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Restaurant · Chicago, IL

Alexander's

6158 N Clark St

Last inspected May 27, 2025 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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ImprovingThe latest inspection recorded fewer violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

3 inspections

Canvass

May 27, 2025

Pass

4 recorded violations

notedCode 37Food source and labeling

Official wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FOOD STORED IN CONTAINERS IN ALL THE COOLERS, WALK IN COOLER AND DRY STORAGE WITHOUT PROPER LABELING OF NAME. INSTRUCTED TO PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE A LABEL REFLECTING THE FOOD ITEM'S NAME WHEN FOOD HAS BEEN REMOVE FROM ITS ORIGINAL PACKAGING.

In plain English

Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.

More about food source, dating, or labeling problems
notedCode 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED A 1/4" GAP AT THE BOTTOM OF THE REAR EXIT DOOR. MUST PROVIDE A TIGHT-FITTING SEAL AT ALL OUTER OPENINGS TO PREVENT THE ENTRY OF PESTS.

In plain English

The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.

More about signs of rodents or insects
notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE 2 DOOR PREP COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 57Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED TO UPDATED AND MAINTAIN RECORDS AT ALL TIMES.

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, May 27, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

Aug 27, 2024

Pass

10 recorded violations

notedCode 16Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

Inspector’s notes

4-602.11(B-E)---: NOTED SOME INTERIOR AREAS OF THE ICE MACHINE IN NEED OF CLEANING. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

: 3-307.11--- NOTED SERVING PLATE INSIDE THE CONTAINER OF MASHED POTATOES WITH NO HANDLE USED FOR SCOOPING AND SERVING FOOD AT THE 3 DOOR REFRIGERATION UNIT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TONGS, SERVING SPOONS, OR LADLE FOR SCOOPING FOOD. 3-307.11--- NOTED SOUP STORED IN USED BUCKETS OF AN UNKNOWN SOURCE UNABLE TO READ PEELING LABEL FROM PREVIOUS PRODUCT. INSTRUCTED TO USE FOOD GRADE WASHABLE CONTAINERS ONLY.

In plain English

Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.

More about food not protected from contamination
notedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

5-205.15---- NOTED LEAK UNDER THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK INTO A PAN AND LEAKING RINSE BASIN REPAIRED WITH PLUMBERS PUTTY. MUST PROPERLY REPAIR SINK WITH A METAL WELD.

In plain English

The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.

More about water, plumbing, or sewage problems
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

6-201.11--- FLOORS UNDER SHELVING IN THE BASEMENT WITH OPEN BATE DEBRIS. MUST REMOVE, CLEAN ALL FLOORS.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 37Food source and labeling

Official wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s notes

: 3-302.12--- NOTED BULK FOOD STORED ON TOP OF THE TALL REACH-IN COOLER NOT PROPERLY LABELED WITH THE PRODUCT COMMON NAME.

In plain English

Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.

More about food source, dating, or labeling problems
notedCode 40Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

Inspector’s notes

2-402.11--- NOTED ALL THE FOOD HANDLERS, DISHWASHER WITHOUT A HAIR OR BEARD RESTRAINT. MUST PROVIDE FOR ALL REQUIRED EMPLOYEES.

In plain English

This covers things like hair restraints, jewelry, clean clothing, eating or drinking in food prep areas, touching ready-to-eat food with bare hands, or not having a sick-employee policy.

More about employee hygiene or health policy issues
notedCode 43Equipment and utensils

Official wording

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED

Inspector’s notes

3-304.12--- NOTED PLATES WITHOUT HANDLES BEING USED FOR FOOD SCOOPS IN THE TALL REACH-IN COOLER. MUST PROVIDE PROPER FOOD SCOOPS WITH INVERTED HANDLES FOR FOOD.

In plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues
notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

4-101.11(B, C, D, E)--- ALL RAW WOOD USED AS REPAIR FOR THE DOORWAY OF THE WALK-IN COOLER MUST BE PAINT/SEALED AND NON-ABSORBENT. : 4-101.11(B, C, D, E)--- MUST NOT USE DUCT TAPE AS A MEANS OF REPAIR FOR THE ICE BUCKET. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

4-602.13--- MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD AS LINER FOR SHELVING THROUGHOUT.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 57Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

Inspector’s notes

: 2-102.13--- MUST PROVIDE PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING OR NEW EMPLOYEE STATUS FOR ALL REQUIRED EMPLOYEES INCLUDING DISHWASHERS.

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Aug 27, 2024 · Original Source

Canvass

Aug 19, 2024

Fail

17 recorded violations

notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD AS LINER FOR SHELVING THROUGHOUT.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 1Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES

Inspector’s notes

PERSON IN CHARGE DURING THE INSPECTION DOES NOT HAVE A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues
notedCode 2Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

Inspector’s notes

PERSON IN CHARGE DURING THE INSPECTION DOES NOT HAVE A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE WHILE TCS FOODS WERE BEING PREPARED, SERVED AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES. EGGS ON THE COOKS LINE AT 50.3F. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues
notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

FOUND BOTH THE FRONT PREP AND COOKS LINE PREP HAND WASHING SINKS NOT ACCESSIBLE FOR USE. A DIRTY KNIFE WAS IN THE FRONT PREP SINK AND KNIFE SHARPENERS IN THE KITCHEN HAND SINK AND SINK BLOCKED BY A LARGE GARBAGE CAN AND PLASTIC BUCKETS. REVIEWED HAND WASHING SINKS ARE FOR HAND WASHING PURPOSES ONLY AND MUST BE ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.

In plain English

Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.

More about handwashing problems
notedCode 16Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

Inspector’s notes

NOTED SOME INTERIOR AREAS OF THE ICE MACHINE IN NEED OF CLEANING. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 22Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF TCS EGGS STORED ON SHELVING ON THE COOKS LINE AT 50.3F. REVIEWED ALL COLD FOODS MUST BE HELD AT 41F OR LOWER. EGGS DISCARDED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. SEE THE ABOVE VIOLATION #20 FOR CITATION.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
notedCode 37Food source and labeling

Official wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s notes

NOTED BULK FOOD STORED ON TOP OF THE TALL REACH-IN COOLER NOT PROPERLY LABELED WITH THE PRODUCT COMMON NAME.

In plain English

Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.

More about food source, dating, or labeling problems
notedCode 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

NOTED SOUP STORED IN USED BUCKETS OF AN UNKNOWN SOURCE UNABLE TO READ PEELING LABEL FROM PREVIOUS PRODUCT. INSTRUCTED TO USE FOOD GRADE WASHABLE CONTAINERS ONLY.

In plain English

Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.

More about food not protected from contamination
notedCode 40Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

Inspector’s notes

NOTED ALL THE FOOD HANDLERS, DISHWASHER WITHOUT A HAIR OR BEARD RESTRAINT. MUST PROVIDE FOR ALL REQUIRED EMPLOYEES.

In plain English

This covers things like hair restraints, jewelry, clean clothing, eating or drinking in food prep areas, touching ready-to-eat food with bare hands, or not having a sick-employee policy.

More about employee hygiene or health policy issues
notedCode 43Equipment and utensils

Official wording

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED

Inspector’s notes

NOTED PLATES WITHOUT HANDLES BEING USED FOR FOOD SCOOPS IN THE TALL REACH-IN COOLER. MUST PROVIDE PROPER FOOD SCOOPS WITH INVERTED HANDLES FOR FOOD.

In plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues
notedCode 9Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH RTE FOOD OR A PRE-APPROVED ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURE PROPERLY ALLOWED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED THE COOKS HANDLING READY TO EAT FOODS SUCH FRESH STRAWBERRIES, TOAST, BACON AND OTHER COOKED FOOD ITEMS FROM THE GRILL WITH BAR HANDS. MANAGER INSTRUCTED COOK TO USE GLOVES AND CHANGE AS NEEDED BETWEEN HANDLING RAW EGGS AND RTE FOODS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-010 CITATION ISSUED.

In plain English

This covers things like hair restraints, jewelry, clean clothing, eating or drinking in food prep areas, touching ready-to-eat food with bare hands, or not having a sick-employee policy.

More about employee hygiene or health policy issues
notedCode 20Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER COOLING TIME AND TEMPERATURE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED IMPROPER COOLING OF COOKED SOUPS. TWO LARGE PLASTIC CONTAINERS OF CHICKEN SOUP AND VEGETABLE SOUP OBSERVED ON SHELVING UNDER THE COOKS LINE HOT HOLD TABLE AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES OF 119.8F AND 125.4F. REVIEWED PROPER METHODS OF COOLING IN ICE BATHS, SHALLOW CONTAINERS, QUICK CHILL IN FREEZER ETC.NO COOLING LOGS BEING USED TO MONITOR. ALL DISCARDED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

ALL RAW WOOD USED AS REPAIR FOR THE DOORWAY OF THE WALK-IN COOLER MUST BE PAINT/SEALED AND NON-ABSORBENT.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 48Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

Inspector’s notes

NO QUATERNARY CHEMICAL TEST STRIPS ON SITE TO MONITOR THE QUATERNARY CHEMICAL SANITIZER BEING USED AT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST PROVIDE APPROPRIATE TEST STRIPS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

NOTED LEAK UNDER THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK INTO A PAN AND LEAKING RINSE BASIN REPAIRED WITH PLUMBERS PUTTY. MUST PROPERLY REPAIR SINK WITH A METAL WELD.

In plain English

The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.

More about water, plumbing, or sewage problems
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

FLOORS UNDER SHELVING IN THE BASEMENT WITH OPEN BATE DEBRIS. MUST REMOVE, CLEAN ALL FLOORS.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 57Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

Inspector’s notes

MUST PROVIDE PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING OR NEW EMPLOYEE STATUS FOR ALL REQUIRED EMPLOYEES INCLUDING DISHWASHERS.

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Aug 19, 2024 · Original Source

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