Big Star: health inspection history

1531 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

An inspection is a dated snapshot of what an inspector observed on one day. It is not a guarantee of current conditions. Labels and scores below are the Chicago Department of Public Health's own terms; see how to read them.

Address: 1531 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Facility type: Restaurant
Risk category: Risk 1 (High)
Latest result: Pass w/ Conditions on Aug 4, 2026
License numbers: 2827504, 2827505, 2827506
Latest inspection: Aug 4, 2026 (Canvass)
Records shown: 8 inspections, Apr 30, 2024 to Aug 4, 2026

Across these 8 inspection records, results were: 2 × Pass w/ Conditions; 2 × Pass; 2 × Not Ready; 1 × Fail; 1 × No Entry. 43 violations were listed in total. This business holds more than one city license at this address. Chicago can publish one row per license for the same visit; FoodCheck USA combines identical rows so each visit appears once.

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Inspection history

Aug 4, 2026 Canvass

Result: Pass w/ ConditionsRisk 1 (High)

10.ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLEInspector comment: OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE IN WOMEN'S WASHROOM.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
47.FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USEDInspector comment: OBSERVED STAINED CUTTING BOARD ON TOP OF THE MAIN PREP LINE COOLERS.INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE OR REPLACE THE CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN.
49.NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANInspector comment: 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.
55.PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEANInspector comment: 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.
56.ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USEDInspector comment: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE KITCHEN EXHAUST HOOD SYSTEMS TO REMOVE ACCUMULATION OF GREASE BUILD-UP AND MAINTAIN.
56.ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USEDInspector comment: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN CEILING VENTILATION COVERS THROUGHOUT THE PREMISES TO REMOVE ACCUMULATION OF HANGING DUSTS AND MAINTAIN.
61.SUMMARY REPORT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLICInspector comment: 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.

Aug 14, 2025 Suspected Food Poisoning

Result: Pass w/ ConditionsRisk 1 (High)

8.HANDS CLEAN & PROPERLY WASHEDInspector comment: 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)
9.NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH RTE FOOD OR A PRE-APPROVED ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURE PROPERLY ALLOWEDInspector comment: 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)
10.ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLEInspector comment: 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)
10.ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLEInspector comment: 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 )
10.ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLEInspector comment: 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 )
16.FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZEDInspector comment: 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.
22.PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURESInspector comment: 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)
33.PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROLInspector comment: 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)
37.FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINERInspector comment: 3-302.12 : MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
38.INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENTInspector comment: 6-202.15: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT DOOR AND FRAME OF OUTDOOR PATIO AND LIQUOR STORAGE ROOM DOOR.
41.WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STOREDInspector comment: MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE ON PREP TABLES.
44.UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLEDInspector comment: MUST INVERT MULTI-USE UTENSILS ON DISH STORAGE SHELVES.
46.GLOVES USED PROPERLYInspector comment: OBSERVED IMPROPER USAGE OF GLOVES BY FOOD HANDLERS.
47.FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USEDInspector comment: 4-501.11 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE MISSING DOOR HANDLE ON SALAD PREP COOLER.
49.NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANInspector comment: 4-601.11(C) : MUST CLEAN FRYER CABINETS & WHEEL BASES ,GRILL TABLE,GARBAGE CANS IN BAR AREA.
55.PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEANInspector comment: 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.

May 29, 2025 Canvass Re-Inspection

Result: PassRisk 1 (High)

37.FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINERInspector comment: -302.12 : MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
38.INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENTInspector comment: 6-202.15 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT DOOR AND FRAME OF OUTDOOR PATIO AND LIQUOR STORAGE ROOM DOOR .
39.CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAYInspector comment: 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.
43.IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STOREDInspector comment: : 3-304.12 : OBSERVED CUPS AND BOWLS STORED INSIDE OF BULK FOOD CONTAINERS MUST REMOVE AND STORE PROPERLY.
47.FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USEDInspector comment: 4-101.19 : MUST ELIMINATE CARDBOARD AND FOIL FROM SURFACES TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
47.FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USEDInspector comment: 4-501.11 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE MISSING DOOR HANDLE ON SALAD PREP COOLER.
49.NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANInspector comment: 4-601.11(C) : MUST CLEAN FRYER CABINETS & WHEEL BASES ,GRILL TABLE,GARBAGE CANS IN BAR AREA.
55.PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEANInspector comment: 6-201.17 : MUST CLEAN DUST BUILD UP FROM CEILING JOIST ABOVE BAR & CEILING VENT IN DISH WASHING AREA.
55.PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEANInspector comment: 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.

May 20, 2025 Canvass

Result: FailRisk 1 (High)

37.FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINERInspector comment: MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
38.INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENTInspector comment: 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)
38.INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENTInspector comment: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT DOOR AND FRAME OF OUTDOOR PATIO AND LIQUOR STORAGE ROOM DOOR .
39.CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAYInspector comment: MUST ELEVATE FOOD AND PAPER GOODS FROM FLOOR IN OUTSIDE WALK IN COOLER DRY FOOD & PAPER STORAGE AREA TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION.
43.IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STOREDInspector comment: OBSERVED CUPS AND BOWLS STORED INSIDE OF BULK FOOD CONTAINERS MUST REMOVE AND STORE PROPERLY.
47.FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USEDInspector comment: MUST ELIMINATE CARDBOARD AND FOIL FROM SURFACES TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
47.FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USEDInspector comment: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE MISSING DOOR HANDLE ON SALAD PREP COOLER,MISSING DOOR LOCK ON LAST STALL IN WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM.
49.NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANInspector comment: MUST CLEAN FRYER CABINETS & WHEEL BASES ,GRILL TABLE,GARBAGE CANS IN BAR AREA.
55.PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEANInspector comment: MUST CLEAN DUST BUILD UP FROM CEILING JOIST ABOVE BAR & CEILING VENT IN DISH WASHING AREA,
55.PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEANInspector comment: MUST REMOVE BARBWIRE FROM AROUND FLOOR DRAINS IN DISH WASHING,PREP & BAR AREAS FOR CLEANING TO OCCUR.
55.PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEANInspector comment: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES IN DRY FOOD & PAPER STORAGE AREA,BAR.

May 3, 2024 License

Result: PassRisk 1 (High)

No violations listed in this record.

May 1, 2024 License

Result: Not ReadyRisk 1 (High)

No violations listed in this record.

Apr 30, 2024 License

Result: No EntryRisk 1 (High)

No violations listed in this record.

Apr 30, 2024 License

Result: Not ReadyRisk 1 (High)

No violations listed in this record.

Nearby

See all inspected establishments in ZIP 60622 or the Chicago overview.

Source: Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH), Food Protection Program, “Food Inspections” dataset on the official open data portal. Source data as of Nov 3, 2026; imported by FoodCheck USA on Nov 5, 2026. Report a problem with this record.