Chicago Health Department Suspended Little Wok License
The city closed the East Lakeview restaurant after inspectors discovered a rodent infestation on the premises.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Dining Out
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The Chicago Department of Public Health suspended the business license of Little Wok, located at 3144 N. Broadway, following a recent inspection. The closure was ordered after health officials identified evidence of a severe rodent infestation throughout the facility.
Why it matters
License suspensions are mandatory measures taken by city officials to prevent potential foodborne illness outbreaks when sanitary conditions fail to meet public health standards. The action serves as a direct enforcement of municipal safety codes intended to protect local diners.
Inspectors discovered two live rats and droppings near food preparation equipment, rice storage, and the dining room. Additionally, officials identified small black flies in the dish and rear preparation areas.
The players
Chicago Department of Public Health
This is the municipal agency responsible for enforcing health codes and sanitation standards for all food establishments operating within the city.
Little Wok
This is a local restaurant located at 3144 N. Broadway that has been ordered to cease operations due to a failed health inspection.
The details
City health inspectors examined the East Lakeview establishment and subsequently posted a license suspended sign on the restaurant's glass door. The business has been ordered to sanitize the entire premises and secure professional pest control services to address the infestation.
Timeline
The Little Wok license suspension occurred during the week of September 28, 2026.
A license suspended sign was posted on the restaurant door on September 29, 2026.
The Department of Public Health officially confirmed the license suspension on October 5, 2026.
Culture Shift
The closure of Little Wok contributes to a documented trend of three restaurant license suspensions on Broadway in 2026. This enforcement activity highlights an increased regulatory focus on sanitary compliance among establishments in the East Lakeview corridor.
Customers who have recently visited the 3144 N. Broadway location should be aware that the restaurant is currently closed to the public. The business must complete a mandatory sanitation process and professional pest remediation before the city will allow it to reopen.
The takeaway
Restaurant health violations often stem from preventable sanitation failures that require rigorous, ongoing maintenance. Diners can check official city databases to review the most recent inspection results of their local favorite eateries.
Further reading
For more information on local restaurant oversight, visit the Dining Out section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CBS News.
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