RecordWell Data

Big Star

1531 N DAMEN AVE, Chicago, IL 60622 · Cook County

43cited violations
0serious tier
5inspections
38tier not stated

Establishment

Type
Restaurant (retail food serving meals) (Restaurant)
Inspected by
Chicago Department of Public Health
License / ID
2827504
Status
Risk 1 (High)
Official record
Chicago Department of Public Health inspection reports

Other public records for this business

Year by year

YearInspectionsViolationsSerious
2026170
20253360
2024100

Inspections

  1. Aug 4, 2026 Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions — Risk 1 (High)
    • Severity not stated

      ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

      OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE IN WOMEN'S WASHROOM.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

    • Severity not stated

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

      OBSERVED STAINED CUTTING BOARD ON TOP OF THE MAIN PREP LINE COOLERS.INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE OR REPLACE THE CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN.

    • Severity not stated

      NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

      INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN INTERIOR BOTTOM COMPARTMENTS OF THE DEEP FRYERS TO REMOVE THE GREASE BUILDUP AND THE TOP EXTERIOR OF DISHMACHINE TO REMOVE DEBRIS.

    • Severity not stated

      PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

      INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE BROKEN CEILING TILE LOCATED NEXT TO THE REAR KITCHEN EXHAUST HOOD AND DETAIL CLEAN CEILING FAN BLADES AT BAR AND CUSTOMER DINING AREAS TO REMOVE ACCUMULATION OF DUSTS AND MAINTAIN.

    • Severity not stated

      ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

      INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE KITCHEN EXHAUST HOOD SYSTEMS TO REMOVE ACCUMULATION OF GREASE BUILD-UP AND MAINTAIN.

    • Severity not stated

      ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

      INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN CEILING VENTILATION COVERS THROUGHOUT THE PREMISES TO REMOVE ACCUMULATION OF HANGING DUSTS AND MAINTAIN.

    • Not serious Priority Foundation

      SUMMARY REPORT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC

      PREVIOUS INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY FROM (08/14/2025) WAS NOT DISPLAYED FOR THE PUBLIC TO VIEW.TODAY'S INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY WAS ISSUED AND DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC AT ALL TIMES.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-010 (b),CITATION ISSUED.

  2. Aug 14, 2025 Suspected Food Poisoning · Pass w/ Conditions — Risk 1 (High)
    • Severity not stated Corrected on site

      HANDS CLEAN & PROPERLY WASHED

      OBSERVED POOR HYGIENIC PRACTICES BY MALE FOOD HANDLERS WHILE HANDLING DIRTY TO CLEAN DISHES, ALSO A MALE FOOD HANDLER HANDLING A SOILED TOWEL AND A COOKED TORTILLA SHELL IN HIS HAND WHILE HE WIPED THE COUNTER. MUST WASH HANDS AFTER EVERY POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION. (PRIORITY 7-38-010)(CITATION ISSUED)(COS)

    • Severity not stated Corrected on site

      NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH RTE FOOD OR A PRE-APPROVED ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURE PROPERLY ALLOWED

      OBSERVED BARE HAND CONTACT WITH READY-TO-EAT TORTILLA BEING REMOVED FROM GRILL BY FEMALE FOOD HANDLER. PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED APPX. 2.8LBS. TORTILLA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO USE UTENSILS OR DISPOSABLE GLOVES TO HANDLE TCS FOODS.APPX.2.8LBS.$3.(PRIORITY 7-38-010)(CITATION ISSUED)(COS)

    • Not serious Priority Foundation Corrected on site

      ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

      OBSERVED HAND WASHING SINK NOT ACCESSIBLE IN FRONT OF THE MAIN PREP AREA.OBSERVED A PREP TABLE STORED IN FRONT OF SAID SINK. TABLE WAS REMOVED DURING INSPECTION. MUST KEEP HAND WASHING SINK ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIMES.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C)(CITATION ISSUED)(COS)

    • Not serious Priority Foundation Corrected on site

      ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

      OBSERVED NO SOAP AT MAIN PREP AREA HAND WASHING SINK SOAP WAS PROVIDED DURING INSPECTION.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C)(COS)(CONSOLIDATED VIOLATION )

    • Not serious Priority Foundation Corrected on site

      ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

      OBSERVED NO HAND DRYING DEVICES AT MAIN PREP AREA. HAND WASHING SINK, PAPER TOWEL WERE PROVIDED DURING INSPECTION. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C)(COS)(CONSOLIDATED VIOLATION )

    • Severity not stated Corrected on site

      FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

      OBSERVED A HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE IN USE. FINAL RINSE IS AT 147.0°F. MUST BE AT 180.0°F OR MORE.MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. (PRIORITY 7-38-025)(CITATION ISSUED)(COS) REPAIR PERSON ON SITE IS CHANGING FROM A HIGH TEMPERATURE TO A CHEMICAL DISH MACHINE AT THIS TIME OF INSPECTION.

    • Severity not stated Corrected on site

      PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

      OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS, SUCH AS .5LBS. SLAW-47.3F.2.5LBS. COOKED ONIONS-46.0F-48.6F.12OZ. SALSA PICO-52.1F.12OZ. COOKED CHIROZO-47.1F.3LBS. PICO DE GALLO-46.9F.2LBS. SLICED AVACADO-48.1F. THE PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED BY THE MANAGER. MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING FOODS AT 41.0°F OR BELOW.APPX.9LBS. $55.(PRIORITY 7-38-005)(COS)(CITATION ISSUED)

    • Severity not stated Corrected on site

      PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL

      OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF TACO PREP COOLER AT 46.8°F WITH TCS FOODS STORED INSIDE.MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING UNIT AT 41.0°F OR BELOW.AIR TEMPERATURE IS NOW 38.9F(PRIORITY 7-38-005)(COS)(CITATION ISSUED)

    • Severity not stated

      FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

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

    • Severity not stated

      INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

      6-202.15: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT DOOR AND FRAME OF OUTDOOR PATIO AND LIQUOR STORAGE ROOM DOOR.

    • Severity not stated

      WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

      MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE ON PREP TABLES.

    • Severity not stated

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

      MUST INVERT MULTI-USE UTENSILS ON DISH STORAGE SHELVES.

    • Severity not stated

      GLOVES USED PROPERLY

      OBSERVED IMPROPER USAGE OF GLOVES BY FOOD HANDLERS.

    • Severity not stated

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

      4-501.11 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE MISSING DOOR HANDLE ON SALAD PREP COOLER.

    • Severity not stated

      NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

      4-601.11(C) : MUST CLEAN FRYER CABINETS & WHEEL BASES ,GRILL TABLE,GARBAGE CANS IN BAR AREA.

    • Severity not stated

      PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

      6-501.13 Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FLOOR & DRAINS UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES IN DRY FOOD & PAPER STORAGE AREA,BAR.

  3. May 29, 2025 Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
    • Severity not stated

      FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

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

    • Severity not stated

      INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

      6-202.15 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT DOOR AND FRAME OF OUTDOOR PATIO AND LIQUOR STORAGE ROOM DOOR .

    • Severity not stated

      CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

      3-305.11 : MUST ELEVATE FOOD AND PAPER GOODS FROM FLOOR IN OUTSIDE WALK IN COOLER DRY FOOD & PAPER STORAGE AREA TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION.

    • Severity not stated

      IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED

      : 3-304.12 : OBSERVED CUPS AND BOWLS STORED INSIDE OF BULK FOOD CONTAINERS MUST REMOVE AND STORE PROPERLY.

    • Severity not stated

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

      4-101.19 : MUST ELIMINATE CARDBOARD AND FOIL FROM SURFACES TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.

    • Severity not stated

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

      4-501.11 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE MISSING DOOR HANDLE ON SALAD PREP COOLER.

    • Severity not stated

      NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

      4-601.11(C) : MUST CLEAN FRYER CABINETS & WHEEL BASES ,GRILL TABLE,GARBAGE CANS IN BAR AREA.

    • Severity not stated

      PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

      6-201.17 : MUST CLEAN DUST BUILD UP FROM CEILING JOIST ABOVE BAR & CEILING VENT IN DISH WASHING AREA.

    • Severity not stated

      PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

      6-501.13 Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FLOOR & DRAINS UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES IN DRY FOOD & PAPER STORAGE AREA,BAR.

  4. May 20, 2025 Canvass · Fail — Risk 1 (High)
    • Severity not stated

      FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

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

    • Not serious Priority Foundation

      INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

      OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX. 20 OR MORE LIVE SMALL FLIES IN DISH WASHING AREA,BAR AREA ON WALLS, SPEAKER,CEILINGS AND DINING AREA OUTSIDE OF MEN'S TOILET ROOM RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 5/20/25.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A)(CITATION ISSUED)

    • Severity not stated

      INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

      MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT DOOR AND FRAME OF OUTDOOR PATIO AND LIQUOR STORAGE ROOM DOOR .

    • Severity not stated

      CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

      MUST ELEVATE FOOD AND PAPER GOODS FROM FLOOR IN OUTSIDE WALK IN COOLER DRY FOOD & PAPER STORAGE AREA TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION.

    • Severity not stated

      IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED

      OBSERVED CUPS AND BOWLS STORED INSIDE OF BULK FOOD CONTAINERS MUST REMOVE AND STORE PROPERLY.

    • Severity not stated

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

      MUST ELIMINATE CARDBOARD AND FOIL FROM SURFACES TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.

    • Severity not stated

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

      MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE MISSING DOOR HANDLE ON SALAD PREP COOLER,MISSING DOOR LOCK ON LAST STALL IN WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM.

    • Severity not stated

      NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

      MUST CLEAN FRYER CABINETS & WHEEL BASES ,GRILL TABLE,GARBAGE CANS IN BAR AREA.

    • Severity not stated

      PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

      MUST CLEAN DUST BUILD UP FROM CEILING JOIST ABOVE BAR & CEILING VENT IN DISH WASHING AREA,

    • Severity not stated

      PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

      MUST REMOVE BARBWIRE FROM AROUND FLOOR DRAINS IN DISH WASHING,PREP & BAR AREAS FOR CLEANING TO OCCUR.

    • Severity not stated

      PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

      MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES IN DRY FOOD & PAPER STORAGE AREA,BAR.

  5. May 3, 2024 License · Pass — Risk 1 (High)

    Result: Pass.

Source: Chicago Department of Public Health. History last read Oct 2, 2026. Violation text is the inspector's wording. “Serious” is the source's own top tier. About this data.