BIG RED STAR.

Chicago Health Dept

1531 N DAMEN AVE · WICKER PARK, CHICAGO

Last inspected 2012.

10 inspections on record since 2010 · Last inspected Nov 2012.

Last inspected Nov 2012. Records may not reflect current conditions.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS

VIOLATIONS

total on record

LAST INSPECTED

NOV 2012

INSPECTION HISTORY

NOV 13

2012

PASS 5 violations

Minor Sanitation

CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES

MUST PROPERLY STORE,INVERT ALL CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS,DISHWARE IN KITCHEN AREAS TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION BEFORE USE.

Minor Sanitation

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

MUST DETAIL CLEAN,MAINTAIN LIGHT SHIELDS THROUGHOUT THE KITCHEN AREAS,REPLACE BURNT OUT LIGHT BULBS.

Minor Sanitation

VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

MUST DETAIL CLEAN,MAINTAIN FILTERS OVER COOKING EQUIPMENTS,REPAIR WATER LEAK AT DRAIN PIPE BENEATH THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.

Minor Employee Hygiene

APPROPRIATE METHOD OF HANDLING OF FOOD (ICE) HAIR RESTRAINTS AND CLEAN APPAREL WORN

EMPLOYEES WORKING AROUND OPEN FOODS MUST PROVIDE,MAINTAIN HAIR RESTRAINTS AT ALL TIMES.

Minor Sanitation

FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED

WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE STORED IN SANITIZING SOLUTION.

JUL 3

2012

PASS 1 violation

Minor Sanitation

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

MUST REPLACE BROKEN GASKET AT THE 3 DOOR FOOD PREP COOLER AT FRONT COOKING LINE.

JUN 26

2012

FAIL 7 violations 1 CRITICAL

Critical Food Temperature

POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE

OBSERVED COOKED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD PORK IN THE PROCESS OF COOLING INSIDE THE WALK-IN-COOLER AT IMPROPER TEMPS OF 59.7F-60.0F(NO TIME AND TEMPERATURE LOGS PROVIDED ALSO 2 CONTAINERS OF COOKED PORK HELD INSIDE THE 3 DOOR FOOD PREP COOLER AT COOKING LINE IMPROPER TEMPS OF 46.9F-49.0F,CHEESE 48.9F. NO TIME TEMPERATURE LOGS PROVIDED. ALL SAID PRODUCT DUMPED AND DENATURED, AT A COST OF $1,000 AND APPROX. 150 TOTAL POUNDS PER MANAGER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO MONITOR,MAINTAIN ALL COLD FOODS 40F OR BELOW,ALL HOT FOODS 140F OR ABOVE AT ALL TIMES. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED: 7-38-005(A).

Serious Pest Activity

FOOD PROTECTED DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY, SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION

OBSERVED PREMISES STORING CAMBRO WHEELED CONTAINERS FILLED WITH ICE USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION IN AN OUTSIDE REAR UNLOCKED SHED STORAGE NOT PROTECTED AGAINST PUBLIC CONTAMINATION.ALSO SAID CAMBRO CONTAINERS ARE DRAINING WATER ONTO GROUND THIS IS A POTENTIAL PEST FEED.PLEASE NOTE:THE PARKING LOT ADJACENT TO SAID AREA IS NOT USED FOR THE SAID BUSINESS.INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE SAID PRACTICE AT ONCE. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-005(A).

Serious Other

PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION(S) CORRECTED 7-42-090

PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION(S) NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT#608272 DATED 9/15/11 SEE REPORT.MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-090.

Minor Sanitation

CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES

CLEAN MULTI USE KITCHEN METAL BOWLS MUST BE PROPERLY STORED,INVERTED TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION BEFORE USE.

Minor Sanitation

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

MUST REPLACE BROKEN GASKET AT THE 3 DOOR FOOD PREP COOLER AT FRONT COOKING LINE AND PROVIDE ICE BIN COVERS FOR ICE BINS BEHIND BAR AREA.

Minor Facility Condition

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

REPLACE BURNT-OUT LIGHT BULBS IN THE KITCHEN AREAS,INSIDE THE WALK-IN-COOLER.

Minor Sanitation

VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

DETAIL CLEAN HOOD/FILTERS OVER THE COOKING EQUIPMENTS.

NOV 18

2011

PASS 1 violation

Minor Sanitation

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

VIOLATION STILL PENDING

SEP 15

2011

PASS 4 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. MUST CLEAN VENTS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT

Minor Sanitation

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. MUST CLEAN AND REPAIR WALL IN FRONT KITCHEN AREA, SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE

Minor Sanitation

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

Shielding to protect against broken glass falling into food shall be provided for all artificial lighting sources in preparation, service, and display facilities. MUST CLEAN LIGHT SHIELD ABOVE PREP AREA IN KITCHEN

Minor Other

REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

All food establishments that display, prepare, or store potentially hazardous foods shall have calibrated metal stem thermometers, provided and conspicuous, for refrigerated and hot food units. MUST PROVIDE INTERIOR THERMOMETERS INSIDE ALL COOLERS AND FREEZERS

show all 10 inspections →

MAY 3

2011

PASS 3 violations

Minor Sanitation

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

VIOLATION STILL PENDING

Minor Facility Condition

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

VIOLATION STILL PENDING

Minor Plumbing & Waste

VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

VIOLATION STILL PENDING

MAR 10

2011

PASS 3 violations

Minor Sanitation

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. MUST CLEAN CEILING VENTS IN KITCHEN PREP AREA

Minor Sanitation

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

Minor Plumbing & Waste

VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health. MUST REPAIR SLOW RUNNING HOT WATER, AND ADJUST TANK LESS WATER TANK TO HAVE HOT WATER RUNNING CONSISTENTLY, THROUGH-OUT THE DAY

AUG 24

2010

PASS · 0 violations

AUG 16

2010

FAIL 7 violations 3 CRITICAL

Critical Food Temperature

SANITIZING RINSE FOR EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS: CLEAN, PROPER TEMPERATURE, CONCENTRATION, EXPOSURE TIME

Equipment and utensils should get proper exposure to the sanitizing solution during the rinse cycle. Bactericidal treatment shall consist of exposure of all dish and utensil surfaces to a rinse of clean water at a temperature of not less than 180F.OBSERVED DISHWASHER EMPLOYEE WASHING MULTI-USE KITCHEN EQUIPMENT FAILING TO PROPERLY SANITIZE FURTHERMORE 3 COMP SINK NOT SET-UP AS REQUIRED (0)PPM DURING THIS INSPECTION.

Critical Pest Activity

PREVIOUS SERIOUS VIOLATION CORRECTED, 7-42-090

A separate and distinct offense shall be deemed to have been committed for each Serious violation that is not corrected upon re-inspection by the health authority.PREVIOUS SERIOUS VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED CONTINUED OBSERVANCE OF LIVE FLIES IN VARIOUS AREAS THAT IS APPROXIMATTELY 25 FLIES-MUST COMPLETELY ELIMINATE SAID PEST PROBLEM.

Serious Pest Activity

FOOD PROTECTED DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY, SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION

All food should be properly protected from contamination during storage, preparation, display, service, and transportation.FOUND FOODS STORED UNPROTECTED IN KITCHEN PREP AREA,FLIES NOTICED ON FOODS ALSO FOUND 2 EXTERIOR BUS PAN STATIONS ALONG FRONT OUTDOOR PATIO AND FLIES HOVERING AROUND SAID AREA.MUST REMOVE SAID EQUIPMENTS.

Critical Pest Activity

INSIDE CONTAINERS OR RECEPTACLES: ADEQUATE NUMBER, PROPERLY COVERED AND INSECT/RODENT PROOF

All garbage and rubbish containing food wastes shall, prior to disposal, be stored in metal containers with tight fitting lids and shall be kept covered except when opened for the disposal or removal of garbage.FOUND INSIDE GARBAGE CONTAINERS THOROUGHOUT THE PREMISES NOT COVERED,NOT INSECT-PROOFED WITH OVERFLOW OF GARBAGE OBSERVED FLIES HOVERING OVER SAID AREAS.

Minor Sanitation

FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair.FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN KITCHEN,BAR REQUIRE DETAIL CLEANING.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health..FOUND A ELECTRIC FLAT TOP GRILL IN KITCHEN IN USE AT THIS TIME NO VENTILATION-REFFERAL ATTACHED.

Minor Employee Hygiene

APPROPRIATE METHOD OF HANDLING OF FOOD (ICE) HAIR RESTRAINTS AND CLEAN APPAREL WORN

All employees shall be required to use effective hair restraints to confine hair.FOUND 2 FOOD HANDLERS WITH NO HAIR RESTRAINTS.

AUG 9

2010

FAIL 9 violations 2 CRITICAL

Critical Pest Activity

NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS

All necessary control measures shall be used to effectively minimize or eliminate the presence of rodents, roaches, and other vermin and insects on the premises of all food establishments, in food-transporting vehicles, and in vending machines.FOUND APPROXIMATELY 10 LIVE FLIES IN VARIOUS AREAS OF KITCHEN,BAR AREA ALSO FOUND 2 FRONT GARAGED TYPE DOORS WIDE OPEN.

Critical Pest Activity

OUTSIDE GARBAGE WASTE GREASE AND STORAGE AREA; CLEAN, RODENT PROOF, ALL CONTAINERS COVERED

The area outside of the establishment used for the storage of garbage shall be clean at all times and shall not constitute a nuisance.FOUND OUTSIDE GARBAGE DUMPSTER AREA NOT MAINTAINED I.E. OVERFLOWING GARBAGE/LITTER ON GROUND.

Serious Other

* INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO ALL CUSTOMERS

One copy of the Food Inspection Report Summary must be displayed and visible to all customers.FOUND NO INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY POSTED FOR PUBLIC VIEW AS REQUIRED.

Minor Sanitation

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

All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily.THE FOLLOWING REQUIRE DETAIL CLEANING MANUAL CAN OPENER,FAN COVERS INSIDE THE WALK-IN-COOLER,ICE MACHINE,BAR GUNS,HOUSINGS ATTACHED.

Minor Sanitation

FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair.FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN KITCHEN,BAR REQUIRE DETAIL CLEANING.

Minor Sanitation

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned.WALLS THROUGHOUT THE KITCHEN MUST BE SMOOTH,EASILY CLEANABLE.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health.FOUND A ELECTRIC FLAT TOP GRILL IN KITCHEN IN USE AT THIS TIME NO VENTILATION-REFFERAL ATTACHED.

Minor Other

REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

Minor Employee Hygiene

APPROPRIATE METHOD OF HANDLING OF FOOD (ICE) HAIR RESTRAINTS AND CLEAN APPAREL WORN

All employees shall be required to use effective hair restraints to confine hair.FOUND 2 FOOD HANDLERS WITH NO HAIR RESTRAINTS.

Public inspection records from Chicago Department of Public Health. Records current as of 2026-07-05. EatOrBeat reports records and does not rate restaurants. Source dataset →

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