Conditional

Big Al's Restaurant

5333 S Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60632

Restaurant ZIP 60632 Risk 1 (High)

Pass with Conditions · as of Aug 7, 2026

Big Al's Restaurant was last inspected on August 7, 2026 with a result of “Pass w/ Conditions”. Inspectors found 6 violations, 2 of them critical, including signs of pests.

Latest inspection

August 7, 2026 · Canvass

Conditional

Result: Pass w/ Conditions

2 critical4 general
  • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

    Hand sinks were missing, blocked, or not stocked with soap and towels.

    Inspector’s note: 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.

    Official wording (code 10)

    Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

  • CriticalFood temperature

    Not enough equipment, or the wrong method, to cool and hold food at safe temperatures.

    Inspector’s note: 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

    Official wording (code 33)

    Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control

  • GeneralPests

    Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.

    Inspector’s note: Observed opening at lower right side of rear exit door. Instructed to seal all outer openings to prevent pest entrance.

    Official wording (code 38)

    Insects, rodents, & animals not present

  • GeneralFacility upkeep

    Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

    Inspector’s note: 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.

    Official wording (code 47)

    Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used

  • GeneralFacility upkeep

    Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

    Inspector’s note: 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.

    Official wording (code 55)

    Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

  • GeneralFacility upkeep

    Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

    Inspector’s note: 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.

    Official wording (code 55)

    Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

Inspection history

17 inspections on record

  1. Pass

    Complaint · Pass

    No violations

  2. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    1 general1 paperwork Show violations
    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

      Inspector’s note: Observed grease build-up on filters and hood system. Instructed person in charge to clean and maintain.

      Official wording (code 56)

      Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      Required allergen training was missing.

      Inspector’s note: Observed no allergen training for certified manager on site at the time of inspection. Instructed to obtain allergen training and retain certificate on site.

      Official wording (code 58)

      Allergen training as required

  3. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    3 general Show violations
    • GeneralFood handling

      Food wasn’t protected from contamination during prep, storage, or display.

      Inspector’s note: 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.

      Official wording (code 39)

      Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

      Inspector’s note: Observed 3-compartment sink stoppers missing/not working at left side and middle compartments. Instructed manager must provide working stoppers at 3-compartment sink.

      Official wording (code 47)

      Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: 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.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

  4. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    1 critical3 general1 paperwork Show violations
    • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

      Hand sinks were missing, blocked, or not stocked with soap and towels.

      Inspector’s note: Must provide handwashing sign in restroom, maintain.

      Official wording (code 10)

      Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

      Inspector’s note: Found torn gasket at bottom of walk in freezer door. Must repair or replace and maintain.

      Official wording (code 47)

      Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Found rusty shelving inside reach in cooler next to fryer. Instructed to replace and maintain for a smooth and easy to clean surface.

      Official wording (code 49)

      Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Toilet rooms weren’t built, stocked, or cleaned properly.

      Inspector’s note: Must provide covered receptacle in unisex restroom, maintain.

      Official wording (code 53)

      Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      Required allergen training was missing.

      Inspector’s note: Found expired allergen training certificate for manager. Instructed to obtain training and maintain verification on site at all times.

      Official wording (code 58)

      Allergen training as required

  5. Pass

    Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass

    No violations

  6. Fail

    Canvass · Fail

    3 general Show violations
    • GeneralFood handling

      Food wasn’t protected from contamination during prep, storage, or display.

      Inspector’s note: Food stored on floor in walk in cooler. Instd to elevate 6 inches

      Official wording (code 39)

      Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Dishwashing equipment wasn’t set up, maintained, or used correctly.

      Inspector’s note: 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

      Official wording (code 48)

      Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

      Inspector’s note: Light out in rear above 3-compartment sink. Instd to replace and maintain

      Official wording (code 56)

      Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

  7. Conditional

    Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions

    2 critical2 general Show violations
    • CriticalManagement & training

      Staff weren’t trained on, or didn’t follow, the rules for reporting illness.

      Inspector’s note: Observed no employee health policy during inspection. Instructed to comply. Priority foundation violation 7-38-010 no citation issued.

      Official wording (code 3)

      Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting

    • CriticalManagement & training

      No written plan or kit for cleaning up vomit or diarrhea.

      Inspector’s note: 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.

      Official wording (code 5)

      Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: 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.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

      Inspector’s note: Observed ventilation system above the flattop grill not working properly. Instructed to repair and maintain.

      Official wording (code 56)

      Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

  8. Pass

    Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass

    1 general Show violations
    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained

      Inspector’s note: 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.

  9. Fail

    Canvass · Fail

    3 general Show violations
    • GeneralSerious (pre-2018 form)

      Dish machines: provided with accurate thermometers, chemical test kits and suitable gauge cock

      Inspector’s note: 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.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained

      Inspector’s note: 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.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous

      Inspector’s note: No metal stem thermometers on site. Instd to provide.

  10. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    3 general Show violations
    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

      Inspector’s note: 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.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

      Inspector’s note: Observed the walk-in cooler storage shelves not clean, instructed to clean.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

      Inspector’s note: 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.

  11. Pass

    Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass

    3 general Show violations
    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

      Inspector’s note: Clean the grease from the ventilation hood.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

      Inspector’s note: Clean the grease from the wall behind the grill.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded

      Inspector’s note: Must install a light shield where missing next to the ventilation hood.

  12. Conditional

    Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions

    2 critical3 general Show violations
    • CriticalCritical (pre-2018 form)

      Facilities to maintain proper temperature

      Inspector’s note: 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.

    • CriticalCritical (pre-2018 form)

      Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service

      Inspector’s note: 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.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

      Inspector’s note: Clean the grease from the ventilation hood and dead insects from the light shields.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

      Inspector’s note: Clean the grease from the wall behind the grill. Scrape and repaint the chipped paint on the ductwork above the dry storage shelf.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded

      Inspector’s note: Must install light shields and end caps for the light shield above the steam table.

  13. Pass

    Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass

    No violations

  14. Fail

    Canvass · Fail

    6 general Show violations
    • GeneralSerious (pre-2018 form)

      * certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served

      Inspector’s note: 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.

    • GeneralSerious (pre-2018 form)

      Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090

      Inspector’s note: 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.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

      Inspector’s note: Observed the interior of the front upright freezer not clean, instructed to clean.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

      Inspector’s note: Observed the light shields not clean, instructed to clean.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained

      Inspector’s note: Observed hand dipped ice cream in rear cooler, no dipper well, instructed to provide.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Food handler requirements met

      Inspector’s note: 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.

  15. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    2 general Show violations
    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

      Inspector’s note: Observed the floor not clean under the front fryers, instructed to clean.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained

      Inspector’s note: 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.

  16. Pass

    License · Pass

    2 general Show violations
    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

      Inspector’s note: Cutting board stained, with deep, dark grooves. Replace/repair same.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

      Inspector’s note: Walk-in cooler floor with raw concrete. Instd to seal same so as to be smooth, even, easily cleanable surface.

More in ZIP 60632

Source: Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) open data, refreshed hourly. Last inspection 3 months ago. Always confirm with the official record.