Al's Beef
Last inspected: Jan 28, 2019
39
Score
The health department has logged 12 inspections at Al's Beef, the earliest from 2014. Al's Beef was last inspected on Jan 28, 2019. High risk usually means inspectors flagged either critical violations or a stack of smaller ones. Note that Al's Beef's inspection history hasn't been updated since Jan 28, 2019; current conditions may have shifted from what the file shows.
Recent visits have produced comparable findings, with counts hovering near five violations per visit.
The pattern that stands out is “proper cooling methods used”, which has been cited eight times.
Compared to other Chicago restaurants (averaging 81), there's room to close the gap. There are enough flags in the record to merit a second thought.
12
Inspections
2
Critical latest
3
Major latest
7
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 28, 2019
Complaint
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 12 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD NOT MEETING TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENTS, 4 POUND CONTAINER OF SLICE TOMATO CHILI AT 56.7 DEGREES F AND 4 POUND CONTAINER OF SLICE ONION AT 54.6 DEGREES F AND CHEESE ALL INSIDE FRONT 1 DOOR PREP REACH IN COOLER;PREP REACH IN COOLER AT 53.7 DEGREES F. COLD HOLDING MUST REMAIN AT 41 DEGREES F OR BELOW REQUIRED TEMPERATURE. PERSON IN CHARGE VOLUNTARY DISCARDED FOOD ITEMS NOT MEETING REQUIREMENTS. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE OF REQUIREMENTS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED. APPROX 8 POUNDS $40.
22
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EQUIPMENT NOT MEETING STANDARD REQUIREMENTS, FRONT PREP REACH IN COOLER AT 53.7 DEGREES F WITH FOOD STORED INSIDE. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE OF COLD HOLDING EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS. TAGGED UNIT. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED
33
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FACILITY HAND SINK NOT ACCESSIBLE;ITEMS STORED INSIDE(BUCKETS AND SCRUBBER) ALL AT HAND SINK IN REAR PREP AREA. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE HAND SINK MUST REMAIN ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIME AND USE FOR HAND WASHING ONLY. FOOD HANDLER REMOVED ITEMS FROM HAND SINK AT TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED
10
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: 2-501.11 OBSERVED NO VOMITOUS AND DIARRHEA INCIDENT CLEAN UP POLICY IN PLACE AND KIT ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: 2-102.14 N OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WATER HEATER LEAKING ON FLOOR IN REAR OF FACILITY NEAR UTILITY SINK. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXCESS WATER COLLECTION/ WATER POOLING ON FLOOR IN REAR NEAR WATER HEATER, MOP SINK AND BAG IN BOX. MUST CLEAN OR REPAIR FLOOR FOR OR LEAK
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FACILITY MISSING REQUIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATION FOR ALL FOOD HANDLER EMPLOYEES. FACILITY MUST OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN ALL REQUIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATION FOR ALL FOOD HANDLER EMPLOYEES ON SITE FOR INSPECTION REVIEW.
57
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: 4-203.112(B) OBSERVED FACILITY MISSING THERMOMETERS FOR REACH IN COOLER AND WALK IN COOLERS FOR FACILITY OR IN DISREPAIR. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN THERMOMETERS FOR UNITS.
36
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS SERVING AND PREPPING FOOD WITHOUT REQUIRED HAIR RESTRAINTS. MUST OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN WHEN HANDLING FOOD.
40
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATION OF FOOD DEBRIS UNDER EQUIPMENT AND IN REAR NEAR BAG AND BOX AREA. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OUTSIDE AND INSIDE OF EQUIPMENT IN FOOD PREP KITCHEN WITH ACCUMULATION OF FOOD DEBRIS REACH IN COOLERS AND UNDER EQUIPMENT. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
39
May 18, 2018
Complaint
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FOORS WET, SLIPPERY FROM WATER, SPILLS. INSTRUCTED TO KEEP FLOORS DRY.
34
95
Mar 27, 2018
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GREASE FILTER MACHIN NOT CLEAN OF GREASE, DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN/MAINTAIN.
33
95
Nov 2, 2017
Reinspection
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS (BEEF, POTATOES) OUT OF THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING AND STORED IN THE WALK IN COOLER AND HELD FOR OVER 24 HOURS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE PRODUCT NAME AND DATE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER LABELS AND MAINTAIN.
30
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED INTERIOR OF THE FRYER WITH ACCUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS. OBSERVED ACCUMULATED SYRUP ON THE SODA NOZZLES LOCATED ON THE SODA MACHINE IN THE CUSTOMER DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALL AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FLOORS UNDER THE FRYER WITH ACCUMULATED GREASE DEBRIS. OBSERVED SODA SPILLS ON THE FLOOR OF THE FOOD PREP HALLWAY. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALL SAID AREAS AND MAINTAIN.
34
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 2 FOOD HANDLER'S (ONE MALE AND ONE FEMALE) WITHOUT FOOD HANDLER'S CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT AND MAINTAIN.
45
82
Oct 26, 2017
Complaint
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER PEST CONTROL. OBSERVED 50 SMALL FLIES LOCATED ON THE WALLS AND CEILINGS OF THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. OBSERVED 30 SMALL FLIES ON THE CEILINGS AND WALLS OF THE CUSTOMER DINING AREA/FRONT FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS AND RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
18
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS (BEEF, POTATOES) OUT OF THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING AND STORED IN THE WALK IN COOLER AND HELD FOR OVER 24 HOURS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE PRODUCT NAME AND DATE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER LABELS AND MAINTAIN.
30
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED INTERIOR OF THE FRYER WITH ACCUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS. OBSERVED ACCUMULATED SYRUP ON THE SODA NOZZLES LOCATED ON THE SODA MACHINE IN THE CUSTOMER DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALL AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FLOORS UNDER THE FRYER WITH ACCUMULATED GREASE DEBRIS. OBSERVED SODA SPILLS ON THE FLOOR OF THE FOOD PREP HALLWAY. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALL SAID AREAS AND MAINTAIN.
34
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 2 FOOD HANDLER'S (ONE MALE AND ONE FEMALE) WITHOUT FOOD HANDLER'S CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT AND MAINTAIN.
45
78
Jun 1, 2017
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Hands washed and cleaned, good hygienic practices; no bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods.
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A FEMALE EMPLOYEE WITH GLOVES ON TOUCHING THE LOWER PART OF HER BUTTOCKS. SAME EMPLOYEE CAME FROM THE REAR FOOD PREPARATION AREA AND PUT ON GLOVES WITHOUT WASHING HER HANDS. INSTRUCTED EMPLOYEE AND ALL EMPLOYEES TO WASH THEIR HANDS WHEN TOUCHING THEIR BODY, PUTTING ON GLOVES, MULTI-TASKING, ETC. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-010(A)
6
Adequate number, convenient, accessible, designed, and maintained
Inspector notes: THE FRONT EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK WAS NOT ACCESSIBLE. THERE WAS A LARGE PLASTIC PITCHER FOUND INSIDE OF THE SINK. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL HAND WASHING SINK ACCESSIBLE WITH SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS AT ALL TIMES FOR PROPER HAND WASHING. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030
11
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: FOUND THE CUTTING BOARDS IN THE FRONT FOOD PREPARATION AREA WITH DEEP, DARK GROOVES AND STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO EITHER SAND OR REPLACE THE CUTTING BOARDS. MAINTAIN A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: THE CAN OPENER, THE STORAGE RACKS INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER AND THE EXTERIOR TOP SURFACE OF THE DEEP FRYERS IN THE FRONT AND REAR FOOD PREPARATION AREA HAS DIRT, FOOD AND GREASE BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. ALSO, MUST CLEAN THE OLD SYRUP AND DIRT BUILD UP FROM THE NOZZLES ON THE SODA MACHINE.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: THE FLOORS UNDER THE SINKS, PREP TABLES, COOLERS AND DEEP FRYERS HAS FOOD AND DIRT BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: THE VENTS IN THE TOILET ROOMS HAS THICK DIRT AND DUST BUILD UP. THE VENTILATION FILTERS IN THE FRONT AND REAR FOOD PREPARATION AREA HAS GREASE BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTIAN ALL.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: THE ELBOW OF THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK THAT'S LOCATED IN FRONT OF THE DEEP FRYERS IN THE REAR FOOD PREPARATION AREA IS LEAKING PROFUSELY. INSTRUCTED TO FIX AND MAINTAIN.
38
70
Nov 3, 2016
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: A GARBAGE BAGE IS USED TO KEEP CLEAN UTENSILS C FROM NEAR POTATO PEALER SPLASHING, INSTRUCTED TO USE PROEPR SURFACES THAT CAN BE CLEANED . NO GARBAGE BAG.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOOR NOT CLEAN BEHIND SODA SYRUP BOXES AT REAR, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: LEAKY AFUCET AT 3-COM SINK, INSTRUCTED TO REAPAIR, A DUCT TAP IS USED TO STOP THE LEAK, MUST BE REPAIRD PROPERLY.
38
86
Dec 3, 2015
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE POTATO CUTTER ON THE WALL IN THE REAR AREA TO REMOVE FOOD DEBRI.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE EXCESSIVE DUST BUILD-UP ON THE DUST FAN GUARD COVERS AT THE CEILING OF THE WALK-IN COOLER. MUST REMOVE DUST BUILD-UP FROM THE WALL AND CEILING LOCATED ABOVE AND BEHIND THE SODA DISPENSING/ICE MACHINE.
35
90
Dec 9, 2014
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: FRYERS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE GREASE BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS THROUGH OUT IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING UNDER AND AROUND ALL EQUIPMENT. CLEAN UNDER 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AROUND GREASE TRAP. MUST CLEAN TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: WALL AT POTATO PREP IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL SPLATTER AND BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
35
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR DAMAGE TO WALL IN REAR PREP AREA. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: HOOD VENTILATION IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL GREASE AND BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
38
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: HANDSINK IN REAR PREP AREA IS SLOW DRAINING. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: ALL PERSONAL ITEMS MUST BE STORED IN A SPECIFC LOCATION. ALL PERSONAL ITEMS MUST BE REMOVE FROM THE PREP AREA. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
41
70
Apr 24, 2014
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Apr 18, 2014
License
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: NO PEST CONTROL LOGBOOK ON SITE. FRONT AND REAR DOOR NOT RODENT PROOFED. MUST CORRECT.
18
Outside garbage waste grease and storage area; clean, rodent proof, all containers covered
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE PROOF OF GRABAGE RECEPTICLE.
19
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: ALL EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL CONSTRUCTION DUST AND DEBRIS.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: ALL FLOORS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL CONTRUCTION DUST AND DEBRIS.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: LEAK AT FRONT PREP HANDSINK HOT WATER FAUCET. MUST CORRECT.
38
78
Apr 1, 2014
License
No violations found.
100
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Al's Beef last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Al's Beef on file is from Jan 28, 2019. The public record contains 12 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Al's Beef?
Across the inspection record, “proper cooling methods used” has been cited eight times, more than any other issue at Al's Beef.
Has Al's Beef's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Al's Beef have averaged around five violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Al's Beef means the most recent inspection flagged either critical violations or a substantial number of smaller ones. Diners may want to read the violation details before deciding to visit.
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