What is Al's Beef Restaurant's health inspection score?

Al's Beef Restaurant has a SafeDine safety score of 86 out of 100 (Grade B). This score is calculated from official government health inspection data, factoring in violation severity, recency, and trends.

When was Al's Beef Restaurant last inspected?

Al's Beef Restaurant was last inspected on October 8, 2025. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does Al's Beef Restaurant have?

Al's Beef Restaurant has 24 total violations across 5 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is Al's Beef Restaurant safe to eat at?

Yes, Al's Beef Restaurant has an excellent safety record with a score of 86/100. This indicates strong compliance with health and safety standards.

Official Health Record

Al's Beef Restaurant

Name: Al's Beef Restaurant
Address: 548 N WELLS ST, Chicago, 60654
Rating: 86

548 N WELLS ST, Chicago

Last inspected 8mo ago

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0Excellent

River North

Ranked #143 of 551 in River North

Stable

5 inspections

Last: Oct 8, 2025

medium confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

Clean Rate

4.8

Avg Violations

8 months ago

Last Inspected

Top Concerns

Most common issues from recent inspections

Temperature controlHigh Priority

Food not kept at safe temperatures — risk of bacterial growth

Cross-contamination

Raw and cooked foods not properly separated

HandwashingHigh Priority

Employees not properly washing hands — contamination risk

Employee hygiene

Personal hygiene practices not followed

Plumbing issues

Plumbing or waste disposal problems

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-17

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-3 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-5 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-6 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Freshness Penalty

-3 pts

Score reduced due to stale inspection data

Inspection Timeline

+1 pts

Latest

100% weight

2nd

60% weight

3rd

30% weight

Real-time Score: 83/100 — This score includes today's freshness penalty and may differ slightly from the displayed score (86/100) which is computed during our regular data sync.

How scoring works: Every restaurant starts at 100 points. Points are deducted for violations found during inspections.

Recent inspections are weighted more heavily. High priority violations (direct health hazards) have the greatest impact.

Location

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548 N WELLS ST, Chicago, IL 60654

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Violation Timeline

Oct 2022

1 inspections

4 basic

Oct

Nov 2023

1 inspections

3 high priority

3 intermediate

3 basic

Dec 2023

1 inspections

1 intermediate

2 basic

Dec

Jul 2024

1 inspections

1 high priority

1 intermediate

1 basic

Oct 2025

1 inspections

1 intermediate

4 basic

Oct

Inspection History

5 records on file

4 Canvass1 Canvass Re-Inspection

Oct 25

Canvass InspectionLatestPass w/ Conditions

1 Med4 Basic

5 total

87/100inspection score

−13 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
ALL PRE-PACKAGED FOODS SUCH AS (COOKIES) ON DISPLAY FOR CUSTOMER TO PURCHASE MUST BE PROPERLY LABELED WITH THE BUSINESS NAME, ADDRESS, LIST OF INGREDIENTS AND ALLERGEN WARNING IF NEEDED.

Basic (4)

−8 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
DRY STORAGE RELATED FOOD ITEMS STORED UNDER WASTEWATER PIPES IN BASEMENT.MUST REMOVE FROM UNDER WASTEWATER PIPES OR INSTALL BARRIER TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION FROM POTENTIAL LEAKS.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED STAINED CUTTING BOARD WITH DEEP CUTS ON TOP OF THE FOOD PREP LINE.INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE OR REPLACE THE CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN.
53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
OBSERVED NO SELF-CLOSING DOOR DEVICE ON EMPLOYEE WASHROOM DOOR.INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A SELF-CLOSING DOOR DEVICE ON WASHROOM DOOR AND MAINTAIN.
61SUMMARY REPORT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC−2
PREVIOUS INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY FROM (07/29/2024) WAS NOT POSTED FOR THE PUBLIC TO VIEW.TODAY'S INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY WAS ISSUED AND POSTED FOR PUBLIC VIEW AS REQUIRED.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-010 (B),CITATION ISSUED.

Base deductions−13 pts

Jul 24

Canvass InspectionPass w/ Conditions

1 High1 Med1 Basic

3 total

83/100inspection score

−17 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

15FOOD SEPARATED AND PROTECTED−10
OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER WEARING SINGLE USE GLOVES PUT RAW HAMBURGER PATTY ON GRILL AND THEN TOUCH HOT DOG BUNS WITHOUT CHANGING GLOVES. INSTRUCTED SINGLE USE GLOVES SHALL BE USED FOR ONLY ONE TASK SUCH AS WORKING WITH READY TO EAT FOOD OR RAW ANIMAL FOOD, USED FOR NO OTHER PURPOSE, AND DISCARDED WHEN DAMAGED OR SOILED, OR WHEN INTERRUPTIONS OCCUR IN THE OPERATION. CORRECTED ON SITE HANBURGER BUNS DISCARDED BY MANAGEMENT AND FOOD HANDLERS GLOVES DISCARDED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-010 CITATION ISSUED.

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

22PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES−5
OBSERVED COLD TCS FOOD BACON HELD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF 62.4F. INSTRUCTED ALL COLD TCS FOOD MUST BE HELD AT 41F OR BELOW. CORRECTED ON SITE MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AND DENATURED FOOD VALUED AT $10 WEIGHING 1LBS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED

Basic (1)

−2 pts

40PERSONAL CLEANLINESS−2
OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINT WHILE FOOD IS BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. MUST WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT AT ALL TIMES FOOS IS PREPARED AND SERVED.

Base deductions−17 pts

Dec 23

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionPass

1 Med2 Basic

3 total

91/100inspection score

−9 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

36THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE−5
OBSERVED NO VISIBLE AND WORKING THERMOMETER IN FRONT PREP 2-DOOR COOLER. MUST PROVIDE VISIBLE AND WORKING THERMOMETER AND MAINTAIN.

Basic (2)

−4 pts

40PERSONAL CLEANLINESS−2
OBSERVED EMPLOYEES NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINT WHILE FOOD IS BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. MUST WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT AT ALL TIMES FOOS IS PREPARED AND SERVED.
41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON TOP OF PREP TABLES. MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.

Base deductions−9 pts

Nov 23

Canvass InspectionFail

3 High3 Med3 Basic

9 total1 risk factor

44/100inspection score

−51 pts

High Priority (3)

−30 pts

2CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATERisk Factor−10
OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS AREA BEING PREPARED AND SERVED SUCH AS ITALIAN BEEF, CHICKEN BURGERS, HAMBURGERS, HOT DOG ETC. INSTRUCTED ABOV THAT CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER HAS TO BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES TCS FOODS AREA BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS POSTED NEAR HAND WASHING SINKS IN THE UNISEX WASHROOMS. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
33PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL−10
OBSERVED 2-DOOR FRONT PREP COOLER MAINTAINING AN IMPROPER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE BETWEEN 61.7F AND 67.1F. WITH TCS FOODS SUCH AS HAMBURGERS, CHICKEN, HOT DOGS, CHEESE ETC. COOLER TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTON AND MUST NOT USE UNTIL REPAIRED AND MAINTAINS A TEMPERATURE OF 41.0FOR BELOW. CDPH CONTACTED FOR RE-INSPECTION AND TAG REMOVAL. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

Intermediate (3)

−15 pts

22PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES−5
OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS INSIDE 2-DOOR FRONT PREP COOLER. OBSERVED HAMBURGERS AT 58.4F, RAW CHICKEN AT 60.2F, HOT DOGS 59.3F, CHEESE AT 58.8F. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY AND VOLUTARILY DISCARDED APPROXIMATELY 33LBS OF FOOD WORTH $158.00. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
25CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD−5
NO CONSUMER ADVISORY POSTED OR AVAILABLE ON THE MENU BOARD. MENU DOES NOT DISCLOSE AND INFORM CONSUMERS THE SPECIFIC MENU ITEMS THAT ARE RAW OR UNDER COOKED AMD A POTENTIAL HAZARD OF CONSUMING SUCH FOOD, SUCH AS BURGERS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
36THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE−5
OBSERVED NO VISIBLE AND WORKING THERMOMETER IN FRONT PREP 2-DOOR COOLER. MUST PROVIDE VISIBLE AND WORKING THERMOMETER AND MAINTAIN.

Basic (3)

−6 pts

40PERSONAL CLEANLINESS−2
OBSERVED EMPLOYEES NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINT WHILE FOOD IS BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. MUST WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT AT ALL TIMES FOOS IS PREPARED AND SERVED.
41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON TOP OF PREP TABLES. MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
60PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT#2565995 ON 10/26/22. VIOLATION#57 OBSERVED 2 FOOD HANDLERS WITHOUT CERTIFICATES AND 2 EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES MUST COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN PROOF THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.

Base deductions−51 pts

Risk factor bonus (1× +5)−5 pts

Oct 22

Canvass InspectionPass

4 Basic

4 total

92/100inspection score

−8 pts

Basic (4)

−8 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED ONE CUTTING BOARD ON COOK LINE COVERED IN DEEP GROOVES AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN SMOOTH, CLEANABLE CUTTING SURFACES.
53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
OBSERVED NO COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE INSIDE EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM LOCATED IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED ONE BURNT OUT LIGHTBULB IN WALK-IN COOLER ON FIRST FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
OBSERVED 2 FOOD HANDLERS WITHOUT CERTIFICATES AND 2 EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES MUST COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN PROOF THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.

Base deductions−8 pts

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Community Safety Reports

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Data source: Chicago CDPH · Official government inspection records

Grading System

85 – 100
Excellent
70 – 84
Good
Below 70
Fair

About SafeDine Scores

Scores are calculated using official government inspection data. High Priority violations (direct health hazards) have the greatest impact, followed by Intermediate and Basic violations. Community reviews can adjust the score by up to 5 points when 3+ reviews are submitted.

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