Al's Beef Restaurant
Last inspected: Mar 17, 2020
78
Score
Al's Beef Restaurant appears in inspection records 17 times, starting in 2010. On Mar 17, 2020, the health department conducted the most recent visit. A low risk rating suggests inspectors haven't found much to be concerned about lately. The file hasn't been updated since Mar 17, 2020, so take the current picture with that in mind.
Recent inspections have turned up more issues than earlier ones, averaging around four violations lately compared to roughly two violations before.
“Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed” comes up most often, recorded 11 times in the inspection record.
Compared to other Chicago restaurants (averaging 81), there's room to close the gap. Nothing in the record is alarming, but there's room to improve.
17
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
5
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 17, 2020
Complaint
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CAN OPENER ON PREP TABLE IN REAR PREP AREA COVERED IN RUST AND FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS THROUGHOUT OUT FRONT GRILL AREA AND REAR PREP AREA COVERED WITH DEEP GROOVES AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH, CLEANABLE CUTTING SURFACES.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A LEAKING COMPRESSOR INSIDE PREP COOLER LOCATED ON FRONT PREP LINE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
47
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE IN UNISEX EMPLOYEE BATHROOM LOCATED IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A BUILD UP OF BLACK SLIME INSIDE CAULK AROUND 3 COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATED IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE, CLEAN, SANITIZE, RE-CAULK, AND MAINTAIN.
55
78
Feb 7, 2020
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CAN OPENER ON PREP TABLE IN REAR PREP AREA COVERED IN RUST AND FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS THROUGHOUT OUT FRONT GRILL AREA AND REAR PREP AREA COVERED WITH DEEP GROOVES AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH, CLEANABLE CUTTING SURFACES.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A BUILD UP OF BLACK SLIME INSIDE CAULK AROUND 3 COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATED IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE, CLEAN, SANITIZE, RE-CAULK, AND MAINTAIN.
55
86
May 9, 2019
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE, INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: NO VOMIT/ DIARRHEA CLEAN UP KIT ON SITE, INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN.
5
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: INADEQUATE LIGHTING IN BASEMENT WALK-IN COOLER, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING.
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE FOR FOOD SERVICE MANAGER, INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN.
58
82
May 23, 2018
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOIL BEING USED TO LINE COOLER SHELVES AND THE SHELF ABOVE THE REAR PREP STOVE. OBSERVED CARDBOARD BEING USED TO LINE SHELVING IN REAR COOK LINE AND THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CARDBOARD AND FOIL AND MAINTAIN EQUIPMENT AND FOOD STORAGE SURFACES TO BE SMOOTH, NON-ABSORBENT AND EASILY CLEANABLE. OBSERVED THE SODA MACHINE IN BASEMENT STORED BELOW EXPOSED WASTEWATER PIPES. INSTRUCTED TO RELOCATE SODA MACHINE SO IT IS NOT DIRECTLY BELOW EXPOSED WASTEWATER PIPES, OR PROVIDE NON-PERMEABLE SHIELD ON PIPES.
32
95
May 16, 2017
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: FOUND THE REAR EXIT SCREENDOOR AS YOU COME UP FROM THE BASEMENT IN POOR REPAIR.FOUND SCREEN DOOR COMPLETELY COVERED IN ACCUMULATED DUST AND A FEW HOLES ON THE SCREEN COVERED UP WITH TAPE.INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE/REPAIR AND MAINTAIN ABOVE STATED.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: FOUND VERY RUSTED SHELVING RACKS INSIDE THE 2-DR REFRIGERATORS LOCATED ACROSS FROM THE COOKING LINE.MUST REPAIR/REPLACE AND MAINTAIN SO AS TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
33
90
Jun 24, 2016
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ONE PREP AREA CEILING LIGHT BULB NOT CLEAN ABOVE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST CLEAN LIGHT COVER.
35
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ONE FOOD HANDLER NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS.
42
90
Oct 27, 2015
Complaint
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FAN COVERS IN UPSTAIRS WALK IN COOLER UNCLEAN. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN COVERS AND AREA AROUND COVERS. OBSERVED VENT WITHIN EMPLOYEE WASHROOM WITH DUST ACCUMULATION. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
35
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: REMOVE OLD FRYER FROM REAR EXIT.
41
90
Mar 11, 2015
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Outside garbage waste grease and storage area; clean, rodent proof, all containers covered
Inspector notes: FOUND OUTSIDE GREASE CONTAINER LID,NOT MAINTAINED AND SURROUNDING AREAS WITH DEBRIS, INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT SURROUNDING AREAS OF THE DUMPSTER AND GREASE CONTAINER MUST BE CLEAN, MAINTAINED ALL THE TIMES. CITATION ISSUED SERIOUS 7-38-020. MANAGER/OWNER ASKED ONE OF THE EMPLOYEE TO GO OUT AND CLEAN THE SURROUNDING AREAS AND LID OF THE GREASE CONTAINER DURING INSPECTION.
19
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE LABEL(NAME OF THE PRODUCT) AND DATE ON ALL FOOD CONTAINERS WITH READY TO EAT FOOD INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER. ALSO ALL BULK FOOD CONTAINERS MUST HAVE A LABEL.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST RE CAULK ALONG THE SPLASH GUARD OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK, 2 COMPARTMENT SINK AND HAND SINK. CAULK WORN OUT WITH BLACK MOLDY LIKE SUBSTANCE. MUST INSTALL A SPLASH GUARD ON THE 2 COMPARTMENT PREP SINK DUE TO VERY CLOSE TO THE MOP SINK.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN IN DETAIL INTERIOR DOOR OF THE DEEP FRYER(WITH DUST AND GREASE ACCUMULATED) AND MAINTAIN.
33
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: NO FOOD HANDLER'S TRAINING CERTIFICATE ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE.
45
78
May 6, 2014
Routine
No violations found.
100
Oct 15, 2013
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE LOCATED IN REAR PREP AREA.
32
Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters
Inspector notes: EXPOSED HANDWASH SINK IN REAR PREP AREA IS SLOW DRAINING. MUST REPAIR.
37
90
Nov 19, 2012
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE PREPARING AND SERVING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS. NO CERTIFICATE POSTED. INSTRUCTED MGR TO OBTAIN.
21
Toxic items properly stored, labeled and used
Inspector notes: INADEQUATE FOOD PROTECTION, FOUND SEVERAL CONTAINERS OF CLEANING CHEMICALS STORED ON SHELF ABOVE PREP TABLE AND BREAD CONTAINER. INSTRUCTED TO STORE ALL TOXIC ITEMS AWAY FROM PREP AREA AND FOOD STORAGE.
25
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MOLDY WOODEN SHELVES, CARDBOARD COVERING SHELVES IN WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MGR TO REMOVE WOOD AND CARD BOARD,INSTRUCTED TO USE NON-ABSORBANT SURFACES.
32
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: LARGE PLASTIC BAG FOR BREAD STORAGE NOT CLEAN AND DETERIORATED. INSTRUCTED TO USE SOUND AND CLEAN FOOD CONTACT CONTAINERS.
32
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLER NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINT, INSTRUCTE DTO WEAR.
42
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: ICE SCOOP STORED IN ICE MAKER ON TOP OF CUBES, INSTRUCTED TO STORE OFF CUBES.
43
74
Nov 7, 2011
Tag Removal
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. REPLACE THE BROKEN CUTTING BOARDS IN THE PREP AREA. DOOR HANDLE IS MISSING FOR THE MICROWAVE. MUST REPAIR.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. DETAIL CLEAN THE VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS, WIRE RACKS, STORAGE SHELVES, PREP TABLES.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. DETAIL CLEAN THE FLOOR OF THE BASEMENT STORAGE ROOM. REMOVE DEAD INSECTS FROM THE FLOORS IN THE BASEMENT.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. DETAIL CLEAN AND REPAINT THE WALLS AND DOOR OF THE BASEMENT RESTROOM. DETAIL CLEAN THE FRP BOARD IN THE PREP AREA. REPLACE MISSING SECTION OF FRP BOARD NEXT TO THE ICE MACHINE. REMOVE SPIDERWEBS FROM WALLS AND CEILING OF THE BASEMENT. REPAINT OR REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES IN THE PREP AREA.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: Shielding to protect against broken glass falling into food shall be provided for all artificial lighting sources in preparation, service, and display facilities. REPLACE THE BROKEN LIGHT SHIELD ABOVE THE REAR PREP TABLE.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: REPLACE THE BROKEN MOP SINK (CRACK IN THE PLASTIC).
38
74
Oct 28, 2011
Routine
8 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector notes: All food establishments that display, prepare, or store potentially hazardous food shall have adequate refrigerated food storage facilities. FACILITIES DO NOT MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE. OBSERVED THE PREP COOLER NEXT TO THE STEAM TABLE AT 50F. UNIT WAS USED TO STORE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS SUCH AS CHICKEN, HAMBURGERS, HOT DOGS. UNIT TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN COOLER BELOW 40F AND FAX REINSPECTION LETTER TO (312) 746-4240. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A.
2
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: All cold food shall be stored at a temperature of 40F or less. POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS STORED AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES. OBSERVED RAW CHICKEN AT 49F, POLISH DOGS AT 47F, HOT DOGS AT 48F, AND CHEESE AT 61F. MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED 10# OF FOOD WORTH $32. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A.
3
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. REPLACE THE BROKEN CUTTING BOARDS IN THE PREP AREA. DOOR HANDLE IS MISSING FOR THE MICROWAVE. MUST REPAIR.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. DETAIL CLEAN THE VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS, WIRE RACKS, STORAGE SHELVES, PREP TABLES.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. DETAIL CLEAN THE FLOOR OF THE BASEMENT STORAGE ROOM. REMOVE DEAD INSECTS FROM THE FLOORS IN THE BASEMENT.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. DETAIL CLEAN AND REPAINT THE WALLS AND DOOR OF THE BASEMENT RESTROOM. DETAIL CLEAN THE FRP BOARD IN THE PREP AREA. REPLACE MISSING SECTION OF FRP BOARD NEXT TO THE ICE MACHINE. REMOVE SPIDERWEBS FROM WALLS AND CEILING OF THE BASEMENT. REPAINT OR REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES IN THE PREP AREA.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: Shielding to protect against broken glass falling into food shall be provided for all artificial lighting sources in preparation, service, and display facilities. REPLACE THE BROKEN LIGHT SHIELD ABOVE THE REAR PREP TABLE.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: REPLACE THE BROKEN MOP SINK (CRACK IN THE PLASTIC).
38
67
Nov 9, 2010
Complaint
No violations found.
100
Aug 25, 2010
Reinspection
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: SEE REPORT DATED 08/18/10
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: SEE REPORTED DATED 08/18/10
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: SEE REPORT DATED 08/18/10
36
86
Aug 18, 2010
Complaint
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: All necessary control measures shall be used to effectively minimize or eliminate the presence of rodents, roaches, and other vermin and insects on the premises of all food establishments, in food-transporting vehicles, and in vending machines. OBSERVED OVER 30 LIVE SMALL FLIES AT REAR STORAGE AROUND POTATOES, BREAD CUTTING AREA AND IN BASEMENT OUTSIDE OF WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL INSECT ACTIVITY. ADVISED TO CALL PEST CONTROL OPERATOR FOR SERVICE. CITATION ISSUED. TICKET #H000062271 11.
18
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. MUST REMOVE PEELING PAINT FROM VENTILATION HOOD BY HANDWASH BOWL SIDE.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. OBSERVED WATER DRIPPING FROM CEILING TILES ABOVE REAR STORAGE AREA. MUST REPAIR LEAK ALSO MUST CLEAN ALL UNCLEAN WALLS BY POTATOES, BASEMENT AREA.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: Shielding to protect against broken glass falling into food shall be provided for all artificial lighting sources in preparation, service, and display facilities. OBSERVED CRACKED CEILING LIGHT COVER ABOVE BREAD CUTTING AREA. MUST REPLACE DAMAGED LIGHT COVER.
36
82
Jan 21, 2010
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. Observed rust/food build up on shelves at prep line coolers. Must replace all rusted shelves.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. The following not clean- observed accumilated food build up inside prep coolers door rubber gaskets, interior of prep coolers fan guards with dust build up and shelves at bread table. Must clean and maintain call unclean equipment.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. Observed food build up on floor under cooking equipment at rear prep area. Must keep floor clean.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. Observed dust build up on ceiling tiles and ceiling light covers above prep areas. Must clean all unclean ceiling tiles/light covers.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health. 3-compartment sink pipe leaking under middle compartment. Must repair and maintain plumbing.
38
78
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Al's Beef Restaurant last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Al's Beef Restaurant on file is from Mar 17, 2020. The public record contains 17 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Al's Beef Restaurant?
Across the inspection record, “food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed” has been cited 11 times, more than any other issue at Al's Beef Restaurant.
Has Al's Beef Restaurant's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Al's Beef Restaurant have averaged around four violations per visit, up from roughly two earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Al's Beef Restaurant means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.
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