FAIL
Risk 1 (High)
OKINI BUFFET HIBACHI, INC. Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
June 17, 2025
License
License #3026081
8
Total Violations
2
Critical
3
Major
3
Minor
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
8
Violation #10
CRITICAL
Violation Details
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED THE HANDWASHING SINK IN THE FRONT HIBACHI PREP AREA WITHOUT A HANDWASHING SIGN. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
Why This Matters
Blocked or unsupplied sinks force employees to skip handwashing, spreading fecal bacteria and viruses to food.
Food Code Requirement
Handwashing sinks must be accessible, properly supplied, and used only for handwashing.
Specific Requirements
Each sink needs: Warm water (100°F minimum); Soap in dispensers; Paper towels or air dryers; Waste receptacles; Signage; Clear access; Used only for handwashing.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-202.12, 6-301.11
Violation #33
MAJOR
Violation Details
PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL - Comments: OBSERVED A WALK-IN COOLER AT 50.0F. ALSO OBSERVED TWO OTHER WALK-IN COOLERS WITH SIGNS STATING THE WALK-IN COOLERS WILL NOT BE IN USE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR WALK-IN COOLER TO REACH AND MAINTAIN A COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 41�F OR BELOW. THE OTHER TWO WALK-IN COOLERS THAT WERE NOT ON AND OPERATING WERE TAGGED AT THIS TIME AND MUST BE INSPECTED BY CDPH BEFORE USING. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005, NO CITATION ISSUED.
Why This Matters
Dirty equipment harbors bacteria and attracts pests.
Food Code Requirement
All equipment and utensils must be clean and properly maintained.
Specific Requirements
Equipment clean to sight and touch; Free of food debris and grease; Maintained in good repair; Stored properly when clean.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-601.11
Violation #39
MAJOR
Violation Details
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: OBSERVED ICE SCOOP STORED ON TOP OF THE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AN ICE SCOOP HOLDING UNIT AND MAINTAIN.
Why This Matters
Contamination during preparation is a leading cause of foodborne illness.
Food Code Requirement
Prevent contamination during all food handling.
Specific Requirements
Minimize bare hand contact; Prevent cross-contamination; Use clean equipment; Proper employee hygiene.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-307.11
Violation #51
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: OBSERVED A LEAK AT THE PIPE UNDER THE THREE-COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE REAR DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
Why This Matters
Backflow can contaminate entire water supply with sewage or chemicals.
Food Code Requirement
Plumbing must be properly installed with backflow prevention.
Specific Requirements
Air gaps at fixtures; Backflow preventers on connections; No cross-connections; Annual testing of devices; Proper drainage.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-202.13
Violation #54
MAJOR
Violation Details
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED - Comments: OBSERVED OUTSIDE GARBAGE DUMPSTER OVERFLOWING WITH TRASH, BOXES, AND LIDS WIDE OPEN WITH TRASH ABOVE RIM. MUST KEEP OUTSIDE GARBAGE RECEPTACLE NOT OVERFLOWING AND LIDS MUST BE CLOSED, TIGHT-FITTING, AND MAINTAINED AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(B), NO CITATION ISSUED
Why This Matters
Poor waste management attracts pests and creates contamination sources.
Food Code Requirement
Refuse must be properly contained and removed.
Specific Requirements
Leak-proof, pest-proof containers; Tight-fitting lids; Clean storage areas; Frequent removal; Containers cleaned.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-501.111
Violation #55
MINOR
Violation Details
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED THE REAR ELECTRICAL/ HOT WATER TANK STORAGE CLOSET NOT MAINTAINED. INSTRUCTED TO ORGANIZE AND MAINTAIN.
Why This Matters
Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.
Food Code Requirement
Building must be maintained in good condition.
Specific Requirements
No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-501.11
Violation #56
MINOR
Violation Details
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED SPIDER WEBS ON THE VENTILATON FILTERS ABOVE THE WOK COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
Why This Matters
Poor ventilation causes condensation and grease buildup; inadequate lighting hides contamination.
Food Code Requirement
Proper ventilation and lighting required throughout.
Specific Requirements
Ventilation prevents condensation; Adequate lighting for operations; Fixtures shielded; Hoods over cooking equipment.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-303.11, 6-304.11
Violation #56
MINOR
Violation Details
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED SPIDER WEBS ON THE VENTILATON FILTERS ABOVE THE WOK COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
Why This Matters
Poor ventilation causes condensation and grease buildup; inadequate lighting hides contamination.
Food Code Requirement
Proper ventilation and lighting required throughout.
Specific Requirements
Ventilation prevents condensation; Adequate lighting for operations; Fixtures shielded; Hoods over cooking equipment.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-303.11, 6-304.11
Health Department Information
Department
Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH)
Division
Food Protection Program
Report Issues
Call 311 or File Online
More Information
CDPH Food Protection