLAGE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FREE OF BUILD UP AND DEBRIS.

Base deductions−13 pts

Dec 24

Non-Inspection InspectionCleanNo Entry

No violations

100/100inspection score

Dec 23

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionCleanPass

No violations

100/100inspection score

Dec 23

Canvass InspectionFail

3 High1 Med3 Basic

7 total2 risk factors

49/100inspection score

−41 pts

High Priority (3)

−30 pts

1PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIESRisk Factor−10
NO PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
2CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATERisk Factor−10
NOTED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE CERTIFICATE ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS (RICE, SUSHI, SOUPS, ETC.) WERE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE CERTIFICATE MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES TCS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED. ALSO, THE PERSON IN CHARGE MUST HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFICATE BY NEXT INSPECTION (UPON BEING INSPECTED) PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
16FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED−10
NOTED INNER LINING OF THE ICE MACHINE WAS NOT CLEANED. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

35APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED−5
NOTED ASSORTED PACKAGED CRAB MEATS ON THE SHELF ABOVE THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK THAWING. THE MANAGER STATED THAT THE PRODUCTS WERE DEFROSTING. DISCUSSED WITH MANAGEMENT THE DIFFERENT METHODS OF DEFROSTING FOOD:- EITHER UNDER COLD RUNNING WATER OR INSIDE THE REFRIGERATION UNIT. THE PRODUCT WAS STILL FROZEN.

Basic (3)

−6 pts

43IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED−2
NOTED ICE SCOOP ONTO THE ICE MACHINE AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ICE SCOOP HOLDERS FOR THE ICE SCOOP.
43IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED−2
NOTED SERVING PLATES ON SHELVES AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA AND DINING AREA NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT ALL SERVING PLATES AT THE DINING TABLES TO PREVENT DUST ACCUMULATION.
52SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED−2
NOTED WASTEWATER BACKING UP WITH DIRT, GREASE, AND SWAGE GRAY WATER INTO ALL HANDWASHING SINKS, FLOORS UNDER SINK, AND THE ONE-COMPARTMENT SINK AT THE SUSHI PREP AREA AND ONTO THE FLOOR WHEN HAND WASHING SINKS ARE USED. EMPLOYEES UNABLE TO WASH THEIR HANDS. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.

Base deductions−41 pts

Risk factor bonus (2× +5)−10 pts

Oct 22

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionPass

2 Basic

2 total

96/100inspection score

−4 pts

Basic (2)

−4 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
3-307.11 OBSERVED THE FACILITY'S TELEPHONE ON THE CUTTING BOARD IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REFRAIN FROM STORING OBJECTS THAT CAN POTENTIALLY CONTAMINATE FOOD CONTACT SURFACES.
45SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED−2
4-903.11(A;C) OBSERVED KITCHENWARE (FORKS) AND PLASTIC TO-GO CONTAINERS NOT PROPERLY STORED IN THE FRONT SUSHI STATION AND THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA.

Base deductions−4 pts

Oct 22

Canvass InspectionFail

3 High2 Med3 Basic

8 total1 risk factor

49/100inspection score

−46 pts

High Priority (3)

−30 pts

2CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATERisk Factor−10
NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WAS ON-SITE DURING THE INSPECTION WHILE THE TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS (SUSHI) WAS PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE ON-SITE AT ALL TIMES WITH THE ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE WHILE FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012, CITATION ISSUED.
9NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH RTE FOOD OR A PRE-APPROVED ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURE PROPERLY ALLOWED−10
OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLER IN THE SUSHI PREP STATION TRANSFER SLICED GREEN BELL PEPPERS FROM A FOOD CONTAINER INTO A SMALLER FOOD CONTAINER TO GO ON THE CONDIMENT LINE. THE SLICED GREEN BELL PEPPERS ARE USED AS A CONDIMENT FOR THE SUSHI. INSTRUCTED THAT THEY MUST USE GLOVES OR OTHER ALTERNATIVE APPROVED METHODS WHEN HANDLING READY-TO-EAT FOOD AND PRODUCTS. PRODUCT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-010, CITATION ISSUED.
29COMPLIANCE WITH VARIANCE/SPECIALIZED PROCESS/HACCP−10
NOTED NO SUSHI RICE ANALYSIS LETTER OR pH TEST KIT ON-SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A SUSHI RICE ANALYSES LETTER OR OBTAIN A pH TEST KIT AND BE ABLE TO DEMONSTRATE HOW THE PH TEST KIT IS USED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-005, NO CITATION ISSUED, PROVIDED DURING INSPECTION.

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

25CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD−5
OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE OR REMINDER ON THE MENU FOR THE USE OF RAW AND UNDERCOOKED FOODS. INSTRUCTED MUST MARK UNDERCOOKED FOOD ON THE MENU MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DISCLOSE WHICH FOODS CAN BE ORDERED "R.A.W." OR UNDERCOOKED AND LINK THOSE FOODS WITH AN ASTERISK (*). PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION-7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 2-3 LIVE ROACHES ON-SITE DURING THE INSPECTION INSPECTION IN THE REAR DISHWASHING/FOOD PREP AREA NEAR THE ICE MACHINE, THREE-COMPARTMENT SINK, AND UNDER THE COLD HOLDING EQUIPMENT. I RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A), CITATION ISSUED.

Basic (3)

−6 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
OBSERVED THE FACILITY'S TELEPHONE ON THE CUTTING BOARD IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REFRAIN FROM STORING OBJECTS THAT CAN POTENTIALLY CONTAMINATE FOOD CONTACT SURFACES.
45SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED−2
OBSERVED KITCHENWARE (FORKS) AND PLASTIC TO-GO CONTAINERS NOT PROPERLY STORED IN THE FRONT SUSHI STATION AND THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
NOTED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ON DUTY WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.

Base deductions−46 pts

Risk factor bonus (1× +5)−5 pts

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Community Safety Reports

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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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