⚠️ Recent Failed Inspections ⚠️
FAIL Risk 1 (High)

HAROLD'S CHICKEN Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

HAROLD'S CHICKEN 1505 W MADISON ST, CHICAGO 60607 Restaurant
October 16, 2025 Complaint License #2966138
7
Total Violations
2
Critical
2
Major
3
Minor

Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector

7
Violation #2
CRITICAL
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED ON THE PREMISES WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT A 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.
Lack of certification indicates potential gaps in food safety knowledge, increasing risk of improper food handling and foodborne illness.
Valid City of Chicago Food Service Sanitation Certificate required and must be posted.
Certificate must be: Current and valid; Posted conspicuously in public view; Held by person in charge during all operating hours; Renewed before expiration date.
Violation #49
MINOR
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: CLEAN THE EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK IN THE FOOD PREP AREA, PREP TABLES, STORAGE SHELVES AND DEEP FRYERS.
Accumulated soil attracts pests and harbors bacteria.
All surfaces must be kept clean.
Clean equipment interiors and exteriors; Walls, ceilings, floors clean; Remove grease and debris; Clean as often as necessary.
Violation #50
CRITICAL
HOT & COLD WATER AVAILABLE; ADEQUATE PRESSURE - Comments: NO HOT WATER PROVIDED THROUGHTOUT THE PREMISES. THE HOT WATER TEMPERATURE AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK WAS AT 70F. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HOT WATER ABOVE 110F AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND ABOVE 100F AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
Without proper water temperatures, cannot sanitize or clean properly.
Adequate hot and cold running water required.
Hot water 120°F minimum at fixtures; Cold water available; Sufficient pressure; From approved source.
Violation #53
MAJOR
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN THE WASHROOM. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
Inadequate facilities lead to poor hygiene and contamination.
Toilet rooms must be properly equipped and maintained.
Self-closing doors; Toilet paper; Covered waste receptacles; Handwashing supplies; Cleaned regularly; Proper ventilation.
Violation #56
MINOR
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: CLEAN THE GREASE BUILDUP ON THE VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS.
Poor ventilation causes condensation and grease buildup; inadequate lighting hides contamination.
Proper ventilation and lighting required throughout.
Ventilation prevents condensation; Adequate lighting for operations; Fixtures shielded; Hoods over cooking equipment.
Violation #57
MINOR
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES PROVIDED ON THE PREMISES FOR ANY OF THE FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
Smoking contaminates hands and food with nicotine and tar residues.
Smoking prohibited in food establishments.
No smoking in any part of establishment; Designated areas away from food; Proper signage posted.
Violation #57
MINOR
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES PROVIDED ON THE PREMISES FOR ANY OF THE FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
Smoking contaminates hands and food with nicotine and tar residues.
Smoking prohibited in food establishments.
No smoking in any part of establishment; Designated areas away from food; Proper signage posted.

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
Data sourced from Chicago Open Data Portal - Chicago Department of Public Health inspections