What is Yao's Cafe's health inspection score?

Yao's Cafe has a SafeDine safety score of 87 out of 100 (Grade A). This score is calculated from official government health inspection data, factoring in violation severity, recency, and trends.

When was Yao's Cafe last inspected?

Yao's Cafe was last inspected on March 3, 2026. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does Yao's Cafe have?

Yao's Cafe has 20 total violations across 5 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is Yao's Cafe safe to eat at?

Yes, Yao's Cafe has an excellent safety record with a score of 87/100. This indicates strong compliance with health and safety standards.

What type of cuisine does Yao's Cafe serve?

Yao's Cafe serves Cafe cuisine. Visit their SafeDine page for safety scores, inspection history, and more details.

Official Health Record

Yao's Cafe

Name: Yao's Cafe
Address: 601 W 43RD ST, Chicago, 60609
Rating: 87

601 W 43RD ST, Chicago

Last Inspected: 3/3/2026

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0Excellent

Cafe•Chicago

Ranked #960 of 1000 in ChicagoBetter than 40% of cafe restaurants

Improving

5 inspections

Last: Mar 3, 2026

high confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

Clean Rate

Avg Violations

1 month ago

Last Inspected

Top Concerns

Most common issues from recent inspections

Temperature control

Food not kept at safe temperatures — risk of bacterial growth

Cross-contamination

Raw and cooked foods not properly separated

Employee illnessHigh Priority

Sick employee handling food — illness transmission risk

Plumbing issues

Plumbing or waste disposal problems

Pest issues

Evidence of pests found during inspection

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-13

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-0 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-5 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-7 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Inspection Timeline

+10 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

601 W 43RD ST, Chicago, IL 60609

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Violation Timeline

Feb 2023

2 inspections

1 high priority

3 basic

Feb

Feb 2024

1 inspections

1 intermediate

6 basic

Apr 2025

1 inspections

3 intermediate

3 basic

Apr

Mar 2026

1 inspections

3 basic

Inspection History

5 records on file

4 Canvass1 Canvass Re-Inspection

Mar 26

Canvass InspectionLatestPass

3 Basic

3 total

94/100inspection score

−6 pts

Basic (3)

−6 pts

43IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED−2
Keeping spoon for scooping rice in standing water at room temperature, instructed to keep according to health code, ie.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
Using deli cups as a scoop for bulk food containers, instructed to use proper scoops.
53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
Employee's toilet room door not self-closing, Instructed to provide a self-closing device.

Base deductions−6 pts

Apr 25

Canvass InspectionPass w/ Conditions

3 Med3 Basic

6 total

79/100inspection score

−21 pts

Intermediate (3)

−15 pts

22PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES−5
OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING TCS FOOD ITEMS AT IMPROPER COLD-HOLDING TEMPERATURES IN THE WALK-IN COOLER: RAW SHELLFISH AT 47.8F, RAW CHICKEN AT 46.6F, RAW BEEF AT 46.9F. INSTRUCTED TO DENATURE AND DISCARD ALL TCS FOOD ITEMS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES AND MAINTAIN ALL TCS FOOD ITEMS AT 41.0�F OR BELOW FOR COLD-HOLDING. APPROXIMATELY 35 LBS OF FOOD VALUED APPROXIMATELY $100.00WAS DISCARDED ON-SITE. PERSON-IN-CHARGE DISCARDED AND DENATURED ALL MENTIONED TCS FOOD ITEMS ON-SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
36THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE−5
OBSERVED REACH-IN COOLERS THROUGHOUT MAIN COOK LINE MISSING INTERNAL AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AT LEAST ONE INTERNAL AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETER IN A CONSPICUOUS AND EASILY VIEWABLE LOCATION IN ALL EQUIPMENT USED TO COLD-HOLD TCS FOOD ITEMS AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED REAR EXTERIOR DOOR WITH BOTTOM DOOR SWEEP IN POOR REPAIR AND GAPS GREATER THAN 1/4" BETWEEN DOOR AND DOOR FRAME, INADEQUATE PROTECTION FROM ENTRY OF PESTS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE DOOR SWEEP AND ELIMINATE GAPS TO PREVENT ENTRY OF INSECTS AND OTHER PESTS, AND MAINTAIN.

Basic (3)

−6 pts

45SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED−2
OBSERVED FACILITY RE-USING SINGLE-USE PLASTIC BOBA CONTAINERS TO STORE FRUITS AND OTHER FOOD ITEMS FOR BOBA TEA. INSTRUCTED TO CEASE RE-USE OF SINGLE-USE CONTAINERS AND REPLACE WITH MULTI-USE EQUIPMENT FOR STORING FRUITS AND OTHER FOOD ITEMS AND MAINTAIN.
45SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED−2
OBSERVED SEVERAL UNWRAPPED DISPOSABLE PAPER TOWEL ROLLS STORED ON SHELF IN THE EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO RELOCATE DISPOSABLE PAPER TOWEL ROLLS AND MAINTAIN SINGLE-SERVICE/SINGLE-USE ARTICLES OUTSIDE OF PROHIBITED AREAS, SUCH AS TOILET ROOMS.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED HEAVY BUILD-UP OF GREASE AND DUST DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF VENTILATION HOOD SYSTEM ABOVE THE MAIN COOK LINE. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN A VENTILATION HOOD SYSTEM OF AN ADEQUATE NUMBER AND CAPACITY TO PREVENT THE BUILDUP OF GREASE AND DUST DEBRIS ALONG THE HOOD SYSTEM AND ADJACENT SURFACES AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−21 pts

Feb 24

Canvass InspectionPass w/ Conditions

1 Med6 Basic

7 total

83/100inspection score

−17 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

22PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES−5
OBSERVED INTERNAL TEMPERATURE OF THE FOLLOWING TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD ITEMS INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER TO BE IMPROPER: NOODLES 68.4F. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY AND VOLUNTARILY DISPOSED OF 10 LBS OF PRODUCTS WORTH $20.00 THROUGH DENATURING PROCESS. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

Basic (6)

−12 pts

41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
OBSERVED WET WIPING CLOTHS ON SEVERAL PREP SURFACE AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION OF EQUIPMENT & FOOD. MUST MAINTAIN
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED FROZEN CHICKEN, BEEF, PORK, AND OTHER FOOD ITEMS STORED IN PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS IN THE 2-DOOR FREEZERS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE PROPER FOOD-GRADE STORAGE BAGS AND CONTAINERS ONLY.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED WATER-STAINED CEILING TILES IN THE REAR DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE STAINED CEILING TILES.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED MOP IN A POSITION THAT DOES NOT ALLOW IT TO DRY PROPERLY AND PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE. MUST STORE MOP AFTER USE IN A MOUNTED POSITION THAT ALLOWS FOR AIR-DRYING WITHOUT SOILING AND PEST HARBORAGING.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED BURNT-OUT LIGHT BULB IN THE REAR UTILITY CLOSET. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
OBSERVED NO PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN RECORDS AT ALL TIMES.

Base deductions−17 pts

Feb 23

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionPass

1 Basic

1 total

98/100inspection score

−2 pts

Basic (1)

−2 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS(NOODLES) STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES FROM FLOOR.

Base deductions−2 pts

Feb 23

Canvass InspectionFail

1 High2 Basic

3 total1 risk factor

81/100inspection score

−14 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

5PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTSRisk Factor−10
OBSERVED NO ADEQUATE SUPPLIES ON SITE TO PROPERLY RESPOND TO VOMIT AND/OR DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

Basic (2)

−4 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
OBSERVERED FOOD ITEMS(NOODLES) STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES FROM FLOOR.
48WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS−2
OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL TEST KIT AVAILABLE DURING INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE TEST KIT FOR PROPER CONCENTRATION IN SANITIZING SOLUTIONS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

Base deductions−14 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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