ALEXANDER'S THE GREAT.
4357 N WESTERN AVE · NORTH CENTER, CHICAGO
Failed 2 of 7 inspections. 10 critical violations on the cumulative record. Pattern of issues, not a one-off.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTION HISTORY
SEP 172025PASSED3 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 20 DEAD COCKROACHES ON FLOOR THROUGHOUT BASEMENT AREA (ALONG NORTHERN WALL). INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE DEAD COCKROACHES AND MAINTAIN ALL AREAS OF THE FACILITY FREE FROM DEAD OR TRAPPED BIRDS, INSECTS, RODENTS AND OTHER PESTS TO PREVENT DECOMPOSITION AND ATTRACTION OF ADDITIONAL PESTS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AFFECTED AREA(S).
OBSERVED BOXES OF UNCUT TOMATOES STORED DIRECTLY BENEATH STAIRWELL IN THE BASEMENT AREA. INSTRUCTED TO RELOCATE UNCUT TOMATOES AND MAINTAIN FOOD ITEMS OUTSIDE OF PROHIBITED AREAS SUCH AS BENEATH STAIRWELLS DURING STORAGE.
OBSERVED CERAMIC PLATE USED AS A SCOOP IN THE BASEMENT AREA ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CERAMIC PLATE AND REPLACE WITH MUTLI-USE UTENSIL WITH A HANDLE TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION OF ICE WHILE SCOOPING AND MAINTAIN.
SEP 102025FAILED9 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED NO PERSON-IN-CHARGE WITH CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER TRAINING OR CERTIFICATE ON-SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN AT LEAST ONE PERSON-IN-CHARGE WITH CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER TRAINING ON-SITE AT ALL TIMES OF OPERATIONS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.
OBSERVED NO FOOD EMPLOYEE WITH CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER TRAINING OR ORIGINAL COPY OF CERTIFICATE ON-SITE WHILE TCS FOOD ITEMS (CHEESESTEAKS, WINGS) ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN AT LEAST ONE FOOD EMPLOYEE WITH CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER TRAINING AND ORIGINAL COPY OF CERTIFICATE POSTED ON-SITE AT ALL TIMES OF FOOD OPERATIONS AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.
SEE VIOLATION #60.
OBSERVED MAIN COOK LINE COOLER AT IMPROPER INTERNAL AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE FOR COLD-HOLDING TCS FOOD ITEMS. PERSON-IN-CHARGE AWARE OF EQUIPMENT IN POOR REPAIR AND REMOVED ALL TCS FOOD FROM COOLER PRIOR TO INSPECTOR ARRIVAL, AND PROVIDED PROOF OF SCHEDULED REPAIR FROM LICENSED TECHNICIAN AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE LINE COOLER TO MAINTAIN INTERNAL AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE ADEQUATE FOR COLD-HOLDING TCS FOOD ITEMS AT 41.0F OR BELOW. TAGGED EQUIPMENT ON-SITE WITH INSTRUCTIONS TO CONTACT CDPH ONCE REPAIRED OR REPLACED AND PRIOR TO USE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 20 DEAD COCKROACHES ON FLOOR THROUGHOUT BASEMENT AREA (ALONG NORTHERN WALL). INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE DEAD COCKROACHES AND MAINTAIN ALL AREAS OF THE FACILITY FREE FROM DEAD OR TRAPPED BIRDS, INSECTS, RODENTS AND OTHER PESTS TO PREVENT DECOMPOSITION AND ATTRACTION OF ADDITIONAL PESTS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AFFECTED AREA(S).
OBSERVED BOXES OF UNCUT TOMATOES STORED DIRECTLY BENEATH STAIRWELL IN THE BASEMENT AREA. INSTRUCTED TO RELOCATE UNCUT TOMATOES AND MAINTAIN FOOD ITEMS OUTSIDE OF PROHIBITED AREAS SUCH AS BENEATH STAIRWELLS DURING STORAGE.
OBSERVED CERAMIC PLATE USED AS A SCOOP IN THE BASEMENT AREA ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CERAMIC PLATE AND REPLACE WITH MUTLI-USE UTENSIL WITH A HANDLE TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION OF ICE WHILE SCOOPING AND MAINTAIN.
SEE VIOLATION #60.
OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING CORE VIOLATIONS FROM PREVIOUS CANVASS INSPECTION (INSPECTION NO. 2613925) ON 3/17/2025 NOT CORRECTED AT TIME OF CURRENT COMPLAINT INSPECTION: #16 4-602.11(B-E): OBSERVED INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE BIN AND INTERIOR GUARD WITH SOME DIRT, NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. #53 5-501.17: OBSERVED NO COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE IN THE WOMENS' TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE A COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE FOR THE WOMENS' TOILET ROOM AND MAINTAIN. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT ALL CORE VIOLATIONS FROM PREVIOUS CANVASS INSPECTION AND CORRECT ALL VIOLATIONS BY THE CORRECT BY DATE LISTED ON THE INSPECTION REPORT AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.
MAR 172025PASS W/ CONDITIONS4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS CERTIFICATE POSTED. PREMISES SERVES TCS FOODS: EGGS, STEAK, TURKEY, CHICKEN, ETC. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE THEY MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN, POST CERTIFICATE VISIBLE TO CUSTOMERS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE BIN AND INTERIOR GUARD WITH SOME DIRT, NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED OVERHEAD WASTE PIPES NOT SHIELDED IN BASEMENT FOOD STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ENCASE ALL WASTE LINES TO INTERCEPT POTENTIAL DRIPS. (FOOD MAY NOT BE STORED UNDER LEAKY WATER LINES,SEWER LINES,MECHANICAL ROOMS,TOILET ROOMS,LOCKER ROOMS,OPEN STAIRWELLS,GARBAGE ROOMS)
OBSERVED NO COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE IN THE WOMENS' TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE A COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE FOR THE WOMENS' TOILET ROOM AND MAINTAIN.
OCT 102024PASSED4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 40 DEAD ROACHES THROUGHOUT BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL DEAD INSECTS AND MAINTAIN FACILITY FREE OF DEAD PESTS.
OBSERVED SINGLE USE PLASTIC CONTAINERS, SUCH AS OLD NUTELLA CONTAINERS, USED TO STORE FOOD, SUCH AS GRAVY. INSTRUCTED TO CEASE USE OF OLD CONTAINERS AND USE ONLY FOOD GRADE, RE-USUABLE CONTAINERS.
OBSERVED HEAVY BUILD UP OF FOOD DEBRIS AND GRIME IN INTERIOR OF GASKETS ON 3 DOOR COOLER IN PREP AREA OPPOSITE GRILL. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
OBSERVED UNUSED REFRIGERATOR, WASHING MACHINE, 3 COMPARTMENT SINK, AND DELI DSIPLAY CASE IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE FROM PREMISES.
OCT 112023PASSED1 violationDETAILS
5-501.115 OBSERVED PIECES OF WOOD AND DEBRIS ON GROUND BEHIND GARBAGE DUMPSTER IN REAR OUTSIDE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
show all 7 inspections →
OCT 42023FAILED7 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
PERSON IN CHARGE DOES NOT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION
NO CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED ON THE PREMISES OR SUCH PERSON ON SITE DURING THE INSPECTION WHILE TCS FOODS (BEEF, CHICKEN, PORK, SOUPS, SALADS ETC) ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING HANDLED. CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE MUST BE POSTED ON THE PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED
INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER.
FOUND NO IRREVERSIBLE REGISTERING TEMPERATURE INDICATORS OR TEST STRIPS/STICKERS ARE PROVIDED TO MEASURE THE SURFACE TEMPERATURE OF UTENSILS/PLATES (HIGH TEMPERATURE DISHMACHINE WITH GAUGE READING 192F). INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE SURFACE TEMPERATURE TEST STRIPS OR IRREVERSIBLE (SURFACE) REGISTERING THERMOMETER TO TAKE THE TEMPERATURE OF THE WATER INSIDE HIGH TEMPERATURE DISHMACHINE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005
OBSERVED PIECES OF WOOD AND DEBRIS ON GROUND BEHIND GARBAGE DUMPSTER IN REAR OUTSIDE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES/CARDBOARD BOXES IN THE BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. FOOD AND NON FOOD MUST BE STORED 6" OFF THE FLOOR FOR EASY ACCESS ON CLEANING AND TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT# 2567926 ISSUED ON 12-05-2022 PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED #53 - OBSERVED NO SELF-CLOSING DOOR DEVICE ON THE WASHROOM DOORS.INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A SELF-CLOSING DOOR DEVICE ON BOTH WASHROOM DOORS. #58 - ALLERGEN TRAINING IS REQUIRED FOR ALL EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETE TRAINING AND KEEP CURRENT CERTIFICATE ON SITE.
DEC 52022PASS W/ CONDITIONS5 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010.
OBSERVED REAR BASEMENT EXIT DOOR WITH GAPS AND OPENINGS AT BOTTOM OF DOOR.INSTRUCTED TO PEST PROOF SAID DOOR ALL ACROSS THE BOTTOMS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.
OBSERVED STAINED CUTTING BOARD ON TOP OF THE 3-DOOR PREP LINE COOLER.INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE OR REPLACE THE CUTTING BOARD AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED NO SELF-CLOSING DOOR DEVICE ON THE WASHROOM DOORS.INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A SELF-CLOSING DOOR DEVICE ON BOTH WASHROOM DOORS.
ALLERGEN TRAINING IS REQUIRED FOR ALL EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETE TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ON SITE.
Data sourced from Chicago Dept. of Public Health. We'd love to link you straight to this restaurant's record — turns out Chicago considers that a luxury. The full dataset is what's on offer →