TAQUERIA LA ESTRELLA.

Chicago Health Dept

4808 N MILWAUKEE AVE · JEFFERSON PARK, CHICAGO

Last inspected 2020.

8 inspections on record since 2016 · Last inspected Mar 2020.

Last inspected Mar 2020. Records may not reflect current conditions.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS

VIOLATIONS

total on record

LAST INSPECTED

MAR 2020

INSPECTION HISTORY

MAR 5

2020

PASS 3 violations

Minor Sanitation

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

OBSERVED NO WASTE RECEPTACLE IN THE WASH ROOMS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN THE WASH ROOMS.

Minor Pest Activity

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED CLUTTER AND UNUSED BROKEN ICE MACHINE IN REAR MOP SINK AREA . INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REMOVE TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.

Minor Facility Condition

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED BURNT-OUT LIGHT BULBS ABOVE THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE BURNT-OUT LIGHT BULBS AND MAINTAIN ADEQUATE LIGHTING AT ALL TIMES.

FEB 24

2020

FAIL 6 violations

Serious Other

CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

FOUND NO CONSUMER ADVISORY OR DISCLOSURE POSTED AND ON MENUS FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOODS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005,CITATION ISSUED.

Minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE MICROWAVE AND PREP COOLERS AND TO REMOVE FOOD DEBRIS AND TO MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

OBSERVED NO WASTE RECEPTACLE IN THE WASH ROOMS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN THE WASH ROOMS.

Minor Pest Activity

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED CLUTTER AND UNUSED BROKEN ICE MACHINE IN REAR MOP SINK AREA . INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REMOVE TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.

Minor Facility Condition

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED BURNT-OUT LIGHT BULBS ABOVE THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE BURNT-OUT LIGHT BULBS AND MAINTAIN ADEQUATE LIGHTING AT ALL TIMES.

Serious Food Temperature

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT#2305060 DATED:08/21/2019 10 6-301.14: **C** Handwashing Signage INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGNAGE IN EVERY HAND SINK. - Nov 21, 2019 ISSUED - Nov 21, 2019 36 4-204.112(B): **C** Temperature Measuring Devices (NO THERMOMETER IN EQUIPMENT) INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE AND ACCURATE INSIDE ALL COOLERS. - Nov 21, 2019 37 3-302.12: **C** Food Storage Containers Identified with Common Name of Food INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS/BINS IDENTIFIED WITH COMMON NAME. - Nov 21, 2019 47 4-201.11: **C** Equipment and Utensils- Durability and Strength INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CARDBOARD LINER ON PREP/STORAGE SHELVES. - Nov 21, 2019 49 4-601.11(C): (C) NonFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES of EQUIPMENT shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, FOOD residue, and other debris. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN KITCHEN HOOD AND FILTERS WITH EXCESSIVE GREASE ACCUMULATION ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN REAR PREP/COOKING AREA. - Nov 21, 2019 55 6-201.17: **C** Walls and Ceilings, Attachments INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CEILING VENT COVER WITH DUST ACCUMULATION INSIDE MEN AND WOMEN WASHROOM. - Nov 21, 2019 55 6-201.16: **C** Wall and Ceiling Coverings and Coatings NOTED WALL AND CEILING IN REAR STORAGE AREA WITH WATER DAMAGED. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR/REPLACED. - Nov 21, 2019 55 6-201.11: **C** Floors, Walls, and Ceilings- Cleanability INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS ESPECIALLY AROUND GREASE BOX UNDERNEATH 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND FLOORS IN BASEMENT ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS. 58 2-102.13: **C** Allergen Training - All certified food service sanitation managers employed by a restaurant must receive or obtain training in basic allergen awareness principles within 30 days after employment and every 3 years thereafter. Training programs must be accredited by the American National Standards Institute or another reputable accreditation agency under the ASTM International E2659-09 (Standard Practice for Certificate Programs). FOUND NO APPROVED ALLERGEN TRAINING IN ACCORDANCE WITH PA 100-0367 ON SITE. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSON WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING. - Nov 21, 2019 INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT NOTED VIOLATIONS AND MAINTAIN BY 3/3/2020 PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090,CITATION ISSUED.

AUG 21

2019

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 18 violations 5 CRITICAL

Critical Documentation & Training

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

FOUND NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE TCS FOODS (BEEF, CHICKEN, COOKED RICE ETC) ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE, A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE MUST BE PRESENT WHEN TCS FOODS ARE BEING HANDLED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED

Critical Documentation & Training

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

FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 NO CITATION ISSUED

Critical Employee Hygiene

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

11 FOUND NO PROCEDURE/PLAN FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN REQUIRED PROCEDURE/PLAN AND APPROPRIATE SUPPLIES OR KIT. (NECESSARY ITEMS AT A MINIMUM: GLOVES, FACE MASKS, DISPOSABLE MOPS AND APPROPRIATE SANITIZER/SPRAY THAT KILLS NOROVIRUS) PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED

Critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL HAND SINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER EQUIPPED WITH HAND SOAP AND HAND DRYING DEVICE OR PAPER TOWEL ADJACENT TO FRONT FOOD PREP/SERVICE AREA. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030 (C) NO CITATION ISSUED

Critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGNAGE IN EVERY HAND SINK.

Serious Food Storage & Handling

PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION

INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL AND DATE READY TO EAT TCS FOODS HELD OVER 24 HOURS INSIDE COOLERS. MUST IDENTIFY PRODUCT SHELF LIFE OR "CONSUME BY" DATING (7 DAYS FROM PREPARATION DATE). PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED

Serious Other

CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

FOUND NO CONSUMER ADVISORY OR DISCLOSURE POSTED AND ON MENUS FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOODS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED

Minor Other

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE AND ACCURATE INSIDE ALL COOLERS.

Minor Chemical Safety

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

FOUND NO LABEL FOR PRE PACKAGED FLAN AND RICE PUDDING DISPLAYED FOR SALE INSIDE FRONT DISPLAY COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER, ALL PREPACKAGED FOODS ON PREMISES FOR SALE MUST HAVE PROPER LABEL. (NAME OF PRODUCT, INGREDIENTS AND ADDRESS OF THE ESTABLISHMENT PROCESSING, MANUFACTURING DAY AND MONTH OF PREPARATION AND EXPIRED DATE) AND ALLERGEN INFORMATION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED

Minor Food Storage & Handling

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS/BINS IDENTIFIED WITH COMMON NAME.

Minor Sanitation

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

INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CARDBOARD LINER ON PREP/STORAGE SHELVES.

Minor Other

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE 3 WORKING DRAIN STOPPERS AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.

Minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN KITCHEN HOOD AND FILTERS WITH EXCESSIVE GREASE ACCUMULATION ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN REAR PREP/COOKING AREA.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

BACKFLOW PREVENTER DEVICE NOT LOCATED BEHIND ICE MACHINE (WHEN FIXED) UNUSED AT THIS TIME. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL SO THAT IT CAN BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CEILING VENT COVER WITH DUST ACCUMULATION INSIDE MEN AND WOMEN WASHROOM.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

NOTED WALL AND CEILING IN REAR STORAGE AREA WITH WATER DAMAGED. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR/REPLACED.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS ESPECIALLY AROUND GREASE BOX UNDERNEATH 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND FLOORS IN BASEMENT ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS.

Minor Documentation & Training

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

FOUND NO APPROVED ALLERGEN TRAINING IN ACCORDANCE WITH PA 100-0367 ON SITE. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSON WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING.

JAN 22

2018

PASS 5 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

Instructed to properly store and invert clean kitchen multi-use utensils (handles-up) to prevent contamination before use and maintain.

Minor Sanitation

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

Observed torn gaskets at doors of the rear 2 door stand-up cooler.Instructed to replace and maintain. Instructed to provide proper food containers with lids for the (red-green)salsas for customer use and maintain.

Minor Sanitation

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

Detail clean sides of cooking equipments,interior bottom compartment of deep fryer to remove grease build-up,cutting boards,upper panel of ice maker,kitchen food prep storage shelves in need for cleaning and maintain.

Minor Sanitation

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

Observed dirty floors at rear dry storage room and around the hot water tank/furnace area.Instructed to clean floors in detail throughout the premises and maintain.

Minor Sanitation

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

Observed (1) damaged ceiling tile in kitchen prep area.Instructed to replace and maintain. Detail clean kitchen exhaust hood/filters to remove grease build-up and maintain.

JAN 23

2017

PASS 7 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

MUST CLEAN, REPAINT OR REPLACE RUSTY METAL RACKS INSIDE REACH-IN COOLER IN REAR STORAGE ROOM.

Minor Sanitation

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

INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR SURFACES OF 2 DOOR REACH-IN COOLER WITH EXCESSIVE GREASE AND DRIED FOOD IN REAR PREP AREA.--------- MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN STORAGE RACKS WITH MOLD LIKE BUILD-UP INSIDE SODA DISPLAY COOLER IN FRONT SERVICE AREA.----------MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN PREP SHELVES IN PREP/COOKING AREA.

Minor Sanitation

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

INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS WITH DEBRIS AND DRIED FOOD ACCUMULATION ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS THROUGHOUT REAR PREP/COOKING AREA, REAR STORAGE ROOM AND FLOORS THROUGHOUT BASEMENT.

Minor Sanitation

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

NOTED CEILING INSIDE LADIES WASHROOM IN POOR REPAIR WITH PEELING PAINT AND EXCESSIVE WATER STAIN. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Other

REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE INSIDE ALL COOLERS.

Minor Sanitation

PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED

INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REORGANIZE STORAGE SHELVES IN PREP/COOKING AREA.

Minor Other

FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET

FOUND FOOD HANDLER WITH NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

show all 8 inspections →

JUN 8

2016

PASS · 0 violations

MAY 31

2016

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 6 violations 2 CRITICAL

Critical Food Temperature

FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE

Observed the rear tall 2 door cooler not maintaining temperature, found at 52.4f. Tagged cooler held for inspection by CDPH, instructed not to use or remove tag. Instructed to repair and maintain so cooler holds an internal temperature of 40f or below. Critical citation issued 7-38-005(a).

Critical Food Temperature

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

Observed food at improper temperatures: In the tall 2 door reach in cooler- 6lbs of cheese at 49.2f, 10lbs of soup at 50.4f, 10lbs of cooked refried beans at 51.0f, and 3lbs of cooked rice at 50.0f; In the 2 door prep cooler- 1.5lbs of cooked chicken at 52.3f, 5lbs of cooked pork at 52.4f, 3lbs of cooked beef at 53.7f, and 1.5lbs of cooked rice at 51.7f. Operator discarded and denatured said product, valued at $300 as stated by operator. Instructed to maintain all potentially hazardous foods at 40f or below or 140f or above. Critical citation issued 7-38-005(a).

Minor Sanitation

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

Observed torn gaskets on the tall 2 door cooler. Instructed facility to replace and maintain.

Minor Sanitation

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

Observed dirt and debris on the floor under and around the equipment at the front counter. Instructed facility to clean and maintain.

Minor Sanitation

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

Observed stained ceiling tile in the kitchen prep area. Instructed to replace and maintain.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

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

Observed the three compartment sink to be slow draining. Instructed facility to repair and maintain.

JAN 5

2016

PASS 4 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED FOOD IN PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO USE ONLY FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS, AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED SLIGHT DIRT ACCUMULATION ON THE UPPER INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE, AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP UNDER AND AROUND GREASE TRAP. ADVISED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN

Minor Facility Condition

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

OBSERVED LIGHTS IN PREP AREA WITHOUT END CAPS. ADVISED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN

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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