FAIL
Risk 2 (Medium)
BABA'S FAMOUS STEAK AND LEMONADE Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
June 25, 2025
Complaint
License #2972210
9
Total Violations
3
Critical
2
Major
4
Minor
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
9
Violation #10
CRITICAL
Violation Details
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
Why This Matters
Blocked or unsupplied sinks force employees to skip handwashing, spreading fecal bacteria and viruses to food.
Food Code Requirement
Handwashing sinks must be accessible, properly supplied, and used only for handwashing.
Specific Requirements
Each sink needs: Warm water (100°F minimum); Soap in dispensers; Paper towels or air dryers; Waste receptacles; Signage; Clear access; Used only for handwashing.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-202.12, 6-301.11
Violation #38
CRITICAL
Violation Details
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: FOUND REAR EXIT DOOR WITH A 1/2 INCH GAP AT THE BOTTOM; INSTRUCTED TO SEAL GAP TO AVOID POSSIBLE RODENT ENTRY.
Why This Matters
Pests spread numerous diseases through contamination.
Food Code Requirement
No pests or animals allowed in facility.
Specific Requirements
No evidence of pests; No live animals except service animals; Effective pest control program.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-501.111
Violation #38
CRITICAL
Violation Details
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF RODENTS ON PREMISES. FOUND 50 OR MORE RODENT DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR IN THE CORNER BY THE DRY PRODUCTS AND IN CORNER AREAS UNDER AND AROUND EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALL AREAS TO REMOVE DROPPINGS. RECOMMENDED HAVING PEST CONTROL COMPANY RETURN FOR SERVICE PRIOR TO REINSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED.
Why This Matters
Pests spread numerous diseases through contamination.
Food Code Requirement
No pests or animals allowed in facility.
Specific Requirements
No evidence of pests; No live animals except service animals; Effective pest control program.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-501.111
Violation #49
MINOR
Violation Details
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: THE FOLLOWING EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING: EXTERIOR SURFACES OF FRYERS, GRILL, STOVE, HOT HOLDING UNITS, CAN OPENER BLADE, PREP TABLES AT TOP AND BOTTOM AREA, SHELVES INSIDE OF THE WALK-IN COOLER, INTERIORS OF OTHER REFRIGERATION UNITS, SINKS, CUTTING BOARD ON PREP TABLE AND BLENDER ON PREP TABLE AND ROLLING CART SHELVES. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE BOTTOM AREA OF ALL FRYERS AND AREA UNDER GRILL TO REMOVE GREASE AND OTHER FOOD DEBRIS.
Why This Matters
Accumulated soil attracts pests and harbors bacteria.
Food Code Requirement
All surfaces must be kept clean.
Specific Requirements
Clean equipment interiors and exteriors; Walls, ceilings, floors clean; Remove grease and debris; Clean as often as necessary.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-601.11, 4-602.13
Violation #52
MAJOR
Violation Details
SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED - Comments: OBSERVED DIRTY STANDING WASTE WATER IN THE MOP BUCKET IN THE DISHWASHING AREA; INSTRUCTED TO DISPOSE OF WATER WHEN DONE USING.
Why This Matters
Improper disposal contaminates environment and attracts pests.
Food Code Requirement
All waste water must be properly disposed.
Specific Requirements
Discharge to approved sewer; No dumping outside; Grease trap maintained; No floor draining to exterior.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-402.11
Violation #54
MAJOR
Violation Details
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED - Comments: DISPOSAL AREA NOT MAINTAINED. OBSERVED NO COVERS (LIDS) ON THE DUMPSTER IN THE REAR OF BUILDING; INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN A DUMPSTER WITH TIGHT FITTING LIDS TO COVER GARBAGE. OBSERVED TRASH AND OTHER DEBRIS ON GROUND AROUND DUMPSTER; INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AREA. REMOVE ALL TRASH FROM GROUND AROUND DUMPSTER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(B) CITATION ISSUED.
Why This Matters
Poor waste management attracts pests and creates contamination sources.
Food Code Requirement
Refuse must be properly contained and removed.
Specific Requirements
Leak-proof, pest-proof containers; Tight-fitting lids; Clean storage areas; Frequent removal; Containers cleaned.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-501.111
Violation #55
MINOR
Violation Details
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FOLLOWING: FLOORS AROUND UNDER AND BEHIND ALL KITCHEN AND OTHER EQUIPMENT TO REMOVE DIRT, GREASE AND OTHER DEBRIS. CLEAN WALLS AROUND AND BEHIND EQUIPMENT TO REMOVE GREASE AND OTHER BUILD UP AND MAINTAIN. CLEAN CEILING VENTS TO REMOVE DUST. CLEAN WALLS INSIDE OF THE WALK-IN COOLER. CLEAN FLOOR INSIDE OF WALK IN COOLER TO REMOVE STANDING WATER AND MOLDED FOOD THAT HAS FALLEN ON THE FLOOR AND NOT BEEN REMOVED.
Why This Matters
Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.
Food Code Requirement
Building must be maintained in good condition.
Specific Requirements
No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-501.11
Violation #56
MINOR
Violation Details
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED THE VENTS IN THE HOODED SYSTEM ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING; INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
Why This Matters
Poor ventilation causes condensation and grease buildup; inadequate lighting hides contamination.
Food Code Requirement
Proper ventilation and lighting required throughout.
Specific Requirements
Ventilation prevents condensation; Adequate lighting for operations; Fixtures shielded; Hoods over cooking equipment.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-303.11, 6-304.11
Violation #56
MINOR
Violation Details
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED THE VENTS IN THE HOODED SYSTEM ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING; INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
Why This Matters
Poor ventilation causes condensation and grease buildup; inadequate lighting hides contamination.
Food Code Requirement
Proper ventilation and lighting required throughout.
Specific Requirements
Ventilation prevents condensation; Adequate lighting for operations; Fixtures shielded; Hoods over cooking equipment.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-303.11, 6-304.11
Health Department Information
Department
Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH)
Division
Food Protection Program
Report Issues
Call 311 or File Online
More Information
CDPH Food Protection