Harolds Chicken 23
Last inspected: Jun 13, 2025
95
Score
Inspectors have visited Harolds Chicken 23 eight times, with records going back to 2020. The newest entry in the record is dated Jun 13, 2025. A low risk tier reflects an inspection that turned up minimal issues.
Inspection results have stayed in a similar range over the last few visits, averaging around seven violations each.
Looking across the full record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” is the recurring theme, flagged 13 times.
Among Chicago restaurants, the typical score is 81; Harolds Chicken 23 is comfortably above that bar. The file should reassure diners considering a visit.
8
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jun 13, 2025
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED INOPERABLE VENTILATION FAN IN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR MECHANICAL VENTILATION IN WASHROOM. WAITING ON PARTS TO REPAIR VENTILATION FAN. HAS AN ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONAL WASHROOM ON SITE. (5 EMPLOYEES)
56
95
Jun 4, 2025
Reinspection
3 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DESIGNATE PERSON IN CHARGE DURING ALL HOURS OF OPERATION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION
1
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE WHEN TCS FOOD PREPARED AND SERVED. A CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AND VALID CERTIFICATE POSTED AT ALL TIMES TCS FOOD PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.
2
Previous priority foundation violation corrected
Inspector notes: AT THIS TIME STILL FINDING RODENT ACTIVITY. RAT DROPPINGS IN BASEMENT AREA ON THE FLOOR, AND LEDGE, RAT DROPPINGS IN THE UNUSED STOVE UNDER THE GRILL, MOUSE DROPPINGS ON THE FIRST FLOOR ON THE FLOOR UNDER EQUIPMENT, ON SHELVES IN THE REAR ON TOP OF STORAGE CONTAINERS, ON THE FLOOR IN THE OFFICE AREA IN THE CORNER AND NEAR THE FURNACE ON THE FLOOR BEHIND THE BOOK SHELF AND ON THE WINDOW SILL IN THE FRONT AREA BY A FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE PEST CONTROL COMPANY SERVICE AGAIN. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-42-090.
59
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW DEVICE ON UTILITY SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NUMEROUS OPENINGS IN FLOOR AND DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN PREP, STORAGE, AND DISH WASHING AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE ALL DAMAGED FLOOR SURFACES AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DEBRIS ON FLOOR UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP, STORAGE, DISH WASHING AND BASEMENT AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED INOPERABLE VENTILATION FAN IN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR MECHANICAL VENTILATION IN WASHROOM.
56
61
May 21, 2025
Reinspection
3 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Previous priority foundation violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT# 2617148 ON 5-8-25:38- OBSERVED OVER 100 RAT DROPPINGS SCATTERED ON FLOOR ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS IN PREP, DISH WASHING, STORAGE, STAIRWAY AND BASEMENT AREAS. OBSERVED OVER 100 MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED ON BULK CONTAINERS, INSIDE VANITY CABINETS, ON EQUIPMENT AND FLOORS IN OFFICE, PREP, STORAGE, AND BASEMENT AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANGER TO CALL AN EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS. 60-PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2608349 ON 12-3-24:51-THE MOP SINK IS CLOGGED; INSTRUCTED TO UNCLOG SINK AND MAINTAIN. ONE WASHROOM ON PREMISES IS INOPERABLE DUE TO A BROKEN TOILET; INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT. 53-NO SELF CLOSING DEVICE AT MENS WASHROOM DOOR; INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL.(ESTABLISHMENT HAS TWO WASHROOMS. TWO EMPLOYEES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION). PRIORITY 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED
59
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DESIGNATE PERSON IN CHARGE DURING ALL HOURS OF OPERATION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION
1
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE WHEN TCS FOOD PREPARED AND SERVED. A CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AND VALID CERTIFICATE POSTED AT ALL TIMES TCS FOOD PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.
2
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO ADEQUATE STOPPERS FOR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE STOPPERS AND MAINTAIN.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP INSIDE FRYER CABINETS, FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF SHELVING UNITS, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW DEVICE ON UTILITY SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED UNUSED ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ARTICLES TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NUMEROUS OPENINGS IN FLOOR AND DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN PREP, STORAGE, AND DISH WASHING AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE ALL DAMAGED FLOOR SURFACES AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DEBRIS ON FLOOR UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP, STORAGE, DISH WASHING AND BASEMENT AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED INADEQUATE LIGHTING IN REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING AND MAINTAIN.
56
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED INOPERABLE VENTILATION FAN IN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR MECHANICAL VENTILATION IN WASHROOM.
56
50
May 8, 2025
Complaint
5 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 13 violations
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DESIGNATE PERSON IN CHARGE DURING ALL HOURS OF OPERATION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION
1
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE WHEN TCS FOOD PREPARED AND SERVED. A CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AND VALID CERTIFICATE POSTED AT ALL TIMES TCS FOOD PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.
2
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2608349 ON 12-3-24:51-THE MOP SINK IS CLOGGED; INSTRUCTED TO UNCLOG SINK AND MAINTAIN. ONE WASHROOM ON PREMISES IS INOPERABLE DUE TO A BROKEN TOILET; INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT. 53-NO SELF CLOSING DEVICE AT MENS WASHROOM DOOR; INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL.(ESTABLISHMENT HAS TWO WASHROOMS. TWO EMPLOYEES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION). PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED
60
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HAND WASHING SINK IN DISH WASHING AREA NOT ACCISSIBLE, CLOGGED AND NOT DRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR SINK AND MAKE ACCESSIBLE FOR PROPER HAND WASHING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.
10
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OVER 100 RAT DROPPINGS SCATTERED ON FLOOR ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS IN PREP, DISH WASHING, STORAGE, STAIRWAY AND BASEMENT AREAS. OBSERVED OVER 100 MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED ON BULK CONTAINERS, INSIDE VANITY CABINETS, ON EQUIPMENT AND FLOORS IN OFFICE, PREP, STORAGE, AND BASEMENT AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANGER TO CALL AN EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED.
38
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED INADEQUATE LIGHTING IN REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING AND MAINTAIN.
56
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED INOPERABLE VENTILATION FAN IN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR MECHANICAL VENTILATION IN WASHROOM.
56
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO ADEQUATE STOPPERS FOR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE STOPPERS AND MAINTAIN.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP INSIDE FRYER CABINETS, FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF SHELVING UNITS, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW DEVICE ON UTILITY SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED UNUSED ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ARTICLES TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NUMEROUS OPENINGS IN FLOOR AND DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN PREP, STORAGE, AND DISH WASHING AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE ALL DAMAGED FLOOR SURFACES AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DEBRIS ON FLOOR UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP, STORAGE, DISH WASHING AND BASEMENT AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
41
Dec 3, 2024
Reinspection
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCED TO CLEAN THE SHELVES UNDER THE PREP TABLE, CLEAN INTERIORS OF REFRIGERATION UNIT STORING RAW CHICKEN TO REMOVE ODOR NOTED, CLEAN EXTERIOR SURFACES AND INTERIOR BOTTOM OF THE FRYERS.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: THE MOP SINK IS CLOGGED; INSTRUCTED TO UNCLOG SINK AND MAINTAIN. ONE WASHROOM ON PREMISES IS INOPERABLE DUE TO A BROKEN TOILET; INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT. (ESTABLISHMENT HAS TWO WASHROOMS. TWO EMPLOYEES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION).
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: NO SELF CLOSING DEVICE AT MENS WASHROOM DOOR; INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE FLOORS IN AREAS WHERE DROPPINGS OBSERVED. ALSO CLEAN AROUND UNDER AND BEHIND VARIOUS EQUIPMENT WHERE NEEDED AND MAINTAIN.
55
82
Nov 19, 2024
Routine
3 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER ON DUTY AS REQUIRED; INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. TCS FOODS ARE BEING COOKED AND SERVED AT THIS TIME. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.
2
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: FOUND UNSIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICIES IN A FOLDER; INSTRUCTED THAT FORMS MUST BE SIGNED BY EMPLOYEES AS REQUIRED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 CITATION ISSUED.
3
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF RODENTS ON PREMISES. FOUND 60 OR MORE RAT DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR BY THE STOVE, IN REAR STORAGE AREA UNDER SHELF AND OTHER SINKS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALL AREAS AND HAVE PEST CONTROL COMPANY SERVICE ESTABLISHMENT PRIOR TO REINSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED.
38
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCED TO CLEAN THE SHELVES UNDER THE PREP TABLE, CLEAN INTERIORS OF REFRIGERATION UNIT STORING RAW CHICKEN TO REMOVE ODOR NOTED, CLEAN EXTERIOR SURFACES AND INTERIOR BOTTOM OF THE FRYERS.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: THE MOP SINK IS CLOGGED; INSTRUCTED TO UNCLOG SINK AND MAINTAIN. ONE WASHROOM ON PREMISES IS INOPERABLE DUE TO A BROKEN TOILET; INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT. (ESTABLISHMENT HAS TWO WASHROOMS. TWO EMPLOYEES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION).
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: NO SELF CLOSING DEVICE AT MENS WASHROOM DOOR; INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE FLOORS IN AREAS WHERE DROPPINGS OBSERVED. ALSO CLEAN AROUND UNDER AND BEHIND VARIOUS EQUIPMENT WHERE NEEDED AND MAINTAIN.
55
61
May 12, 2020
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SELF-CLOSING DEVICE ON WASHROOM DOORS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
53
95
May 8, 2020
License
5 major violations. 9 minor violations.
View 14 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AVAILABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE IN A VERIFIABLE MANNER EMPLOYEE RESONSIBILITY TO REPORT ANY ILLNESS TRANSMISSIBLE THROUGH FOOD. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010
3
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: HAND WASHING SINKS REMOVED IN PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C)
10
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SOAP AT HANDWASHING SINKS IN PREP AND WASHROOM AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C)
10
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS AT HAND WASHING SINKS IN WASHROOM AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C)
10
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER AVAILABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE FOR INTERNAL TEMPERATURES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005
36
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DEBRIS ON SHELVING UNITS IN REAR STORAGE AND CLOSET AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO BACK FLOW DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
51
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HAND WASHING SINKS NOT PROPERLY DRAINING IN PREP AND WASHROOM AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SELF-CLOSING DEVICE ON WASHROOM DOORS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
53
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED TRASH AND EQUIPMENT ON GROUND AROUND DUMPSTER IN OUTSIDE GARBAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN.
54
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DAMAGED FLOOR TILES THROUGHOUT INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED UNUSED ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT IN PREP, STORAGE, AND OUTSIDE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED DEBRIS ON FLOORS IN BASEMENT AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AVAILABLE. ALL EMPLOYEES SHALL PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
57
39
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Harolds Chicken 23 last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Harolds Chicken 23 on file is from Jun 13, 2025. The public record contains eight inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Harolds Chicken 23?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited 13 times, more than any other issue at Harolds Chicken 23.
Has Harolds Chicken 23's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Harolds Chicken 23 have averaged around seven violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Harolds Chicken 23 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 Harolds Chicken 23 inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Harolds Chicken 23 is inspected around two times per year on average.
Nearby Restaurants