⚠️ Recent Failed Inspections ⚠️
FAIL Risk 2 (Medium)

HAROLD'S CHICKEN SHACK #14 Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

HAROLD'S CHICKEN SHACK #14 (AKA: HAROLD'S CHICKEN) 1208 E 53RD ST, CHICAGO 60615 Restaurant
September 8, 2025 Short Form Complaint License #2423269
6
Total Violations
2
Critical
1
Major
3
Minor

Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector

6
Violation #10
CRITICAL
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED FRONT HAND WASHING SINK NOT ACCESSIBLE FOR HAND WASHING, DRAINPIPE NOT CONNECTED AND WATER DRAINING ONTO FLOOR WHEN IN USE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. HAND WASHING SINK SHALL BE ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIMES FOR PROPER HAND WASHING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.
Blocked or unsupplied sinks force employees to skip handwashing, spreading fecal bacteria and viruses to food.
Handwashing sinks must be accessible, properly supplied, and used only for handwashing.
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.
Violation #38
CRITICAL
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED OVER 100 MICE DROPPINGS ON FLOOR ALONG WALLS IN CORNERS IN PREP AREA, ON PALLETS AND SHELVES IN REAR STORAGE AREAS. OBSERVED NUMEROUS FLYING INSECTS IN PREP, DISH WASHING AND STORAGE AREAS. INSRUCTED MANAGER TO CALL AN EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED.
Pests spread numerous diseases through contamination.
No pests or animals allowed in facility.
No evidence of pests; No live animals except service animals; Effective pest control program.
Violation #47
MINOR
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED DAMAGED DOOR GASKETS ON CHICKEN PREP COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
Poor design creates areas that harbor bacteria.
All surfaces must be designed to be easily cleanable.
Smooth, non-porous surfaces; Free of cracks and crevices; Easily disassembled; Accessible for cleaning.
Violation #49
MINOR
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP AND DEBRIS INSIDE FRYER CABINETS, COOLERS, FREEZERS, PREP TABLES, ROLLING CARTS, SHELVING UNITS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
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 #54
MAJOR
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED - Comments: OBSERVED DEBRIS ON GROUND AROUND OUTSIDE DUMPSTERS. INSTRUCTED MAANGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
Poor waste management attracts pests and creates contamination sources.
Refuse must be properly contained and removed.
Leak-proof, pest-proof containers; Tight-fitting lids; Clean storage areas; Frequent removal; Containers cleaned.
Violation #54
MAJOR
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED - Comments: OBSERVED DEBRIS ON GROUND AROUND OUTSIDE DUMPSTERS. INSTRUCTED MAANGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
Poor waste management attracts pests and creates contamination sources.
Refuse must be properly contained and removed.
Leak-proof, pest-proof containers; Tight-fitting lids; Clean storage areas; Frequent removal; Containers cleaned.

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