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CAFE HAROLD'S

2300 S THROOP ST, CHICAGO, IL 60608 · Mobile Food Preparer

Inspection summary

CAFE HAROLD'S has been inspected 4 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since June 17, 2026. The most recent inspection, on August 5, 2026, recorded 3 infractions.

None of the 4 inspections on record were free of infractions. In the past 12 months there were 4 inspections with 29 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Food temperature control, Food source, labelling and allergens and Cleaning and sanitizing.

Recent inspections have recorded fewer infractions than earlier ones, so the record is improving.

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 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 6 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on August 5, 2026. For example: THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

  • 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 4 separate inspections, most recently on August 5, 2026. For example: FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

  • 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 3 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on July 29, 2026. For example: NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

  • 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 July 1, 2026. For example: ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

  • 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 once on June 17, 2026. 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.

4 inspections

  1. License Re-Inspection

    3 infractions

    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • 4-204.112(B): OBSERVED NO AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETER INSIDE THE COLD HOLDING UNITS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • 3-602.12: OBSERVED INCORRECT PLATE NUMBER ON VEHICLE. INSTURCTED TO PUT MOBILE FOOD LICENSE NUMBER ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 54. GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
      • 5-502.12: OBSERVED NO RECEPTACLE WITH A LID ON THE VEHICLE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
  2. License Re-Inspection

    6 infractions

    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • 4-204.112(B): OBSERVED NO AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETER INSIDE THE COLD HOLDING UNITS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • 3-602.12: OBSERVED INCORRECT PLATE NUMBER ON VEHICLE. INSTURCTED TO PUT MOBILE FOOD LICENSE NUMBER ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • 4-201.11: OBSERVED THE DOORS FOR THE COLD HOLDING UNITS WITH NO PROTECTION FOR DOORS WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • 4-601.11(C): OBSERVED LIQUID SPILLAGE INSIDE THE REFRIGERATOR NEAR THE REAR EXIT DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 50. HOT & COLD WATER AVAILABLE; ADEQUATE PRESSURE
      • 5-103.12 OBSERVED THREE-COMPARTMENT SINK WATER PRESSURE FROM FAUCET HEAD STILL NOT IN COMPLIANCE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT ADEQUATE WATER PRESSURE SHALL BE PROVIDED TO ALL FIXTURES, EQUIPMENT, AND NONFOOD EQUIPMENT THAT ARE REQUIRED TO USE WATER. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C), NO CITATION ISSUED
    • 54. GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
      • 5-502.12: OBSERVED NO RECEPTACLE WITH A LID ON THE VEHICLE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
  3. License Re-Inspection

    9 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • 6-301.12: OBSERVED NO HAND DRYING PROVISION IN AT HANDWASHING SINK IN PREP/DISHWASHING AREA. MUST OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C), NO CITATION ISSUED
    • 31. WATER & ICE FROM APPROVED SOURCE
      • 5-102.11: OBSERVED CLEAN AND WASTER WATER VALVES NOT ABLE TO BE UNLOCKED FROM AT THE TIME OF THE INSPECTION. BLUE VALVE NOT LOCKED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROTECTION FOR BOTH CLEAN AND WASTEWATER VALVES ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE TRUCK AND BE ABLE TO UNLOCK AND LOCK AT THE TIME OF THE INSPECTION. PRIORTITY 7-38-030 (C), NO CITATION ISSUED
    • 33. PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
      • 4-301.11: OBSERVED POWER ON VEHICLE BUT FOUND TWO DOOR COOLER AT 99F. INSTRUCTED COLD HOLDING UNITS MUST REACH AND MAINTAIN 41F OR BELOW. PRIORITY 7-38-005, NO CITATION ISSUED
    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • 4-204.112(B): OBSERVED NO AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETER INSIDE THE COLD HOLDING UNITS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • 3-602.12: OBSERVED NO LICENSE NUMBER ON VEHICLE. INSTURCTED TO PUT LICENSE NUMBER ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • 4-201.11: OBSERVED THE DOORS FOR THE COLD HOLDING UNITS WITH NO PROTECTION FOR DOORS WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • 4-601.11(C): OBSERVED LIQUID SPILLAGE INSIDE THE REFRIGERATOR NEAR THE REAR EXIT DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 50. HOT & COLD WATER AVAILABLE; ADEQUATE PRESSURE
      • 5-103.12 OBSERVED THREE-COMPARTMENT SINK WATER PRESSURE NOT IN COMPLIANCE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT ADEQUATE WATER PRESSURE SHALL BE PROVIDED TO ALL FIXTURES, EQUIPMENT, AND NONFOOD EQUIPMENT THAT ARE REQUIRED TO USE WATER. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C), NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 54. GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
      • 5-502.12: OBSERVED NO RECEPTACLE WITH A LID ON THE VEHICLE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
  4. License

    11 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO HAND DRYING PROVISION IN AT HANDWASHING SINK IN PREP/DISHWASHING AREA. MUST OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C), NO CITATION ISSUED
    • 31. WATER & ICE FROM APPROVED SOURCE
      • OBSERVED CLEAN AND WASTER WATER VALVES NOT ABLE TO BE LOCKED FROM OUTSIDE OF TRUCK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROTECTION FOR BOTH CLEAN AND WASTEWATER VALVES ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE TRUCK. PRIORTITY 7-38-030 (C), NO CITATION ISSUED
    • 33. PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
      • OBSERVED NO POWER ON VEHICLE. INADEQUATE REFRIGERATION ON VEHICLE. NONE OF THE COLD HOLDING OR FREEZER UNITS ON AND OPERATING AT THE TIME OF THE INSPECTION. PRIORITY 7-38-005, NO CITATION ISSUED
    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • OBSERVED NO AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETER INSIDE THE COLD HOLDING UNITS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • OBSERVED NO LICENSE NUMBER ON VEHICLE. INSTURCTED TO PUT LICENSE NUMBER ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED SERVICE AGREEMENT AND SERVICE REPORT WITH NO DATES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE DATES ON ALL DOCUMENTS AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020 (C), NO CITATION ISSUED
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED THE DOORS FOR THE COLD HOLDING UNITS WITH NO PROTECTION FOR DOORS WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED LIQUID SPILLAGE INSIDE THE REFRIGERATOR NEAR THE REAR EXIT DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 50. HOT & COLD WATER AVAILABLE; ADEQUATE PRESSURE
      • OBSERVED NO HOT AND COLD WATER ON VEHICLE. ISNTRUCTED TO RESTORE HOT AND COLD WATER. HOT WATER FOR HANDWASHING SINK 100F AND THREE COMPARTMENT SINK 110F. PRIORITY VIOLATION CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030(C), NO CITATION ISSUED
    • 54. GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED NO RECEPTACLE WITH A LID ON THE VEHICLE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED NO LIGHTS ON THE VEHICLE, DUE TO GENERATOR ISSUES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LIGHT ON VEHICLE AND MAINTAIN.

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