FAIL
Risk 1 (High)
BABA'S FAMOUS STEAK AND LEMONADE Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
October 6, 2026
Complaint Re-Inspection
License #2757539
11
Total Violations
4
Critical
3
Major
4
Minor
1
Corrected On Site
Inspection Summary
This restaurant was inspected by the Chicago Department of Public Health on October 6, 2026. The inspection type was "Complaint Re-Inspection" and resulted in a Fail outcome.
This establishment is classified as Risk 1 (High), which determines the inspection frequency and focus areas.
The inspector documented 11 violations during this inspection, including 4 critical violations that required immediate attention.
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
11
Violation #10
CRITICAL
Violation Details
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: 5-205.11 OBSERVED REAR HANDWASHING SINK NOT ACCESSIBLE, FILLED WITH UTENSILS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UTENSILS FROM HANDWASHING SINK. HANDWASHING SINK SHALL BE ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIMES FOR PROPER HANDWASHING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED
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: 6-202.15 OBSERVED 1" GAP AT BOTTOM OF FRONT DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS ON DOOR TO PREVENT PEST 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: 6-501.11 OBSERVED OVER 100 RAT DROPPINGS ON FLOOR ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS IN PREP, DISHWASHING, STORAGE AND IN OUTSIDE FOOD STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALL AN EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 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 #39
MAJOR
Violation Details
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: 3-305.11 OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN OUTSIDE FOOD STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVARTE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
Why This Matters
Contamination during preparation is a leading cause of foodborne illness.
Food Code Requirement
Prevent contamination during all food handling.
Specific Requirements
Minimize bare hand contact; Prevent cross-contamination; Use clean equipment; Proper employee hygiene.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-307.11
Violation #47
MINOR
Violation Details
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: 4-101.19 OBSERVED RUST DEPOSITS ON BOTTOM OF PREP TABLES AND FOIL LINED SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL RUST AND FOIL ON SHELVING UNITS TO MAKE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
Why This Matters
Poor design creates areas that harbor bacteria.
Food Code Requirement
All surfaces must be designed to be easily cleanable.
Specific Requirements
Smooth, non-porous surfaces; Free of cracks and crevices; Easily disassembled; Accessible for cleaning.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-101.11
Violation #49
MINOR
Violation Details
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: 4-602.13 OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP INSIDE FRYER CABINETS, GRILL, COOKING EQUIPMENT, FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF BEVERAGE MACHINES, COOLERS, FREEZERS, SHELVING UNITS, PREP TABLES, OUTLETS, SURFACES UNDER BEVERAGE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES AND EQUIPMENT.
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 #53
MAJOR
Violation Details
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: 6-302.11 OBSERVED NO TOILET TISSUE INSIDE WASHROOM. TOILET TISSUE SHALL BE SUPPLIED AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010 CITATION ISSUED
Why This Matters
Inadequate facilities lead to poor hygiene and contamination.
Food Code Requirement
Toilet rooms must be properly equipped and maintained.
Specific Requirements
Self-closing doors; Toilet paper; Covered waste receptacles; Handwashing supplies; Cleaned regularly; Proper ventilation.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-302.11
Violation #55
MINOR
Violation Details
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: 6-501.16 OBSERVED DAMAGED FLOOR TILES, MISSING OUTLET COVERS AND MISSING AND LOOSE BASEBOARDS ALONG WALLS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
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 #55
MINOR
Violation Details
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: 6-501.114 OBSERVED UNUSED EQUIPMENT, CRATES, BOARDS, OUTSIDE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNUSED ITEMS TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
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 #58
MAJOR
Violation Details
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: 2-102.13 OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CERTIFIED MANAGER. ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING.
Why This Matters
Inadequate allergen knowledge can cause life-threatening allergic reactions.
Food Code Requirement
Food allergen training required for certified managers.
Specific Requirements
Certified managers must complete allergen training; Staff must understand major allergens; Prevent cross-contact; Respond to customer inquiries.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-103.11
Violation #58
MAJOR
Violation Details
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: 2-102.13 OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CERTIFIED MANAGER. ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING.
Why This Matters
Inadequate allergen knowledge can cause life-threatening allergic reactions.
Food Code Requirement
Food allergen training required for certified managers.
Specific Requirements
Certified managers must complete allergen training; Staff must understand major allergens; Prevent cross-contact; Respond to customer inquiries.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-103.11
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