Boar's Head Cafe
Last inspected: Nov 13, 2025
90
Score
Inspectors have visited Boar's Head Cafe 13 times, with records going back to 2016. The newest entry in the record is dated Nov 13, 2025. Low risk indicates the latest report didn't flag anything that would worry the average customer.
Recent inspections have turned up roughly the same number of issues each time, hovering near three violations per visit.
Across the inspection history, “food properly labeled” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded four times.
Restaurants in Chicago average 81, so Boar's Head Cafe is doing better than most peers. The record reflects steady performance over time.
13
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Nov 13, 2025
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: FOUND NO HANDWASHING SIGN AT REAR KITCHEN AREAS.MUST PROVIDE.
10
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: FOUND NO FOOD GUARD BETWEEN HAND SINK AND PREPARATION AREA(FRONT SANDWICH LINE AREA).MUST PROVIDE.
39
90
Aug 12, 2024
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: Refrigerators thermometer placed in rear behind food containers, instructed to place in warmest part where it can be visible.
36
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: Packaged salads for grab and go missing contents weight, instructed to provide.
37
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: brooms and dust pans kept too close to clean utensils, instructed to keep away.
55
86
Oct 21, 2022
Reinspection
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: 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.
37
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: NOTED CEILING TILES ABOVE FOOD PREP(FRONT/REAR) FILLED WITH DUST. MUST CLEAN SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: FOUND LIGHT SHIELD ABOVE REAR PREP CRACKED WITH A HOLE. MUST REPLACE TO PREVENT PHYSICAL CONTAMINATION.
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: 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.
58
82
Oct 14, 2022
Routine
2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: 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.
16
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: 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.
38
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: 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.
37
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: NOTED CEILING TILES ABOVE FOOD PREP(FRONT/REAR) FILLED WITH DUST. MUST CLEAN SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: FOUND LIGHT SHIELD ABOVE REAR PREP CRACKED WITH A HOLE. MUST REPLACE TO PREVENT PHYSICAL CONTAMINATION.
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: 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.
58
67
Jan 12, 2021
Routine
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: 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
2
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: 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.
58
86
May 4, 2020
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Apr 23, 2020
Routine
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: 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.
16
90
Oct 17, 2019
Routine
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: 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
5
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: 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
37
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE PROPER CONNECTED DRAIN FOR ICE STORAGE BIN BY COFFEE MACHINE
51
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: 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.
58
78
Apr 6, 2018
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: FOUND ASSORTED DELI MEATS INSIDE WALK IN COOLER NOT LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL AND DATE ALL FOODS OUT OF ORIGINAL CONTAINER .
30
95
Aug 31, 2017
Complaint
No violations found.
100
Jan 24, 2017
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: 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.
30
Linen: clean and soiled properly stored
Inspector notes: 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.
39
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: 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.
43
86
Sep 6, 2016
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 3- PENDANT LIGHTS OVER FOOD AT FRONT COUNTER NOT SHIELDED.MUST INSTALL SHIELDS OR MUST PROVIDE SHATTER PROOF BULBS
36
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE ONLINE FOOD TRAINING CERTIFICATES FOR ALL EMPLOYEES AT NEXT INSPECTION.
45
90
Sep 1, 2016
License
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Sanitizing rinse for equipment and utensils: clean, proper temperature, concentration, exposure time
Inspector notes: LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE NOT OPERABLE.MUST CONNECT AND BE ABLE TO OPERATE AT NEXT INSPECTION.CRITICAL VIOLATION
8
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: 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
18
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 3- PENDANT LIGHTS OVER FOOD AT FRONT COUNTER NOT SHIELDED.MUST INSTALL SHIELDS OR MUST PROVIDE SHATTER PROOF BULBS.
36
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE ONLINE FOOD TRAINING CERTIFICATES FOR ALL EMPLOYEES AT NEXT INSPECTION.
45
82
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Boar's Head Cafe last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Boar's Head Cafe on file is from Nov 13, 2025. The public record contains 13 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Boar's Head Cafe?
Across the inspection record, “food properly labeled” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Boar's Head Cafe.
Has Boar's Head Cafe's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Boar's Head Cafe have averaged around three violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Boar's Head Cafe means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.
How often is Boar's Head Cafe inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Boar's Head Cafe is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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