Baba's Famous Steak and Lemonade

Chicago Health Dept

101 E 51ST ST · HYDE PARK, CHICAGO

Passed most recent inspection (May 2026), 2 critical violations noted.

5 inspections on record since 2025 · Last inspected May 2026 · 7 critical violations in the last 12 months.

The numbers

INSPECTIONS

VIOLATIONS

total on record

LAST INSPECTED

MAY 2026

Inspection history

MAY 12

2026

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 8 violations 2 CRITICAL

Critical Documentation & Training

PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES

OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH VALID CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE.

Critical Documentation & Training

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED, HANDLED AND SERVED SUCH AS (CHICKEN, HAMBURGERS, SAMDWICHES, AND FRENCH FRIES. MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.

Serious Food Temperature

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

OBSERVED TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS SUCH AS 50LBS OF CHICKEN VALUED AT $200AT AN IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 50F LOCATED IN FRONT PREP COLD HOLDING UNIT. INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD AND DENATURE ALL SAID TCS FOODS AND TO MAINTAIN A COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 41F AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION.7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

Minor Food Temperature

PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL

NOTED IMPROPER COLD-HOLD TEMPERATURE OF 49.5F AT FRONT PREP COLD HOLDING UNIT. INFORMED ALL REFRIGERATOR UNITS SHALL MAINTAIN A PROPER TEMPERATURE OF 41F AND BELOW. REFRIGERATOR UNIT MUST NOT BE USED UNTIL REINSPECTED BY CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH (CDPH). PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

Minor Facility Condition

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

OBSERVED TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE 2 DOOR PREP COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE

Minor Food Storage & Handling

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

OBSERVED FOOD CONTAINERS STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY STORE AND PROTECT FOOD ITEMS FROM CONTAMINATION WHILE STORED BY ELEVATING AT LEAST SIX INCHES FROM THE FLOOR ON RAISED SHELVING UNITS.

Minor Employee Hygiene

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS PREPPING FOOD WITHOUT HAIR RESTRAINTS. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT.

Minor Sanitation

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

OBSERVED TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE 2 DOOR PREP COOLERS AND REFRIGERATOR IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.

FEB 18

2026

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 7 violations 3 CRITICAL

Critical Documentation & Training

PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES

OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH VALID CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE.

Critical Documentation & Training

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

Critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGN AT HAND WASHING SINK IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.

Serious Food Temperature

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

OBSERVED TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS SUCH AS 50LBS OF CHICKEN VALUED AT $100 AT AN IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 50F LOCATED IN FRONT PREP COLD HOLDING UNIT. INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD AND DENATURE ALL SAID TCS FOODS AND TO MAINTAIN A COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 41F AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION.7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

Minor Food Temperature

PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL

Minor Other

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

OBSERVED MISSING FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES. ALL EMPLOYEES HANDLING FOOD AND EQUIPMENT MUST PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.

Minor Other

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CERTIFIED MANAGER ON DUTY. ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING.

DEC 22

2025

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 9 violations

Serious Food Temperature

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

OBSERVED COLD TCS FOOD STORED INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE, SLICED TOMATOES 60.2F, BEEF 59.6F, CHICKEN 57.5F, GYRO SAUCE 55.8F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DISCARD. ALL COLD TCS FOOD MUST MAINTAIN 41F OR BELOW DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY AND SERVICE. PRIORITY 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED

Minor Food Temperature

PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL

OBSERVED WALK-IN COOLER NOT MAINTAINING PROPER TEMPERATURE 52.7F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN COOLER AT 41F OR BELOW. COOLER IS TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION AND MUST NOT BE USED UNTIL REINSPECTED BY CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH. PRIORITY 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED

Minor Food Storage & Handling

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

OBSERVD BULK CONTAINERS NOT LABELED IN REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO LABEL ALL BULK CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME OF FOOD.

Minor Food Storage & Handling

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

OBSERVED CONTAINER OF LEMONADE STORED ON FLOOR IN PREP AREA. OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD AND DRINKS SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.

Minor Facility Condition

SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED

OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES STORED ON FLOOR UNDER FRONT COUNTER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES OFF FLOOR.

Minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

BSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, COOLERS, FREEZERS, PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSEVED DEBRIS ON FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Other

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

OBSERVED MISSING FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES. ALL EMPLOYEES HANDLING FOOD AND EQUIPMENT MUST PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.

Minor Other

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CERTIFIED MANAGER ON DUTY. ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING.

NOV 24

2025

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 11 violations 2 CRITICAL

Critical Documentation & Training

PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES

OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH VALID CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DESIGNATE PERSON IN CHARGE DURING ALL HOURS OF OPERATION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION

Critical Documentation & Training

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

OBSERVED NO CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE OR VALID CERTIFICATE POSTED. A CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AND VALID CERTIFICATE POSTED AT ALL TIMES TCS FOOD (BEEF) PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED

Minor Food Storage & Handling

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

OBSERVD BULK CONTAINERS NOT LABELED IN REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO LABEL ALL BULK CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME OF FOOD.

Minor Food Storage & Handling

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

OBSERVED CONTAINER OF LEMONADE STORED ON FLOOR IN PREP AREA. OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD AND DRINKS SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.

Minor Facility Condition

SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED

OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES STORED ON FLOOR UNDER FRONT COUNTER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES OFF FLOOR.

Minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, COOLERS, FREEZERS, PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Sanitation

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

OBSERVED OUTSIDE GARBAGE DUMPSTER OVERFLOWING WITH TRASH AND LIDS NOT TIGHT-FITTING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER CLEAN AND MAINTAIN OUTSIDE GARBAGE AREA. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(B) CITATION ISSUED

Minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSEVED DEBRIS ON FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Pest Activity

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED SOILED MOP HEAD STORED ON FLOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY HANG MOPS TO DRY TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING.

Minor Other

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

OBSERVED MISSING FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES. ALL EMPLOYEES HANDLING FOOD AND EQUIPMENT MUST PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.

Minor Other

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CERTIFIED MANAGER ON DUTY. ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING.

JUL 2

2025

PASS 5 violations 1 CRITICAL

Critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGN AT HAND WASHING SINK IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGNS AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS USED BY EMPLOYEES.

Minor Sanitation

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

OBSERVED INADEQUATE STOPPERS FOR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE STOPPERS AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Facility Condition

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED NO LIGHTING INSIDE WALK-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING AND MAINTAIN.

Minor Other

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.

Minor Other

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CERTIFIED MANAGER. ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE VALID ALLERGEN TRAINING.

Public inspection records from Chicago Department of Public Health. Records current as of 2026-09-06. EatOrBeat reports records and does not rate restaurants. Source dataset →

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