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HALE MCDONALD'S

8321 S ASHLAND AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60620 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

HALE MCDONALD'S has been inspected 9 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since September 12, 2022. The most recent inspection, on April 17, 2026, recorded 2 infractions.

1 of 9 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there were 3 inspections with 5 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Handwashing and staff hygiene, Food temperature control and Pests.

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.

  • 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 5 times across 5 separate inspections, most recently on December 18, 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 3 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on July 8, 2024. For example: THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

  • 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 3 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on July 8, 2024. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

  • 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 April 17, 2026. For example: NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

  • 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 once on July 8, 2024. For example: FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

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.

9 inspections

  1. Complaint

    2 infractions

    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • MUST CLEAN THE EXTERIOR OF COFFEE, SHAKE AND ICE CREAM MACHINES, ALSO COUNTER TOP WHERE MACHINE ARE STORED. MUST CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF SMALL COOLERS IN THE FRONT PREP/SERVING AREAS TO REMOVE SPILLS AND/OR DEBRIS.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • FLOORS NEED DETAIL CLEANING BEHIND EQUIPMENT IN THE FRONT PREP/SERVING AREA ALONG THE WALL BASE AND IN CORNER TO REMOVE SPILL AND DEBRIS. ALSO CLEAN THE FLOOR ALONG THE WALL BASE AND IN CORNERS IN THE BASEMENT.
  2. Non-Inspection

    0 infractions

  3. Complaint

    3 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • NO HOT RUNNING WATER AT HANDSINKS ON PREMISES. FOUND HOT RUNNING WATER TEMPERATURE AT HANDSINKS ON PREMISES RANGING BETWEEN 40F AND 80F. TWO HANDSINKS IN PREP AREA AND TWO IN WASHROOMS. INSTRUCTED THAT HOT WATER AT HANDSINKS MUST MAINTAIN A TEMPERATURE OF 100F AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED. HOT RUNNING WATER WAS RESTORED TO ALL SINKS DURING INSPECTION. CORRECTED ON SITE.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED THE HANDSINK IN THE CENTER AREA OF THE PREP AREA DRAINING SLOWLY; INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT SO THAT SINK DRAINS PROPERLY. OBSERVED A LEAK AT THE PIPE UNDERNEATH THE SAME SINK; INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED DEBRIS AND SPILLAGE ON THE FLOOR IN THE BASEMENT AREA BY THE SUB PUMP AND SYRUP BOXES FOR THE SODA MACHINES; INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS WHERE NEEDED AND MAINTAIN.
  4. Complaint Re-Inspection

    2 infractions

    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • 4-501.11 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE MISSING FAN GUARD COVER INSIDE OF KITCHEN #1 PREP COOLER.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • 5-204.12 : OBSEVED NO BACKFLOW DEVICES TO BE SEEN FOR SERVICING ON ALL EQUIPMENT CONNECTED TO THE WATER SUPPLY LINE (SODA,TEA & COFFEE ,MC CAFE MACHINES,ETC.)MUST INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
  5. Complaint Re-Inspection

    3 infractions

    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • 4-501.11 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE MISSING FAN GUARD COVER INSIDE OF KITCHEN #1 PREP COOLER.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSEVED NO BACKFLOW DEVICES TO BE SEEN FOR SERVICING ON ALL EQUIPMENT CONNECTED TO THE WATER SUPPLY LINE (SODA,TEA & COFFEE ,MC CAFE MACHINES,ETC.)MUST INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
    • 59. PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT #2597122 7/08/24 NOT CORRECTED- #51-5-204.12 :STILL OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. (PRIORITY 7-42-090)(CITATION ISSUED)
  6. Complaint

    13 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED HAND WASHING SINK IN REAR PREP AREA NEAR ICE MACHINE NOT ACCESSIBLE OBSERVED A CLEAR PLASTIC BAG WRAPPED AROUND SAID SINK NOT ABLE TO WASH HANDS.INSTRUCTED TO USE ADDITIONAL HAND SINKS ON SITE FOR HAND WASHING. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SAID SINK.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C)(CITATION ISSUED)
    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • MUST PROVIDE A THERMOMETER FOR REACH IN COOLER #7 & MC CAFE PREP COOLER.
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS (SHAKERS) WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED A LIVE SMALL BLACK AND BROWN DOG ON A LEASH WALKING AROUND WITH A FEMALE CUSTOMER IN LOBBY WAITING TO ORDER FOOD AND SHE THEN PICKED UP THE DOG WHILE AT REGISTER AND PLACED & WAITED FOR HER ORDER WITH DOG IN ARMS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT ONLY SERVICE DOGS ARE ALLOWED. CUSTOMER DID LEAVE PREMISES.(COS)(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-40-060)(CITATION ISSUED)
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF 4- LIVE ROACHES CRAWLING AROUND ON FLOOR UNDER AND BEHIND HOT WATER TANK,UNDER WASH MACHINE IN BASEMENT.APPX. 6-8 LIVE LARGE FLIES FLYING AROUND PREP AREA, MEN'S TOILET ROOM AND DINING AREA.APPX. 8-10 LIVE SMALL FLIES FLYING AROUND SOILED PLASTIC WRAPPED OVERHEAD LINES IN BASEMENT NEAR SUMP PUMP. MUST ELIMINATE LIVE OR MINIMIZE INSECT ACTIVITY RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 7/8/24.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A)(CITATION ISSUED)
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKET ON REACH IN COOLER #6 AND MISSING FAN GUARD COVER INSIDE OF KITCHEN #1 PREP COOLER.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • MUST CLEAN SPILLAGE INSIDE OF MC CAFE PREP COOLER,DEAD INSECTS FROM WINDOW SILLS IN LOBBY AREA.
    • 54. GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS AND TRASH ON GROUND IN OUTSIDE GARBAGE CORRAL MUST REMOVE AND MAINTAIN AREA.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST CLEAN SPLATTER FROM CEILING TILES NEAR GRILL.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP AND SPILLAGE FROM FLOOR UNDER FRONT DRIVE THRU AREA UNDER SODA MACHINE AND COUNTERS.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST ELEVATE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR IN BASEMENT STORAGE ROOM
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • MUST REPLACE MISSING FILTERS AT HOOD OF COOKING EQUIPMENT.
    • 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT #2564187 9/23/22 NOT CORRECTED- #51-5-204.12 : OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. #55-6-201.13 : MUST GROUT FLOOR IN FRONT DRIVE THRU UNDER SODA MACHINE. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090)(CITATION ISSUED)
  7. License Re-Inspection

    4 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • Inspector Comments: Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS AT HAND SINKS IN MEN'S AND WOMEN'S TOILET ROOMS. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • Inspector Comments: Violation Codes: 5-204.12 Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • Inspector Comments: Violation Codes: 5-205.15 Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LEAKY PIPE UNDERNEATH 2 & 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • Inspector Comments: Inspector Comments: MUST GROUT FLOOR IN FRONT DRIVE THRU UNDER SODA MACHINE,IN FRONT OF ICE MACHINE & 3- COMPARTMENT SINK AND WHERE NEEDED.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED WALL TRIM AT WALL IN REAR DRIVE THRU AREA, FLOOR TILE IN FRONT DRIVE THRU AREA.
  8. License Re-Inspection

    8 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS AT HAND SINKS IN MEN'S AND WOMEN'S TOILET ROOMS. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER FOR REAR DRIVE THRU 2- DOOR REACH IN COOLER.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED SOILED FOOD STORAGE BOXES IN BASEMENT MUST DISCARD AND MAINTAIN.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • Violation Codes: 5-204.12 Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • Violation Codes: 5-205.15 Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LEAKY PIPE UNDERNEATH 2 & 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • Inspector Comments: MUST GROUT FLOOR IN FRONT DRIVE THRU UNDER SODA MACHINE,IN FRONT OF ICE MACHINE & 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED WALL TRIM AT WALL IN REAR DRIVE THRU AREA, FLOOR TILE IN FRONT DRIVE THRU AREA.OBSERVED WATER LEAKING FROM CEILING IN SEVERAL AREAS AND BUCKETS CATCHING WATER THROUGHOUT BASEMENT FOOD STORAGE AREA.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • Inspector Comments: MUST REMOVE STANDING WATER FROM FLOOR IN DISH WASHING AREA, UNDER FRONT DRIVE THRU AND IN BASEMENT AND KEEP DRY.
    • 59. PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION FROM REPORT #2563529 9/12/22 NOT CORRECTED #38-STILL OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX. 100 OR MORE LIVE SMALL FLIES ON WALLS,CEILINGS AND FLYING AROUND PREMISES IN REAR & FRONT DRIVE THRU AREA,DINING AREA,WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM,BASEMENT AREA AROUND SODA AND FLOOR DRAIN IN CEILING THAT IS LEAKING AND A FOUL ODOR.RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 9/19/22.(PRIORITY 7-42-090 )(CITATION ISSUED)
  9. License

    7 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS AT HAND SINKS IN MEN'S AND WOMEN'S TOILET ROOMS. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER FOR REAR DRIVE THRU 2- DOOR REACH IN COOLER.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX. 100 OR MORE LIVE SMALL FLIES ON WALLS,CEILINGS AND FLYING AROUND PREMISES IN REAR DRIVE THRU AREA,BASEMENT AREA AROUND SODA AND FLOOR DRAIN IN CEILING THAT IS LEAKING,DINING AREA.RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 9/12/22.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A)(CITATION ISSUED)
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LEAKY PIPE UNDERNEATH 2 & 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST GROUT FLOOR IN FRONT DRIVE THRU UNDER SODA MACHINE,IN FRONT OF ICE MACHINE & 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED WALL TRIM AT WALL IN REAR DRIVE THRU AREA, FLOOR TILE IN FRONT DRIVE THRU AREA.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST REMOVE STANDING WATER FROM FLOOR IN DISH WASHING AREA, UNDER FRONT DRIVE THRU AND IN BASEMENT AND KEEP DRY.

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