Conditional

Big Star

1531 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Restaurant ZIP 60622 Risk 1 (High)

Pass with Conditions · as of Aug 4, 2026

Big Star was last inspected on August 4, 2026 with a result of “Pass w/ Conditions”. Inspectors found 7 violations, 1 of them critical.

Latest inspection

August 4, 2026 · Canvass

Conditional

Result: Pass w/ Conditions

1 critical5 general1 paperwork
  • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

    Hand sinks were missing, blocked, or not stocked with soap and towels.

    Inspector’s note: Observed no handwashing signage in women's washroom.instructed to provide and maintain.

    Official wording (code 10)

    Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

  • GeneralFacility upkeep

    Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

    Inspector’s note: Observed stained cutting board on top of the main prep line coolers.instructed to resurface or replace the cutting boards and maintain.

    Official wording (code 47)

    Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used

  • GeneralFacility upkeep

    Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

    Inspector’s note: 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.

    Official wording (code 49)

    Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

  • GeneralFacility upkeep

    Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

    Inspector’s note: 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.

    Official wording (code 55)

    Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

  • GeneralFacility upkeep

    Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

    Inspector’s note: Instructed to detail clean the kitchen exhaust hood systems to remove accumulation of grease build-up and maintain.

    Official wording (code 56)

    Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

  • GeneralFacility upkeep

    Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

    Inspector’s note: Instructed to detail clean ceiling ventilation covers throughout the premises to remove accumulation of hanging dusts and maintain.

    Official wording (code 56)

    Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

  • PaperworkFood handling

    The inspection summary report wasn’t posted for the public.

    Inspector’s note: 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.

    Official wording (code 61)

    Summary report displayed and visible to the public

Inspection history

6 inspections on record

  1. Conditional

    Suspected Food Poisoning · Pass w/ Conditions

    7 critical9 general Show violations
    • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

      Hands weren’t washed properly or when required.

      Inspector’s note: 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)

      Official wording (code 8)

      Hands clean & properly washed

    • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

      Staff touched ready-to-eat food with bare hands.

      Inspector’s note: 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)

      Official wording (code 9)

      No bare hand contact with rte food or a pre-approved alternative procedure properly allowed

    • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

      Hand sinks were missing, blocked, or not stocked with soap and towels.

      Inspector’s note: 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)

      Official wording (code 10)

      Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

    • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

      Hand sinks were missing, blocked, or not stocked with soap and towels.

      Inspector’s note: 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 )

      Official wording (code 10)

      Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

    • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

      Hand sinks were missing, blocked, or not stocked with soap and towels.

      Inspector’s note: 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 )

      Official wording (code 10)

      Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

    • CriticalFood handling

      Surfaces that touch food weren’t cleaned and sanitized.

      Inspector’s note: 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.

      Official wording (code 16)

      Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized

    • CriticalFood temperature

      Cold food was held above a safe temperature.

      Inspector’s note: 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)

      Official wording (code 22)

      Proper cold holding temperatures

    • GeneralFood temperature

      Not enough equipment, or the wrong method, to cool and hold food at safe temperatures.

      Inspector’s note: 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)

      Official wording (code 33)

      Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control

    • GeneralFood handling

      Food wasn’t labeled or wasn’t in its original container.

      Inspector’s note: 3-302.12 : must label food storage containers when food is not in original package.

      Official wording (code 37)

      Food properly labeled; original container

    • GeneralPests

      Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.

      Inspector’s note: 6-202.15: must repair or replace gap along bottom of front door and frame of outdoor patio and liquor storage room door.

      Official wording (code 38)

      Insects, rodents, & animals not present

    • GeneralFood handling

      Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.

      Inspector’s note: Must store wiping cloths in a sanitizing solution when not in use on prep tables.

      Official wording (code 41)

      Wiping cloths: properly used & stored

    • GeneralFood handling

      Clean utensils, equipment, or linens weren’t stored and handled properly.

      Inspector’s note: Must invert multi-use utensils on dish storage shelves.

      Official wording (code 44)

      Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled

    • GeneralHygiene & sanitation

      Gloves weren’t used properly.

      Inspector’s note: Observed improper usage of gloves by food handlers.

      Official wording (code 46)

      Gloves used properly

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

      Inspector’s note: 4-501.11 : must repair or replace missing door handle on salad prep cooler.

      Official wording (code 47)

      Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

      Inspector’s note: 4-601.11(c) : must clean fryer cabinets & wheel bases ,grill table,garbage cans in bar area.

      Official wording (code 49)

      Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: 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.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

  2. Pass

    Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass

    9 general Show violations
    • GeneralFood handling

      Food wasn’t labeled or wasn’t in its original container.

      Inspector’s note: -302.12 : must label food storage containers when food is not in original package.

      Official wording (code 37)

      Food properly labeled; original container

    • GeneralPests

      Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.

      Inspector’s note: 6-202.15 : must repair or replace gap along bottom of front door and frame of outdoor patio and liquor storage room door .

      Official wording (code 38)

      Insects, rodents, & animals not present

    • GeneralFood handling

      Food wasn’t protected from contamination during prep, storage, or display.

      Inspector’s note: 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.

      Official wording (code 39)

      Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display

    • GeneralFood handling

      In-use utensils weren’t stored properly.

      Inspector’s note: : 3-304.12 : observed cups and bowls stored inside of bulk food containers must remove and store properly.

      Official wording (code 43)

      In-use utensils: properly stored

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

      Inspector’s note: 4-101.19 : must eliminate cardboard and foil from surfaces to be smooth and easily cleanable.

      Official wording (code 47)

      Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

      Inspector’s note: 4-501.11 : must repair or replace missing door handle on salad prep cooler.

      Official wording (code 47)

      Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

      Inspector’s note: 4-601.11(c) : must clean fryer cabinets & wheel bases ,grill table,garbage cans in bar area.

      Official wording (code 49)

      Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: 6-201.17 : must clean dust build up from ceiling joist above bar & ceiling vent in dish washing area.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: 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.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

  3. Fail

    Canvass · Fail

    11 general Show violations
    • GeneralFood handling

      Food wasn’t labeled or wasn’t in its original container.

      Inspector’s note: Must label food storage containers when food is not in original package.

      Official wording (code 37)

      Food properly labeled; original container

    • GeneralPests

      Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.

      Inspector’s note: 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)

      Official wording (code 38)

      Insects, rodents, & animals not present

    • GeneralPests

      Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.

      Inspector’s note: Must repair or replace gap along bottom of front door and frame of outdoor patio and liquor storage room door .

      Official wording (code 38)

      Insects, rodents, & animals not present

    • GeneralFood handling

      Food wasn’t protected from contamination during prep, storage, or display.

      Inspector’s note: Must elevate food and paper goods from floor in outside walk in cooler dry food & paper storage area to prevent cross contamination.

      Official wording (code 39)

      Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display

    • GeneralFood handling

      In-use utensils weren’t stored properly.

      Inspector’s note: Observed cups and bowls stored inside of bulk food containers must remove and store properly.

      Official wording (code 43)

      In-use utensils: properly stored

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

      Inspector’s note: Must eliminate cardboard and foil from surfaces to be smooth and easily cleanable.

      Official wording (code 47)

      Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

      Inspector’s note: Must repair or replace missing door handle on salad prep cooler,missing door lock on last stall in women's toilet room.

      Official wording (code 47)

      Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Must clean fryer cabinets & wheel bases ,grill table,garbage cans in bar area.

      Official wording (code 49)

      Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Must clean dust build up from ceiling joist above bar & ceiling vent in dish washing area,

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Must remove barbwire from around floor drains in dish washing,prep & bar areas for cleaning to occur.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Must clean debris build up from floor under,around,along wall bases in dry food & paper storage area,bar.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

  4. Pass

    License · Pass

    No violations

  5. No Entry

    License · No Entry

    No violations

More in ZIP 60622

Source: Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) open data, refreshed hourly. Last inspection 3 months ago. Always confirm with the official record.