Cupcakes or Tacos: What's Safer to Eat in Wicker Park?

Patch examined inspection reports in Bucktown and Wicker Park during April. Information has been compiled using publicly available data published to the website of the Chicago Department of Public Health's Food Protection Program.

Restaurants can pass, pass with conditions or fail using a standardized procedure. Establishments that pass don't have any critical or serious violations. Those that receive 'pass with conditions' had serious violations, but the violations were corrected during the inspection. Failed establishments had serious violations that weren't correctable during the inspection. A fail rating does not mean the business's license is automatically suspended.

All inspections are done on a routine canvass, unless otherwise noted.

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Chicago Cupcake Food Truck, 2409 N. Western Ave.
Inspection date: April 10
Results: Fail
Violations: The food truck must have a hot and cold water supply in the hand sink with soap and towels. Piping material for the water supply must have proper documentation. To prevent pests, owners must keep a log book with all pest control activity and seal openings on the floor. The inspector didn’t find a license number on both sides of the food truck, which is required.

Big Star, 1531 N. Damen Ave.
Inspection date: April 16
Results: Pass
Violations: The inspector found dirty floors and storage shelves in the prep area, along with dusty light covers. Management needs to install thermometers inside all coolers.