SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO

ALEXANDER'S THE GREAT.

BEAT. 38/100

4357 N WESTERN AVE · NORTH CENTER, CHICAGO

Last inspected September 17, 2025 · passed

Failed 2 of 7 inspections. 10 critical violations on the cumulative record. Pattern of issues, not a one-off.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS
7
3 passed · 2 w/ conditions · 2 failed
VIOLATIONS
33
includes 10 critical
RECORDS COVER
2 YEARS
since Dec 2022

INSPECTION HISTORY

SEP 17
2025
PASSED
3 violations1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALPest Activity
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

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).

MINORFood Storage & Handling
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

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.

MINORSanitation
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

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 10
2025
FAILED
9 violations3 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALDocumentation & Training
PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES

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.

CRITICALDocumentation & Training
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

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.

SERIOUSSanitation
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

SEE VIOLATION #60.

MINORFood Temperature
PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL

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.

CRITICALPest Activity
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

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).

MINORFood Storage & Handling
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

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.

MINORSanitation
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

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.

MINORSanitation
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

SEE VIOLATION #60.

MINORSanitation
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

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 17
2025
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
4 violations1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALDocumentation & Training
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

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.

SERIOUSSanitation
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

OBSERVED INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE BIN AND INTERIOR GUARD WITH SOME DIRT, NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

MINORFood Storage & Handling
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

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)

MINORSanitation
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

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 10
2024
PASSED
4 violations1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALPest Activity
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 40 DEAD ROACHES THROUGHOUT BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL DEAD INSECTS AND MAINTAIN FACILITY FREE OF DEAD PESTS.

MINORFood Storage & Handling
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

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.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

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.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED UNUSED REFRIGERATOR, WASHING MACHINE, 3 COMPARTMENT SINK, AND DELI DSIPLAY CASE IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE FROM PREMISES.

OCT 11
2023
PASSED
1 violation
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

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 4
2023
FAILED
7 violations2 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALDocumentation & Training
PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES

PERSON IN CHARGE DOES NOT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION

CRITICALDocumentation & Training
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

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

MINOROther
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER.

SERIOUSFood Temperature
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

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

MINORSanitation
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

OBSERVED PIECES OF WOOD AND DEBRIS ON GROUND BEHIND GARBAGE DUMPSTER IN REAR OUTSIDE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

MINORPest Activity
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

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.

MINORFacility Condition
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

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 5
2022
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
5 violations2 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALDocumentation & Training
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

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.

CRITICALPest Activity
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

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.

MINORSanitation
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

OBSERVED STAINED CUTTING BOARD ON TOP OF THE 3-DOOR PREP LINE COOLER.INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE OR REPLACE THE CUTTING BOARD AND MAINTAIN.

MINORSanitation
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

OBSERVED NO SELF-CLOSING DOOR DEVICE ON THE WASHROOM DOORS.INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A SELF-CLOSING DOOR DEVICE ON BOTH WASHROOM DOORS.

MINORDocumentation & Training
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

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 →

NEARBY IN NORTH CENTER