What is Big Star's health inspection score?

Big Star has a SafeDine safety score of 16 out of 100 (Grade C). This score is calculated from official government health inspection data, factoring in violation severity, recency, and trends.

When was Big Star last inspected?

Big Star was last inspected on August 14, 2025. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does Big Star have?

Big Star has 36 total violations across 5 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is Big Star safe to eat at?

Big Star has a safety score of 16/100, which suggests room for improvement. Review the detailed inspection history on SafeDine for more information.

Official Health Record

Big Star

Name: Big Star
Address: 1531 N DAMEN AVE, Chicago, 60622
Rating: 16

1531 N DAMEN AVE, Chicago

Last inspected 9mo ago

▼Declining

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0Poor

Wicker Park

Ranked #481 of 583 in Wicker Park

Declining

5 inspections

Last: Aug 14, 2025

medium confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

40%

Clean Rate

7.2

Avg Violations

10 months ago

Last Inspected

Top Concerns

Most common issues from recent inspections

HandwashingHigh Priority

Employees not properly washing hands — contamination risk

Temperature controlHigh Priority

Food not kept at safe temperatures — risk of bacterial growth

Cross-contamination

Raw and cooked foods not properly separated

Pest issues

Evidence of pests found during inspection

SanitationHigh Priority

Equipment or surfaces not properly cleaned/sanitized

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-84

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-32 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-13 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-13 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Freshness Penalty

-3 pts

Score reduced due to stale inspection data

Inspection Timeline

-37 pts

Latest

100% weight

2nd

60% weight

3rd

30% weight

How scoring works: Every restaurant starts at 100 points. Points are deducted for violations found during inspections.

Recent inspections are weighted more heavily. High priority violations (direct health hazards) have the greatest impact.

Location

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1531 N DAMEN AVE, Chicago, IL 60622

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Violation Timeline

Apr 2024

1 inspections

Apr

May 2024

1 inspections

May 2025

2 inspections

5 intermediate

15 basic

May

Aug 2025

1 inspections

7 high priority

3 intermediate

6 basic

Inspection History

5 records on file

1 Suspected Food Poisoning1 Canvass Re-Inspection1 Canvass2 License

Aug 25

Suspected Food Poisoning InspectionLatestPass w/ Conditions

7 High3 Med6 Basic

16 total1 risk factor

0/100inspection score

−97 pts

High Priority (7)

−70 pts

8HANDS CLEAN & PROPERLY WASHEDRisk Factor−10
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)
9NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH RTE FOOD OR A PRE-APPROVED ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURE PROPERLY ALLOWED−10
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)
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
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)
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
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 )
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
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 )
16FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED−10
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.
33PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL−10
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)

Intermediate (3)

−15 pts

22PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES−5
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)
37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
3-302.12 : MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
6-202.15: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT DOOR AND FRAME OF OUTDOOR PATIO AND LIQUOR STORAGE ROOM DOOR.

Basic (6)

−12 pts

41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE ON PREP TABLES.
44UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED−2
MUST INVERT MULTI-USE UTENSILS ON DISH STORAGE SHELVES.
46GLOVES USED PROPERLY−2
OBSERVED IMPROPER USAGE OF GLOVES BY FOOD HANDLERS.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
4-501.11 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE MISSING DOOR HANDLE ON SALAD PREP COOLER.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
4-601.11(C) : MUST CLEAN FRYER CABINETS & WHEEL BASES ,GRILL TABLE,GARBAGE CANS IN BAR AREA.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
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.

Base deductions−97 pts

Risk factor bonus (1× +5)−5 pts

May 25

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionPass

2 Med7 Basic

9 total

76/100inspection score

−24 pts

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
-302.12 : MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
6-202.15 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT DOOR AND FRAME OF OUTDOOR PATIO AND LIQUOR STORAGE ROOM DOOR .

Basic (7)

−14 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
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.
43IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED−2
: 3-304.12 : OBSERVED CUPS AND BOWLS STORED INSIDE OF BULK FOOD CONTAINERS MUST REMOVE AND STORE PROPERLY.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
4-101.19 : MUST ELIMINATE CARDBOARD AND FOIL FROM SURFACES TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
4-501.11 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE MISSING DOOR HANDLE ON SALAD PREP COOLER.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
4-601.11(C) : MUST CLEAN FRYER CABINETS & WHEEL BASES ,GRILL TABLE,GARBAGE CANS IN BAR AREA.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
6-201.17 : MUST CLEAN DUST BUILD UP FROM CEILING JOIST ABOVE BAR & CEILING VENT IN DISH WASHING AREA.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
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.

Base deductions−24 pts

May 25

Canvass InspectionFail

3 Med8 Basic

11 total

69/100inspection score

−31 pts

Intermediate (3)

−15 pts

37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
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)
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT DOOR AND FRAME OF OUTDOOR PATIO AND LIQUOR STORAGE ROOM DOOR .

Basic (8)

−16 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
MUST ELEVATE FOOD AND PAPER GOODS FROM FLOOR IN OUTSIDE WALK IN COOLER DRY FOOD & PAPER STORAGE AREA TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION.
43IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED−2
OBSERVED CUPS AND BOWLS STORED INSIDE OF BULK FOOD CONTAINERS MUST REMOVE AND STORE PROPERLY.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
MUST ELIMINATE CARDBOARD AND FOIL FROM SURFACES TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE MISSING DOOR HANDLE ON SALAD PREP COOLER,MISSING DOOR LOCK ON LAST STALL IN WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
MUST CLEAN FRYER CABINETS & WHEEL BASES ,GRILL TABLE,GARBAGE CANS IN BAR AREA.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
MUST CLEAN DUST BUILD UP FROM CEILING JOIST ABOVE BAR & CEILING VENT IN DISH WASHING AREA,
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
MUST REMOVE BARBWIRE FROM AROUND FLOOR DRAINS IN DISH WASHING,PREP & BAR AREAS FOR CLEANING TO OCCUR.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES IN DRY FOOD & PAPER STORAGE AREA,BAR.

Base deductions−31 pts

May 24

License InspectionCleanPass

No violations

100/100inspection score

Apr 24

License InspectionCleanNo Entry

No violations

100/100inspection score

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Community Safety Reports

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Data source: Chicago CDPH · Official government inspection records

Grading System

85 – 100
Excellent
70 – 84
Good
Below 70
Fair

About SafeDine Scores

Scores are calculated using official government inspection data. High Priority violations (direct health hazards) have the greatest impact, followed by Intermediate and Basic violations. Community reviews can adjust the score by up to 5 points when 3+ reviews are submitted.

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