Al's Cafe

3636 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85012
Café / Breakfast
License: Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking
Last inspected: Sep 15, 2025
82
Score
Low Risk

With just two inspections in the record, there isn't enough history to establish a clear pattern. The newest entry in the record is dated Sep 15, 2025. Diners can read the low risk label as a sign that recent inspections have gone well.

There hasn't been much movement either way: counts have stayed near two violations per visit across recent inspections.

“Certified food protection manager” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing two times across the record.

That's lower than the typical Phoenix restaurant, which scores around 97. Overall, the inspection record reads well.

2
Inspections
1
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Sep 15, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 minor violation. 1 corrected on site.
View 2 violations
Toxic materials not stored separately from food (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed methanol burners stored above tortillas and single-use food contact items. PIC moved burners at time of inspection. Chemicals must be stored away from food, utensils, and single service items at all times to prevent contamination. All chemicals were relocated and properly stored by PIC at time of inspection
7-201.11
No certified food protection manager
Inspector notes: Observed no certified food protection manager onsite at time of inspection. A Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) is required to be on the premises during all hours of operation
2-102.12(A)
82
May 9, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 1 minor violation. 2 corrected on site.
View 3 violations
Hot or cold food held at improper temperature (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed a metal cambro of dairy butter(86'F) resting on the prep table outside of temperature control. Per PIC they usually keep it warming on the flat top, but this container of butter was rapidly heated the end of the shift to account for a large order. Discussed proper hot holding procedures with PIC. Except during preparation, cooking, cooling or when time is used as a control all TCS foods must be maintained at 135°F or above. All TCS foods improperly hot held were reheated to 165°F at time of inspection
3-501.16(A)(1)
Equipment or utensils not clean (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed an immersion blender and a table-mounted can opener stored as clean with dried food debris on the food-contact surfaces. Discussed cleaning frequency with PIC. All food-contact surfaces must be cleaned to sight and touch. PIC relocated all food-contact surfaces to warewashing area to be washed, rinsed, and sanitized at the time of inspection
4-601.11(A)
No certified food protection manager
Inspector notes: Observed no Certified Food Manager (CFM) onsite at time of inspection. Person in charge (PIC) was unable to produce a valid certified food protection manager certificate. A Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) is required to be on the premises during all hours of operation. Provide a CFPM onsite by next routine inspection
2-102.12(A)
74

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Al's Cafe last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Al's Cafe on file is from Sep 15, 2025. The public record contains two inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Al's Cafe?

Across the inspection record, “certified food protection manager” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Al's Cafe.

How does Al's Cafe compare to other restaurants in Phoenix?

Al's Cafe most recently scored 82 out of 100, which is lower than the Phoenix average of 97.

Has Al's Cafe's inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Al's Cafe have averaged around two violations per visit across the recent record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at Al's Cafe means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.