Conditional

Baba's Famous Steak and Lemonade

101 E 51st St, Chicago, IL 60615

Restaurant ZIP 60615 Risk 1 (High)

Pass with Conditions · as of Oct 7, 2026

Baba's Famous Steak and Lemonade was last inspected on October 7, 2026 with a result of “Pass w/ Conditions”. Inspectors found 3 violations, 2 of them critical.

Latest inspection

October 7, 2026 · Complaint

Conditional

Result: Pass w/ Conditions

2 critical1 general
  • CriticalFood temperature

    Cold food was held above a safe temperature.

    Inspector’s note: Observed time/temperature control for safety foods such as 20lbs of sliced italian beef valued at $150 at an improper cold holding temperature of 50f located in walk-in cooler. Instructed to discard and denature all said tfrcs foods and to maintain a cold holding temperature of 41f at all times. Priority violation.7-38-005. Citation issued.

    Official wording (code 22)

    Proper cold holding temperatures

  • CriticalFood temperature

    Not enough equipment, or the wrong method, to cool and hold food at safe temperatures.

    Inspector’s note: Noted improper cold-hold temperature of 55.0f at wali-in cooler. 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.

    Official wording (code 33)

    Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control

  • GeneralFacility upkeep

    Toilet rooms weren’t built, stocked, or cleaned properly.

    Inspector’s note: Observed no covered receptacle for proper disposal of sanitary napkins in employee washroom. Instructed to provide covered waste receptacle.

    Official wording (code 53)

    Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned

Inspection history

7 inspections on record

  1. Conditional

    Complaint · Pass w/ Conditions

    3 critical4 general1 paperwork Show violations
    • CriticalManagement & training

      No one in charge was present who knew the food-safety rules.

      Inspector’s note: Observed no person in charge with valid chicago food sanitation certificate.

      Official wording (code 1)

      Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties

    • CriticalFood temperature

      Cold food was held above a safe temperature.

      Inspector’s note: 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.

      Official wording (code 22)

      Proper cold holding temperatures

    • CriticalFood temperature

      Not enough equipment, or the wrong method, to cool and hold food at safe temperatures.

      Inspector’s note: 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.

      Official wording (code 33)

      Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control

    • GeneralFood handling

      Food wasn’t labeled or wasn’t in its original container.

      Inspector’s note: Observed torn door gasket inside of the 2 door prep cooler. Instructed to replace

      Official wording (code 37)

      Food properly labeled; original container

    • GeneralFood handling

      Food wasn’t protected from contamination during prep, storage, or display.

      Inspector’s note: 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.

      Official wording (code 39)

      Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display

    • GeneralHygiene & sanitation

      Staff personal cleanliness was inadequate.

      Inspector’s note: Observed food handlers prepping food without hair restraints. Instructed person in charge that all food handlers must wear a hair restraint.

      Official wording (code 40)

      Personal cleanliness

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

      Inspector’s note: Observed torn door gasket inside of the 2 door prep coolers and refrigerator in front prep area. Instructed to replace.

      Official wording (code 47)

      Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      No manager on duty held a City of Chicago food sanitation certificate.

      Inspector’s note: 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.

      Official wording (code 2)

      City of chicago food service sanitation certificate

  2. Conditional

    Complaint · Pass w/ Conditions

    4 critical3 paperwork Show violations
    • CriticalManagement & training

      No one in charge was present who knew the food-safety rules.

      Inspector’s note: Observed no person in charge with valid chicago food sanitation certificate.

      Official wording (code 1)

      Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties

    • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

      Hand sinks were missing, blocked, or not stocked with soap and towels.

      Inspector’s note: Observed no hand washing sign at hand washing sink in prep area. Instructed manager to provide.

      Official wording (code 10)

      Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

    • CriticalFood temperature

      Cold food was held above a safe temperature.

      Inspector’s note: 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.

      Official wording (code 22)

      Proper cold holding temperatures

    • CriticalFood temperature

      Not enough equipment, or the wrong method, to cool and hold food at safe temperatures.

      Inspector’s note: 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.

      Official wording (code 33)

      Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      No manager on duty held a City of Chicago food sanitation certificate.

      Inspector’s note: Observed no certified food manager on duty while foods are being prepared, handled and served such as (chicken, hamburgers, sandwiches, and french fries. Must be on site at all times. Priority foundation 7-38-012. Citation issued.

      Official wording (code 2)

      City of chicago food service sanitation certificate

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      Not all food employees had food-handler training.

      Inspector’s note: Observed missing food handler training for employees. All employees handling food and equipment must provide food handler training.

      Official wording (code 57)

      All food employees have food handler training

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      Required allergen training was missing.

      Inspector’s note: Observed no allergen training for certified manager on duty. All certified managers must provide allergen training.

      Official wording (code 58)

      Allergen training as required

  3. Conditional

    Short Form Complaint · Pass w/ Conditions

    1 critical6 general2 paperwork Show violations
    • CriticalFood temperature

      Cold food was held above a safe temperature.

      Inspector’s note: 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

      Official wording (code 22)

      Proper cold holding temperatures

    • GeneralFood temperature

      Not enough equipment, or the wrong method, to cool and hold food at safe temperatures.

      Inspector’s note: 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

      Official wording (code 33)

      Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control

    • GeneralFood handling

      Food wasn’t labeled or wasn’t in its original container.

      Inspector’s note: Observd bulk containers not labeled in rear storage area. Instructed manager to label all bulk containers with common name of food.

      Official wording (code 37)

      Food properly labeled; original container

    • GeneralFood handling

      Food wasn’t protected from contamination during prep, storage, or display.

      Inspector’s note: 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.

      Official wording (code 39)

      Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display

    • GeneralFood handling

      Single-use items weren’t stored or used properly.

      Inspector’s note: Observed single service articles stored on floor under front counter. Instructed manager to elevate all single service articles off floor.

      Official wording (code 45)

      Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Bserved food debris on interior and exterior surfaces of cooking equipment, coolers, freezers, prep tables. Instructed manager to clean and maintain.

      Official wording (code 49)

      Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Obseved debris on floors under all equipment, along walls and in all corners in prep and storage areas. Instructed manager to clean and maintain.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      Not all food employees had food-handler training.

      Inspector’s note: Observed missing food handler training for employees. All employees handling food and equipment must provide food handler training.

      Official wording (code 57)

      All food employees have food handler training

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      Required allergen training was missing.

      Inspector’s note: Observed no allergen training for certified manager on duty. All certified managers must provide allergen training.

      Official wording (code 58)

      Allergen training as required

  4. Conditional

    Complaint · Pass w/ Conditions

    1 critical7 general3 paperwork Show violations
    • CriticalManagement & training

      No one in charge was present who knew the food-safety rules.

      Inspector’s note: 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

      Official wording (code 1)

      Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties

    • GeneralFood handling

      Food wasn’t labeled or wasn’t in its original container.

      Inspector’s note: Observd bulk containers not labeled in rear storage area. Instructed manager to label all bulk containers with common name of food.

      Official wording (code 37)

      Food properly labeled; original container

    • GeneralFood handling

      Food wasn’t protected from contamination during prep, storage, or display.

      Inspector’s note: 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.

      Official wording (code 39)

      Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display

    • GeneralFood handling

      Single-use items weren’t stored or used properly.

      Inspector’s note: Observed single service articles stored on floor under front counter. Instructed manager to elevate all single service articles off floor.

      Official wording (code 45)

      Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Observed food debris on interior and exterior surfaces of cooking equipment, coolers, freezers, prep tables. Instructed manager to clean and maintain.

      Official wording (code 49)

      Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Garbage wasn’t handled or stored properly.

      Inspector’s note: 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

      Official wording (code 54)

      Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Obseved debris on floors under all equipment, along walls and in all corners in prep and storage areas. Instructed manager to clean and maintain.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Observed soiled mop head stored on floor. Instructed manager to properly hang mops to dry to prevent insect breeding.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      No manager on duty held a City of Chicago food sanitation certificate.

      Inspector’s note: 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

      Official wording (code 2)

      City of chicago food service sanitation certificate

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      Not all food employees had food-handler training.

      Inspector’s note: Observed missing food handler training for employees. All employees handling food and equipment must provide food handler training.

      Official wording (code 57)

      All food employees have food handler training

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      Required allergen training was missing.

      Inspector’s note: Observed no allergen training for certified manager on duty. All certified managers must provide allergen training.

      Official wording (code 58)

      Allergen training as required

  5. Pass

    License · Pass

    1 critical2 general2 paperwork Show violations
    • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

      Hand sinks were missing, blocked, or not stocked with soap and towels.

      Inspector’s note: 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.

      Official wording (code 10)

      Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

      Inspector’s note: Observed inadequate stoppers for 3-compartment sink. Instructed manager to provide adequate stoppers and maintain.

      Official wording (code 47)

      Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

      Inspector’s note: Observed no lighting inside walk-in freezer. Instructed manager to provide adequate lighting and maintain.

      Official wording (code 56)

      Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      Not all food employees had food-handler training.

      Inspector’s note: Observed no food handler training for employees. All food employees must provide food handler training.

      Official wording (code 57)

      All food employees have food handler training

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      Required allergen training was missing.

      Inspector’s note: Observed no allergen training for certified manager. All certified managers must provide valid allergen training.

      Official wording (code 58)

      Allergen training as required

  6. Not Ready

    License · Not Ready

    No violations

Source: Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) open data, refreshed hourly. Last inspection 4 weeks ago. Always confirm with the official record.