APR 30
2024
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
2 violationsDETAILS
SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO
✕
BIG STAR.
YOUR CALL. 73/100
1531 N DAMEN AVE · WICKER PARK, CHICAGO
Last inspected April 30, 2024 · passed with conditions
9 of 15 inspections passed, 1 failed, 5 passed with conditions. 6 critical violations across the record.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTIONS
15
9 passed · 5 w/ conditions · 1 failed
VIOLATIONS
53
includes 6 critical
RECORDS COVER
11 YEARS
since Apr 2013
INSPECTION HISTORY
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
OBSERVED SEVERAL TCS FOODS HELD AT INADEQUATE TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 45-48 F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL COLD TCS FOODS ARE HELD AT 41 F AND BELOW. MANAGER DISCARDED: 1/4 POUND COOKED VEGETABLES, 2 POUNDS FISH FILET, 1/2 POUND CHORIZO, 1 POUND CUT LEAFY GREENS, AND 1/3 POUND CHEESE ($200). PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
OBSERVED 2 COOLERS WITH INADEQUATE AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURES OF 51 F AND 53 F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL COLD HOLDING UNITS HAVE AN AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF 41 F AND BELOW. COOLER TAGGED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
JUL 212023PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
JUL 21
2023
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED TORN GASKET ON WALK-IN COOLER DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
OBSERVED BUILD UP OF GREASE ON EXTERIOR OF USED COOKING OIL CONTAINER LOCATED IN IN REAR GARBAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
MAR 152022PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
MAR 15
2022
PASSED
4 violationsDETAILS
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
OBSERVED THE TORTILA CHIP SCOOPER STORED ON THE SIDE OF THE HOT HOLDING WITH FOOD CONTACT SURFACE EXPOSED. INSTRUCTED ON HOW TO PROPERLY STORE TORTILLA SCOOPER BETWEEN USES.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
OBSERVED BURNT OUT LIGHT BULB ABOVE THE DISH MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
OBSERVED EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN RECORDS AT ALL TIMES.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
OBSERVED THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD CERTIFIED MANAGER WITH NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS OBTAIN THIS CERTIFICATE.
AUG 62020PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
AUG 6
2020
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
PLASTIC DELI CUPS NOT AIR DRIED AFTER WASHING, INSTRUCTED TO AIR DRY UTENSILS AFTER WASHING.
SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED
PAPER DISPOSABLE CUPS USED AS A FOOD SCOOP, INSTRUCTED TO USE PROPER UTENSILS.
JUL 292019PASS W/ CONDITIONS7 violationsDETAILS
JUL 29
2019
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
7 violationsDETAILS
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURES OF COLD TCS FOODS STORED IN FRONT 3-DOOR PREP COOLER OBSERVED COOKED CHORIZO AT 47.3F, POBLANO RAJAS WITH SOUR CREAM AT 52.9F AND CHIHUAHUA CHEESE AT 48.8F. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY AND VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED FOOD APPROXIMATELY 26.25LBS VALUE OF $161.57. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN COLD TCS FOODS AT 41.0F OR BELOW. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED. COS.
PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
OBSERVED IMPROPER DATE MARKING ON TCS FOODS HELD MORE THAN 24 HOURS INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER AND PREP COOLERS. MUST PROPERLY LABEL AND MAINTAIN.
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON TOP OF PREP TABLES IN FOOD PREP AREA. MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED DOOR GASKET IN POOR REPAIR AT THE FRONT 1-DOOR COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE DOOR GASKET AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED DEAD INSECTS AND DEBRIS INSIDE LIGHT SHIELDS COVERS ABOVE PREP TABLES IN FRONT PREP AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED DIRT AND DEBRIS ON WALL BEHIND DISH MACHINE. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
OBSERVED GREASE BUILD UP ON VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN FRONT PREP AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
show all 15 inspections →
JAN 302018PASSED1 violationDETAILS
JAN 30
2018
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
NOTED MISSING LIGHT SHIELDS OVER COOKING EQUIPMENT. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
MAY 122017PASSED1 violationDETAILS
MAY 12
2017
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
OBSERVED DUST AND GREASE ACCUMULATION ON THE HOODVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE THE HOODVENTS SERVICED AND MAINTAINED.
OCT 252016PASS W/ CONDITIONS2 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
OCT 25
2016
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
2 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE
POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE.FOUND MELTED CHEESE(MADE WITH MILK AND FLOUR) INSIDE A WHITE CONTAINER,STORED INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER AT TEMP OF 55.3F TO 55.4F.PRODUCTS WAS COOKED YESTERDAY,COLD FOOD MUST MAINTAIN TEMP OF 40F AND BELOW.FOOD DISCARDED AND DENATURED. POUNDS 8,VALUE 60 CRITICAL VIOLATION:7-38-005(A)
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
OBSERVED PLASTIC CONTAINERS INIDE DRY FOOD(SUGAR,FLOUR ETC)INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND PROVIDE UTENSILS/SCOOP WITH HANDLES.
MAY 162016PASSED1 violationDETAILS
MAY 16
2016
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
PARTIALLY MISSING CEILING TILES ABOVE THE HIGH TEMP DISH MACHINE,INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE
MAY 92016FAILED2 violationsDETAILS
MAY 9
2016
FAILED
2 violationsDETAILS
PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION(S) CORRECTED 7-42-090
PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM 2-5-16,REPORT#163407 #38- SLOW DRAINING MIDDLE SINK AT BAR NORTH SIDE ,INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR CAUSE. OBSERVED PLASTICS CAPS BEING USED AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THREE PROPER STOPPERS. WE(MANAGERS AND MYSELF)OBSERVED TODAY THE SAME VIOLATION SERIOUS VIOLATION:7-42-090
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
PARTIALLY MISSING CEILING TILES ABOVE THE HIGH TEMP DISH MACHINE,INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE
FEB 52016PASS W/ CONDITIONS12 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
FEB 5
2016
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
12 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE
FOUND POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE:COOKED CARROTS STORED INSIDE THE TORTILLAS HOT HOLDING UNIT AT TEMP OF 88.7F.UNIT MAINTAINS TEMP OF 124.6F TO 128.9F.HOT FOOD MUST MAINTAIN 140F AND ABOVE.FOOD WITH TEMPERATURE ABUSE DISCARDED BY THE MANAGER.POUNDS 2, VALUE $10. CRITICAL VIOLATION:7-38-005(A).
HANDS WASHED AND CLEANED, GOOD HYGIENIC PRACTICES; NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH READY-TO-EAT FOODS.
POOR HYGIENIC PRACTICES. OBSERVED THE COOK WITH GLOVED HANDS PICKING COOKED FOOD AND EATING THEM, THEN WIPED HANDS ON BLUE LINENS AND CONTINUE TO HANDLE FOOD, ALSO SCRATCHING FOREHEAD AND CONTINUED TO COOK, OBSERVED EMPLOYEES WITH GLOVED HANDS TOUCHING NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACE SUCH AS: KITCHEN EQUIPMENT, GARBAGE CANS, DIRTY HANDLES FROM WALK-IN COOLER, WIPING HANDS WITH BLUE LINEN CLOTHS, WHICH EVERY EMPLOYEE HAVE ATTACHED ON APRON, BELT OR LEFT ON TOP THE PREP TABLES/CUTTING BOARDS. NO HAND WASHING NOR REMOVAL OF GLOVES WAS OBSERVED AFTER EACH TASK.EMPLOYEE WERE HANDLING READY TO EAT FOOD:LETTUCE,CHEESE ETC. AND COOKING,PREPARING FOOD. HAND WASHING INFORMATION GIVEN TO MANAGER. CRITICAL VIOLATION: 7-38-010(A).
HAND WASHING FACILITIES: WITH SOAP AND SANITARY HAND DRYING DEVICES, CONVENIENT AND ACCESSIBLE TO FOOD PREP AREA
NO PAPER TOWELS PROVIDED AT EXPOSED HAND SINK AT PREP AREA (EMPLOYEES WERE PREPARING FOOD:HOME MADE TORTILLAS). OBSERVED EMPLOYEE WIPING HER HANDS ON BLUE LINEN WHICH WAS STORED ON TOP CUTTING BOARD, DUE TO NO PAPER PROVIDED. UPON MY REQUEST MANAGER PROVIDED PAPER TOWELS. CRITICAL VIOLATION: 7-38-030.
* INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO ALL CUSTOMERS
PREVIOUS SUMMARY REPORT NOT POSTED/VISIBLE TO CUSTMERS ON PREMISES FROM 12-29-15, REPORT #1445388. PRESENTLY POSTED IS THE SUMMARY FROM JANUARY 12, 2015. NEW SUMMARY REPORT GIVEN AND POSTED. SERIOUS VIOLATION: 7-42-010(B).
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
KNIVES STORED BETWEEN THE PREP TABLE AND THREE COMPARTMENT SINK MUST BE PROPERLY STORED,OR PROVIDE A KNIFE RACK
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
DEBRIS AT INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF COOKING EQUIPMENTS,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INCLUDED DEEP FRIES . RUST INSIDE THE ICE BIN AT BAR AREA(EAST SITE),INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.DEBRIS ON PIPES BEHIND THE COOKING EQUIPMENTS,FILTERS AND HOOD.BLACK SLIME INSIDE THE CABINET UNDER THE WATER SINK AT WAITER STATION,ALSO AT OTHER SIDE CABINET HAS ACCUMULATION OF SPLATTERED FOOD,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
DETAIL CLEAN THE LIGHT SHIELDS IN THE TORTILLA PREP AREA.
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
FLOOR IN THE KITCHEN IS IN POOR REPAIR, PEELING PAINT AND UNEVEN FLOOR, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR/REPLACE WITH A SMOOTH,CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE. CLEAN FLOOR ALONG WALLS, UNDER AND BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENTS.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
BROKEN WALLS UNDER BOTH EXPOSED HAND SINKS IN THE KITCHEN, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR. SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH, CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE. ALSO WALLS AROUND MOP SINK ARE DIRTY. CLEAN GRIMES ON WALLS UNDER THE DISHMACHINE, THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AND BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENTS. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. REPAIR WALL WITH A SMOOTH, CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE.
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
SLOW DRAINING MIDDLE SINK AT BAR NORTH SIDE ,INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR CAUSE. OBSERVED PLASTICS CAPS BEING USED AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THREE PROPER STOPPERS.
REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
MUST PROVIDE THERMOMETERS INSIDE OF ALL PREP COOLERS.
NO SMOKING REGULATIONS
NO "NO SMOKING" SIGN OR THE INTERNATIONAL "NO SMOKING" SYMBOL POSTED ON PREMISES. SIGNS TO BE POSTED AT EVERY ENTRANCE CLEARLY STATING THAT SMOKING IS PROHIBITED. POSTING OF SIGN: 7-32-020A. FIRST VIOLATION OF CLEAN INDOOR AIR ORDINANACE.
DEC 292015PASS W/ CONDITIONS4 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
DEC 29
2015
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
4 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE
FACILITIES DO NOT MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE. OBSERVED THE SALAD PREP COOLER WITH AN AIR TEMPERATURE OF 49.5F. THE COOLER WAS USED TO STORE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS SUCH AS CHEESE AND GUACAMOLE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN THE COOLER BELOW 40F. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A.
POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE
OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES INSIDE OF THE SALAD PREP COOLER AND THE TACO PREP COOLER. OBSERVED CHEESE AT 45.8F, SALSA AT 48.5F, BLACK BEANS AT 46.2F, GUACAMOLE AT 44F, CHORIZO AT 47.3F, AND CUT TOMATOES AT 43.7F. MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED APPROXIMATELY 18# OF FOOD WORTH $157. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
DETAIL CLEAN THE LIGHT SHIELDS IN THE TORTILLA PREP AREA.
REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
MUST PROVIDE THERMOMETERS INSIDE OF ALL PREP COOLERS.
JAN 122015PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
JAN 12
2015
PASSED
4 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
MUST PROVIDE CLEAN SANITIZED KNIFE HOLDER. CAN NOT STORE BETWEEN EQUIPMENT. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
TOILET ROOM DOORS SELF CLOSING: DRESSING ROOMS WITH LOCKERS PROVIDED: COMPLETE SEPARATION FROM LIVING/SLEEPING QUARTERS
IN MENS ROOM HANDSINK ON THE LEFT IN NEED OF ADEQUETE WATER PRESSURE. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
CLEAN ALL VENTS TO REMOVE ALL DUST BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED
ICE SCOOP MUST BE STORED IN A CLEAN SANITIZED CONTAINER. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
MAY 12014PASSED5 violationsDETAILS
MAY 1
2014
PASSED
5 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
REMOVE MILK CRATES AND PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING IN WALK-IN COOLER.
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
CLEAN FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
REPAIR DAMAGED GASKET ON REAR NORTH DOOR.
LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
PROVIDE SHATTERPROOF BULBS IN PREP AREA.
FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED
STORE ICE SCOOP HANDLE UP IN BAR AREA TO PREVENT BARE HAND CONTACT.
APR 162013PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
APR 16
2013
PASSED
4 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
Storage shelves in prep area not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean and sanitize daily.
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
Floor in corners and behind equipment not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean daily.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
Light covers in prep area not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean daily.
REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
Thermometer provided inside coolers not visible. Instructed to have all thermometers conspicuous inside coolers.
Data sourced from Chicago Dept. of Public Health. We'd love to link you straight to this restaurant's record — turns out Chicago considers that a luxury. The full dataset is what's on offer →