AUG 7
2025
PASSED
0 violationsSANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO
✕
BIG AL'S RESTAURANT.
EAT. 85/100
5333 S KEDZIE AVE · BRIGHTON PARK, CHICAGO
Last inspected August 7, 2025 · passed
11 of 16 inspections passed, with 5 critical violations on file.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTIONS
16
11 passed · 2 w/ conditions · 3 failed
VIOLATIONS
42
includes 5 critical
RECORDS COVER
11 YEARS
since Dec 2013
INSPECTION HISTORY
JUN 72024PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
JUN 7
2024
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
OBSERVED GREASE BUILD-UP ON FILTERS AND HOOD SYSTEM. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
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.
JUN 232023PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
JUN 23
2023
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
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.
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.
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.
DEC 12022PASSED5 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
DEC 1
2022
PASSED
5 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
MUST PROVIDE HANDWASHING SIGN IN RESTROOM, MAINTAIN.
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.
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.
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
MUST PROVIDE COVERED RECEPTACLE IN UNISEX RESTROOM, MAINTAIN.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
FOUND EXPIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE FOR MANAGER. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN VERIFICATION ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
show all 16 inspections →
JUN 182021FAILED3 violationsDETAILS
JUN 18
2021
FAILED
3 violationsDETAILS
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
FOOD STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK IN COOLER. INSTD TO ELEVATE 6 INCHES
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
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
LIGHT OUT IN REAR ABOVE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTD TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN
JUN 172019PASS W/ CONDITIONS4 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
JUN 17
2019
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
4 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
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.
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.
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.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
OBSERVED VENTILATION SYSTEM ABOVE THE FLATTOP GRILL NOT WORKING PROPERLY. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
MAR 222018PASSED1 violationDETAILS
MAR 22
2018
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
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.
MAR 152018FAILED3 violationsDETAILS
MAR 15
2018
FAILED
3 violationsDETAILS
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.
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.
REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
NO METAL STEM THERMOMETERS ON SITE. INSTD TO PROVIDE.
FEB 82017PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
FEB 8
2017
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
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.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
OBSERVED THE WALK-IN COOLER STORAGE SHELVES NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
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.
MAY 262016PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
MAY 26
2016
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
CLEAN THE GREASE FROM THE VENTILATION HOOD.
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.
LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
MUST INSTALL A LIGHT SHIELD WHERE MISSING NEXT TO THE VENTILATION HOOD.
MAY 122016PASS W/ CONDITIONS5 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
MAY 12
2016
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
5 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
SEP 102015FAILED6 violationsDETAILS
SEP 10
2015
FAILED
6 violationsDETAILS
* 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
JUN 272014PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
JUN 27
2014
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
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.
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.
DEC 182013PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
DEC 18
2013
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
CUTTING BOARD STAINED, WITH DEEP, DARK GROOVES. REPLACE/REPAIR SAME.
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.
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 →