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HARDING CAFE

4347 N HARDING AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60618 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

HARDING CAFE has been inspected 6 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since July 22, 2021. The most recent inspection, on September 22, 2025, recorded 3 infractions.

1 of 6 inspections on record found no infractions at all. No inspections are on record from the past 12 months. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Protecting food from contamination, Handwashing and staff hygiene 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.

  • Protecting food from contaminationHigher risk

    This covers how food is stored, prepared and displayed: raw meat kept away from ready-to-eat food, food covered and stored off the floor, and nothing dripping or splashing into it. Cross-contamination from raw to cooked food is a direct route for salmonella and E. coli.

    Recorded 4 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on September 22, 2025. For example: CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

  • 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 4 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on July 26, 2021. For example: PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

  • 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 September 13, 2023. For example: NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

  • 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 September 22, 2025. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

  • 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 once on July 22, 2021. For example: PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL

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.

6 inspections

  1. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED GAP GREATER THAN 1/4" BETWEEN THE DOOR AND DOOR FRAME OF THE EXTERIOR DOOR (NEAR GARAGE DOORS) IN THE REAR AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE DOOR TO ELIMINATE GAP AND MAINTAIN ALL OUTER OPENINGS ADEQUATELY PROTECTED FROM ENTRY OF INSECTS AND OTHER PESTS.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED LARGE TRAYS OF COOKED TOMATOES COOLING ON OPEN, UNCOVERED TRAYS IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE COVER OF FOOD ITEMS OR STORE IN AN AREA SUCH THAT IT IS NOT EXPOSED TO SPLASH, DUST, OR OTHER CONTAMINATION AND MAINTAIN.
    • 43. IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
      • OBSERVED IN-USE KNIFE STORED IN CARDBOARD WEDGED BETWEEN COOLER LIDS IN THE MAIN KITCHEN AREA. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN IN-USE UTENSILS ON AN EASILY-CLEANABLE, SANITIZED SURFACE IN BETWEEN USES AND MAINTAIN.
  2. Canvass

    0 infractions

  3. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • INSTRUCTED TO RODENT PROOF BOTTOM LEFT OF THE GARAGE DOOR IN REAR AREA. INSTRUCTED TO RODENT PROOF BOTTOM OF DOOR (LEADS TO ANOTHER BUSINESS) IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN STORAGE RACKS WITH WHITE MOLD LIKE BUILD-UP INSIDE 2 DOOR REACH-IN COOLER IN THE KITCHEN.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • EMPLOYEE BASEMENT WASHROOM DOOR NOT SELF CLOSING. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL SELF CLOSING DEVICE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REORGANIZE BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. MUST REMOVE UNNECESSARY OR UNUSED ITEMS TO PREVENT PES HARBORAGE. USABLE ITEMS MUST BE STORED 6" OFF THE FLOOR FOR EASY ACCESS ON CLEANING.
  4. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED NO SPLASHGUARD IN FRONT BAR HAND SINK NEXT TO DRAINBOARD OF 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.MUST INSTALL A WASHABLE SPLASHGUARD AND MAINTAIN.
    • 43. IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
      • OBSERVED ICE SCOOP STORED INSIDE OF THE ICE MACHINE.INSTRUCTED TO STORE ICE SCOOPS IN A CLEAN LOCATION OUTSIDE OF THE ICE MACHINE.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE.INSTRUCTED TO SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES.
  5. License Re-Inspection

    9 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • OBSERVED NO VERIFIABLE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. LEFT TEMPLATE AND INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN COPIES OF HEALTH POLICY SIGNED BY ALL EMPLOYEES ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • OBSERVED NO KIT AND PROCEDURE ON SITE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA AT TIME OF INSPECTION. LEFT ONE PAGER AND INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN PROCEDURE AND KIT WITH ALL NECESSARY SUPPLIES INCLUDING A SANITIZER RATED AS EFFECTIVE AGAINST NOROVIRUS ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT WASHBOWL IN EMPLOYEE WASHROOM AND AT EXPOSED HAND SINK IN BAR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED REFRIGERATOR AND FREEZER BEING USED IN GARAGE ATTACHED TO PROPERTY. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE REFRIGERATOR AND FREEZER FROM GARAGE AND STORE INSIDE FACILITY.
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • OBSERVED NO SINK STOPPERS AVAILABLE FOR 3 COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATED IN BAR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE AT ICE MACHINE IN BASEMENT, ICE MACHINE AT BAR, AND UTILITY SINK LOCATED IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE IN ACCORDANCE WITH ALL RELEVANT RULES, LAWS, AND REGULATIONS.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • OBSERVED NO COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE IN EMPLOYEE RESTROOM AND IN WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED UNUSED REFRIGERATOR IN GARAGE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE FROM PREMISES.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED MANAGER ON DUTY WITHOUT ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING A CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
  6. License

    10 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • OBSERVED NO VERIFIABLE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. LEFT TEMPLATE AND INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN COPIES OF HEALTH POLICY SIGNED BY ALL EMPLOYEES ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • OBSERVED NO KIT AND PROCEDURE ON SITE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA AT TIME OF INSPECTION. LEFT ONE PAGER AND INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN PROCEDURE AND KIT WITH ALL NECESSARY SUPPLIES INCLUDING A SANITIZER RATED AS EFFECTIVE AGAINST NOROVIRUS ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT WASHBOWL IN EMPLOYEE WASHROOM AND AT EXPOSED HAND SINK IN BAR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
    • 33. PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
      • OBSERVED EMPTY 2 DOOR REFRIGERATOR IN PREP AREA MAINTAINING IMPROPER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE OF 46.0F. COOLER TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL COOLERS AT OR BELOW 41F AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED REFRIGERATOR AND FREEZER BEING USED IN GARAGE ATTACHED TO PROPERTY. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE REFRIGERATOR AND FREEZER FROM GARAGE AND STORE INSIDE FACILITY.
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • OBSERVED NO SINK STOPPERS AVAILABLE FOR 3 COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATED IN BAR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE AT ICE MACHINE IN BASEMENT, ICE MACHINE AT BAR, AND UTILITY SINK LOCATED IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE IN ACCORDANCE WITH ALL RELEVANT RULES, LAWS, AND REGULATIONS.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • OBSERVED NO COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE IN EMPLOYEE RESTROOM AND IN WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED UNUSED REFRIGERATOR IN GARAGE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE FROM PREMISES.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED MANAGER ON DUTY WITHOUT ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING A CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.

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