The Harding Tavern
Last inspected: Dec 10, 2025
67
Score
Public records show 14 inspections at The Harding Tavern stretching back to 2014. The latest inspection on file is from Dec 10, 2025. Diners should read medium risk as a signal that some issues exist but aren't extreme.
Violation counts have held steady across recent visits, averaging around five violations each.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean”, showing up 11 times.
Compared to other Chicago restaurants (averaging 81), there's room to close the gap. Nothing in the record is alarming, but there's room to improve.
14
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
8
Minor latest
Inspection History
Dec 10, 2025
Routine
8 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A GAP IN CENTER OF FRONT DOUBLE ENTRY DOORS MUST MAKE TIGHT FITTING.
38
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST ELIMINATE CRATES USED FOR FOOD STORAGE IN PREP AREA AND PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING UNITS.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FRYER CABINET AND OVEN.
49
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE A LID ON GARBAGE CAN IN WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE MISSING WALL TILES ABOVE SINK IN MEN'S TOILET ROOM,LOOSE CEILING TILE HANGER IN PREP AREA,LOOSE CAULKING AT HOOD OF COOKING EQUIPMENT.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN FOOD SPLATTERE FROM WALLS ABOVE COOLERS IN PREP AREA.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN GREASE FROM HOOD OF COOKING EQUIPMENT.
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXPIRED FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR SOME EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
57
67
Oct 22, 2024
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HANDWASHING SINKS IN THE BAR AREA AND MAIN KITCHEN AREA MISSING SIGNAGE NOTIFYING FOOD EMPLOYEES TO WASH HANDS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE TO ALL HANDWASHING SINKS AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
10
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: OBSERVED COOKED CHICKEN WINGS IN THE 2-DOOR LINE COOLER IN THE KITCHEN AREA STORED COVERED BY FOOD-GRADE PLASTIC WRAP WHILE COOLING. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE PLASTIC WRAP AND STORE ITEMS LOOSELY-COVERED OR UNCOVERED (IF PROTECTED FROM OVERHEAD CONTAMINATION) WHILE COOLING AND MAINTAIN.
33
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO INTERNAL AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETER PROVIDED IN THE BAR AREA 2-DOOR REACH-IN COOLER OR KITCHEN AREA 3-DOOR REACH-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AT LEAST ONE INTERNAL AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETER IN A CONSPICUOUS AND EASILY-VIEWEABLE LOCATION IN ALL EQUIPMENT USED TO COLD-HOLD TCS FOOD ITEMS AND MAINTAIN.
36
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: OBSERVED UTENSILS AND SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES (STYROFOAM TO-GO CONTAINERS) STORED NOT INVERTED/UNCOVERED AT THE KITCHEN AREA SERVICE LINE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE CLEAN EQUIPMENT, UTENSILS, AND SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES COVERED OR INVERTED TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION AND MAINTAIN.
44
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE INSTALLED AT THE UTILITY SINK IN POOR REPAIR, BUT FUNCTIONAL. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE AT THE UTILITY SINK AND MAINTAIN ALL PLUMBING FIXTURES IN GOOD REPAIR.
51
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OUTDOOR WASTE RECEPTACLE LIDS TO BE CRACKED AND IN POOR REPAIR, LIDS STILL FULLY COVER RECEPTACLES. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE OUTDOOR WASTE RECEPTACLE LIDS AND MAINTAIN WASTE RECEPTACLES IN GOOD REPAIR.
54
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HAND SOAP PROVIDED AT BAR AREA 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND BAR AREA DUMP SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE HAND SOAP FROM 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND DUMP SINK AND PROVIDE SOAP, DISPOSABLE PAPER TOWELS, OR OTHER HANDWASHING AIDS EXCLUSIVELY TO SINKS DESIGNATED AS HANDWASHING SINKS AND MAINTAIN.
10
70
Feb 14, 2023
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: BAR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK DRAINING SLOWLY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER BAR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK MUST DRAIN QUICKLY.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: BAR FLOOR DRAIN WITH ACCUMULATED DIRT/GRIME BUILD UP (AT WEST END OF BAR). INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST CLEAN INTERIOR OF BAR FLOOR DRAIN AND MAINTAIN.
55
90
Nov 10, 2021
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SLIGHT PINK BUILD UP INSIDE ICE MACHINE. MUST CLEAN INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE AND MAINTAIN.
16
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 1/2 INCH GAP BETWEEN FRONT ENTRANCE/EXIT DOOR SWEEPS. MUST RODENT PROOF SAID DOORS.
38
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: SOME PREP AREA COOLERS DOOR RUBBER GASKETS RIPPED. MUST REPAIR/REPLACE SAID DAMAGED DOOR RUBBER GASKETS
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRT BUILD UP IN WASHROOM FLOOR DRAINS. MUST CLEAN INTERIOR OF FLOOR DRAINS AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUST BUILD UP ON WALLS AT BAR. MUST CLEAN WALLS AND MAINTAIN.
55
78
Oct 8, 2020
Complaint
3 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND SOAP AT THE EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINKS IN THE FOOD PREP AREA AND BEHIND THE BAR. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HAND SOAP AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
10
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS PROVIDED AT THE EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK BEHIND THE BAR. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PAPER TOWELS AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C). SEE VIOLATION #10 ABOVE FOR CITATION.
10
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A CONTAINER OF DICED POTATOES BEING RINSED IN THE MOP SINK. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED NOT TO STORE ANY FOOD IN THE MOP SINK. MANAGEMENT DISCARDED THE CONTAINER OF POTATOES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
39
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE ICE SCOOP STORED IN THE ICE BIN BEHIND THE BAR. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO STORE THE ICE SCOOP IN A CLEAN CONTAINER OUTSIDE OF THE ICE BIN.
43
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SEVERAL WARPED DUMPSTER LIDS ATTACHED TO THE OUTSIDE GARBAGE CONTAINER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN THE GARBAGE DUMPSTER LIDS.
54
67
Jul 17, 2020
Routine
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GARBAGE OVERFLOWING OVER THE TOP OF THE OUTSIDE GARBAGE DUMPSTER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE GARBAGE PICKUP SO THAT GARBAGE DOES NOT ACCUMULATE OVER THE TOP SO THAT THE LIDS CANNOT BE CLOSED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(B). CITATION ISSUED.
54
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE DEEP FRYER.
49
86
Jun 26, 2019
Reinspection
2 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 3-603.11 Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY REMINDER ON MENUS.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION -NO CITATION ISSUED
25
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 5-204.11 Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SINK IN BEVERAGE AREA (COFFEE,TEA,WATER,ETC)MUST INSTALL A HAND SINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED
10
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 6-202.15 Inspector Comments: OBSERVED AN APPX."1/2-3/4" GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF REAR DOOR AND CENTER OF FRONT AND ALONG BOTTOM OF SWING OUT WINDOWS IN DINING AREA.MUST MAKE TIGHT FITTING
38
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 4-501.11 Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE MISSING HANDLE ON TOPSIDE OF 2- DOOR PREP COOLER
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 4-601.11(C) Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP INSIDE OF FRYER CABINET AND WHEEL BASES OF EQUIPMENT
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 5-204.12 Inspector Comments: MUST REPLACE MSSING TOP ON BACK FLOW DEVICE AT MOP SINK
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 6-501.13 Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS FROM FLOOR AND DRAINS IN BAR AREA AND IN PREP AREA.MUST REMOVE WATER FROM FLOOR UNDER DISH MACHINE IN REAR DISH WASHING AREA
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 6-201.11 Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN WALLS IN MEN'S TOILET ROOM
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 6-201.13 Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR SEAL HOLES IN UPPER WALL NEAR TV IN DINING AREA
55
58
Jun 19, 2019
Routine
3 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SINK IN BEVERAGE AREA (COFFEE,TEA,WATER,ETC)MUST INSTALL A HAND SINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED)
10
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY REMINDER ON MENUS.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION -NO CITATION ISSUED)
25
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX.15 OR MORE LIVE SMALL FLIES FLYING AROUND MOPSINK AREA,ON WALLS IN BEVERAGE AREA,MEN'S AND WOMEN'S TOILET ROOMS.RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 6/19/19.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A)
38
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED AN APPX."1/2-3/4" GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF REAR DOOR AND CENTER OF FRONT AND ALONG BOTTOM OF SWING OUT WINDOWS IN DINING AREA.MUST MAKE TIGHT FITTING.
38
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE MISSING HANDLE ON TOPSIDE OF 2- DOOR PREP COOLER.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP INSIDE OF FRYER CABINET AND WHEEL BASES OF EQUIPMENT.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: MUST REPLACE MSSING TOP ON BACK FLOW DEVICE AT MOP SINK.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS FROM FLOOR AND DRAINS IN BAR AREA AND IN PREP AREA.MUST REMOVE WATER FROM FLOOR UNDER DISH MACHINE IN REAR DISH WASHING AREA.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN WALLS IN MEN'S TOILET ROOM.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR SEAL HOLES IN UPPER WALL NEAR TV IN DINING AREA.
55
52
Aug 15, 2017
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRT ON THE INTERIOR PANELS OF ICE MACHINE LOCATED IN KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREA.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRT ON FLOOR UNDERNEATH 3-COMPATMENT SINK. MUST CLEAN AND MAITAIN.
34
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: THERMOMETER NEEDED INSIDE 3-DOOR FRONT PREP COOLER. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
40
86
Oct 4, 2016
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Sep 29, 2016
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Adequate number, convenient, accessible, designed, and maintained
Inspector notes: NOTED NO HOT RUNNING WATER AT THE MEN AND WOMENS BATHROOM (USED FOR BOTH EMPLOYEES AND CUSTOMERS). TEMPERATURE OF WATER IS 72.3F AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. CRITICAL VIOLATION #7-38-030
11
* inspection report summary displayed and visible to all customers
Inspector notes: NOTED NO INSPECTION SUMMARY REPORT POSTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT #1441906 DATED 5/27/2015 IN VIEW FOR CUSTOMERS PER CODE. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE AN INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY POSTED AT ALL TIMES. SERIOUS VIOLATION #7-42-010(B)
28
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS ALONG WALL BASE AND UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT ESPECIALLY AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA.
34
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: NOTED DIRTY WASH CLOTHS ON PREP TABLE NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO STORE ALL WASH CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION ESPECIALLY WHEN NOT IN USE.
43
82
May 27, 2015
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS BEING STORED AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES. OBSERVED RAW BEEF BURGERS ON TOP OF PREP TABLE IN KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREA WITH TEMPERATURE RANGING FROM 62.3F -66.7F. MANAGER IMMEDIATELLY AND VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED FOOD ITEMS. APPROXIMATELY 19LBS VALUE $75.85. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN COLD FOODS AT 40.0F OR BELOW. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A).
3
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE COVERS FOR THE FRONT BAR ICE BINS TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
32
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ARTICLES IN REAR STORAGE ROOM. MUST REMOVE CLUTTER TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE.
41
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ICE SCOOPS INSIDE OF ICE MACHINE. MUST PROPERLY STORE ICE SCOOPS IN A CLEAN CONTAINER TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
43
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: NO FOOD HANDLERS REQUIREMENTS MET. NO LOGS, RECORDS ON SITE AS REQUIRED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
45
78
Mar 5, 2014
License
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS, IN ALL CORNERS AND FLOOR DRAINS IN PREP AREA.
34
95
Feb 11, 2014
License
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: UPON INSPECTION MOP SINK UNCLEAN. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN MOPSINK.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FLOOR DRAINS UNCLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL FLOOR DRAINS.
34
90
Frequently Asked Questions
When was The Harding Tavern last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at The Harding Tavern on file is from Dec 10, 2025. The public record contains 14 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at The Harding Tavern?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited 11 times, more than any other issue at The Harding Tavern.
Has The Harding Tavern's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at The Harding Tavern have averaged around five violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at The Harding Tavern means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.
How often is The Harding Tavern inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, The Harding Tavern is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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