What is Zoku Sushi's health inspection score?

Zoku Sushi has a SafeDine safety score of 63 out of 100 (Grade C). This score is calculated from official government health inspection data, factoring in violation severity, recency, and trends.

When was Zoku Sushi last inspected?

Zoku Sushi was last inspected on November 25, 2025. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does Zoku Sushi have?

Zoku Sushi has 32 total violations across 7 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is Zoku Sushi safe to eat at?

Zoku Sushi has a safety score of 63/100, which suggests room for improvement. Review the detailed inspection history on SafeDine for more information.

Official Health Record

Zoku Sushi

Name: Zoku Sushi
Address: 1616 N KEDZIE AVE, Chicago, 60647
Rating: 63

1616 N KEDZIE AVE, Chicago

Last Inspected: 11/25/2025

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0Fair

Logan Square

Ranked #544 of 735 in Logan Square

Stable

7 inspections

Last: Nov 25, 2025

high confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

29%

Clean Rate

4.6

Avg Violations

6 months ago

Last Inspected

Top Concerns

Most common issues from recent inspections

Cross-contamination

Raw and cooked foods not properly separated

HandwashingHigh Priority

Employees not properly washing hands — contamination risk

SanitationHigh Priority

Equipment or surfaces not properly cleaned/sanitized

Pest issues

Evidence of pests found during inspection

Plumbing issues

Plumbing or waste disposal problems

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-37

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-8 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-2 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-12 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Inspection Timeline

-5 pts

Latest

100% weight

2nd

60% weight

100

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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1616 N KEDZIE AVE, Chicago, IL 60647

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Violation Timeline

Apr 2023

2 inspections

2 high priority

5 basic

Apr

Nov 2024

1 inspections

Dec 2024

1 inspections

2 high priority

4 basic

Dec

Nov 2025

3 inspections

3 high priority

1 intermediate

15 basic

Inspection History

7 records on file

2 Canvass Re-Inspection3 Canvass2 Non-Inspection

Nov 25

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionLatestPass

1 High7 Basic

8 total

76/100inspection score

−24 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

16FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED−10
4-602.11(B-E): **C** Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces and Utensils-Frequency OBSERVED THE ICE BIN INTERIOR IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ICE, CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

Basic (7)

−14 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
3-307.11: **C** Miscellaneous Sources of Contamination OBSERVED FOOD CONTAINERS STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE WALK-IN COOLER, AND WALK IN FREEZER, PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY STORE AND PROTECT FOOD ITEMS FROM CONTAMINATION WHILE STORED BY ELEVATING AT LEAST SIX INCHES FROM THE FLOOR ON RAISED SHELVING UNITS.
44UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED−2
4-904.11: **C** Kitchenware and Tableware- Preventing Contamination OBSERVED PLATES NOT INVERTED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT PLATES AFTER SANITIZING AND AIR DRYING.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
4-101.17: **C** Wood, Use Limitation OBSERVED WOOD AND CARDBOARD USED AS LINER ON FOOD PREP EQUIPMENT AND TABLES. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
4-601.11(B): (B) The FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES of cooking EQUIPMENT and pans shall be kept free of encrusted grease deposits and other soil accumulations. OBSERVED AN ACCUMULATION OF FOOD DEBRIS ON TABLETOP STOVE LOCATED IN THE REAR PREP AREA. MUST REMOVE DEBRIS AND CLEAN.
54GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED−2
5-501.116: **C** Cleaning Receptacles OBSERVED OUTSIDE GREASE CONTAINER IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN OUTSIDE WASTE GREASE AREA AND WASTE GREASE CONTAINER.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
-501.12: **C** Cleaning, Frequency and Restrictions OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS AND SPILLS ON THE FLOORS AND SURFACES THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN UNDER ALL SHELVING UNITS, INTERIOR OF PREP COOLERS, HOT-HOLDING UNITS, PREP TABLES AND DEEP FRYERS TO REMOVE SPILLS, FOOD DEBRIS, DIRT BUILDUP AND/OR GREASE. MUST MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
6-201.11: **C** Floors, Walls, and Ceilings- Cleanability OBSERVED CEMENT WALL BREAKING APART LEAVING WHITE CEMENT DUST THROUGHOUT THE FOLLOWING AREAS: IN DRY STORAGE BEHIND RACKS PREP, BEHIND DISH RACK, BEHIND ICE MACHINE IN DISH AND WALLS SURROUNDING HAND SINK AND 1 COMP SINK AT SUSHI COUNTER. INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE AREAS TO ENSURE WALLS ARE SEALED, SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.

Base deductions−24 pts

Nov 25

Canvass InspectionFail

2 High1 Med8 Basic

11 total1 risk factor

54/100inspection score

−41 pts

High Priority (2)

−20 pts

3MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTINGRisk Factor−10
OBSERVED BLANK COPIES OF EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO MAINTAIN POLICY WITH VERIFIABLE SIGNED COPIES ON SITE FOR ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES IN ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF REPORTING AGREEMENT.PIC HAD INCOMING STAFF READ AND SIGN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-010.
16FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED−10
OBSERVED THE ICE BIN INTERIOR IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ICE, CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF RODENT ACTIVITY ON THE PREMISES. OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 200 MOUSE DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR OF THE REAR PAPER STORAGE, FLOOR OF THE DRY STORAGE IN PREP AREA, AND 1ST SHELF WHERE TOWELS ARE STORED, BEHIND THE ICE MACHINE IN THE DISH AREA, IN THE HVAC ROOM, BEVERAGE PREPARATION AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS FROM ALL AFFECTED AREAS. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.

Basic (8)

−16 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
OBSERVED FOOD CONTAINERS STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE WALK-IN COOLER, AND WALK IN FREEZER, PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY STORE AND PROTECT FOOD ITEMS FROM CONTAMINATION WHILE STORED BY ELEVATING AT LEAST SIX INCHES FROM THE FLOOR ON RAISED SHELVING UNITS.
44UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED−2
OBSERVED PLATES NOT INVERTED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT PLATES AFTER SANITIZING AND AIR DRYING.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED WOOD AND CARDBOARD USED AS LINER ON FOOD PREP EQUIPMENT AND TABLES. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED AN ACCUMULATION OF FOOD DEBRIS ON TABLETOP STOVE LOCATED IN THE REAR PREP AREA. MUST REMOVE DEBRIS AND CLEAN.
54GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED−2
OBSERVED OUTSIDE GREASE CONTAINER IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN OUTSIDE WASTE GREASE AREA AND WASTE GREASE CONTAINER.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS AND SPILLS ON THE FLOORS AND SURFACES THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN UNDER ALL SHELVING UNITS, INTERIOR OF PREP COOLERS, HOT-HOLDING UNITS, PREP TABLES AND DEEP FRYERS TO REMOVE SPILLS, FOOD DEBRIS, DIRT BUILDUP AND/OR GREASE. MUST MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED CLUTTER STORED IN REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNUSED ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED CEMENT WALL BREAKING APART LEAVING WHITE CEMENT DUST THROUGHOUT THE FOLLOWING AREAS: IN DRY STORAGE BEHIND RACKS PREP, BEHIND DISH RACK, BEHIND ICE MACHINE IN DISH AND WALLS SURROUNDING HAND SINK AND 1 COMP SINK AT SUSHI COUNTER. INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE AREAS TO ENSURE WALLS ARE SEALED, SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.

Base deductions−41 pts

Risk factor bonus (1× +5)−5 pts

Nov 25

Non-Inspection InspectionCleanNo Entry

No violations

100/100inspection score

Dec 24

Canvass InspectionPass w/ Conditions

2 High4 Basic

6 total

72/100inspection score

−28 pts

High Priority (2)

−20 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED BOTTLE OF HAND SOAP PROVIDED AT FOOD PREPARATION SINK IN THE FRONT SUSHI PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE SOAP FROM FOOD PREPARATION SINK AND PROVIDE HAND SOAP, DISPOSABLE PAPER TOWELS, OR OTHER HANDWASHING AIDS AND DEVICES ONLY AT DESIGNATED HANDWASHING SINKS AND MAINTAIN.
16FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED−10
OBSERVED HIGH-TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE IN THE REAR WAREWASHING AREA UNABLE TO REACH MINIMUM FINAL RINSE WATER TEMPERATURE OF 180.0F (MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE REACHED 74.0F AT TIME OF INSPECTION). INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE HIGH-TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE TO PROVIDE FINAL RINSE WATER TEMPERATURE OF AT LEAST 180.0F AND MAINTAIN. TAGGED EQUIPMENT ON-SITE WITH INSTRUCTIONS TO CONTACT CDPH FOR RE-INSPECTION ONCE DISH MACHINE IS REPAIRED OR REPLACED AND PRIOR TO USE. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-025 CITATION ISSUED.

Basic (4)

−8 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES OF CAN OPENER TO BE HEAVILY-SOILED, BLADE NO LONGER EASILY-REMOVABLE FOR CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN OR REPLACE CAN OPENER ASSEMBLY TO ALLOW FOR EASY REMOVAL OF CUTTING OR PIERCING PARTS FOR CLEANING AND MAINTAIN.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES OF THE FOLLOWING EQUIPMENT ITEMS TO BE SOILED WITH DRIED FOOD DEBRIS AND OTHER SOILS: MICROWAVE IN THE KITCHEN AREA, RICE COOKER IN THE KITCHEN AREA, TOASTER OVEN IN THE FRONT SUSHI PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES OF EQUIPMENT AT ADEQUATE FREQUENCY TO PREVENT BUILD UP OF SOIL AND MAINTAIN.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
OBSERVED DRAIN PLUGS IN THE LEFT- AND RIGHT-SIDE BASINS OF THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK (WASH AND SANITIZE BASINS) IN POOR REPAIR, UNABLE TO COMPLETELY SEAL AND PREVENT DRAINAGE OF WATER DURING WAREWASHING. PERSON-IN-CHARGE PROVIDED EFFECTIVE ALTERNATIVE DRAIN PLUGS FOR USE IN WAREWASHING AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE EXISTING 3-COMPARTMENT SINK BUILT-IN DRAIN PLUGS TO ELIMINATE INCOMPLETE SEAL AND MAINTAIN ALL PLUMBING FIXTURES IN GOOD REPAIR.
39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
OBSERVED FOOD IN ORIGINAL, SEALED PACKAGING (RAW BEEF, NOODLES) STORED DIRECTLY ON THE FLOOR IN THE WALK-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO RELOCATE FROZEN FOOD AT LEAST 6 INCHES ABOVE THE FLOOR AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

Base deductions−28 pts

Nov 24

Non-Inspection InspectionCleanNo Entry

No violations

100/100inspection score

Apr 23

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionPass

1 High1 Basic

2 total

88/100inspection score

−12 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

16FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED−10
OBSERVED SLIGHT BUILD UP INSIDE ICE MACHINE. MUST CLEAN INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE AND MAINTAIN.

Basic (1)

−2 pts

55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED WATER STAINED CEILING TILES ABOVE REAR PREP AREA. MUST REPLACE ALL WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−12 pts

Apr 23

Canvass InspectionFail

1 High4 Basic

5 total

82/100inspection score

−18 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

16FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED−10
OBSERVED SLIGHT BUILD UP INSIDE ICE MACHINE. MUST CLEAN INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE AND MAINTAIN.

Basic (4)

−8 pts

48WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS−2
OBSERVED NO IRREVERSIBLE REGISTERING TEMPERATURE INDICATORS TO MEASURE THE UTENSIL SURFACE TEMPERATURE INSIDE OF THE HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD/GREASE BUILD UP ON VENTILATION HOOD/FILTERS. MUST CLEAN VENTILATION HOOD/FILTERS AND MAINTAIN.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
DISHWASH AREA HANDWASH SINK PIPE DRAINING SLOWLY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER SAID HANDWASH SINK PIPE MUST DRAIN QUICKLY.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED WATER STAINED CEILING TILES ABOVE REAR PREP AREA. MUST REPLACE ALL WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−18 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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