Big Al's Restaurant

Chicago Health Dept

5333 S KEDZIE AVE · BRIGHTON PARK, CHICAGO

Passed most recent inspection (Aug 2026), 2 critical violations noted.

17 inspections on record since 2013 · Last inspected Aug 2026 · 2 critical violations in the last 12 months.

The numbers

INSPECTIONS

VIOLATIONS

total on record

LAST INSPECTED

AUG 2026

Inspection history

AUG 7

2026

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 6 violations 2 CRITICAL

Critical Employee Hygiene

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.

Minor Food Temperature

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

Critical Pest Activity

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.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Sanitation

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.

AUG 7

2025

PASS · 0 violations

JUN 7

2024

PASS 2 violations

Minor Sanitation

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED GREASE BUILD-UP ON FILTERS AND HOOD SYSTEM. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Documentation & Training

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 23

2023

PASS 3 violations

Minor Food Storage & Handling

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.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Pest Activity

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 1

2022

PASS 5 violations 1 CRITICAL

Critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

MUST PROVIDE HANDWASHING SIGN IN RESTROOM, MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Sanitation

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

MUST PROVIDE COVERED RECEPTACLE IN UNISEX RESTROOM, MAINTAIN.

Minor Documentation & Training

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 17 inspections →

JUN 29

2021

PASS · 0 violations

JUN 18

2021

FAIL 3 violations

Minor Food Storage & Handling

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

FOOD STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK IN COOLER. INSTD TO ELEVATE 6 INCHES

Minor Other

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

Minor Facility Condition

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

LIGHT OUT IN REAR ABOVE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTD TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN

JUN 17

2019

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 4 violations 2 CRITICAL

Critical Documentation & Training

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.

Critical Sanitation

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.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Facility Condition

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED VENTILATION SYSTEM ABOVE THE FLATTOP GRILL NOT WORKING PROPERLY. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

MAR 22

2018

PASS 1 violation

Minor Plumbing & Waste

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 15

2018

FAIL 3 violations

Serious Sanitation

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.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

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.

Minor Other

REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

NO METAL STEM THERMOMETERS ON SITE. INSTD TO PROVIDE.

FEB 8

2017

PASS 3 violations

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED THE WALK-IN COOLER STORAGE SHELVES NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.

Minor Sanitation

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 26

2016

PASS 3 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

CLEAN THE GREASE FROM THE VENTILATION HOOD.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Facility Condition

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

MUST INSTALL A LIGHT SHIELD WHERE MISSING NEXT TO THE VENTILATION HOOD.

MAY 12

2016

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 5 violations 2 CRITICAL

Critical Food Temperature

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.

Critical Food Temperature

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.

Minor Pest Activity

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.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Facility Condition

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 17

2015

PASS · 0 violations

SEP 10

2015

FAIL 6 violations

Serious Other

* 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.

Serious Other

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.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

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.

Minor Other

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 27

2014

PASS 2 violations

Minor Sanitation

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.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

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 18

2013

PASS 2 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

CUTTING BOARD STAINED, WITH DEEP, DARK GROOVES. REPLACE/REPAIR SAME.

Minor Sanitation

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.

Public inspection records from Chicago Department of Public Health. Records current as of 2026-09-06. EatOrBeat reports records and does not rate restaurants. Source dataset →

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