CHICAGO, IL - Health department officials identified compliance issues at STAR GYROS in an inspection dated 04/13/2023.
Situated at 3400 W ROOSEVELT RD, the establishment is part of North Lawndale's active food service sector. The North Lawndale area undergoes regular health inspections as part of the city's comprehensive food safety monitoring program.
The inspection identified 5 distinct violations requiring correction. Health inspectors document such issues to ensure establishments take corrective action promptly.
The first violation involved pest prevention. Inspectors documented: Insects, Rodents, & Animals Not Present - Comments: Observed Exterior Door in Middle Prep Area Northwest Wall to Be Damaged at Bottom Allowing a 1/4 Gap. Instructed Person in Charge to Repair and Maintain to Prevent the Entry of Pest.. The FDA Food Code requires establishments to eliminate conditions that attract and harbor pests, including proper waste management and facility maintenance. For more information, see FDA pest control standards. Pest droppings and debris can trigger allergic reactions and asthma in sensitive individuals.
The second violation involved sanitization. Inspectors documented: Food & Non-food Contact Surfaces Cleanable, Properly Designed, Constructed & Used - Comments: Observed Cutting Board Connected to Deli Cooler Unit to Have Deep Dark Grooves and Marks. Instructed Person in Charge to Replace or Repair to Be Smooth and Easily Cleanable.. FDA sanitation guidelines require regular cleaning and sanitizing of all food contact surfaces to prevent cross-contamination and bacterial growth. For more information, see FDA sanitation standards. Biofilms can form on inadequately cleaned surfaces, protecting bacteria from sanitizers.
The third violation related to temperature control. Inspectors documented: Non-food/food Contact Surfaces Clean - Comments: Observed Build Up of Grime and Food Debris on Interior Bottoms and Doors of All Cold Holding Units Throughout Facility. Instructed Person in Charge to Detail Clean and Maintain.. The FDA Food Code requires cold foods to be held at 41°F or below and hot foods at 135°F or above to prevent bacterial growth in the "danger zone." For more information, see FDA guidelines on temperature control. Time-temperature abuse allows harmful bacteria to multiply to levels that can cause illness.
The fourth violation related to hand sanitation. Inspectors documented: Physical Facilities Installed, Maintained & Clean - Comments: Observed Cracks in Wall in Middle Rear Prep Area Across From Single Door Cooler and Next to Stove. Observed Hole in Southeast Wall in Storage Room Across From Washroom. Instructed Person in Charge to Repair and Maintain.. According to FDA guidelines, proper handwashing with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds is the single most effective way to prevent foodborne illness transmission. For more information, see FDA handwashing requirements. The CDC identifies poor hand hygiene as a leading contributor to foodborne illness outbreaks.
The fifth violation related to food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: Phy. Violations of health codes can increase the risk of foodborne illness.
Health code violations require prompt correction to maintain operating permits. The health department typically conducts re-inspections to verify that identified issues have been properly addressed.
This inspection data is provided by Chicago Department of Public Health. The establishment had violations identified during the 04/13/2023 inspection. Conditions may have changed since this inspection. For current compliance status, consult the Chicago Department of Public Health. For more information about restaurant inspection regulations in this area, visit the Chicago Food Service Sanitation Rules. Learn more about food safety at FDA.gov and CDC.gov.
This inspection was conducted on August 21, 2025.
Chicago Department of Public Health
The following violations were documented: HANDS CLEAN & PROPERLY WASHED - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER PLACE AIR PODS IN EAR, OPERATE PHONE. OPERATE CELLULAR DEVICE AND IMMEDIATELY GRAB READY-TO-EAT FOOD (LETTUCE) TO BUILD SANDWICH DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO CHANGE GLOVES AND PROPERLY WASH HANDS AFTER ENGAGING IN ACTIVITIES THAT COULD CONTAMINATE HANDS AND MAINTAIN. CITATION ISSUED. THE LETTUCE WAS DISCARDED, AND THE FOOD HANDLER PROPERLY WASHED THEIR HANDS AT THIS TIME. #7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED; ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO HAND DRYING PROVISION AVAILABLE AT HANDSINK LOCATED IN TOILET ROOM DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN PROPER HANDWASHING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-030 (c). CITATION ISSUED.; PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION - Comments: OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING COLD TCS FOODS STORED INSIDE COOLING UNITS LONGER THAN 48 HOURS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY WITHOUT LABELS. THEY ARE AS FOLLOWS... (APPROX 25 LBS COOKED CHICKEN BREAST, 35 LBS GROUND BEEF, 30 LBS ITALIAN SAUSAGES, 25 LBS COOKED STEAK, 15 LBS CORNED BEEF, 2.5 LBS GYRO MEAT. THE INSURED PERSON IN CHARGE OF ALL TCS FOODS STORED IN COOLING UNITS FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS MUST HAVE DISCARDED DATE LABELS AS REQUIRED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-005. THE PERSON IN CHARGE VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED ALL SAID ITEMS DURING INSPECTION.; THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments: NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER WAS ON SITE DURING THE TIME OF INSPECTION FOR TESTING THE INTERNAL FOOD TEMPERATURES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ON-SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.; FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: OBSERVED ALL WORKING INGREDIENTS AS WELL AS FLOUR, BATTER, SEASONING STORED INSIDE BULK CONTAINERS WITHOUT LABELS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.; PERSONAL CLEANLINESS - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER HANDLING FOOD WITHOUT EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.; PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS - Comments: OBSERVED NO CLEAN-UP POLICY OR NECESSARY ITEMS OUTLINED IN THE POLICY FOR RESPONDING TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL INCIDENTS THAT CAN OCCUR IN A FOOD ESTABLISHMENT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.; PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 10 POUNDS OF COOKED CHICKEN STRIPS/WINGS AND 1.5 POUNDS OF PIZZA PUFFS STORED INSIDE THE HOT HOLD UNIT LOCATED IN THE FRONT PREP AREA. NOTED TEMPERATURES RANGING BETWEEN 65F-111F. INSTRUCTED TO HOLD ALL HOT TCS FOODS AT 135F OR HIGHER AND MAINTAIN. PIC VOLUNTATIRLY DISCARDED AT THIS TIME. PRIORITY VIOLATION. #7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.; PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING TCS FOODS HELD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE DURING THE TIME OF INSPECTION. THEY ARE AS FOLLOWS: APPROXIMATELY 25 POUNDS OF CHICKEN, BEEF, STEAK RANGING BETWEEN 52F-59F. APPROXIMATELY 3 POUNDS OF SLICED TOMATOES, 2 POUNDS OF CHEESE, 10 POUNDS OF TZATZIKI SAUCE, AND 2 POUNDS OF SLICED LETTUCE. ALL SAID ITEMS ARE STORED INSIDE OF A DOOR UNIT WITH A COLD-HOLD ATTACHED. PIC VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED ALL SAID ITEMS. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005. PLEASE SEE ABOVE FOR CITATION INFO.; PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL - Comments: OBSERVED TWO-DOOR UNIT WITH COLD-HOLD ATTACHED AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES RANGING BETWEEN 52F-59F AND STORING TCS FOODS (SLICED TOMATOES, TZATZIKI SAUCE, CHEESE, BEEF, CHICKEN). PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED. UNIT TAGGED AND HELD FOR INPSECTION.; FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS CONTAINING FLOUR, BREADING, SEASONINGS, ETC, WITHOUT COMMON NAME LABELS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.; INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED DEAD ROACHES ON FLOORS BEHIND TWO DOOR UPRIGHT COOLING UNITS IN REAR PREP/DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.; SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED STYROFOAM CUPS, BOWLS, AND SPOONS STORED INSIDE OF BULK CONTAINERS IMPROPERLY. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE TO PREVENT MISCELLANEOUS FORMS OF CONTAMINATION.; HOT & COLD WATER AVAILABLE; ADEQUATE PRESSURE - Comments: OBSERVED INADEQUATE HOT WATER PRESSURE AT HAND SINK IN FOOD PREP/DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AS REQUIRED PER CODE. PRIORITY VIOLATION. #7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED .; PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED - Comments: OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORECTED FROM REPORT #2585535 ON 11/20/23. THEY ARE AS FOLLOWS... OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE WALK-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD SIX INCHES OFF THE FLOOR. #47. OBSERVED TORN/DAMAGED RUBBER GASKET ON THE DOOR OF THE FREEZER IN THE FRONT PREP. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE GASKET. #49. MUST CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE BOTTOM COMPARTMENT OF THE REACH-IN PREP COOLER TO REMOVE SPILLS. #55. OBSERVED BUILD-UP OF GRIME AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR BOTTOMS AND DOORS OF ALL COLD-HOLDING UNITS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. ALSO, MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD FROM FRYER CABINETS, WHEEL BASES OF EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, PREP COOLERS, AND STEAM TABLES. #55.OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS, SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. #55.OBSERVED ITEMS STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE REAR STORAGE ROOM ACROSS FROM THE WASHROOM (BLANKETS, CLOTHES). INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ORGANIZE AND MAINTAIN ALL ITEMS AT LEAST SIX INCHES FROM THE FLOOR AT ALL TIMES. #56. OBSERVED GREASE BUILD-UP ON BOTH HOOD VENTILATION SYSTEMS AND THE FILTERS ON THE REAR HOOD VENTILATION SYSTEM. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION OF FOODS BEING PREPARED AND THE FOOD CONTACT SURFACES UNDER THE UNITS. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.; CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED TORN/DAMAGED RUBBER GASKET ON DOOR OF THE FREEZER IN THE FRONT PREP. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE GASKET.; NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: MUST CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE BOTTOM COMPARTMENT OF THE REACH IN PREP COOLER TO REMOVE SPILLS.; NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED BUILD UP OF GRIME AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR BOTTOMS AND DOORS OF ALL COLD HOLDING UNITS THROUGHOUT FACILITY. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. ALSO MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DBERIS BUILD UP FROM FRYER CABINETS, WHEEL BASES OF EQUIPMENT,PREP TABLES,PREP COOLERS, STEAM TABLE.; NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS, SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: : OBSERVED ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN REAR STORAGE ROOM ACROSS FROM WASHROOM (BLANKETS, CLOTHES). INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO ORGANIZE AND MAINTAIN ALL ITEMS AT LEAST SIX INCHES FROM FLOOR AT ALL TIMES.; ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED GREASE BUILD UP ON BOTH HOOD VENTILATION SYSTEMS AND THE FILTERS ON THE REAR HOOD VENTILATION SYSTEM. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION OF FOODS BEING PREPARED AND THE FOOD CONTACT SURFACES UNDER THE UNITS.; INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED EXTERIOR DOOR IN MIDDLE PREP AREA NORTHWEST WALL TO BE DAMAGED AT BOTTOM ALLOWING A 1/4 GAP. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN TO PREVENT THE ENTRY OF PEST.; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED CUTTING BOARD CONNECTED TO DELI COOLER UNIT TO HAVE DEEP DARK GROOVES AND MARKS. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPLACE OR REPAIR TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.; NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED BUILD UP OF GRIME AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR BOTTOMS AND DOORS OF ALL COLD HOLDING UNITS THROUGHOUT FACILITY. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED CRACKS IN WALL IN MIDDLE REAR PREP AREA ACROSS FROM SINGLE DOOR COOLER AND NEXT TO STOVE. OBSERVED HOLE IN SOUTHEAST WALL IN STORAGE ROOM ACROSS FROM WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN REAR STORAGE ROOM ACROSS FROM WASHROOM (BLANKETS, CLOTHES). INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO ORGANIZE AND MAINTAIN ALL ITEMS AT LEAST SIX INCHES FROM FLOOR AT ALL TIMES.; ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED BUILD UP OF GREASE AND DUST ON FILTERS IN VENTILATION UNIT IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN..
Biofilms can form on inadequately cleaned surfaces, protecting bacteria from sanitizers. Time-temperature abuse allows harmful bacteria to multiply to levels that can cause illness. The CDC identifies poor hand hygiene as a leading contributor to foodborne illness outbreaks.
This inspection data is sourced directly from Chicago Department of Public Health. For the most current information, please visit the official health department website.
Federal Guidelines: Our reporting follows standards established by the FDA Food Code, CDC Food Safety Guidelines, and USDA Food Safety Standards.
📖 Food Safety Codes: Reference the specific regulations that govern this establishment: Chicago Food Code, FDA Food Code 2022
⚠️ Important Note: Restaurant conditions can change rapidly. This inspection represents a snapshot in time and may not reflect current conditions. For the most up-to-date information, consider checking recent reviews or contacting the establishment directly.
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