The Hat
Last inspected: Mar 28, 2025
100
Score
The Hat has been inspected 19 times since 2014. The most recent report on file is from Mar 28, 2025. Low risk means the most recent visit produced few or no significant findings.
The picture has improved over the last few visits: recent inspections have averaged around one violation, down from roughly three violations earlier in the record.
Across the inspection history, “garbage & refuse properly disposed” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded three times.
The city-wide average for Chicago sits at 81, putting The Hat on the better side of that line. Overall, the inspection record reads well.
19
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 28, 2025
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Mar 19, 2025
Complaint
1 critical violation. 1 major violation.
View 2 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BEEF HELD AT AN INADEQUATE TEMPERATURE OF 47 F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL COLD TCS FOODS ARE HELD AT 41 F AND BELOW. THE MANAGER DISCARDED 10 POUNDS OF BEEF ($55), AND A PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION WAS ISSUED.
22
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OUTSIDE DUMPSTER RECEPTACLE UNABLE TO CLOSE FULLY. THE DUMPSTER WAS FILLED PAST CAPACITY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE LIDS ARE CLOSED AND TIGHT FITTING AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(B).
54
78
Jul 17, 2024
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jun 13, 2024
Routine
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: OBSERVED COOLER WITH AN INADEQUATE AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF 48 F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL COLD HOLDING UNITS HAVE AN AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF 41 F AND BELOW. COOLER TAGGED PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
33
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MILK HELD AT AN INADEQUATE TEMPERATURE OF 48 F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL COLD TCS FOODS ARE HELD AT 41 F AND BELOW. THE MANAGER DISCARDED 1/2 GALLON OF MILK ($3), AND A PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION WAS ISSUED.
22
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 15 SMALL FLIES THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY, INCLUDING IN THE DINING ROOM, NEAR THE STORAGE AND DISH AREA OF THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO MINIMIZE SMALL FLY ACTIVITY. PEST CONTROL SERVICE RECOMMENDED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED.
38
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OUTSIDE GREASE RECEPTACLE WITH LIGHT GREASE BUILD-UP. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN.
54
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ON THE FLOOR AROUND VARIOUS EQUIPMENT, SUCH AS GRIDDLES AND COOLERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN FLOORS.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH NO FOOD ALLERGEN CERTIFICATE ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS.
58
58
Jun 5, 2023
Complaint
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BUILD UP OF GREASE ON EXTERIOR OF USED COOKING OIL CONTAINER LOCATED IN REAR GARBAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
54
95
May 19, 2022
Complaint
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN RECORDS AT ALL TIMES.
57
95
Jan 5, 2021
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVENESS HAIR RESTRAINTS.
40
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON TOP PREP TABLES IN FRONT PREP AREA. MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
41
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HEAVY DUST BUILD UP ON CEILING VENTILATION VENTS INSIDE CUSTOMERS WASHROOMS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGERS.
58
78
May 7, 2020
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Apr 30, 2020
Routine
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HAMBURGERS ON MENU COOKED TO ORDER AND SERVED RAW OR UNDER COOKED WITH NO REMINDER, DISCLOSURE, AND FOOTNOTE. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL REMINDER, DISCLOSURE, AND FOOTNOTE FOR ALL MENU ITEMS SERVED RAW OR UNDER COOKED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
25
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASH SIGNAGE AT EXPOSED HAND WASH SINK OPPOSITE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
10
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS THROUGHOUT MAIN PREP LINE WITH DEEP GROOVES AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH, CLEANABLE CUTTING SURFACES.
47
82
Oct 29, 2019
Routine
3 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER DATE MARKING ON TCS FOODS HELD MORE THAN 24 HOURS. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY DATE MARKING TCS FOODS AND MUST MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
23
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: THE PERSON IN CHARGE UNABLE TO PROVIDE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION7-38-010 NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE OR REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU FOR RAW OR UNDER COOKED FOODS. INSTRUCTED TO DESCRIBE AND DISCLOSE WHICH FOOD ITEMS CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDER COOKED AND KINK THOSE ITEMS TO A REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
25
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE NOT LOCATED AT THE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE SO THAT CAN BE SERVICE AND MAINTAIN.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE PROVIDED IN THE WOMEN'S WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
53
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUST BUILD UP ON VENTILATION VENTS IN THE CUSTOMER'S WASHROOMS. MUST CLEAN VENTS TO PROVIDE PROPER VENTILATION AT ALL TIMES.
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ON SITE WITHOUT THE REQUIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST COMPLETE FOOD ALLERGEN.
58
61
Mar 28, 2018
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN THE SHEVLES ABOVE THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND STORAGE SHELVING FOR THE POP SYRUP TO REMOVE SPILLS.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS NEED CLEANING INSIDE THE CADINET WHERE THE SELF SERVE POP'S ARE DISPLAYED TO REMOVE SPILLS.
34
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE WIPING CLOTHES IN SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
43
86
Jul 18, 2017
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jul 14, 2017
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE: FOUND A CONTAINER OF BEEF IN AU JUIS SAUCE AT 115.7F, A CONTAINER OF SAUSAGE AT 118.9F, AND MEAT SAUCE AT 120.5F STORED INSIDE OF THE HOT HOLDING UNIT. ONLY 1 SECTION OUT OF 4 HAD POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO NOT DOUBLE UP ON THE PANS THAT FIT INSIDE OF THE HOT HOLDING UNIT. MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED 10# OF FOOD WORTH $75. CRITCAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A
3
Adequate number, convenient, accessible, designed, and maintained
Inspector notes: THE EXPOSED HAND SINK IN THE FRONT PREP AREA IS NOT MAINTAINED: THE HOT AND COLD WATER WAS SHUT OFF UPON ATTEMPTING TO WASH HANDS. THE MANAGER TURNED ON THE WATER FROM UNDER THE SINK AND THE REASON THE SINK WAS TURNED OFF IS DUE TO A SEVERE LEAK UNDER THE EXPOSED HAND SINK. 48 HOUR NOTICE GIVEN FOR FACILITY TO CONTACT A PLUMBER TO REPAIR THE LEAK TO PRVENT WATER FROM POOLING ALL OVER THE FLOOR IN THE MAIN PREP. STAFF WAS INSTRUCTED TO USE THE EXPOSED HAND SINK ACROSS FROM THE 3-COMPARTMETN SINK UNTIL THE FRONT PREP HAND SINK IS REPAIRED. 48 HOUR NOTICE GIVEN. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030
11
90
Nov 2, 2016
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Oct 24, 2016
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: OUTSIDE STORAGE NOT PROTECTED. FOUND SAID STORAGE WITH POP CANS,AND DISPOSABLE UTENSILS(FOAM CUPS ETC) AND OTHER NON-FOOD RELATED. DOOR AND PANELS ARE NOT COMPLETELY ENCLOSED A GAP OD 1 TO 2 INCHES ON BOTTOM AND TOP OD DOOR AND PANELS.RATS DROPPINGS(20 OR MORE) INSIDE THE STORAGE.INSTRUCTED TO RODENT INSECT/PROOF DOOR AND PANELS. SERIOUS VIOLATION:7-38-020
18
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED KNIFE STORED BETWEEN THE EQUIPMENTS.KNIVES RACK IS NEEDED AT PREP LINE ACROSS FROM COOKING, EQUIPMENT.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: BEGINNING OF SLIME SUBSTANCE AT INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE AND NOZZLE DISPENSER AT SELF SERVE POP MACHINE IN DINING AREA.NEED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: SPILLAGE UNDER THE SHELVES INSIDE THE WALK-IN FREEZER(SOUTH-WEST CORNER);SPILLAGE UNDER THE POP DISPENSER AND UNDER THE PLASTIC LINES.WHEN WATER IS RELEASED FROM COMPARTMENT SINKS A STRONG SEWAGE GAS ODOR COMES FROM FLOOR DRAIN AND FROM FLOOR GREASE TRAP INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALL MENTIONED AND MAINTAIN
34
82
Oct 30, 2015
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS AT REAR STOREAGE AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN NAD MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
34
95
Sep 12, 2014
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Hands washed and cleaned, good hygienic practices; no bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods.
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS TOUCHING ITALIAN BREAD, PITA BREAD, HOT DOG AND HAMBURGER BUNS, AND CHEESE WITH BARE HANDS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO USE GLOVES OR TONGS. THERE IS NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH READY TO EAT FOOD. GLOVES MUST BE CHANGED AFTER CONTAMINATED AND HANDS MUST BE WASHED WHEN CHANGING GLOVES. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-010A CITATION ISSUED.
6
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: STORE MOP HEAD UPRIGHT TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING. ORGANIZE WALK-IN COOLER.
41
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: STORE WASH CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION.
43
86
Jun 25, 2014
License
No violations found.
100
Feb 7, 2014
License
No violations found.
100
Frequently Asked Questions
When was The Hat last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at The Hat on file is from Mar 28, 2025. The public record contains 19 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at The Hat?
Across the inspection record, “garbage & refuse properly disposed” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at The Hat.
Has The Hat's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at The Hat have averaged around one violation per visit, down from roughly three earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at The Hat 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 The Hat inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, The Hat is inspected around two times per year on average.
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