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Restaurant · Chicago, IL

Harold's Chicken

1505 W Madison St

Last inspected May 19, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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Pass w/ Conditions

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More issues recentlyThe latest inspection recorded more violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

8 inspections

Complaint

May 19, 2026

Pass w/ Conditions

5 recorded violations

notedCode 2Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

Inspector’s notes

NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE WHILE HANDLING TCS FOODS (CHICKEN, FISH), NOR CERTIFICATE POSTED. INSTD TO HAVE CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WITH CERTIFICATE POSTED. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-012 PRIORITY FOUNDATION

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues
notedCode 44Equipment and utensils

Official wording

UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED

Inspector’s notes

MULTI USE FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS (LARGE GREY TUBS) IMPROPERLY STORED ON CARBDBOARD LINED GREASE TRAP. INSTD TO REMOVE AND STORE IN PROPER LOCATION TO PREVENT POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION

In plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues
notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

Inspector’s notes

CARDOBOARD LINING ON GREASE TRAP, PREP TABLES AND BOTTOM SHELVES OF PREP TABLES. RUSTY SURFACE ON EXTERIOR OF GREASE TRAP. INSTD TO REMOVE CARBDBOARD, ELIMINATE RUST AND MAINTAIN SAID SURFACES SMOOTH, EVEN, AND EASILY CLEANABLE

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

CARDBOARD LINING ON WALK IN COOLER AND FREEZER FLOORS. INSTD TO REMOVE CARDBOARD LINING AND MAINTAIN FLOOR SMOOTH, EVEN, AND EASILY CLEANABLE

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 56Facility maintenance

Official wording

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector’s notes

HOOD FILTERS WITH EXCESSIVE GREASE AND DEBRIS ACCUMULATION. INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, May 19, 2026 · Original Source

Complaint Re-Inspection

Dec 16, 2025

Pass

2 recorded violations

notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

4-602.13 CLEAN THE WIRE STORAGE RACKS, STAINLESS STEEL STORAGE SHELVES AND PREP TABLES IN THE FOOD PREP AREAS.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

6-501.12 CLEAN THE FLOORS IN THE FOOD PREP AREAS.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Dec 16, 2025 · Original Source

Complaint

Dec 9, 2025

Fail

3 recorded violations

notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED THE EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK IN THE FRONT PREP AREA NOT ACCESSIBLE FOR USE. THE SINK IS CLOGGED WITH WATER BACKED UP IN THE SINK AND WILL NOT DRAIN. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR THE EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK SO THAT IT CAN USED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.

In plain English

Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.

More about handwashing problems
notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

CLEAN THE WIRE STORAGE RACKS, STAINLESS STEEL STORAGE SHELVES AND PREP TABLES IN THE FOOD PREP AREAS.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

CLEAN THE FLOORS IN THE FOOD PREP AREAS.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Dec 9, 2025 · Original Source

Complaint Re-Inspection

Oct 24, 2025

Pass

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Oct 24, 2025 · Original Source

Complaint Re-Inspection

Oct 23, 2025

Fail

4 recorded violations

notedCode 50Other

Official wording

HOT & COLD WATER AVAILABLE; ADEQUATE PRESSURE

Inspector’s notes

5-103.11(B): 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.

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
notedCode 56Facility maintenance

Official wording

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector’s notes

6-501.14: CLEAN THE GREASE BUILDUP ON THE VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS.

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues
notedCode 57Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

Inspector’s notes

2-102.13: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES PROVIDED ON THE PREMISES FOR ANY OF THE FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues
notedCode 58Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Inspector’s notes

2-102.13: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST SHOW PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING.

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Oct 23, 2025 · Original Source

Complaint

Oct 16, 2025

Fail

7 recorded violations

notedCode 53Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN THE WASHROOM. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 56Facility maintenance

Official wording

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector’s notes

CLEAN THE GREASE BUILDUP ON THE VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS.

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues
notedCode 2Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

Inspector’s notes

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.

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues
notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

CLEAN THE EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK IN THE FOOD PREP AREA, PREP TABLES, STORAGE SHELVES AND DEEP FRYERS.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 50Other

Official wording

HOT & COLD WATER AVAILABLE; ADEQUATE PRESSURE

Inspector’s notes

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.

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
notedCode 57Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES PROVIDED ON THE PREMISES FOR ANY OF THE FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues
notedCode 58Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST SHOW PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING.

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Oct 16, 2025 · Original Source

License

Dec 20, 2024

Pass

1 recorded violation

notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED LOOSE DEBRIS, DIRT AND DUST BUILDUP ON THE FLOORS AND CORNERS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND INCREASE CLEANING FREQUENCY OF FLOORS. MUST MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Dec 20, 2024 · Original Source

License

Jun 6, 2024

Not Ready

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jun 6, 2024 · Original Source

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