Alley Dogs
Last inspected: Dec 16, 2024
95
Score
Alley Dogs appears in inspection records 13 times, starting in 2011. The latest inspection on file is from Dec 16, 2024. A low risk tier reflects an inspection that turned up minimal issues.
There hasn't been much movement either way: counts have stayed near three violations per visit across recent inspections.
“Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code” comes up most often, recorded seven times in the inspection record.
Compared to the broader Chicago restaurant scene, where the average is 81, this is a stronger showing. The file should reassure diners considering a visit.
13
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Dec 16, 2024
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BUILD UP OF GREASE AND DUST ON BOTH HOODS IN COOK AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
56
95
Dec 4, 2023
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: NO THERMOMETER INSIDE WATER/DRINK REACH IN 1-DOOR COOLER. MUST PROVIDE WORKING THERMOMETER INSIDE SAID COOLER.
36
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SLIGHT BUILD UP INSIDE ICE MACHINE UPPER PORTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE.
16
90
Aug 22, 2019
Complaint
2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEANING PROCEDURE ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE A VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEANING PROCEDURE WITH ALL NECESSARY ITEMS AS OUTLINED IN POLICY ON PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRT BUILD UP ON FLOOR AT SOUTH BAR. MUST CLEAN FLOOR AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MOLD ON WALLS AT SOUTH BAR. MUST REMOVE ALL DAMAGED WALLS AND REPLACE.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: BASEMENT FLOOR CLUTTERED AT NORTH WEST ROOM. MUST ELEVATE ALL ITEMS OFF FLOOR OR REMOVE.
55
70
Mar 30, 2018
Complaint
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Hands washed and cleaned, good hygienic practices; no bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods.
Inspector notes: OBSERVED POOR HYGIENIC PRACTICES WITH THE FOOD HANDLER IN KITCHEN: OBSERVED AN EMPLOYEE PREPARING FOOD FOR THE GRILL, THEN HANDLE CURRENCY AT THE REGISTER, FOLLOWED BY A TRIP TO EMPLOYEE STORAGE AREA TO GRAB HAIR RESTRAINT, THEN HEAD BACK TO THE PREP AREA TO PREPARE FOOD AND BEVERAGES WITHOUT WASHING HANDS BEFORE PREPARING FOOD AGAIN. INSTRUCTED STAFF THAT ALL EMPLOYEES WASH THEIR HANDS AFTER EACH ACTIVITY* BEFORE HANDLING FOOD. *ACTIVITY IS DEFINED AS THE FOLLWOING: TAKING OUT THE THE TRASH OR GOING OUTSIDE FOR ANY REASON, TOUCHING CASH, GOING TO THE BATHROOM, OR OTHER ACTIVITY THAT RESULTS IN HAND CONTAMINATION. ALSO OBSERVED BARE HAND CONTACT WITH READY TO EAT FOOD WITH FOOD HANDLER PREPARING HOT DOG AND BUN WITH BARE HANDS PRIOR TO SERVING FOOD. THERE IS NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH READY TO EAT FOOD (USE GLOVES, TONGS, SPOONS, SPATULAS, ETC.) CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-010
6
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE HANDLED ICE SCOOPY LYING ON THE ICE BIN BEHIND THE BAR WITH THE HANDLE DOWN. INSTRUCTED TO STORE SCOOP EITHER IN A SEPARATE CUP OR AREA IN BETWEEN USE OR STORE IN THE ICE WITH THE HANDLE FACING UP AT ALL TIMES.
31
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: THE SENSORED HAND SINKS IN THE MEN'S BATHROOM FOR THE BOWLING ALLEY MUST BE ADJUSTED TO PROVIDE EASIER ACCESS TO RUNNING WATER FOR CUSTOMERS.
38
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST INCREASE HOT WATER PRESSURE AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK BEHIND THE BAR AND MAINTAIN.
38
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BOTH EMPLOYEES IN THE PREP AREA WITHOUT A HAIR RESTRAINT AT TIME OF INSPECTION. EMPLOYEES MUST WEAR A PROPER HAIR RESTRAINT TO CONFINE HAIR AT ALL TIMES IN THE PREP AREA.
42
78
Dec 20, 2017
Complaint
No violations found.
100
Oct 30, 2017
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SLIGHT CALCIUM BUILD UP INSIDE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GREASE BUILD UP ON FLOOR UNDER FRYERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN FLOOR.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ON CEILING TILES ABOVE DISHWASH 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST CLEAN/PAINT UNCLEAN CEILING TILES AT SAID AREA.
35
86
Jul 19, 2016
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR BROKEN FLOOR TILE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE WALK-IN COOLER LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN/REPLACE EXHAUST HOOD FILTERS AT THE EXHAUST HOOD CANOPY CEILING (THE LEFT HAND SIDE OF THE CANOPY). ALSO REMOVE DUST ACCUMULATION.
35
90
Mar 19, 2015
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE EXPOSED HANDSINKS AT (2) BARS ON THE PREMISES.
38
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENT NOT MET MUST PROVIDE CERTIFICATES FROM APPROVED TRAINING.
45
90
Mar 10, 2015
Complaint
12 minor violations.
View 12 violations
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: FOOD (ICE) NOT PROTECTED DURING STORAGE INSIDE OF THE ICE MACHINE LOCATED AT REAR AREA NEAR BARS. OBSERVED LARGE AMOUNTS OF RUST ON INTERIOR PANEL OF THE ICE MACHINE DIRECTLY ABOVE THE ICE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO TURN OFF MACHINE, REMOVE ICE AND HAVE INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE CLEANED AND SANITIZED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-005(A).
16
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MICE DROPPINGS ON THE PREMISES--APPROXIMATELY 10 BEHIND THE KITCHEN 2 DOOR COOLER ALONG THE EAST WALL,APPROXIMATELY 15 ON INTERIORS OF KITCHEN DEEP FRYERS, APPROXIMATELY 15 INTERIORS OF LOWER CABINET IN KITCHEN AREA,APPROXIMATELY 5-10 ON FLOORS IN CLUTTERED BAR AREAS,APPROXIMATELY 15 ON FLOOR/SHELVINGS IN CLUTTERED BASEMENT STORAGE ROOMS.ALSO,SEVERAL DOORS TO THE PREMISES ARE NOT RODENT-PROOFED APROXIMATELY 1/4" MODE OF ENTRY--THAT IS FRONT DOORS,AND EXIT DOOR AT THE BAR STORAGE AREA/ICE MACHINE AREA.INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AFFECTED AREAS,PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NOW RECCOMENDED,DOORS MUST BE TIGHT FITTING ALL ACROSS THE BOTTOMS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
18
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER PRESENT WITH A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS (NACHOSW/CHEESE,BEEF,ETC.) ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD IS BEING PREPARED OR SERVED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012.
21
Dish washing facilities: properly designed, constructed, maintained, installed, located and operated
Inspector notes: DISHWASHING FACILITY NOT MAINTAINED OR OPERATED.WHILE RUNNING AND DRAINING WATER IN MIDDLE COMPARTMENT SIDE OF THE KITCHEN 3 COMPARTMENT SINK,WATER COMING UP ON THE LEFT SIDE OF SINK,SLOW DRAINING.INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN GREASE TRAP AND DRAIN LINES TO PREVENT INADEQUATE DISPOSAL OF WASTE WATER.SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-030.
24
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: TORN DOOR GASKET AT KITCHEN 1 DOOR COOLER. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN. NO ICE BIN COVERS AT ICE BINS BEHIND BARS.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. RUSTY SHELVINGS INSIDE THE WALK-IN-COOLER MUST REPLACE OR REPAIR USING A NONTOXIC FINISH AND MAINTAIN.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: THE FOLLOWING REQUIRES A DETAIL CLEANING HOOD/FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENTS,INTERIORS OF DEEP FRYERS,BOTTOM KITCHEN SHELVINGS,INTERIOR KITCHEN CABINETS,FAN COVERS AND SHELVINGS INSIDE THE COOLERS,STOVE/OVEN,INTERIOR CONVEYOR PIZZA OVENS,SIDES OF HOT COOKING FOOD EQUIPMENTS,BAR GUNS AND HOUSINGS ATTACHED(AT BARS),INTERIOR CABINETS(BAR AREAS),ETC.,AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN NEED FOR A DETAIL CLEANING THROUGHOUT THE PREMISES AND BASEMENT AND MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: CLEAN AND SANITIZE WALLS BEHIND ALL COOKING EQUIPMENTS AND PROVIDE MISSING CEILING TILE ABOVE 1 DOOR KITCHEN COOLER ALSO,SEAL OPENINGS WHERE NOTED IN KITCHEN AREASS AND MAINTAIN.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE EXPOSED HANDSINKS AT (2) BARS ON THE PREMISES.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: ELEVATE STORED ITEMS INSIDE THE STORAGE CLOSETS AT LEAST 6" OFF THE FLOOR THROUGHOUT THE PREMISES AND MAINTAIN.
41
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN FOOD HANDLERS WITH HAIR RESTRAINTS WHEN WORKING AROUND OPEN FOODS AND MAINTAIN.
42
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENT NOT MET MUST PROVIDE CERTIFICATES FROM APPROVED TRAINING.
45
55
Aug 25, 2014
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE, FIRST FLOOR KITCHEN AREA,
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND REPAINT WALLS THRU-OUT THE KITCHEN AND DISH WASHING AREA AND SEAL OPENINGS AT SAME AREAS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.
35
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CLUTTER INSIDE STORAGE ROOMS IN BASEMENT, INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEAN AND ORGANIZE TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE. ARTICLES MUST BE STORED OFF FLOORS, AWAY FROM WALLS.
41
86
Nov 20, 2012
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED. PREPARING SERVING, SANWICHES, BURGERS,ETC., AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH CITY CERTIFICATE MUST BE ON DUTY AT ALL TIMES. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED, 7-38-012.
21
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXCESSIVE FOOD DEBRIS AND GREASE BUIL-UP ON EQUIPMENT; MUST CLEAN/SANITIZE; COOKING EQUIPMENT, COOLERS, FREEZERS, MICROWAVE OVEN, STORAGE SHELVES, MOP SINK, AND 1PART SINK.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS WITH DEBRIS AND GREASE BUILD-UP, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS AT KITCHEN, DISH WASHING AREA AND THRU-OUT BASEMENT, UNDER, BEHIND EQUIPMENT AT CORNERS AND ALONG WALLS.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND REPAINT WALLS THRU-OUT THE KITCHEN AND DISH WASHING AREA AND SEAL OPENINGS AT SAME AREAS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN AND SEAL RUSTY GREASE TRAP UNDER 3PART SINK.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CLUTTER INSIDE STORAGE ROOMS IN BASEMENT, INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEAN AND ORGANIZE TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE. ARTICLES MUST BE STORED OFF FLOORS, AWAY FROM WALLS.
41
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED, FOOD HANDLERS MUST HAVE HAIR RESTRAINTS.
42
70
Jun 16, 2011
Reinspection
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: Single serve articles not properly stored. Instructed to invert containers to prevent contamination before use.
31
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Interior ice machine panel and walk-in cooler shelves rusted. Instructed to replace interior panel insdie ice machine and remove rust and apply non-toxic sealant to surface of storage shelves.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Can opener, storage shelves and cooking equipment not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean and sanitize.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Floor along wallbase and under cooking equipment not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean and remove food debris daily. Floor not mantained inside walk-in cooler. Instructed to reseal floor and have non-absorbent/non-porpous surface.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Ceiling and ventilation/light covers not maintained thru-out prep area. Instructed to replace all worn ceiling tile and detail clean ventilation/light covers. Corner behind freezer in prep area not sealed. Instructed to install coving along wallbase.
35
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: Unnecessary articles stored thru-out premises including basement. Instructed to remove all unused articles and detail clean areas and elevate supplies 6 inches or higher off floor and away from wall.
41
74
May 27, 2011
Complaint
9 minor violations.
View 9 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: Evidence of rodent activity on premises and front doors not rodent proofed. Observed mice dropping inside storage cabinet on right shelf and in corner left side under left shelf. Also, front dual doors has 1/4 to 1 inch gap in middle of where doors meet, far northeast door in middle 1/4 inch gap and at the bottom across restaurant entry door 1/4 inch gap. Instructed to repair doors to prevent rodent and insect entry. Must remove all rodent evidence-detail clean and sanitize areas. Serious citation issued 7-38-020.
18
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: No Certified Food Manager on premises when potentially hazardous foods are being served and prepared-raw chicken at 28.3 F and hot foods cooked as ordered. Instructed that a Certified Food Manager must be on premises during all hours of operation. Serious citation issued 7-38-012.
21
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: Single serve articles not properly stored. Instructed to invert containers to prevent contamination before use.
31
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Interior ice machine panel and walk-in cooler shelves rusted. Instructed to replace interior panel insdie ice machine and remove rust and apply non-toxic sealant to surface of storage shelves.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Can opener, storage shelves and cooking equipment not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean and sanitize.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Floor along wallbase and under cooking equipment not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean and remove food debris daily. Floor not mantained inside walk-in cooler. Instructed to reseal floor and have non-absorbent/non-porpous surface.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Ceiling and ventilation/light covers not maintained thru-out prep area. Instructed to replace all worn ceiling tile and detail clean ventilation/light covers. Corner behind freezer in prep area not sealed. Instructed to install coving along wallbase.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: Light bulbs not shielded in prep area or walk-in cooler units. Instructed to install shields and end caps or install shatter proof bulbs.
36
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: Unnecessary articles stored thru-out premises including basement. Instructed to remove all unused articles and detail clean areas and elevate supplies 6 inches or higher off floor and away from wall.
41
64
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Alley Dogs last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Alley Dogs on file is from Dec 16, 2024. The public record contains 13 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Alley Dogs?
Across the inspection record, “walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code” has been cited seven times, more than any other issue at Alley Dogs.
Has Alley Dogs' inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Alley Dogs have averaged around three violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Alley Dogs 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 Alley Dogs inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Alley Dogs is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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