What is Lao Sze Chuan's health inspection score?

Lao Sze Chuan has a SafeDine safety score of 25 out of 100 (Grade C). 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 March 27, 2026. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does Lao Sze Chuan have?

Lao Sze Chuan has 52 total violations across 12 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 safety score of 25/100, which suggests room for improvement. Review the detailed inspection history on SafeDine for more information.

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: 4832 N BROADWAY, Chicago, 60640
Rating: 25

4832 N BROADWAY, Chicago

Last Inspected: 3/27/2026

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0Poor

American•Uptown

Ranked #643 of 745 in UptownBetter than 17% of american restaurants

Declining

9 inspections

Last: Mar 27, 2026

high confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

11%

Clean Rate

5.8

Avg Violations

1 month ago

Last Inspected

Top Concerns

Most common issues from recent inspections

HandwashingHigh Priority

Employees not properly washing hands — contamination risk

Cross-contamination

Raw and cooked foods not properly separated

Temperature control

Food not kept at safe temperatures — risk of bacterial growth

Pest issues

Evidence of pests found during inspection

SanitationHigh Priority

Equipment or surfaces not properly cleaned/sanitized

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-92

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-6 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-36 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-4 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Inspection Timeline

-43 pts

Latest

100% weight

2nd

60% weight

3rd

30% weight

Real-time Score: 8/100 — This score includes today's freshness penalty and may differ slightly from the displayed score (25/100) 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

4832 N BROADWAY, Chicago, IL 60640

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Violation Timeline

Sep 2022

2 inspections

1 intermediate

1 basic

Sep

Nov 2022

2 inspections

1 intermediate

2 basic

Aug 2023

1 inspections

1 high priority

5 basic

Aug

Sep 2024

2 inspections

2 high priority

3 intermediate

12 basic

Jul 2025

1 inspections

3 high priority

1 intermediate

5 basic

Jul

Mar 2026

1 inspections

3 high priority

12 intermediate

Inspection History

9 records on file

3 Complaint2 Canvass3 Complaint Re-Inspection1 Short Form Complaint

Mar 26

Complaint InspectionLatestFail

3 High12 Med

15 total3 risk factors

0/100inspection score

−90 pts

High Priority (3)

−30 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLERisk Factor−10
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLERisk Factor−10
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLERisk Factor−10

Intermediate (12)

−60 pts

37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−5
40PERSONAL CLEANLINESS−5
43IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED−5
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−5
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−5
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−5
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−5
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−5
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−5
60PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED−5

Base deductions−90 pts

Risk factor bonus (3× +5)−15 pts

Jul 25

Canvass InspectionPass w/ Conditions

3 High1 Med5 Basic

9 total1 risk factor

50/100inspection score

−45 pts

High Priority (3)

−30 pts

2CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATERisk Factor−10
OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON THE PREMISES WHILE TCS FOODS (CHICKEN, RICE, SOUP, DUCK, ETC.) WERE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED OR SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION, 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE PROVIDED FOR HANDWASHING SINK IN THE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
16FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED−10
OBSERVED A SMALL AMOUNT OF BROWN RESIDUE ON THE INSIDE PANEL OF THE ICE MACHINE IN THE KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE.

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

35APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED−5
OBSERVED FROZEN DUCK BEING THAWED IN STILL WATER. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT FROZEN FOOD ITEMS MUST BE THAWED UNDER RUNNING WATER AT A WATER TEMPERATURE OF 70F OR BELOW

Basic (5)

−10 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
OBSERVED LARGE POTS AND PANS STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE PREP AREA UNDERNEATH PREP SINK AND HANDWASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED TO ELEVATE COOKING EQUIPMENT TO PROTECT FROM CONTAMINATION. ALSO OBSERVED BOWL BEING USED AS A SCOOP FOR RAW CHICKEN IN THE PREP COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO USE A SCOOP WITH A HANDLE TO PROTECT FROM CONTAMINATION.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED PIECES OF CARDBOARD BEING USED AS A LINER ON PUSH CARTS THROUGHOUT THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE SO THAT SURFACES ARE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS AND GREASE BUILDUP ON THE FLOORS AND WALLS THROUGHOUT THE FRONT AND REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS AND WALLS AND MAINTAIN.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED HEAVY GREASE ACCUMULATION IN VENTILATION HOOD ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE FRYING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
OBSERVED EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES FOR FOOD EMPLOYEES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO RECERTIFY/RENEW FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATES ON SITE.

Base deductions−45 pts

Risk factor bonus (1× +5)−5 pts

Sep 24

Complaint Re-Inspection InspectionPass

5 Basic

5 total

90/100inspection score

−10 pts

Basic (5)

−10 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
4-102.11 INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE GROCERY BAGS FOR FOOD STORAGE INSIDE ALL FREEZER AND COOLERS IN SECOND FLOOR STORAGE ROOM AND IN REAR PREP/STORAGE AREA
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
ADDITIONAL CLEANING OF STORAGE RACKS WITH MOLDLIKE BUILD-UP INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER.
54GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED−2
5-501.115 INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN REAR OUTSIDE GARBAGE AREA UNDER AND BEHIND GARBAGE DUMPSTER AND GREASE DUMPSTER.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
6-201.13 INSTRUCTED TO REGROUT FLOOR TILES WITH DEEP SEAMS IN REAR PREP/DISHWASHING AREA.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
2-102.13 CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN EXPIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT, ANY PERSON WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH CURRENT ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.

Base deductions−10 pts

Sep 24

Complaint InspectionFail

2 High3 Med7 Basic

12 total1 risk factor

46/100inspection score

−49 pts

High Priority (2)

−20 pts

3MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTINGRisk Factor−10
NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/VERIFICATION AVAILABLE THAT EACH FOOD EMPLOYEE HAS BEEN INFORMED OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT INFORMATION ABOUT THEIR HEALTH AND ACTIVITIES AS THEY RELATE TO DISEASE TRANSMISSIBLE THROUGH FOOD. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN VERIFICATION FOR EACH FOOD EMPLOYE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 CITATION ISSUED
16FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED−10
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR SURFACES BEHIND THE DOOR AND BEHIND THE UPPER PANEL OF THE ICE MACHINE.

Intermediate (3)

−15 pts

36THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE−5
INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE INSIDE ALL COOLERS (REACH-IN COOLER, PREP COOLER, WALK-IN COOLER)
37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL ALL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS IDENTIFIED WITH COMMON NAME (FLOUR, SUGAR, SALT ETC) IN REAR PREP/STORAGE AREA AND IN SECOND FLOOR STORAGE ROOM.
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
FOUND OVER 20 RODENT (MICE) DROPPINGS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP AREA, 15 DROPPINGS IN REAR DISHWASHING AREA UNDER AND BEHIND DISHMACHINE, 2O MICE DROPPINGS ALONG THE WALLS AND UNDER CHEST FREEZER IS SECOND FLOOR DRY FOOD STORAGE ROOM, ALSO OBSERVED OVER 20 LIVE FRUIT FLIES IN REAR MOPSINK AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE AFFECTED AREAS. RECOMMEND TO CONTACT LICENSED PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020 (A) CITATION ISSUED

Basic (7)

−14 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE GROCERY BAGS FOR FOOD STORAGE INSIDE ALL FREEZER AND COOLERS IN SECOND FLOOR STORAGE ROOM AND IN REAR PREP/STORAGE AREA
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
INSTRUCTED TO TRANSFER FOOD PRODUCTS FROM AN OPEN ORIGINAL CAN CONTAINER (CHUNK PINEAPPLE, OYSTER SAUCE, PEPPER ETC) INTO FOOD GRADE CONTAINER FOR PROPER FOOD STORAGE INSIDE THE REACH-IN COOLER.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
INSTRUCTED TO REFINISH OR REPLACE CUTTING BOARD WITH STAIN AND DEEP SEAMS IN PREP AREA (BY THE PREP SINK).
54GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED−2
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN REAR OUTSIDE GARBAGE AREA UNDER AND BEHIND GARBAGE DUMPSTER AND GREASE DUMPSTER.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
INSTRUCTED TO REGROUT FLOOR TILES WITH DEEP SEAMS IN REAR PREP/DISHWASHING AREA.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN EXPIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT, ANY PERSON WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH CURRENT ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.
60PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT #2580836 ISSUED ON 08-28-2023 PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED #10 - OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT THE EXPOSED HANDSINKS IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT ALL HANDWASHING SINKS USED BY FOOD EMPLOYEES AND MAINTAIN. #39 - OBSERVED FOOD CONTAINERS STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE WALK-IN COOLER, PREP AND DRY STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROPERLY STORE AND PROTECT FOOD ITEMS FROM CONTAMINATION WHILE STORED BY ELEVATING AT LEAST SIX INCHES FROM THE FLOOR AND MAINTAINING. #47 - OBSERVED CARDBOARD USED AS LINER ON FOOD PREP EQUIPMENT AND DRY STORAGE SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE CARDBOARD AND ENSURE ALL NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES REMAIN SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. #47 - OBSERVED RUSTED STORAGE RACKS IN WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE RUST AND ENSURE NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES R

Base deductions−49 pts

Risk factor bonus (1× +5)−5 pts

Aug 23

Canvass InspectionPass

1 High5 Basic

6 total

80/100inspection score

−20 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT THE EXPOSED HANDSINKS IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT ALL HANDWASHING SINKS USED BY FOOD EMPLOYEES AND MAINTAIN.

Basic (5)

−10 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
OBSERVED FOOD CONTAINERS STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE WALK-IN COOLER, PREP AND DRY STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROPERLY STORE AND PROTECT FOOD ITEMS FROM CONTAMINATION WHILE STORED BY ELEVATING AT LEAST SIX INCHES FROM THE FLOOR AND MAINTAINING.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED CARDBOARD USED AS LINER ON FOOD PREP EQUIPMENT AND DRY STORAGE SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE CARDBOARD AND ENSURE ALL NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES REMAIN SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED RUSTED STORAGE RACKS IN WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE RUST AND ENSURE NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES REMAIN SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS, SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. (NONFOOD CONTACT SURFACES)
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS AND DIRT BUILDUP ON THE FLOORS THROUGHOUT THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN FLOORS AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−20 pts

Nov 22

Complaint Re-Inspection InspectionPass

1 Basic

1 total

98/100inspection score

−2 pts

Basic (1)

−2 pts

55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
PREP AREA FLOOR TILES WITH LOW GROUT ADJACENT TO THE WALK-IN COOLER. MUST REGROUT DAMAGED FLOOR TILES AT SAID LOCATION.

Base deductions−2 pts

Nov 22

Complaint InspectionFail

1 Med1 Basic

2 total

93/100inspection score

−7 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED 2 LIVE ROACHES IN THE ICE MACHINE ENGINE UPPER PORTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST REMOVE ALL ROACH ACTIVITY BY THE DATE OF REINSPECTION. ADVISED TO CALL PEST CONTROL OPERATOR FOR SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A).

Basic (1)

−2 pts

55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
PREP AREA FLOOR TILES WITH LOW GROUT ADJACENT TO THE WALK-IN COOLER. MUST REGROUT DAMAGED FLOOR TILES AT SAID LOCATION.

Base deductions−7 pts

Sep 22

Complaint Re-Inspection InspectionCleanPass

No violations

100/100inspection score

Sep 22

Short Form Complaint InspectionFail

1 Med1 Basic

2 total

93/100inspection score

−7 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
6-501.111 OBSERVED 3 LIVE ROACHES IN THE BAR AREA ON COOLERS AND INSIDE CRACKS/CREVICES OF THE BAR TABLE TOP. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST REMOVE ALL ROACH ACTIVITY BY THE DATE OF REINSPECTION. ADVISED TO CALL PEST CONTROL OPERATOR FOR SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A).

Basic (1)

−2 pts

55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
6-501.12 OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD/DIRT BUILD-UP ON WALLS IN THE PREP AREA BY BULK CONTAINERS AND COOKLINE. MUST CLEAN WALLS THROUGHOUT PREP AREA AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−7 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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