Big Star
Last inspected: Apr 30, 2024
74
Score
Across the available record, Big Star has 15 inspections on file, the first dated 2013. The most recent report on file is from Apr 30, 2024. Medium risk typically reflects a handful of issues that inspectors wrote up but didn't deem critical. No fresh inspection data is available: the latest entry for Big Star dates to Apr 30, 2024.
Inspection results have stayed in a similar range over the last few visits, averaging around three violations each.
“Proper cooling methods used” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing five times across the record.
The city-wide average sits at 81, which Big Star's 74 doesn't quite reach. Nothing in the record is alarming, but there's room to improve.
15
Inspections
2
Critical latest
0
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 30, 2024
Routine
2 critical violations.
View 2 violations
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: 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.
33
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: 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.
22
74
Jul 21, 2023
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TORN GASKET ON WALK-IN COOLER DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
47
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BUILD UP OF GREASE ON EXTERIOR OF USED COOKING OIL CONTAINER LOCATED IN IN REAR GARBAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
54
90
Mar 15, 2022
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE TORTILA CHIP SCOOPER STORED ON THE SIDE OF THE HOT HOLDING WITH FOOD CONTACT SURFACE EXPOSED. INSTRUCTED ON HOW TO PROPERLY STORE TORTILLA SCOOPER BETWEEN USES.
16
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BURNT OUT LIGHT BULB ABOVE THE DISH MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN RECORDS AT ALL TIMES.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD CERTIFIED MANAGER WITH NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS OBTAIN THIS CERTIFICATE.
58
82
Aug 6, 2020
Complaint
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: PLASTIC DELI CUPS NOT AIR DRIED AFTER WASHING, INSTRUCTED TO AIR DRY UTENSILS AFTER WASHING.
44
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: PAPER DISPOSABLE CUPS USED AS A FOOD SCOOP, INSTRUCTED TO USE PROPER UTENSILS.
45
90
Jul 29, 2019
Routine
1 critical violation. 6 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURES OF COLD TCS FOODS STORED IN FRONT 3-DOOR PREP COOLER OBSERVED COOKED CHORIZO AT 47.3F, POBLANO RAJAS WITH SOUR CREAM AT 52.9F AND CHIHUAHUA CHEESE AT 48.8F. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY AND VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED FOOD APPROXIMATELY 26.25LBS VALUE OF $161.57. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN COLD TCS FOODS AT 41.0F OR BELOW. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED. COS.
22
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER DATE MARKING ON TCS FOODS HELD MORE THAN 24 HOURS INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER AND PREP COOLERS. MUST PROPERLY LABEL AND MAINTAIN.
23
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON TOP OF PREP TABLES IN FOOD PREP AREA. MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
41
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DOOR GASKET IN POOR REPAIR AT THE FRONT 1-DOOR COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE DOOR GASKET AND MAINTAIN.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DEAD INSECTS AND DEBRIS INSIDE LIGHT SHIELDS COVERS ABOVE PREP TABLES IN FRONT PREP AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRT AND DEBRIS ON WALL BEHIND DISH MACHINE. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GREASE BUILD UP ON VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN FRONT PREP AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
64
Jan 30, 2018
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: NOTED MISSING LIGHT SHIELDS OVER COOKING EQUIPMENT. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
36
95
May 12, 2017
Complaint
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUST AND GREASE ACCUMULATION ON THE HOODVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE THE HOODVENTS SERVICED AND MAINTAINED.
32
95
Oct 25, 2016
Complaint
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE.FOUND MELTED CHEESE(MADE WITH MILK AND FLOUR) INSIDE A WHITE CONTAINER,STORED INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER AT TEMP OF 55.3F TO 55.4F.PRODUCTS WAS COOKED YESTERDAY,COLD FOOD MUST MAINTAIN TEMP OF 40F AND BELOW.FOOD DISCARDED AND DENATURED. POUNDS 8,VALUE 60 CRITICAL VIOLATION:7-38-005(A)
3
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PLASTIC CONTAINERS INIDE DRY FOOD(SUGAR,FLOUR ETC)INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND PROVIDE UTENSILS/SCOOP WITH HANDLES.
32
90
May 16, 2016
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: PARTIALLY MISSING CEILING TILES ABOVE THE HIGH TEMP DISH MACHINE,INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE
35
95
May 9, 2016
Complaint
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM 2-5-16,REPORT#163407 #38- SLOW DRAINING MIDDLE SINK AT BAR NORTH SIDE ,INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR CAUSE. OBSERVED PLASTICS CAPS BEING USED AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THREE PROPER STOPPERS. WE(MANAGERS AND MYSELF)OBSERVED TODAY THE SAME VIOLATION SERIOUS VIOLATION:7-42-090
29
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: PARTIALLY MISSING CEILING TILES ABOVE THE HIGH TEMP DISH MACHINE,INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE
35
90
Feb 5, 2016
Suspected Food Poisoning
12 minor violations.
View 12 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: FOUND POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE:COOKED CARROTS STORED INSIDE THE TORTILLAS HOT HOLDING UNIT AT TEMP OF 88.7F.UNIT MAINTAINS TEMP OF 124.6F TO 128.9F.HOT FOOD MUST MAINTAIN 140F AND ABOVE.FOOD WITH TEMPERATURE ABUSE DISCARDED BY THE MANAGER.POUNDS 2, VALUE $10. CRITICAL VIOLATION:7-38-005(A).
3
Hands washed and cleaned, good hygienic practices; no bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods.
Inspector notes: POOR HYGIENIC PRACTICES. OBSERVED THE COOK WITH GLOVED HANDS PICKING COOKED FOOD AND EATING THEM, THEN WIPED HANDS ON BLUE LINENS AND CONTINUE TO HANDLE FOOD, ALSO SCRATCHING FOREHEAD AND CONTINUED TO COOK, OBSERVED EMPLOYEES WITH GLOVED HANDS TOUCHING NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACE SUCH AS: KITCHEN EQUIPMENT, GARBAGE CANS, DIRTY HANDLES FROM WALK-IN COOLER, WIPING HANDS WITH BLUE LINEN CLOTHS, WHICH EVERY EMPLOYEE HAVE ATTACHED ON APRON, BELT OR LEFT ON TOP THE PREP TABLES/CUTTING BOARDS. NO HAND WASHING NOR REMOVAL OF GLOVES WAS OBSERVED AFTER EACH TASK.EMPLOYEE WERE HANDLING READY TO EAT FOOD:LETTUCE,CHEESE ETC. AND COOKING,PREPARING FOOD. HAND WASHING INFORMATION GIVEN TO MANAGER. CRITICAL VIOLATION: 7-38-010(A).
6
Hand washing facilities: with soap and sanitary hand drying devices, convenient and accessible to food prep area
Inspector notes: NO PAPER TOWELS PROVIDED AT EXPOSED HAND SINK AT PREP AREA (EMPLOYEES WERE PREPARING FOOD:HOME MADE TORTILLAS). OBSERVED EMPLOYEE WIPING HER HANDS ON BLUE LINEN WHICH WAS STORED ON TOP CUTTING BOARD, DUE TO NO PAPER PROVIDED. UPON MY REQUEST MANAGER PROVIDED PAPER TOWELS. CRITICAL VIOLATION: 7-38-030.
12
* inspection report summary displayed and visible to all customers
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS SUMMARY REPORT NOT POSTED/VISIBLE TO CUSTMERS ON PREMISES FROM 12-29-15, REPORT #1445388. PRESENTLY POSTED IS THE SUMMARY FROM JANUARY 12, 2015. NEW SUMMARY REPORT GIVEN AND POSTED. SERIOUS VIOLATION: 7-42-010(B).
28
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: KNIVES STORED BETWEEN THE PREP TABLE AND THREE COMPARTMENT SINK MUST BE PROPERLY STORED,OR PROVIDE A KNIFE RACK
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: DEBRIS AT INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF COOKING EQUIPMENTS,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INCLUDED DEEP FRIES . RUST INSIDE THE ICE BIN AT BAR AREA(EAST SITE),INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.DEBRIS ON PIPES BEHIND THE COOKING EQUIPMENTS,FILTERS AND HOOD.BLACK SLIME INSIDE THE CABINET UNDER THE WATER SINK AT WAITER STATION,ALSO AT OTHER SIDE CABINET HAS ACCUMULATION OF SPLATTERED FOOD,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN THE LIGHT SHIELDS IN THE TORTILLA PREP AREA.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOOR IN THE KITCHEN IS IN POOR REPAIR, PEELING PAINT AND UNEVEN FLOOR, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR/REPLACE WITH A SMOOTH,CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE. CLEAN FLOOR ALONG WALLS, UNDER AND BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENTS.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: BROKEN WALLS UNDER BOTH EXPOSED HAND SINKS IN THE KITCHEN, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR. SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH, CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE. ALSO WALLS AROUND MOP SINK ARE DIRTY. CLEAN GRIMES ON WALLS UNDER THE DISHMACHINE, THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AND BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENTS. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. REPAIR WALL WITH A SMOOTH, CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: SLOW DRAINING MIDDLE SINK AT BAR NORTH SIDE ,INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR CAUSE. OBSERVED PLASTICS CAPS BEING USED AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THREE PROPER STOPPERS.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE THERMOMETERS INSIDE OF ALL PREP COOLERS.
40
No smoking regulations
Inspector notes: NO "NO SMOKING" SIGN OR THE INTERNATIONAL "NO SMOKING" SYMBOL POSTED ON PREMISES. SIGNS TO BE POSTED AT EVERY ENTRANCE CLEARLY STATING THAT SMOKING IS PROHIBITED. POSTING OF SIGN: 7-32-020A. FIRST VIOLATION OF CLEAN INDOOR AIR ORDINANACE.
70
55
Dec 29, 2015
Suspected Food Poisoning
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector notes: FACILITIES DO NOT MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE. OBSERVED THE SALAD PREP COOLER WITH AN AIR TEMPERATURE OF 49.5F. THE COOLER WAS USED TO STORE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS SUCH AS CHEESE AND GUACAMOLE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN THE COOLER BELOW 40F. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A.
2
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES INSIDE OF THE SALAD PREP COOLER AND THE TACO PREP COOLER. OBSERVED CHEESE AT 45.8F, SALSA AT 48.5F, BLACK BEANS AT 46.2F, GUACAMOLE AT 44F, CHORIZO AT 47.3F, AND CUT TOMATOES AT 43.7F. MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED APPROXIMATELY 18# OF FOOD WORTH $157. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A.
3
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN THE LIGHT SHIELDS IN THE TORTILLA PREP AREA.
33
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE THERMOMETERS INSIDE OF ALL PREP COOLERS.
40
82
Jan 12, 2015
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE CLEAN SANITIZED KNIFE HOLDER. CAN NOT STORE BETWEEN EQUIPMENT. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
32
Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters
Inspector notes: IN MENS ROOM HANDSINK ON THE LEFT IN NEED OF ADEQUETE WATER PRESSURE. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
37
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: CLEAN ALL VENTS TO REMOVE ALL DUST BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
38
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: ICE SCOOP MUST BE STORED IN A CLEAN SANITIZED CONTAINER. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
43
82
May 1, 2014
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: REMOVE MILK CRATES AND PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING IN WALK-IN COOLER.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: REPAIR DAMAGED GASKET ON REAR NORTH DOOR.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: PROVIDE SHATTERPROOF BULBS IN PREP AREA.
36
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: STORE ICE SCOOP HANDLE UP IN BAR AREA TO PREVENT BARE HAND CONTACT.
43
78
Apr 16, 2013
License
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Storage shelves in prep area not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean and sanitize daily.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Floor in corners and behind equipment not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean daily.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Light covers in prep area not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean daily.
35
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: Thermometer provided inside coolers not visible. Instructed to have all thermometers conspicuous inside coolers.
40
82
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Big Star last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Big Star on file is from Apr 30, 2024. The public record contains 15 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Big Star?
Across the inspection record, “proper cooling methods used” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Big Star.
Has Big Star's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Big Star have averaged around three violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Big Star means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.
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