FEB 10
2026
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO
✕
BABA'S COFFEE.
EAT. 81/100
5544-5546 N KEDZIE AVE · LINCOLN SQUARE, CHICAGO
Last inspected February 10, 2026 · passed
9 of 13 inspections passed, with 8 critical violations on file.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTIONS
13
9 passed · 2 w/ conditions · 2 failed
VIOLATIONS
49
includes 8 critical
RECORDS COVER
10 YEARS
since Sep 2015
INSPECTION HISTORY
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED TORN GASKETS ON THE INSIDE OF TWO DOOR COOLER IN THE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED LEAK FROM THE FAUCET HEADS AT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AND HANDWASHING SINK IN THE DISHWASHING/PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
JUN 32024PASSED6 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
JUN 3
2024
PASSED
6 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE IN THE SOUTH-END WASHROOMS.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
INSTRUCTED TO TRANSFER FOOD PRODUCTS FROM AN OPEN ORIGINAL CAN CONTAINER INTO FOOD GRADE CONTAINER FOR PROPER FOOD STORAGE AND MAINTAIN.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED STAINED CUTTING BOARD ON TOP OF THE PREP LINE COOLER IN FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE OR REPLACE THE CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN.
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
OBSERVED NO SELF-CLOSING DOOR DEVICE ON THE SOUTH-END WASHROOM DOORS.INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A SELF-CLOSING DOOR DEVICE ON BOTH WASHROOM DOORS AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE WATER STAINED CEILING TILES AT REAR DRY STORAGE ROOM AND MAINTAIN.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH EXPIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AS REQUIRED.
AUG 302023PASSED4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
AUG 30
2023
PASSED
4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
OBSERVED SEVERAL INSECT CARCASSES IN WINDOW SEAL OF TOILET ROOM NEAR REAR DOOR ADJACENT FROM STORAGE ROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE INSECT CARCASSES.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED RUSTED RACKS INSIDE 3-DOOR COOLER IN KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAINT OR REPLACE RACKS.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED SEVERAL UNUSED ITEMS ( PANS, CABINETS, CARTS, RUGS,) STORED OUTSIDE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ANY UNNECESSARY ITEMS FROM PREMISES.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
OBSERVED DUST ACCUMULATION ON LIGHTS AND FILTERS ABOVE GRIDDLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN.
APR 122022PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
APR 12
2022
PASSED
4 violationsDETAILS
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
INSTRUCTED TO LABEL SOME FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS IDENTIFIED WITH COMMON NAME (SALT, SUGAR ETC) IN REAR STORAGE ROOM.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
INSTRUCTED TO REPAINT TOP/LID OF GREASE BOX WITH RUST ACCUMULATION UNDERNEATH 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CARDBOARD LINER ON STORAGE SHELVES IN REAR STORAGE ROOM.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOOR UNDER AND BEHIND HOT WATER TANK IN REAR KITCHEN.
show all 13 inspections →
FEB 192021FAILED1 violation1 CRITICALDETAILS
FEB 19
2021
FAILED
1 violation1 CRITICALDETAILS
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
OBSERVED NO PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK FROM A LICENSED PEST CONTROL COMPANY WITH ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(C). NO CITATION ISSUED.
NOV 222019PASS W/ CONDITIONS14 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
NOV 22
2019
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
14 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY THAT INCLUDES A SIGNED ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FROM EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010,NO CITATION ISSUED. -
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
FOUND NO PROCEDURE/PLAN FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS AND NO CLEAN-UP ITEMS.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN APPROPRIATE SUPPLIES OR KIT. (NECESSARY ITEMS AT A MINIMUM: GLOVES, FACE MASKS, DISPOSABLE MOPS AND APPROPRIATE SANITIZER THAT KILLS NOROVIRUS).PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005,NO CITATION ISSUED.
COMPLIANCE WITH VARIANCE/SPECIALIZED PROCESS/HACCP
YOGURT IS MADE IN PREMISES. MUST PROVIDE A HACCP PLAN FOR YOGURT MAKING. REFER TO VIOLATION #32.
VARIANCE OBTAINED FOR SPECIALIZED PROCESSING METHODS
YOGURT IS MADE ON PREMISES. MUST CEASE MAKING YOGURT AND PROVIDE A HACCP PLAN FOR YOGURT MAKING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005,NO CITATION ISSUED.
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
OBSERVED NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER FOR TAKING FOOD TEMPERATURES.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005,NO CITATION ISSUED.
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
OBSERVED BULK FOOD CONTAINERS IN REAR DRY STORAGE ROOM NOT LABELED.MUST LABEL TO IDENTIFY DRY FOODS STORED AND MAINTAIN.
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
OBSERVED REAR EXIT DOOR NOT TIGHT FITTING, INSECT OR RODENT PROOFED OPEN 1/2 IN GAP AT BOTTOM OF DOOR.MUST MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING ALL ACROSS THE BOTTOM TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.
UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
OBSERVED KITCHEN POTS,PANS AND MULTI-USE UTENSILS IN KITCHEN NOT PROPERLY STORED.MUST BE INVERTED TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION BEFORE USE AND TO MAINTAIN.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED A TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE 2 DOOR STAND-UP COOLER IN KITCHEN. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKET.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN SHELFS IN KITCHEN 2 DOOR STAND-UP COOLER TO REMOVE DRIED-UP FOOD SPLASHED DEBRIS AND MAINTAIN.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED SMALL WATER LEAK AT BASE OF FAUCET 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR PLUMBING LEAK AND TO MAINTAIN.
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
WASH ROOM DOORS MUST BE SELF CLOSING AND MAINTAIN.
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLES IN WASH ROOMS.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
ALLERGEN TRAINING IS REQUIRED FOR ALL EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE A CITY FOR CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETE TRAINING AND MAINTAIN CERTIFICATE ON SITE.
MAR 222018FAILED6 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
MAR 22
2018
FAILED
6 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
OUTSIDE GARBAGE WASTE GREASE AND STORAGE AREA; CLEAN, RODENT PROOF, ALL CONTAINERS COVERED
FOUND OUTSIDE GARBAGE LID OPEN WITH OVERFLOWING GARBAGE. INSTRUCTED TO CLOSE THE LID WITHOUT OVERFLOWING GARBAGE. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION(S) CORRECTED 7-42-090
PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #1982519 DATED 2/2/17. #35- DETAIL CLEAN KITCHEN EXHAUST HOOD/FILTERS TO REMOVE GREASE BUILD-UP AND REMOVE ACCUMULATIONS OF DUSTS ON VENTILATION COVERS IN TOILET ROOMS AND MAINTAIN. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-090.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
REMOVE ALUMINUM FOIL BEING USED AS A SHELVE LINER AND MAINTAIN.
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
CLEAN THE FLOOR UNDER AND BEHIND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT, AROUND THE WATER HEATER TANK AND THRU-OUT THE PREP AREA AND MAINTAIN.
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
LEAK ON THE FAUCET OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REPAIR TO STOP THE LEAK.
FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET
NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME. MUST PROVIDE.
FEB 22017PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
FEB 2
2017
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
DETAIL CLEAN KITCHEN EXHAUST HOOD/FILTERS TO REMOVE GREASE BUILD-UP AND REMOVE ACCUMULATIONS OF DUSTS ON VENTILATION COVERS IN TOILET ROOMS AND MAINTAIN.
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
OBSERVED SMALL WATER LEAK AT DRAIN PIPE BENEATH THE DISHWASHING 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND MISSING SINK STOPPER AT SAME SINK.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR PLUMBING LEAK AND PROVIDE ADEQUATE SINK STOPPERS FOR THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND MAINTAIN.
REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER INSIDE THE REFRIGERATOR AT REAR DRY STORAGE ROOM.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN VISIBLE THERMOMETER INSIDE COOLERS.
JAN 262017PASS W/ CONDITIONS4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
JAN 26
2017
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE
OBSERVED THE KITCHEN 2 DOOR FOOD PREP COOLER,NOT IN OPERATION AT THIS TIME,NO POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS HELD INSIDE COOLER,MANAGER STATES IS OUT OF ORDER.TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION AT THIS TIME,THERE IS ENOUGH REFRIGERATION TO MAINTAIN FOOD TEMPERATURES. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A).
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
DETAIL CLEAN KITCHEN EXHAUST HOOD/FILTERS TO REMOVE GREASE BUILD-UP AND REMOVE ACCUMULATIONS OF DUSTS ON VENTILATION COVERS IN TOILET ROOMS AND MAINTAIN.
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
OBSERVED SMALL WATER LEAK AT DRAIN PIPE BENEATH THE DISHWASHING 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND MISSING SINK STOPPER AT SAME SINK.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR PLUMBING LEAK AND PROVIDE ADEQUATE SINK STOPPERS FOR THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND MAINTAIN.
REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER INSIDE THE REFRIGERATOR AT REAR DRY STORAGE ROOM.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN VISIBLE THERMOMETER INSIDE COOLERS.
FEB 262016PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
FEB 26
2016
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
OBSERVED TORN GASKETS ON BOTH KITCHEN REFRIGERATION UNITS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
OBSERVED DIRTY GASKETS ON BOTH KITCHEN REFRIGERATOR UNITS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
OBSERVED A HOLE IN THE WALL BEHIND THE GREASE TRAP. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO SEAL AND MAINTAIN.
SEP 252015PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
SEP 25
2015
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
NO THREE SINK STOPPERS FOR THREE COMPARTMENT SINK, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE,
REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
NO THERMOMETER INSIDE TWO COOLER/FREEZER UNIT REAR STORAGE AREA, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE,
Data sourced from Chicago Dept. of Public Health. We'd love to link you straight to this restaurant's record — turns out Chicago considers that a luxury. The full dataset is what's on offer →