AL'S BEEF RESTAURANT.

Chicago Health Dept

169 W ONTARIO ST · RIVER NORTH, CHICAGO

Last inspected 2020.

17 inspections on record since 2010 · Last inspected Mar 2020.

Last inspected Mar 2020. Records may not reflect current conditions.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS

VIOLATIONS

total on record

LAST INSPECTED

MAR 2020

INSPECTION HISTORY

MAR 17

2020

PASS 5 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED CAN OPENER ON PREP TABLE IN REAR PREP AREA COVERED IN RUST AND FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS THROUGHOUT OUT FRONT GRILL AREA AND REAR PREP AREA COVERED WITH DEEP GROOVES AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH, CLEANABLE CUTTING SURFACES.

Minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED A LEAKING COMPRESSOR INSIDE PREP COOLER LOCATED ON FRONT PREP LINE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

OBSERVED NO COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE IN UNISEX EMPLOYEE BATHROOM LOCATED IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.

Serious Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED A BUILD UP OF BLACK SLIME INSIDE CAULK AROUND 3 COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATED IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE, CLEAN, SANITIZE, RE-CAULK, AND MAINTAIN.

FEB 7

2020

PASS 3 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED CAN OPENER ON PREP TABLE IN REAR PREP AREA COVERED IN RUST AND FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS THROUGHOUT OUT FRONT GRILL AREA AND REAR PREP AREA COVERED WITH DEEP GROOVES AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH, CLEANABLE CUTTING SURFACES.

Serious Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED A BUILD UP OF BLACK SLIME INSIDE CAULK AROUND 3 COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATED IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE, CLEAN, SANITIZE, RE-CAULK, AND MAINTAIN.

MAY 9

2019

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 4 violations 2 CRITICAL

Critical Documentation & Training

MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE, INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN

Critical Sanitation

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

NO VOMIT/ DIARRHEA CLEAN UP KIT ON SITE, INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN.

Minor Facility Condition

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

INADEQUATE LIGHTING IN BASEMENT WALK-IN COOLER, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING.

Minor Documentation & Training

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE FOR FOOD SERVICE MANAGER, INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN.

MAY 23

2018

PASS 1 violation

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

OBSERVED FOIL BEING USED TO LINE COOLER SHELVES AND THE SHELF ABOVE THE REAR PREP STOVE. OBSERVED CARDBOARD BEING USED TO LINE SHELVING IN REAR COOK LINE AND THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CARDBOARD AND FOIL AND MAINTAIN EQUIPMENT AND FOOD STORAGE SURFACES TO BE SMOOTH, NON-ABSORBENT AND EASILY CLEANABLE. OBSERVED THE SODA MACHINE IN BASEMENT STORED BELOW EXPOSED WASTEWATER PIPES. INSTRUCTED TO RELOCATE SODA MACHINE SO IT IS NOT DIRECTLY BELOW EXPOSED WASTEWATER PIPES, OR PROVIDE NON-PERMEABLE SHIELD ON PIPES.

MAY 16

2017

PASS 2 violations

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

FOUND THE REAR EXIT SCREENDOOR AS YOU COME UP FROM THE BASEMENT IN POOR REPAIR.FOUND SCREEN DOOR COMPLETELY COVERED IN ACCUMULATED DUST AND A FEW HOLES ON THE SCREEN COVERED UP WITH TAPE.INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE/REPAIR AND MAINTAIN ABOVE STATED.

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

FOUND VERY RUSTED SHELVING RACKS INSIDE THE 2-DR REFRIGERATORS LOCATED ACROSS FROM THE COOKING LINE.MUST REPAIR/REPLACE AND MAINTAIN SO AS TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.

show all 17 inspections →

JUN 24

2016

PASS 2 violations

Minor Sanitation

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

OBSERVED ONE PREP AREA CEILING LIGHT BULB NOT CLEAN ABOVE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST CLEAN LIGHT COVER.

Minor Employee Hygiene

APPROPRIATE METHOD OF HANDLING OF FOOD (ICE) HAIR RESTRAINTS AND CLEAN APPAREL WORN

OBSERVED ONE FOOD HANDLER NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS.

OCT 27

2015

PASS 2 violations

Minor Sanitation

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

OBSERVED FAN COVERS IN UPSTAIRS WALK IN COOLER UNCLEAN. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN COVERS AND AREA AROUND COVERS. OBSERVED VENT WITHIN EMPLOYEE WASHROOM WITH DUST ACCUMULATION. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED

REMOVE OLD FRYER FROM REAR EXIT.

MAR 11

2015

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 5 violations 1 CRITICAL

Critical Pest Activity

OUTSIDE GARBAGE WASTE GREASE AND STORAGE AREA; CLEAN, RODENT PROOF, ALL CONTAINERS COVERED

FOUND OUTSIDE GREASE CONTAINER LID,NOT MAINTAINED AND SURROUNDING AREAS WITH DEBRIS, INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT SURROUNDING AREAS OF THE DUMPSTER AND GREASE CONTAINER MUST BE CLEAN, MAINTAINED ALL THE TIMES. CITATION ISSUED SERIOUS 7-38-020. MANAGER/OWNER ASKED ONE OF THE EMPLOYEE TO GO OUT AND CLEAN THE SURROUNDING AREAS AND LID OF THE GREASE CONTAINER DURING INSPECTION.

Minor Food Storage & Handling

FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED

MUST PROVIDE LABEL(NAME OF THE PRODUCT) AND DATE ON ALL FOOD CONTAINERS WITH READY TO EAT FOOD INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER. ALSO ALL BULK FOOD CONTAINERS MUST HAVE A LABEL.

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

MUST RE CAULK ALONG THE SPLASH GUARD OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK, 2 COMPARTMENT SINK AND HAND SINK. CAULK WORN OUT WITH BLACK MOLDY LIKE SUBSTANCE. MUST INSTALL A SPLASH GUARD ON THE 2 COMPARTMENT PREP SINK DUE TO VERY CLOSE TO THE MOP SINK.

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

MUST CLEAN IN DETAIL INTERIOR DOOR OF THE DEEP FRYER(WITH DUST AND GREASE ACCUMULATED) AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Documentation & Training

FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET

NO FOOD HANDLER'S TRAINING CERTIFICATE ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE.

MAY 6

2014

PASS · 0 violations

OCT 15

2013

PASS 2 violations

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

DETAIL CLEAN INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE LOCATED IN REAR PREP AREA.

Minor Employee Hygiene

TOILET ROOM DOORS SELF CLOSING: DRESSING ROOMS WITH LOCKERS PROVIDED: COMPLETE SEPARATION FROM LIVING/SLEEPING QUARTERS

EXPOSED HANDWASH SINK IN REAR PREP AREA IS SLOW DRAINING. MUST REPAIR.

NOV 19

2012

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 6 violations

Serious Documentation & Training

* CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED

NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE PREPARING AND SERVING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS. NO CERTIFICATE POSTED. INSTRUCTED MGR TO OBTAIN.

Serious Sanitation

TOXIC ITEMS PROPERLY STORED, LABELED AND USED

INADEQUATE FOOD PROTECTION, FOUND SEVERAL CONTAINERS OF CLEANING CHEMICALS STORED ON SHELF ABOVE PREP TABLE AND BREAD CONTAINER. INSTRUCTED TO STORE ALL TOXIC ITEMS AWAY FROM PREP AREA AND FOOD STORAGE.

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

MOLDY WOODEN SHELVES, CARDBOARD COVERING SHELVES IN WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MGR TO REMOVE WOOD AND CARD BOARD,INSTRUCTED TO USE NON-ABSORBANT SURFACES.

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

LARGE PLASTIC BAG FOR BREAD STORAGE NOT CLEAN AND DETERIORATED. INSTRUCTED TO USE SOUND AND CLEAN FOOD CONTACT CONTAINERS.

Minor Employee Hygiene

APPROPRIATE METHOD OF HANDLING OF FOOD (ICE) HAIR RESTRAINTS AND CLEAN APPAREL WORN

FOOD HANDLER NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINT, INSTRUCTE DTO WEAR.

Minor Sanitation

FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED

ICE SCOOP STORED IN ICE MAKER ON TOP OF CUBES, INSTRUCTED TO STORE OFF CUBES.

NOV 7

2011

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 6 violations

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. REPLACE THE BROKEN CUTTING BOARDS IN THE PREP AREA. DOOR HANDLE IS MISSING FOR THE MICROWAVE. MUST REPAIR.

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. DETAIL CLEAN THE VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS, WIRE RACKS, STORAGE SHELVES, PREP TABLES.

Minor Pest Activity

FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. DETAIL CLEAN THE FLOOR OF THE BASEMENT STORAGE ROOM. REMOVE DEAD INSECTS FROM THE FLOORS IN THE BASEMENT.

Minor Sanitation

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. DETAIL CLEAN AND REPAINT THE WALLS AND DOOR OF THE BASEMENT RESTROOM. DETAIL CLEAN THE FRP BOARD IN THE PREP AREA. REPLACE MISSING SECTION OF FRP BOARD NEXT TO THE ICE MACHINE. REMOVE SPIDERWEBS FROM WALLS AND CEILING OF THE BASEMENT. REPAINT OR REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES IN THE PREP AREA.

Minor Facility Condition

LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED

Shielding to protect against broken glass falling into food shall be provided for all artificial lighting sources in preparation, service, and display facilities. REPLACE THE BROKEN LIGHT SHIELD ABOVE THE REAR PREP TABLE.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

REPLACE THE BROKEN MOP SINK (CRACK IN THE PLASTIC).

OCT 28

2011

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 8 violations 2 CRITICAL

Critical Food Temperature

FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE

All food establishments that display, prepare, or store potentially hazardous food shall have adequate refrigerated food storage facilities. FACILITIES DO NOT MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE. OBSERVED THE PREP COOLER NEXT TO THE STEAM TABLE AT 50F. UNIT WAS USED TO STORE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS SUCH AS CHICKEN, HAMBURGERS, HOT DOGS. UNIT TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN COOLER BELOW 40F AND FAX REINSPECTION LETTER TO (312) 746-4240. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A.

Critical Food Temperature

POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE

All cold food shall be stored at a temperature of 40F or less. POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS STORED AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES. OBSERVED RAW CHICKEN AT 49F, POLISH DOGS AT 47F, HOT DOGS AT 48F, AND CHEESE AT 61F. MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED 10# OF FOOD WORTH $32. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A.

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

Minor Pest Activity

FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

Minor Sanitation

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

Minor Facility Condition

LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED

Minor Plumbing & Waste

VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

REPLACE THE BROKEN MOP SINK (CRACK IN THE PLASTIC).

NOV 9

2010

PASS · 0 violations

AUG 25

2010

PASS 3 violations

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

SEE REPORT DATED 08/18/10

Minor Sanitation

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

SEE REPORTED DATED 08/18/10

Minor Facility Condition

LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED

SEE REPORT DATED 08/18/10

AUG 18

2010

FAIL 4 violations 1 CRITICAL

Critical Pest Activity

NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS

All necessary control measures shall be used to effectively minimize or eliminate the presence of rodents, roaches, and other vermin and insects on the premises of all food establishments, in food-transporting vehicles, and in vending machines. OBSERVED OVER 30 LIVE SMALL FLIES AT REAR STORAGE AROUND POTATOES, BREAD CUTTING AREA AND IN BASEMENT OUTSIDE OF WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL INSECT ACTIVITY. ADVISED TO CALL PEST CONTROL OPERATOR FOR SERVICE. CITATION ISSUED. TICKET #H000062271 11.

Minor Employee Hygiene

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. MUST REMOVE PEELING PAINT FROM VENTILATION HOOD BY HANDWASH BOWL SIDE.

Minor Sanitation

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. OBSERVED WATER DRIPPING FROM CEILING TILES ABOVE REAR STORAGE AREA. MUST REPAIR LEAK ALSO MUST CLEAN ALL UNCLEAN WALLS BY POTATOES, BASEMENT AREA.

Minor Facility Condition

LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED

Shielding to protect against broken glass falling into food shall be provided for all artificial lighting sources in preparation, service, and display facilities. OBSERVED CRACKED CEILING LIGHT COVER ABOVE BREAD CUTTING AREA. MUST REPLACE DAMAGED LIGHT COVER.

JAN 21

2010

PASS 5 violations

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. Observed rust/food build up on shelves at prep line coolers. Must replace all rusted shelves.

Minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. The following not clean- observed accumilated food build up inside prep coolers door rubber gaskets, interior of prep coolers fan guards with dust build up and shelves at bread table. Must clean and maintain call unclean equipment.

Minor Sanitation

FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. Observed food build up on floor under cooking equipment at rear prep area. Must keep floor clean.

Minor Sanitation

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. Observed dust build up on ceiling tiles and ceiling light covers above prep areas. Must clean all unclean ceiling tiles/light covers.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health. 3-compartment sink pipe leaking under middle compartment. Must repair and maintain plumbing.

Public inspection records from Chicago Department of Public Health. Records current as of 2026-07-05. EatOrBeat reports records and does not rate restaurants. Source dataset →

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