Harlows Cafe

1021 W University Dr, Tempe, AZ 85281
Café / Breakfast
License: Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking
Last inspected: Jan 15, 2026
95
Score
Low Risk Grade: A

Harlows Cafe has been inspected six times since 2024. The newest entry in the record is dated Jan 15, 2026. A low risk tier reflects an inspection that turned up minimal issues.

Violation counts have held steady across recent visits, averaging around one violation each.

Harlows Cafe's latest score is in line with the Tempe average of 95. The full picture is one of consistent compliance.

6
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 15, 2026
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Single-use articles reused
Inspector notes: Observed several single use containers throughout the facility reused as ice buckets, other foods and stored stacked away wet. Discussed with person in charge (PIC) Single-use food containers are intended for single-use and may not be re-used for storage of foods and seasonings. If the containers are reused for chemicals the container shall be labeled "chemical". Also discussed the ice bucket shall be replaced with a food safe - ice bucket and stored upside down between uses
4-502.13(A)
95
Sep 17, 2025
Routine
No violations found.
100
May 29, 2025
Routine
No violations found.
100
Jan 29, 2025
Routine
No violations found.
100
Sep 26, 2024
Routine
3 critical violations. 3 corrected on site.
View 3 violations
Bare hand contact with ready-to-eat food (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed waitress use bare hands to grab sliced bread for a customer at time of inspection. Ready-to-eat (RTE) food that was contacted by bare hands was discarded by PIC at time of inspection
3-301.11(B)
Expired or improperly marked ready-to-eat food not discarded (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed establishment made bloody mary mix, Percy sauce containing cooked sausage, and cooked peppers with prepped dates of 10/13, 10/15, and 10/19 at time of inspection. All RTE/TCS foods past 7 days of preparation were discarded by PIC at the time of inspection. RTE/TCS foods requiring date marking must be date marked within 24 hours and sold or discarded after 7 days (including the day it was made as day 1)
3-501.18
Chemical sanitizer does not meet required criteria (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed chlorine sanitizer in the 3-compartment sink over 200 ppm at time of inspection. Observed employee actively washing dishes in the 3-compartment sink at time of inspection. Reviewed with person in charge (PIC) and employee about proper sanitizer concentration levels at time of inspection. Chlorine sanitizer must test between 50 to 100 ppm and be tested every time it is made. Discussed approved use of sanitizers with the person-in-charge (PIC). PIC diluted sanitizer to approved concentration during inspection. Sanitizer must be used at concentrations and in an approved manner per manufacturer instructions, 40 CFR 180.940, and 40 CFR 180.2020
7-204.11
64
Jun 27, 2024
Routine
1 major violation. 1 corrected on site.
View 1 violation
Handwashing done in improper location (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed dishwasher wash hands at 3-compartment sink at time of inspection. Employee rewashed hands at the hand wash sink. Hands must only be washed at designated handwashing sinks. Discussed with employee & person in charge (PIC) about the importance only washing hands at handwashing sinks
2-301.15
90

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Harlows Cafe last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Harlows Cafe on file is from Jan 15, 2026. The public record contains six inspections in total.

How does Harlows Cafe compare to other restaurants in Tempe?

Harlows Cafe most recently scored 95 out of 100, which is about the same as the Tempe average of 95.

Has Harlows Cafe's inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Harlows Cafe have averaged around one violation per visit across the recent record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at Harlows 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 Harlows Cafe inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Harlows Cafe is inspected around four times per year on average.