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IsTheKitchenClean displays publicly available food inspection data from the Chicago Department of Public Health. Trending rankings and summaries are automated interpretations of that data and are not official health department assessments. Inspection findings reflect conditions at a specific point in time and may not represent current conditions at a restaurant.

Lardon & The Union Taproom & The Meadowlark

Bar

2200-2202 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Logan Square

Oct 6, 2026 — Complaint re-inspection

Fail

A follow-up to confirm complaint-related violations were fixed.

Pipes carrying waste water located directly above food prep area pose contamination risk.

Key Findings

  • Waste and non-potable water pipes hang directly above food preparation surfaces including juicing station and open bottles in basement, creating contamination hazard.
  • Two food handlers observed preparing food without proper hair or beard restraints.
  • Extensive buildup of dried food splatter, grease, and dirt on walls, equipment, cooling units, and shelving throughout prep areas on both floors.
  • Basement storage improperly organized with items on floors creating pest hiding spaces; inadequate lighting in basement pastry area; accumulated dust and debris in ceiling vents and ventilation hood.

Key findings are derived directly from the inspector's notes from the Chicago Department of Public Health. See the full violation notes below.

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Violation code #39 — CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
Inspector's Notes:

OBSERVED LARGE BLACK WASTE/ AND NON-POTABLE WATER) PIPES LOCATED DIRECTLY ABOVE FOOD PREPARATION AREA (JUICING, BAKERY, OPEN BOTTLES) LOCATED IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AN APPROVED ENCLOSURE OF PIPING TO PREVENT POSSIBLE FORMS OF CONTAMINATION TO FOOD CONTACT SURFACES. MUST MAINTAIN AS REQUIRED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

Violation code #40 — PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
Inspector's Notes:

2-402.11 OBSERVED TWO FOOD HANDLERS HANDLING FOOD WITHOUT PROPER HAIR/BEARD RESTRAINTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN IN ORDER TO PREVENT POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.

Viewing inspection from Oct 6, 2026 · Show current spotlight →

Inspection History

Lardon & The Union Taproom & The Meadowlark has had 8 inspections in the last 5 years with a 63% pass rate. Last inspection was on Oct 13, 2026.

Oct 13, 2026Pass

Complaint Re-Inspection — A follow-up to confirm complaint-related violations were fixed.

7 violations
Oct 6, 2026FailVIEWING NOW

Complaint Re-Inspection — A follow-up to confirm complaint-related violations were fixed.

7 violations
Standout inspection
Sep 29, 2026Fail

Complaint — Triggered by a public complaint about this restaurant.

13 violations