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BOAR'S HEAD CAFE

210 W LAKE ST, CHICAGO, IL 60606 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

BOAR'S HEAD CAFE has been inspected 15 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since September 1, 2016. The most recent inspection, on November 13, 2025, recorded 2 infractions.

4 of 15 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there was 1 inspection with 2 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Food source, labelling and allergens, Handwashing and staff hygiene and Food temperature control.

The number of infractions per inspection has stayed roughly the same over time.

What these findings mean

Health authorities word their violations differently, so we group them by what they mean for food safety. Higher-risk findings are the ones inspectors treat as critical, because they can directly make someone sick.

  • Food source, labelling and allergensHigher risk

    Food must come from approved suppliers, stay in labelled containers and be thrown out when it is spoiled or damaged, such as dented or swollen cans. Labelling matters for allergies: an unlabelled container can hide an allergen.

    Recorded 6 times across 6 separate inspections, most recently on August 12, 2024. For example: FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

  • Handwashing and staff hygieneHigher risk

    Hands are the main way germs like norovirus move from people to food. Inspectors look for stocked, accessible handwashing sinks, staff washing hands when required, hair restraints, and sick employees being kept away from food. Gaps here can spread illness quickly.

    Recorded 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on November 13, 2025. For example: ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

  • Food temperature controlHigher risk

    Bacteria multiply fastest between about 4 °C and 60 °C (40 °F to 140 °F). Inspectors check that cold food stays cold, hot food stays hot, cooked food is cooled quickly, and that staff have accurate thermometers. Temperature problems are one of the most common causes of food poisoning, so these are treated as critical findings.

    Recorded 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on August 12, 2024. For example: THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

  • Cleaning and sanitizingHigher risk

    Anything that touches food, such as cutting boards, dishes and utensils, must be washed, rinsed and sanitized. Inspectors check dishwasher temperatures, sanitizer strength and how wiping cloths are stored. Poor sanitizing lets bacteria survive from one use to the next.

    Recorded 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on October 14, 2022. For example: FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

  • PestsHigher risk

    Signs of mice, rats, cockroaches or flies, or gaps and clutter that let them get in or hide. Pests carry bacteria and can contaminate food and surfaces, so evidence of activity is treated seriously and usually triggers a follow-up visit.

    Recorded 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on October 14, 2022. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

About this data

These results come from Chicago Department of Public Health, which inspects food premises and other public facilities in this area. We republish the authority's public disclosure data and refresh it regularly; the official record is the final word.

15 inspections

  1. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • FOUND NO HANDWASHING SIGN AT REAR KITCHEN AREAS.MUST PROVIDE.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • FOUND NO FOOD GUARD BETWEEN HAND SINK AND PREPARATION AREA(FRONT SANDWICH LINE AREA).MUST PROVIDE.
  2. Complaint

    3 infractions

    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • Refrigerators thermometer placed in rear behind food containers, instructed to place in warmest part where it can be visible.
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • Packaged salads for grab and go missing contents weight, instructed to provide.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • brooms and dust pans kept too close to clean utensils, instructed to keep away.
  3. Non-Inspection

    0 infractions

  4. Canvass Re-Inspection

    4 infractions

    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • FOUND SANDWICHES AND SALADS PREPACKAGED FOR SELF SERVICE.MUST PROVIDE THE COMMON NAME OF THE FOOD, A LIST OF INGREDIENTS AND SUB-INGREDIENTS, THE NAME AND PLACE OF BUSINESS (CITY AND ZIPCODE) OF THE MANUFACTURER, PACKER, OR DISTRIBUTOR; AND THE NAME OF THE FOOD SOURCE FOR EACH MAJOR FOOD ALLERGEN CONTAINED IN THE FOOD. ( EX. CONTAINS MILK). INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • NOTED CEILING TILES ABOVE FOOD PREP(FRONT/REAR) FILLED WITH DUST. MUST CLEAN SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • FOUND LIGHT SHIELD ABOVE REAR PREP CRACKED WITH A HOLE. MUST REPLACE TO PREVENT PHYSICAL CONTAMINATION.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • FOUND CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER WITHOUT PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS.
  5. Canvass

    6 infractions

    • 16. FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
      • FOUND AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF BLACK & PINK MOLD LIKE SUBSTANCE THROUGHOUT TOP INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE BEHIND WHITE PANEL. ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. MUST CLEAN SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005.CITATION ISSUED.
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • FOUND SANDWICHES AND SALADS PREPACKAGED FOR SELF SERVICE.MUST PROVIDE THE COMMON NAME OF THE FOOD, A LIST OF INGREDIENTS AND SUB-INGREDIENTS, THE NAME AND PLACE OF BUSINESS (CITY AND ZIPCODE) OF THE MANUFACTURER, PACKER, OR DISTRIBUTOR; AND THE NAME OF THE FOOD SOURCE FOR EACH MAJOR FOOD ALLERGEN CONTAINED IN THE FOOD. ( EX. CONTAINS MILK). INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • FOUND APPROX. 4 LARGE FLIES IN FRONT/REAR FOOD PREP AREA. ALSO NOTED APPROX 10 SMALL FLIES LOCATED IN FRONT PREP/DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO MINIMIZE ALL FLY ACTIVITY. RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • NOTED CEILING TILES ABOVE FOOD PREP(FRONT/REAR) FILLED WITH DUST. MUST CLEAN SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • FOUND LIGHT SHIELD ABOVE REAR PREP CRACKED WITH A HOLE. MUST REPLACE TO PREVENT PHYSICAL CONTAMINATION.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • FOUND CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER WITHOUT PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS.
  6. Canvass

    0 infractions

  7. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS(SANDWICHES, SOUPS, SALADS)ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER SHALL BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • NO ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE FOR CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATIONS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS AND MAINTAIN.
  8. Canvass Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  9. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 16. FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
      • OBSERVED PINK SLIMY MOLD LIKE SUBSTANCE ON INTERIOR LID OF ICE MACHINE DRIPPING ONTO ICE USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. ICE MACHINE LOCATED IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.# 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
  10. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • OBSERVED CLEAN-UP OF VOMITING AND DIARRHEA PROCEDURE ON SITE BUT CLEAN-UP KIT ON PREMISES DURING INSPECTION OBSERVED TO BE BLOOD BORNE PATHOGEN CLEAN UP KIT WITH OUT PROPER SANITIZING SOLUTION AND NO MOP FOR VOMIT CLEAN UP . INSTRUCTED TO HAVE SAID PROCEDURE ALONG WITH REQUIRED EQUIPMENT FOR CLEAN-UP. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-005
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • ALL BULK AND WORKING FOOD INGREDIENT CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH CONTENTS NAME.MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • MUST PROVIDE PROPER CONNECTED DRAIN FOR ICE STORAGE BIN BY COFFEE MACHINE
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • NOTED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ON DUTY WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.
  11. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 30. FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
      • FOUND ASSORTED DELI MEATS INSIDE WALK IN COOLER NOT LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL AND DATE ALL FOODS OUT OF ORIGINAL CONTAINER .
  12. Complaint

    0 infractions

  13. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 30. FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
      • Observed deserts in customer self service area without proper labels. Must label all customer self service, prepackaged potentially hazardous foods with business name, address, list of ingredients and date. Observed bulk foods (crazins) without proper label. Must label all bulk food items with name during storage. Must maintain same.
    • 39. LINEN: CLEAN AND SOILED PROPERLY STORED
      • Observed clean linen bags improperly stored on the floor, in the closet in dining room. Must elevate all items at least 6 inches above the floor to allow proper cleaning.
    • 43. FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED
      • Found wiping cloths improperly stored throughout front prep area, on counters. Advised all wiping cloths must be properly stored in a clean container, in a sanitizing solution. Must maintain same.
  14. License Re-Inspection

    2 infractions

    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • OBSERVED 3- PENDANT LIGHTS OVER FOOD AT FRONT COUNTER NOT SHIELDED.MUST INSTALL SHIELDS OR MUST PROVIDE SHATTER PROOF BULBS
    • 45. FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET
      • MUST PROVIDE ONLINE FOOD TRAINING CERTIFICATES FOR ALL EMPLOYEES AT NEXT INSPECTION.
  15. License

    4 infractions

    • 8. SANITIZING RINSE FOR EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS: CLEAN, PROPER TEMPERATURE, CONCENTRATION, EXPOSURE TIME
      • LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE NOT OPERABLE.MUST CONNECT AND BE ABLE TO OPERATE AT NEXT INSPECTION.CRITICAL VIOLATION
    • 18. NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
      • REAR GARBAGE DUMPSTER OVER HEAD DOOR NOT RODENT PROOFED APPROX 1 TO 2 INCH GAP AT BOTTOM OF DOOR. MISSING DOOR SWEEP.MUST REPAIR TO BE TIGHT-FITTING FROM RODENT ENTRY. SERIOUS VIOLATION
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • OBSERVED 3- PENDANT LIGHTS OVER FOOD AT FRONT COUNTER NOT SHIELDED.MUST INSTALL SHIELDS OR MUST PROVIDE SHATTER PROOF BULBS.
    • 45. FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET
      • MUST PROVIDE ONLINE FOOD TRAINING CERTIFICATES FOR ALL EMPLOYEES AT NEXT INSPECTION.

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