CHICAGO, IL - Health department officials identified compliance issues at Big Star in an inspection dated 08/14/2025.
The facility operates from 1531 N DAMEN AVE in Wicker Park, an area known for its diverse dining options. Health inspections in this district help ensure consistent food safety standards.
The inspection identified 3 distinct violations requiring correction. Health inspectors document such issues to ensure establishments take corrective action promptly.
The first violation related to hand sanitation. Inspectors documented: 8. Hands Clean & Properly Washed - Comments: 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). 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 second violation related to handwashing procedures. Inspectors documented: 9. No Bare Hand Contact with Rte Food or a Pre-approved Alternative Procedure Properly Allowed - Comments: 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). 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 third violation concerned hand hygiene and handwashing facilities. Inspectors documented: 10. Adequate Handwashing Sinks Properly Supplied and Accessible - Comments: 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 Al. 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. Fecal-oral transmission of pathogens occurs when hands are not properly washed after restroom use.
The correction of health violations is monitored through follow-up inspections and documentation requirements. Establishments must demonstrate that they have addressed the root causes of violations, not just the immediate symptoms.
This inspection data is provided by Chicago Department of Public Health. The establishment had violations identified during the 08/14/2025 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: FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: -302.12 : MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.; INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: 6-202.15 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT DOOR AND FRAME OF OUTDOOR PATIO AND LIQUOR STORAGE ROOM DOOR .; CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: 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.; IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED - Comments: : 3-304.12 : OBSERVED CUPS AND BOWLS STORED INSIDE OF BULK FOOD CONTAINERS MUST REMOVE AND STORE PROPERLY.; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: 4-101.19 : MUST ELIMINATE CARDBOARD AND FOIL FROM SURFACES TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: 4-501.11 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE MISSING DOOR HANDLE ON SALAD PREP COOLER.; NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: 4-601.11(C) : MUST CLEAN FRYER CABINETS & WHEEL BASES ,GRILL TABLE,GARBAGE CANS IN BAR AREA.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: 6-201.17 : MUST CLEAN DUST BUILD UP FROM CEILING JOIST ABOVE BAR & CEILING VENT IN DISH WASHING AREA.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: 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.; FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.; INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: 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); INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT DOOR AND FRAME OF OUTDOOR PATIO AND LIQUOR STORAGE ROOM DOOR .; CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: MUST ELEVATE FOOD AND PAPER GOODS FROM FLOOR IN OUTSIDE WALK IN COOLER DRY FOOD & PAPER STORAGE AREA TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION.; IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED - Comments: OBSERVED CUPS AND BOWLS STORED INSIDE OF BULK FOOD CONTAINERS MUST REMOVE AND STORE PROPERLY.; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: MUST ELIMINATE CARDBOARD AND FOIL FROM SURFACES TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE MISSING DOOR HANDLE ON SALAD PREP COOLER,MISSING DOOR LOCK ON LAST STALL IN WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM.; NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: MUST CLEAN FRYER CABINETS & WHEEL BASES ,GRILL TABLE,GARBAGE CANS IN BAR AREA.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: MUST CLEAN DUST BUILD UP FROM CEILING JOIST ABOVE BAR & CEILING VENT IN DISH WASHING AREA,; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: MUST REMOVE BARBWIRE FROM AROUND FLOOR DRAINS IN DISH WASHING,PREP & BAR AREAS FOR CLEANING TO OCCUR.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES IN DRY FOOD & PAPER STORAGE AREA,BAR.; PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: 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 - Comments: 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..
The CDC identifies poor hand hygiene as a leading contributor to foodborne illness outbreaks. The CDC identifies poor hand hygiene as a leading contributor to foodborne illness outbreaks. Fecal-oral transmission of pathogens occurs when hands are not properly washed after restroom use.
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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