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Restaurant · Chicago, IL

Fat Albert

6854 S Ashland Ave

Last inspected Feb 6, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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More issues recentlyThe latest inspection recorded more violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

5 inspections

Canvass

Feb 6, 2026

Pass

3 recorded violations

notedCode 6Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

PROPER EATING, TASTING, DRINKING, OR TOBACCO USE

Inspector’s notes

Open coffee cups for staff placed on prep table, instructed to keep off food contact surface.

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 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

Live pottery plant placed in kitchen above food prep area.

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 48Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

Inspector’s notes

Sink stoppers in poor repair, unable to hold water in 3-comp sink, instructed to obtain good working sink stoppers.

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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Feb 6, 2026 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

Mar 20, 2025

Pass

2 recorded violations

notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

5-202.12 (B-D) : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE SLOW DRAIN AT HAND SINK IN TOILET ROOM AND DRIPPING HOT WATER FAUCET AT FRONT HAND SINK.

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 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

4-501.11 : MUST PROVIDE SINK STOPPERS FOR 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.

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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Mar 20, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

Mar 13, 2025

Fail

7 recorded violations

notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE SLOW DRAIN AT HAND SINK IN TOILET ROOM AND DRIPPING HOT WATER FAUCET AT FRONT HAND SINK.

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 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED BOXED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN BASEMENT AND 1ST FL NEAR REAR EXIT DOOR MUST STORE OFF OF FLOOR AND PROPER MANNER.

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 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

MUST PROVIDE SINK STOPPERS FOR 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.

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

MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM BOTH MICROWAVES & EXTERIOR OF GARBAGE CANS.

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

MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LEAKY FAUCET AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.

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

MUST PROVIDE A HOOKING SYSTEM TO HANG UP WET MOPS.

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 60Other

Official wording

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

Inspector’s notes

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT #2592086 4/3/24 NOT CORRECTED:#37-3-302.12 : MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.#41-3-304.14 : MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE ON STEAM TABLE AND COUNTER SURFACES.#47-4-501.11 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKETS ON 1- DOOR PREP COOLER IN FRONT PREP AREA LID ON CHEST FREEZER IN BASEMENT IN POOR REPAIR. #47-4-101.19 : MUST REMOVE RUST FROM WALK IN COOLER SHELVING UNITS. #49-4-601.11(C) : MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM STEAM TABLE,GRILL TABLE,FRYER CABINETS,OVERHEADSHELVING UNITS IN REAR PREP AREA, 2- DOOR COOLER STORAGE,WALK IN COOLER- SHELVING UNITS,COMPRESSOR UNIT.#51-5-205.15 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE MISSING SUMP PUMP LID IN BASEMENT. #55-6-501.114 : MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE AND ORGANIZE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS IN BASEMENT. #55-6-501.13 : MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FLOOR UNDER,AROUND AND ALONG WALL BASES THROUGHOUT PREP,DISH WASHING ,WALK IN COOLER AND BASEMENT.#55- 6-201.11 : MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM WALLS & CEILING IN WALK IN COOLER AND PREP AREA/DISH WASHING AREAS.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090)(CITATION ISSUED)

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Mar 13, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

Apr 3, 2024

Pass

10 recorded violations

notedCode 6Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

PROPER EATING, TASTING, DRINKING, OR TOBACCO USE

Inspector’s notes

2-401.11 : OBSERVED MALE EMPLOYEE CHEWING WHILE HANDLING FOODS IN FRONT PREP AREA MUST EAT IN DESIGNATED AREA AWAY FROM FOOD PREP AREA.

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 37Food source and labeling

Official wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s notes

3-302.12 : MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.

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 41Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

Inspector’s notes

3-304.14 : MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE ON STEAM TABLE AND COUNTER SURFACES.

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

4-601.11(C) : MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM STEAM TABLE,GRILL TABLE,INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE,FRYER CABINETS,OVERHEADSHELVING UNITS IN REAR PREP AREA, 2- DOOR COOLER STORAGE,WALK IN COOLER- SHELVING UNITS,COMPRESSOR UNIT.

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 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

6-201.11 : MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM WALLS & CEILING IN WALK IN COOLER AND PREP AREA/DISH WASHING AREAS

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 : OBSERVED MISSING AND EXPIRED FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

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 58Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Inspector’s notes

2-102.13 : OBSERVED MISSING AND EXPIRED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR FOOD MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN

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 44Equipment and utensils

Official wording

UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED

Inspector’s notes

4-903.11 (A;B;D) : MUST INVERT MULTI-USE UTENSILS ON OVERHEAD SHELF OF COOKING EQUIPMENT AND WHERE NEEDED.

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

4-501.11 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKETS ON 1- DOOR PREP COOLER IN FRONT PREP AREA AND 2- DOOR REACH IN COOLER IN REAR PREP AREA,LID ON CHEST FREEZER IN BASEMENT IN POOR REPAIR.

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

5-205.15 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LEAKY OVERHEAD PIPE AND LOWER PIPES WITH A BUCKET STORED UNDERNEATH IN BASEMENT. MISSING SUMP PUMP LID IN BASEMENT.

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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Apr 3, 2024 · Original Source

Canvass

Mar 27, 2024

Fail

15 recorded violations

notedCode 5Other

Official wording

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO CLEAN-UP POLICY PROCEDURE AND ITEMS FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEA MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED)

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
notedCode 6Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

PROPER EATING, TASTING, DRINKING, OR TOBACCO USE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED MALE EMPLOYEE CHEWING WHILE HANDLING FOODS IN FRONT PREP AREA MUST EAT IN DESIGNATED AREA AWAY FROM FOOD PREP AREA.

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 37Food source and labeling

Official wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s notes

MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.

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 44Equipment and utensils

Official wording

UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED

Inspector’s notes

MUST INVERT MULTI-USE UTENSILS ON OVERHEAD SHELF OF COOKING EQUIPMENT.

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 57Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED MISSING AND EXPIRED FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

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 58Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED MISSING AND EXPIRED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR FOOD MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

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 46Other

Official wording

GLOVES USED PROPERLY

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER CHANGING GLOVES AND NOT WASHING HANDS.

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
notedCode 3Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO SIGNED EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICIES FOR EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010)(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 8Handwashing

Official wording

HANDS CLEAN & PROPERLY WASHED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED MALE EMPLOYEE GO TO 3- COMPARTMENT SINK AND PUT SOAP IN HIS HAND TURNED ON WATER AND WASHED HANDS IN 3- COMPARTMENT SINK IN FRONT OF ME AND THE FOOD MANAGER.INSTRUCTED TO WASH HANDS ONLY AT DESIGNATED HAND WASHING SINKS.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010)(CITATION ISSUED)(COS)

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 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX. 50 OR MORE MICE DROPPINGS ON OVER THE STAIRS FOOD & PAPER STORAGE AREA AND ON & BETWEEN ARTICLES AND IN LOWER VANITY OF HAND SINK IN TOILET ROOM.MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS. RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 3/27/24.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A)(CITATION ISSUED)

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 41Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

Inspector’s notes

MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE ON STEAM TABLE AND COUNTER SURFACES.

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 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED BREAD BAGS BEING REUSED TO STORE COOKED FOODS IN WALK IN COOLER MUST USE ONLY FOOD GRADE BAGS FOR FOOD STORAGE .

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

MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM STEAM TABLE,GRILL TABLE,INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE,FRYER CABINETS,OVERHEADSHELVING UNITS IN REAR PREP AREA, 2- DOOR COOLER STORAGE,WALK IN COOLER- SHELVING UNITS,COMPRESSOR UNIT.

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

MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LEAKY OVERHEAD PIPE AND LOWER PIPES WITH A BUCKET STORED UNDERNEATH IN BASEMENT. MISSING SUMP PUMP LID IN BASEMENT.

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

MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES IN TOILET ROOM AND LOBBY.

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

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

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