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HARLEM CAFE

2723 N HARLEM AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60707 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

HARLEM CAFE has been inspected 2 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since August 25, 2021. The most recent inspection, on August 26, 2025, found no infractions.

1 of 2 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: Handwashing and staff hygiene and Food temperature control.

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 once on August 25, 2021. For example: PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

  • 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 August 25, 2021. For example: THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

  • Building, plumbing and upkeepLower risk

    Floors, walls and ceilings must be smooth and clean, with working lighting, ventilation, plumbing, hot and cold water, and washrooms. These are rarely an immediate food-safety risk on their own, but persistent problems can lead to pest or sanitation issues.

    Recorded 6 times on August 25, 2021. For example: TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

  • Food safety training and certificationLower risk

    Most jurisdictions require a certified food handler or manager on site, and some require allergen or food-worker training. These findings mean the paperwork or the trained person was missing at the time. They do not by themselves mean food was handled unsafely.

    Recorded once on August 25, 2021. For example: MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

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.

2 inspections

  1. Non-Inspection

    0 infractions

  2. License

    9 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • THE PERSON IN CHARGE UNABLE TO PROVIDE A WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • THE PERSON IN CHARGE UNABLE TO PROVIDE VOMIT KIT AND PROCEDURE FOR EMPLOYEES TO FOLLOW WHEN RESPONDING TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE VOMIT KIT AND PROCEDURE WITH ALL THE NECESSARY ITEMS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005
    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • MUST PROVIDE A VISIBLE AND WORKING THERMOMETER INSIDE 1-DOOR REFRIGERATOR LOCATED IN REAR STORAGE AREA WHERE ICE MACHINE IS LOCATED.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLES PROVIDED INSIDE WOMEN'S WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED DIRT AND DEBRIS ON FLOOR BEHIND ICE MACHINE AND ALONG WALLS IN REAR STORAGE ROOM.MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ITEMS IN REAR STORAGE ROOM WHERE ICE MACHINE IS LOCATED. MUST REMOVE CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ITEMS TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST MAKE CEILING IN FRONT COFFEE AREA SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACES.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • INSTRUCTED RO REPLACE ALL BURN OUT BULBS IN REAR DINING AREA AND MAINTAIN ADEQUATE LIGHTING.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • MUST PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING IN REAR STORAGE ROOM WHERE ICE MACHINE IS LOCATED.

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