DEC 17
2025
PASSED
8 violationsDETAILS
SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO
✕
STAR LOUNGE COFFEE BAR.
YOUR CALL. 63/100
2521 W CHICAGO AVE · WICKER PARK, CHICAGO
Last inspected December 17, 2025 · passed
7 of 10 inspections passed, 2 failed, 1 passed with conditions. 10 critical violations across the record.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTIONS
10
7 passed · 1 w/ conditions · 2 failed
VIOLATIONS
42
includes 10 critical
RECORDS COVER
11 YEARS
since Jul 2014
INSPECTION HISTORY
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
MUST PROVIDE A THERMOMETER FOR HOT HOLDING UNIT.
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
MUST PROVIDE A SPLASH GUARD AT HAND SINK NEXT TO 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
MUST REMOVE RAOSTED COFFEE BEANS FROM HALLWAY LEADING TO 2ND FL. TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION AND STORE PROPERLY.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
MUST ELIMINATE CRATES USED FOR FOOD STORAGE AND PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING UNITS.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE GAP ON MILK COOLER.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM COOLERS AND STORAGE CABINETS.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE BROKEN FLOOR TILES IN PREP AREA.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES IN PREP/DISH WASHING AREAS.
AUG 302022PASSED1 violationDETAILS
AUG 30
2022
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER HANDLING MILK, ICE AND COFFEE WITHOUT HAIR RESTRAINTS. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT.
AUG 232021PASSED1 violationDETAILS
AUG 23
2021
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
FOUND SERVICE SINK FILLED WITH UNKNOWN SUBSTANCE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN, SANITIZE, AND MAINTAIN TO PREVENT PEST ACTIVITY.
AUG 162021FAILED9 violations4 CRITICALDETAILS
AUG 16
2021
FAILED
9 violations4 CRITICALDETAILS
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE FOR EMPLOYEES ON DUTY AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY THAT INCLUDES A SIGNED ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FROM EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7.38.010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED PITCHER OF MILK AND WATER STORED IN HANDWASHING SINK LOCATED IN FOOD PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO USE HANDWASHING SINK FOR HANDWASHING PURPOSES ONLY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
FOUND NO HANDWASHING SINK LOCATED IN DISHWASHING AREA TO ALLOW CONVENIENT USE BY EMPLOYEES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HANDWASHING SINK IN CLOSE PROXIMITY OF 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-030(C).
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
FOUND A MINIMAL AMOUNT OF BLACK MOLD LIKE SUBSTANCE ON PANEL OF ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ICE, CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN SAID ICE MACHINE.
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
FOUND MILK AT AN IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF 53F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DISCARD 1/2 GALLON MILK AT $3.50. ALL COLD HOLDING UNITS MUST MAINTAIN A COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 41F AND BELOW. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
FOUND NO COVERED GARBAGE RECEPTACLE LOCATED IN UNISEX WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE COVERED GARBAGE RECEPTACLES TO ALL UNISEX WASHROOMS.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
FOUND UNFINISHED BASEMENT(FLOORS, WALLS, AND CEILINGS). NOTED: SOY MILK, SINGLE SERVICE CUPS, COFFEE FILTERS, AND A VARIETY OF BOTTLED BEVERAGES STORED IN SAID BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE FLOORS WALLS AND CEILINGS.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
FOUND SERVICE SINK FILLED WITH UNKNOWN SUBSTANCE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN, SANITIZE, AND MAINTAIN TO PREVENT PEST ACTIVIVTY.
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
FOUND THE FOLLOWING PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED BY CORRECT DAY FROM INSPECTION REPORT # 2305079 ON OBSERVED CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ARTICLES IN BASEMENT. MUST REMOVE CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ITEMS TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-42-090.
AUG 222019PASSED3 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
AUG 22
2019
PASSED
3 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
OBSERVED EMPLOYEES NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS WHILE FOOD IS BEING PREPARED AND SERVED IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS AT ALL TIMES FOOD IS PREPARED AND SERVED.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
BACK FLOE PREVENTER DEVICE NOT LOCATED AT THE ICE MACHINE LOCATED ON THE 2ND FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL SO THAT CAN BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICE AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ARTICLES IN BASEMENT. MUST REMOVE CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ITEMS TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE.
show all 10 inspections →
AUG 142019FAILED5 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
AUG 14
2019
FAILED
5 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED NO HAND SOAP AT THE EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK IN FRONT COFFEE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SOAP AT ALL TIMES. MANAGER PROVIDED SOAP DURING INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED. COS
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
OBSERVED EMPLOYEES NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS WHILE FOOD IS BEING PREPARED AND SERVED IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS AT ALL TIMES FOOD IS PREPARED AND SERVED.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
BACK FLOE PREVENTER DEVICE NOT LOCATED AT THE ICE MACHINE LOCATED ON THE 2ND FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL SO THAT CAN BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICE AND MAINTAIN.
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
OUTSIDE GARBAGE AREA NOT MAINTAINED. OBSERVED OUTSIDE GARBAGE DUMPSTERS OVERFLOWING PREVENTING LID FROM CLOSING PROPERLY. THIS IS HARBORAGE AND A FOOD SOURCE FOR RODENTS AND OTHER PEST. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN GARBAGE AREA ADEQUATE MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(B). CITATION ISSUED.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ARTICLES IN BASEMENT. MUST REMOVE CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ITEMS TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE.
DEC 212017PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
DEC 21
2017
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
OBSERVED RIPPED GASKETS AROUND THE 1-DOOR REACH-IN REFRIGERATOR IN THE COFFEE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE GASKET TO PROVIDE A TIGHT FITTING SEAL AND MAINTAIN.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE GASKETS AROUND THE 2-DOOR REACH-IN REFRIGERATOR AT THE MAIN PREP AREA TO REMOVE FOOD DEBRIS BUILDUP AND MAINTAIN.
OCT 62016PASSED1 violationDETAILS
OCT 6
2016
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
NO BACK FLOW PREVENTER DEVICE PROVIDED AT WATER LINE OF THE ESPRESSO MACHINE AT FRONT COUNTER FIRST FLOOR,INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE OR TO KNOW THE LOCATION OF THE INSTALLED BACK FLOW PREVENTER DEVICE. BROKEN RUBBER GASKET INSIDE THE TWO DOOR COOLER BEHIND FRONT COUNTER(SOUTH END),INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
AUG 312016PASS W/ CONDITIONS6 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
AUG 31
2016
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
6 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
SANITIZING RINSE FOR EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS: CLEAN, PROPER TEMPERATURE, CONCENTRATION, EXPOSURE TIME
LOW TEMP DISH MACHINE NOT DISPENSING SANITZER,0ppm. MANAGER START THE CYCLE SEVERAL TIMES WITH NEGATIVE RESULT. TAGGED UNIT "HELD FOR INSPECTION" INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR CAUSE.LOW TEMP DISH MACHINE MUST MAINTAIN TEMP OF 100ppm. CRITICAL VIOLATION:7-38-030
HAND WASHING FACILITIES: WITH SOAP AND SANITARY HAND DRYING DEVICES, CONVENIENT AND ACCESSIBLE TO FOOD PREP AREA
FOUND EXPOSED HAND SINK NOT ACCESSIBLE BEHIND THE COFFEE FRONT COUNTER,INSIDE THE SINK FOOD STRAINER, ALSO NO PAPER TOWELS PROVIDED AT SAID SINK. UPON MY REQUEST ITEM REMOVED AND PAPER TOWELS PROVIDED. SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS MUST BE PROVIDED AT EXPOSED HAND SINK AT ALL TIMES FOR HAND WASHING. CRITICAL VIOLATION:7-38-030
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
NO BACK FLOW PREVENTER DEVICE PROVIDED AT WATER LINE OF THE ESPRESSO MACHINE AT FRONT COUNTER FIRST FLOOR,INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE OR KNOWN THE LOCATION OF THE INSTALLED BACK FLOW PREVENTER DEVICE. BROKEN RUBBER GASKET INSIDE THE TWO DOOR COOLER BEHIND FRONT COUNTER(SOUTH END),INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.CEMENT BLOCKS UNDER THE DISH MACHINE WITH GRIMES, UNABLE TO CLEAN. SURFACE ARE POROUS.SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH.CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE. SPLASH GUARD IS NEEDED BETWEEN THE DUMP SINK AND SHELF WITH CLEAN CUPS ETC. SURAFCE MUST BE SMOOTH CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
DIRTY PLYWOOD ON FLOOR AT REAR STORAGE AREA BY THE LAUNDRY ROOM ,SECOND FLOOR.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FLOOR TILES,ALSO REPLACE MISSING FLOOR TILES AT LAUNDRY ROOM.SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH,CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE.DEBRIS ON FLOOR INSIDE THE FURNACE ROOM,NEED TO SWEEP(SECOND FLOOR) .EXCESS ITEMS ON FLOOR INSIDE THE OFFICE AT SECOND FLOOR,INSTRUCTED TO RE-ORGANIZE AND ELEVATE ITEMS 6"OFF THE FLOOR ITEMS NEEDED.EXCESS DEBRIS ON FLOOR ALONG THE COUNTER AND BETWEEN THE PIPES,NEED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
GRIME ON WALL ABOVE THE LOW TEMP DISH MACHINE(SECOND FLOOR),INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
REPLACE BROKEN THERMOMETERS INSIDE THE COOLER BEHIND COFFEE COUNTER
JUL 22014PASSED6 violationsDETAILS
JUL 2
2014
PASSED
6 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
CLEAN AND MAINTAIN GASKETS ON ALL COOLERS IN FIRST AND SECOND FLOOR AREAS.
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
FLOOR NOT LEVEL AND BUCKLING IN SECOND FLOOR DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR FLOOR.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
CLEAN WALLS UNDER FRONT COUNTER NEAR ICE MACHINE(SPILLS). SEAL WALLS IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. WALLS MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELDS OR SHATTERPROOF BULBS IN FIRST AND SECOND FLOOR PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS.
PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
REMOVE ALL UNUSED EQUIPMENT AND UNNECESSARY ARTICLES IN BASEMENT AND SECOND FLOOR STORAGE CLOSET TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
APPROPRIATE METHOD OF HANDLING OF FOOD (ICE) HAIR RESTRAINTS AND CLEAN APPAREL WORN
ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS.
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 →