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AL'S BEEF

2804 N WESTERN AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60618 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

AL'S BEEF has been inspected 17 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since November 4, 2011. The most recent inspection, on January 16, 2026, recorded 3 infractions.

3 of 17 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there was 1 inspection with 3 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Cleaning and sanitizing, Handwashing and staff hygiene and Food source, labelling and allergens.

The number of infractions per inspection has stayed roughly the same over time.

What these findings mean

Health authorities word their violations differently, so we group them by what they mean for food safety. Higher-risk findings are the ones inspectors treat as critical, because they can directly make someone sick.

  • Cleaning and sanitizingHigher risk

    Anything that touches food, such as cutting boards, dishes and utensils, must be washed, rinsed and sanitized. Inspectors check dishwasher temperatures, sanitizer strength and how wiping cloths are stored. Poor sanitizing lets bacteria survive from one use to the next.

    Recorded 4 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on August 16, 2022. For example: NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

  • Handwashing and staff hygieneHigher risk

    Hands are the main way germs like norovirus move from people to food. Inspectors look for stocked, accessible handwashing sinks, staff washing hands when required, hair restraints, and sick employees being kept away from food. Gaps here can spread illness quickly.

    Recorded 3 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on August 16, 2022. For example: ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

  • Food source, labelling and allergensHigher risk

    Food must come from approved suppliers, stay in labelled containers and be thrown out when it is spoiled or damaged, such as dented or swollen cans. Labelling matters for allergies: an unlabelled container can hide an allergen.

    Recorded 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on January 13, 2020. For example: FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

  • PestsHigher risk

    Signs of mice, rats, cockroaches or flies, or gaps and clutter that let them get in or hide. Pests carry bacteria and can contaminate food and surfaces, so evidence of activity is treated seriously and usually triggers a follow-up visit.

    Recorded once on January 16, 2026. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

  • Protecting food from contaminationHigher risk

    This covers how food is stored, prepared and displayed: raw meat kept away from ready-to-eat food, food covered and stored off the floor, and nothing dripping or splashing into it. Cross-contamination from raw to cooked food is a direct route for salmonella and E. coli.

    Recorded once on February 2, 2021. For example: CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

About this data

These results come from Chicago Department of Public Health, which inspects food premises and other public facilities in this area. We republish the authority's public disclosure data and refresh it regularly; the official record is the final word.

17 inspections

  1. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • 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.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED HEAVY DUST BUILD UP ON CEILING VENTILATION VENTS INSIDE BOTH WASHROOMS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • 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.
  2. Canvass

    0 infractions

  3. Canvass

    0 infractions

  4. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED RUST ACCUMULATION ON SOME STORAGE METAL RACKS INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REPAINT OR REPLACE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 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.
  5. Canvass

    6 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HAND SINK FRONT PREP AREA.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED STAINED CUTTING BOARDS ON TOP OF THE FRONT PREP LINE COOLERS. INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE OR REPLACE THE CUTTING BOARDS.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED STORAGE RACKS INSIDE THE WALK-IN-COOLER WITH EXCESSIVE DRIED UP FOOD DEBRIS.MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED WATER LEAK AT DRAIN PIPE UNDERNEATH THE FAR LEFT COMPARTMENT OF THE DISHWASHING 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.MUST REPAIR PLUMBING LEAK AND MAINTAIN.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • MUST PROVIDE LID/COVER FOR THE WASTE RECEPTACLE INSIDE THE WOMEN'S WASHROOM AND MAINTAIN.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ON DUTY WITH EXPIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATIONS. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AS REQUIRED.
  6. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • 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
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • 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.
    • 40. PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
      • OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER PREPPING FOOD WITHOUT HAIR RESTRAINTS. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT.
    • 41. WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
      • 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.
  7. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • ALL BULK SPICE CONTAINERS MUST BE DATED WITH THE PRODUCT COMMON NAME.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • METAL SHELVING UNDER THE COOKS LINE HOT HOLDING UNIT WITH EXCESSIVE GREASE. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 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. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • ALL STORED ARTICLES THROUGHOUT THE DINING ROOM CLOSET MUST BE ORGANIZED AND ELEVATED FROM THE FLOORS AND ANY UNNECESSARY ITEMS REMOVED.
  8. Complaint

    4 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • 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.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • REACH IN PREP COOLERS (ALONG COOKLINE) CONDENSERS WITH DUST BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN EQUIPMENT.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST HAVE FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON PREMISES.
  9. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • 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.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE INTERIOR SURFACE OF THE MICROWAVE TO REMOVE FOOD DEBRIS BUILDUP AND MAINTAIN.
  10. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • 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.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • MUST RAISE THRESHOLD AT NORTHEAST ENTRANCE/EXIT DOOR.
  11. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZE ICE CHUTE AT THE SODA MACHINE TO REMOVE SLIGHT BUILD-UP.
    • 45. FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET
      • 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.
  12. Complaint

    2 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED TORN GASKET ON THE 1 DOOR PREP COOLER AT THE FRONT COUNTER. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO REPAIR/REPLACE AND TO MAINTAIN.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • 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.
  13. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • 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.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • REMOVE DUSTS ACCUMULATIONS FROM THE VENTILATION COVERS INSIDE TOILET ROOMS AND MAINTAIN.
    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • REPLACE BROKEN THERMOMETER INSIDE THE WALK-IN-COOLER AND MAINTAIN.
  14. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • MUST CLEAN THE FOLLOWING: VENTS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT, AND FAN GUARDS INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER,
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • MUST CLEAN LIGHT SHIELDS ATTACHED TO CEILING ABOVE PREP AREA,
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • MUST CLEAN UTILITY CLOSET AREA, BETTER MAINTAIN,
  15. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 11. ADEQUATE NUMBER, CONVENIENT, ACCESSIBLE, DESIGNED, AND MAINTAINED
      • 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
    • 30. FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
      • 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).
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • CAULKING AROUND THE WASHBOWL SINK OF THE MENS WASHROOM, WORN OUT. INSTRUCTED TO RE CAULK AND MAINTAIN.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • 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.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • LIGHT SHIELD ON THE LIGHT BULBS ABOVE ON THE HOOD WITH GREASE BUILD-UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
  16. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • THE FOLLOWING IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN/SANITIZE; FREEZERS, COOLERS, SLICER, TRAY UNDER SODA DISPENSER, AND MOP SINK.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • 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.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • 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.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND ORGANIZE CLOSET, ARTICLES MUST BE STORED OFF FLOORS, AWAY FROM WALLS TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
  17. License

    0 infractions

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