Al's Beef
Last inspected: Jan 16, 2026
86
Score
The health department has logged 17 inspections at Al's Beef, the earliest from 2011. Al's Beef was last inspected on Jan 16, 2026. When a facility lands in the low risk tier, it usually means nothing alarming showed up at the most recent visit.
Things are looking better lately, with recent visits averaging around one violation compared to roughly four violations earlier on.
When inspectors have written things up, “food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean” has been the most frequent reason, cited six times.
That puts the facility ahead of the local pack: the average Chicago restaurant scores 81. Taken together, the history is a positive one.
17
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 16, 2026
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OUTER OPENINGS NOT PROTECTED. OBSERVED REAR EXIT SOUTH DOOR NOT RODENT PROOF WITH 1/2 INCH OPENING ON BOTTOM DOOR. MUST MAKE DOOR RODENT PROOF TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.
38
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HEAVY DUST BUILD UP ON CEILING VENTILATION VENTS INSIDE BOTH WASHROOMS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ONE OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGER WITHOUT THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED ABOVE THA ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE ALLERGEN TRAINING. MUST PROVIDE CERTIFICATE AND MAINTAIN.
58
86
Feb 20, 2025
Routine
No violations found.
100
Mar 11, 2024
Routine
No violations found.
100
Aug 22, 2023
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RUST ACCUMULATION ON SOME STORAGE METAL RACKS INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REPAINT OR REPLACE.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CEILING VENT COVER WITH DUST ACCUMULATION ABOVE SODA DISPENSER IN DINING AREA AND CEILING VENT COVER INSIDE MEN AND WOMEN'S WASHROOM.
55
90
Aug 16, 2022
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HAND SINK FRONT PREP AREA.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
10
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED STAINED CUTTING BOARDS ON TOP OF THE FRONT PREP LINE COOLERS. INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE OR REPLACE THE CUTTING BOARDS.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED STORAGE RACKS INSIDE THE WALK-IN-COOLER WITH EXCESSIVE DRIED UP FOOD DEBRIS.MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WATER LEAK AT DRAIN PIPE UNDERNEATH THE FAR LEFT COMPARTMENT OF THE DISHWASHING 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.MUST REPAIR PLUMBING LEAK AND MAINTAIN.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE LID/COVER FOR THE WASTE RECEPTACLE INSIDE THE WOMEN'S WASHROOM AND MAINTAIN.
53
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ON DUTY WITH EXPIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATIONS. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AS REQUIRED.
58
74
Feb 2, 2021
Routine
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE TCS FOODS (ITALIAN BEEF AND CHILLI) WERE PREPARED AND SERVED AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER (DAVID MORRIS) ARRIVED AT FACILITY 35 MINUTES AFTER INSPECTION STARTED. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT A CERTIFIED MANAGER WITH A CURRENT CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFICATE MUST BE ON PREMISES AT ALL TIMES WHEN TIME AND TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY(TCS) FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED, HANDLED AND/OR SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED. COS
2
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A BOX OF ITALAIN BEEF STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY STORE AND PROTECT FOOD ITEMS FROM CONTAMINATION WHILE STORED BY ELEVATING AT LEAST 6 INCHES FROM THE FLOOR ON RAISED SHELVING UNITS.
39
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER PREPPING FOOD WITHOUT HAIR RESTRAINTS. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT.
40
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WET WIPING CLOTH LAYING ON THE PREP TABLE IN THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA. MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USE.
41
78
Jan 13, 2020
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: ALL BULK SPICE CONTAINERS MUST BE DATED WITH THE PRODUCT COMMON NAME.
37
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: METAL SHELVING UNDER THE COOKS LINE HOT HOLDING UNIT WITH EXCESSIVE GREASE. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: ALL STORED ARTICLES THROUGHOUT THE DINING ROOM CLOSET MUST BE ORGANIZED AND ELEVATED FROM THE FLOORS AND ANY UNNECESSARY ITEMS REMOVED.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: BLACKENED, DAMAGED WALL CAULKING AT THE TWO COMPARTMENT PREP SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.----WALL BEHIND AND UNDER THE COOKS LINE HOT HOLDING UNIT WITH EXCESSIVE GREASE ACCUMULATION. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
82
Mar 13, 2019
Complaint
2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 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 OULINED IN POLICY ON PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: REACH IN PREP COOLERS (ALONG COOKLINE) CONDENSERS WITH DUST BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN EQUIPMENT.
49
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST HAVE FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON PREMISES.
58
74
Mar 22, 2018
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A CUTTING BOARD IN POOR REPAIR IMPROPERLY STORED BEHIND THE FAUCET HEADS OF THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE CUTTING BOARD TO PROVIDE A SMOOTH, EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE AND TO STORE THE CUTTING BOARD IN A SEPARATE CLEAN AREA TO AVOID SPLASH CONTAMINATION.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE INTERIOR SURFACE OF THE MICROWAVE TO REMOVE FOOD DEBRIS BUILDUP AND MAINTAIN.
33
90
May 15, 2017
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD BUILD UP INSIDE PREP AREA REACH IN COOLERS DOOR RUBBER GASKETS AND DUST BUILD UP ON PREP AREA COOLERS COMPRESSORS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN EQUIPMENT.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST RAISE THRESHOLD AT NORTHEAST ENTRANCE/EXIT DOOR.
34
90
May 16, 2016
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZE ICE CHUTE AT THE SODA MACHINE TO REMOVE SLIGHT BUILD-UP.
33
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE IDPH FOOD HANDLING CERTIFICATES FOR ALL NEW EMPLOYEES. ALSO MAINTAIN A LOG STATING EMPLOYEE HIRE DATES FOR APPROPRIATE RECORD KEEPING OF IDPH HANDLING CERTIFICATES.
45
90
Nov 19, 2015
Complaint
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TORN GASKET ON THE 1 DOOR PREP COOLER AT THE FRONT COUNTER. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO REPAIR/REPLACE AND TO MAINTAIN.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE CAULK BETWEEN THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AND THE WALL TO HAVE A BLACK, MOLD-LIKE SUBSTANCE UNDERNEATH IT. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO REMOVE, CLEAN, AND REPLACE AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON THE CEILING VENTS ABOVE THE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED GREASE ACCUMULATION ON THE REAR EXHAUST HOOD AND FILTERS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
35
90
Apr 22, 2015
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: THE FOLLOWING IN NEED FOR CLEANING: MANUAL CAN OPENER AND HOUSING ATTACHED,FAN COVERS IN WALK-IN-COOLER,HOOD/FILTERS AT FRONT COOKING AREA AND MAINTAIN.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: REMOVE DUSTS ACCUMULATIONS FROM THE VENTILATION COVERS INSIDE TOILET ROOMS AND MAINTAIN.
35
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: REPLACE BROKEN THERMOMETER INSIDE THE WALK-IN-COOLER AND MAINTAIN.
40
86
May 27, 2014
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN THE FOLLOWING: VENTS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT, AND FAN GUARDS INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER,
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN LIGHT SHIELDS ATTACHED TO CEILING ABOVE PREP AREA,
35
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN UTILITY CLOSET AREA, BETTER MAINTAIN,
41
86
Sep 20, 2013
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Adequate number, convenient, accessible, designed, and maintained
Inspector notes: FOUND 8 BAGS (50 LBS EACH) OF POTATOES IN FRONT OF THE EXPOSED HAND SINK AND ON THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE OF THE EXPOSED HAND SINK IN THE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT EXPOSED HAND SINK MUST BE ACCESSIBLE AND CONVENIENT TO THE EMPLOYEES TO WASH THEIR HANDS. CITATION ISSUED CRITICAL 7-38-030. MANAGER ASKED ONE OF THE EMPLOYEE TO REMOVE ALL THE BAGS OF POTATOES FROM THE EXPOSED HAND SINK ONE OF THE EMPLOYEE STORED ALL THE BAGS UNDER THE PREP TABLE DURING INSPECTION
11
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LABEL/NAME OF THE PRODUCT ON ALL FOOD CONTAINERS INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER. (NOTED ALL FOOD CONTAINERS HAS A DATE ONLY).
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: CAULKING AROUND THE WASHBOWL SINK OF THE MENS WASHROOM, WORN OUT. INSTRUCTED TO RE CAULK AND MAINTAIN.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: FILTER ABOVE THE GRILL WITH HEAVY GREASE BUILD-UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. WALLS BY THE EXPOSED HAND SINK IN THE PREP AREA,NEEDS DETAIL CLEANING. STAINED AND DAMAGED CEILING TILES IN THE DINING AREA AND INSIDE THE MENS WASHROOM. MUST REPLACE CEILING TILES. MUST CLEAN IN DETAIL THE CEILING ABOVE THE ICE MACHINE,(WITH HEAVY DUST ACCUMULATED). MUST SEAL THE GAP AROUND THE PIPE INSIDE THE SMALL STORAGE ROOM.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: LIGHT SHIELD ON THE LIGHT BULBS ABOVE ON THE HOOD WITH GREASE BUILD-UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
36
78
Nov 15, 2012
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: THE FOLLOWING IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN/SANITIZE; FREEZERS, COOLERS, SLICER, TRAY UNDER SODA DISPENSER, AND MOP SINK.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS INSIDE THE CLOSET, UNDER THE 3PART SINK AND THE SODA MACHINE; ALSO MUST REPLACE MISSING FLOOR TILES UNDER EXPOSED SINK AT 2ND PREP AREA.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN HOODS AND FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT AT BOTH PREP AREAS; ALSO NOTED EXCESSIVE DUST ON VENT COVERS INSIDE BOTH WASHROOMS, MUST REMOVE/CLEAN.
35
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND ORGANIZE CLOSET, ARTICLES MUST BE STORED OFF FLOORS, AWAY FROM WALLS TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
41
82
Nov 4, 2011
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 16, 2026. The public record contains 17 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Al's Beef?
Across the inspection record, “food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at Al's Beef.
Has Al's Beef's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Al's Beef have averaged around one violation per visit, down from roughly four earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Al's Beef 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 Al's Beef inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Al's Beef is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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