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BIG AL'S RESTAURANT

5333 S KEDZIE AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60632 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

BIG AL'S RESTAURANT has been inspected 17 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since December 18, 2013. The most recent inspection, on August 7, 2026, recorded 6 infractions.

3 of 17 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there was 1 inspection with 6 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Food temperature control, Handwashing and staff hygiene and Protecting food from contamination.

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.

  • Food temperature controlHigher risk

    Bacteria multiply fastest between about 4 °C and 60 °C (40 °F to 140 °F). Inspectors check that cold food stays cold, hot food stays hot, cooked food is cooled quickly, and that staff have accurate thermometers. Temperature problems are one of the most common causes of food poisoning, so these are treated as critical findings.

    Recorded 4 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on August 7, 2026. For example: PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL

  • 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 7, 2026. For example: ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

  • 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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on June 23, 2023. For example: CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

  • 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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on December 1, 2022. For example: NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

  • 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 August 7, 2026. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

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

    6 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HANDWASHING SINKS IN PREP/DISHWASHING AREAS AND ALL GENDER WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO POST CLEARLY VISIBLE SIGNAGE AT ALL HANDWASHING SINKS USED BY FOOD EMPLOYEES THAT NOTIFIES FOOD EMPLOYEES TO WASH THEIR HANDS.
    • 33. PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
      • OBSERVED LEFT COMPARTMENT OF MILK SHAKE COLD HOLDING UNIT AT IMPROPER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE OF 65.3F, AT TIME OF INSPECTION MILK SHAKE COLD HOLDING UNIT NOT IN USE. INSTRUCTED ALL COLD HOLDING UNITS MUST BE MAINTAINED AT 41F OR BELOW. CORRECTED ON SITE HELD FOR INSPECTION TAG PLACED ON MILK SHAKE COLD HOLDING UNIT. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED OPENING AT LOWER RIGHT SIDE OF REAR EXIT DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRANCE.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED CARDBAORD SHELF LINER ON LOWER SHELVES OF PREP TABLES IN PREP AREA UNDERNEATH COOKLINE EQUIPMENT.INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CARDBOARD SHELF LINERS, INSTRUCTED NONFOOD CONTACT SURFACES OF EQUIPMENT SHALL BE CONSTRUCTED OF A CORROSION RESISTANT, NONABSORBENT AND SMOOTH MATERIAL FOR EASE OF CLEANABILITY. OBSERVED PICKLE BUCKET STORED ON FLOOR OF WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING UNITS TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD AND NON FOOD ITEMS AT LEAST SIX INCHES OFF OF FLOOR FOR EASE OF CLEANABILITY.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP ON EXTERIOR OF GREASE TRAP AND BLACK BUILDUP ON FLOOR BEHIND GREASE TRAP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN EXTERIOR OF GREASE TRAP AND FLOOR SURROUNDING GREASE TRAP AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED BROWN STAINS ON CEILING IN ALL GENDER WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE STAINS AND SMOOTHLY REPAINT CEILING IN ALL GENDER WASHROOM FOR EASE OF CLEANABILITY.
  2. Complaint

    0 infractions

  3. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED GREASE BUILD-UP ON FILTERS AND HOOD SYSTEM. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN ALLERGEN TRAINING AND RETAIN CERTIFICATE ON SITE.
  4. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED FOOD CONTAINERS STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE WALK-IN COOLER AND FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY STORE AND PROTECT FOOD ITEMS FROM CONTAMINATION WHILE STORED BY ELEVATING AT LEAST SIX INCHES FROM THE FLOOR ON RAISED SHELVING UNITS.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED 3-COMPARTMENT SINK STOPPERS MISSING/NOT WORKING AT LEFT SIDE AND MIDDLE COMPARTMENTS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE WORKING STOPPERS AT 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED MOP IN A POSITION THAT DOES NOT ALLOW TO DRY PROPERLY AND PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE. MUST STORE MOP AFTER USE IN A MOUNTED POSITION THAT ALLOWS FOR AIR-DRYING WITHOUT SOILING AND PEST HARBORAGING.
  5. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • MUST PROVIDE HANDWASHING SIGN IN RESTROOM, MAINTAIN.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • FOUND TORN GASKET AT BOTTOM OF WALK IN FREEZER DOOR. MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • FOUND RUSTY SHELVING INSIDE REACH IN COOLER NEXT TO FRYER. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN FOR A SMOOTH AND EASY TO CLEAN SURFACE.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • MUST PROVIDE COVERED RECEPTACLE IN UNISEX RESTROOM, MAINTAIN.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • FOUND EXPIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE FOR MANAGER. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN VERIFICATION ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
  6. Canvass Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  7. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • FOOD STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK IN COOLER. INSTD TO ELEVATE 6 INCHES
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • 3-COMPARTMENT SINK FAUCET UNABLE TO EXTEND TO EACH COMPARTMENT. INSTD TO PROVIDE FAUCET ABLE TO EXTEND TO EACH COMPARTMENT. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-025 PRIORITY FOUNDATION
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • LIGHT OUT IN REAR ABOVE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTD TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN
  8. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY DURING INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • OBSERVED NO PROCEDURE AND CLEAN-UP KIT FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEA EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED THE FLOORS BEHIND THE FURNACE, ICE MACHINE, 3-COMP SINK AND SHELVING WITH AN ACCUMULATION OF DUST AND DIRT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED VENTILATION SYSTEM ABOVE THE FLATTOP GRILL NOT WORKING PROPERLY. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
  9. Canvass Re-Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • NO EXPOSED HANDSINK IN REAR WHERE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATED. INSTD TO INSTALL EXPOSED HANDSINK WITH HOT/COLD RUNNING WATER UNDER CITY PRESSURE IN SAME AREA.
  10. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 22. DISH MACHINES: PROVIDED WITH ACCURATE THERMOMETERS, CHEMICAL TEST KITS AND SUITABLE GAUGE COCK
      • NO CHEMICAL TEST KIT ON SITE FOR TESTING CONCENTRATION OF SANITIZER AT 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTD TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ON SITE. VIOLATION 7-38-030 SERIOUS.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • NO EXPOSED HANDSINK IN REAR WHERE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATED. INSTD TO INSTALL EXPOSED HANDSINK WITH HOT/COLD RUNNING WATER UNDER CITY PRESSURE IN SAME AREA. MISSING STOPPERS FOR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTD TO PROVIDE PROPER STOPPERS AND MAINTAIN.
    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • NO METAL STEM THERMOMETERS ON SITE. INSTD TO PROVIDE.
  11. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED CUT BREAD STORED IN GROCERY BAGS IN WALK-IN COOLER, INSTRUCTED TO USE PROPER FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS, OR BAGGIES/ZIP LOC ETC. ALSO REMOVE THE RUST FROM WALK-IN COOLER STORAGE RACKS.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • OBSERVED THE WALK-IN COOLER STORAGE SHELVES NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • OBSERVED REAR WALL NOT CLEAN KETCHUP ON WALL, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.ALSO CLEAN CEILING IN THE REAR WALK-IN COOLER, AND REAR CEILING VENT DUSTY.
  12. Canvass Re-Inspection

    3 infractions

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • CLEAN THE GREASE FROM THE VENTILATION HOOD.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • CLEAN THE GREASE FROM THE WALL BEHIND THE GRILL.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • MUST INSTALL A LIGHT SHIELD WHERE MISSING NEXT TO THE VENTILATION HOOD.
  13. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 2. FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE
      • FACILITIES DO NOT MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE. OBSERVED THE 2 DOOR PREP COOLER WITH AN AIR TEMPERATURE OF 50F. THE COOLER WAS USED TO STORE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS SUCH AS CHICKEN AND CHEESE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN BELOW 40F. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A.
    • 3. POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE
      • OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES INSIDE OF THE PREP COOLER. OBSERVED CHICKEN AT 49.8F, BEEF AT 43.3F, CHEESE AT 48.2F, POLISH DOGS AT 46.1F, CUT TOMATOES AT 47.1F, PORK AT 45.9F, PIZZA PUFFS AT 50.5F, AND CHORIZO AT 49.8F. MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED APPROXIMATELY 10# OF FOOD WROTH APPROXIMATELY $100. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • CLEAN THE GREASE FROM THE VENTILATION HOOD AND DEAD INSECTS FROM THE LIGHT SHIELDS.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • CLEAN THE GREASE FROM THE WALL BEHIND THE GRILL. SCRAPE AND REPAINT THE CHIPPED PAINT ON THE DUCTWORK ABOVE THE DRY STORAGE SHELF.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • MUST INSTALL LIGHT SHIELDS AND END CAPS FOR THE LIGHT SHIELD ABOVE THE STEAM TABLE.
  14. Canvass Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  15. Canvass

    6 infractions

    • 21. * CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED
      • OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION MANAGER ON PREMISES WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS BEING PREPARED AND SERVED RE-FRIED BEANS 150.4*F, BEEF 160.2*F, ICECREAM 39.2*F, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012a.
    • 29. PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION(S) CORRECTED 7-42-090
      • OBSERVED PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED #38 OBSERVED TOP LOADER ICE CREAM MACHINE WITHOUT RUNNING HOT AND COLD WATER TO TOP OF THE MACHINE, REPORT 1474161 DATED 6/27/2014 CORRECT BY DATE 9/27/2014. MUST PROVIDE. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-090.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF THE FRONT UPRIGHT FREEZER NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • OBSERVED THE LIGHT SHIELDS NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED HAND DIPPED ICE CREAM IN REAR COOLER, NO DIPPER WELL, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
    • 45. FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET
      • OBSERVED 3 EMPLOYEES WORKING ONLY ONE FOOD HANDLER CERT. INSTRUCTED THE OTHER 2 EMPLOYEES TO PROVIDE. COPY OF IDPH'S FOOD HANDLER INFO. GIVEN AT THIS TIME.
  16. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • OBSERVED THE FLOOR NOT CLEAN UNDER THE FRONT FRYERS, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED TOP LOADER ICE CREAM MACHINE WITH OUT RUNNING HOT AND COLD WATER OVER THE TOP OF THE MACHINE, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.ALSO PROVIDE SINK STOPPERS FOR REAR 3 COMP SINK.
  17. License

    2 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • CUTTING BOARD STAINED, WITH DEEP, DARK GROOVES. REPLACE/REPAIR SAME.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • WALK-IN COOLER FLOOR WITH RAW CONCRETE. INSTD TO SEAL SAME SO AS TO BE SMOOTH, EVEN, EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.

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