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BABA'S FAMOUS STEAK AND LEMONADE

810 W 59TH ST, CHICAGO, IL 60621 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

BABA'S FAMOUS STEAK AND LEMONADE has been inspected 7 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since June 13, 2024. The most recent inspection, on September 30, 2026, recorded 3 infractions.

1 of 7 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there were 3 inspections with 10 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Pests, Cleaning and sanitizing and Handwashing and staff hygiene.

Recent inspections have recorded fewer infractions than earlier ones, so the record is improving.

What these findings mean

Health authorities word their violations differently, so we group them by what they mean for food safety. Higher-risk findings are the ones inspectors treat as critical, because they can directly make someone sick.

  • PestsHigher risk

    Signs of mice, rats, cockroaches or flies, or gaps and clutter that let them get in or hide. Pests carry bacteria and can contaminate food and surfaces, so evidence of activity is treated seriously and usually triggers a follow-up visit.

    Recorded 5 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on July 7, 2025. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

  • Cleaning and sanitizingHigher risk

    Anything that touches food, such as cutting boards, dishes and utensils, must be washed, rinsed and sanitized. Inspectors check dishwasher temperatures, sanitizer strength and how wiping cloths are stored. Poor sanitizing lets bacteria survive from one use to the next.

    Recorded 3 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on September 30, 2026. For example: NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

  • Handwashing and staff hygieneHigher risk

    Hands are the main way germs like norovirus move from people to food. Inspectors look for stocked, accessible handwashing sinks, staff washing hands when required, hair restraints, and sick employees being kept away from food. Gaps here can spread illness quickly.

    Recorded 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on May 11, 2026. For example: ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

  • Protecting food from contaminationHigher risk

    This covers how food is stored, prepared and displayed: raw meat kept away from ready-to-eat food, food covered and stored off the floor, and nothing dripping or splashing into it. Cross-contamination from raw to cooked food is a direct route for salmonella and E. coli.

    Recorded once on May 11, 2026. For example: FOOD IN GOOD CONDITION, SAFE, & UNADULTERATED

  • Building, plumbing and upkeepLower risk

    Floors, walls and ceilings must be smooth and clean, with working lighting, ventilation, plumbing, hot and cold water, and washrooms. These are rarely an immediate food-safety risk on their own, but persistent problems can lead to pest or sanitation issues.

    Recorded 12 times across 6 separate inspections, most recently on September 30, 2026. For example: PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

About this data

These results come from Chicago Department of Public Health, which inspects food premises and other public facilities in this area. We republish the authority's public disclosure data and refresh it regularly; the official record is the final word.

7 inspections

  1. Complaint

    3 infractions

    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • NOTED SLIGHT GREASE BUILD-UP IN COMPARTMENT UNDER FRYERS. INSTRUCTED TO DEEP CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • NOTED FLOORS WALLS AND CEILINGS IN KITCHEN, DISH ROOM (UNDER 3 COMPARTMENT SINK), WHERE REAR MOP SINK NEAR REAR EXIT IS LOCATED, IN EMPLOYEE WASHROOM AND STORAGE AREA IN FRONT OF WALK-IN COOLER IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO DEEP CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • NOTED LARGE UNUSED EQUIPMENT STORED NEXT TO DISHROOM HANDWASH SINK, AND ITEMS ON THE FLOOR NEXT TO REAR MOP SINK. ALSO NOTED CLUTTER ON SHELVES IN STORAGE AREA TO WALK-IN COOLER
  2. Complaint Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  3. Complaint

    7 infractions

    • 1. PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
      • OBSERVED PERSON IN CHARGE WITHOUT PROOF OF FOOD SAFETY MANAGEMENT TRAINING DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. MUST PROVIDE.
    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • OBSERVED FACILITY WITHOUT A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE HOLDER ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS (FISH, CHICKEN, BEEF, DAIRY PRODUCTS, COOKED/REHEATED FOOD) WHERE BEING HELD AND HANDLED. OWNER/ CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ARRIVED AT 3:47PM WITHOUT CERTIFICATE. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE AN ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE CERTIFICATE MUST BE POSTED, ALONG WITH THE CERTIFIED MANAGER BEING ON SITE WHEN TIME AND TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY(TCS) FOODS ARE STORED, PREPARED, COOKED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED HANDSINKS IN PREP AREA, DISH AREA AND EMPLOYEE RESTROOM NOT STOCKED WITH HAND SOAP. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT HAND SOAP MUST BE AVAILABLE AT HANDSINKS AT ALL TIMES. FOOD HANDLER OBTAINED HAND SOAP FOR HAND SINK DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
    • 13. FOOD IN GOOD CONDITION, SAFE, & UNADULTERATED
      • ADULTERATED FOOD, NOTED LARGE FLY FLOATING IN FISH HELD IN 2 SLIDING DOOR REFRIGERATOR IN KITCHEN. PERSON IN CHARGE DISCARDED AND DENATURED APPROX. 2LBS VALUED AT $20. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-40-050(A) CITATION ISSUED
    • 54. GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED GREASE SPILLED ON GROUNDS SURROUNDING OUTSIDE GREASE CONTAINER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN OUTSIDE WASTE GREASE AREA AND WASTE GREASE CONTAINER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-020(B). CITATION ISSUED.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED NO PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN RECORDS ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS OBTAIN THIS CERTIFICATE.
  4. Complaint Re-Inspection

    3 infractions

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • FOUND REAR EXIT DOOR WITH A 1/2 INCH GAP AT THE BOTTOM; INSTRUCTED TO SEAL GAP TO AVOID POSSIBLE RODENT ENTRY.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE FLOOR INSIDE OF THE WALK-IN COOLER AND FREEZER.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
  5. Complaint Re-Inspection

    4 infractions

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • FOUND REAR EXIT DOOR WITH A 1/2 INCH GAP AT THE BOTTOM; INSTRUCTED TO SEAL GAP TO AVOID POSSIBLE RODENT ENTRY.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE FLOOR INSIDE OF THE WALK-IN COOLER AND FREEZER.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
    • 59. PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM JUNE 25, 2025. #54 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. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.
  6. Complaint

    9 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • FOUND REAR EXIT DOOR WITH A 1/2 INCH GAP AT THE BOTTOM; INSTRUCTED TO SEAL GAP TO AVOID POSSIBLE RODENT ENTRY.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • 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.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • 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.
    • 52. SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED
      • OBSERVED DIRTY STANDING WASTE WATER IN THE MOP BUCKET IN THE DISHWASHING AREA; INSTRUCTED TO DISPOSE OF WATER WHEN DONE USING.
    • 54. GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
      • 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.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 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.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED THE VENTS IN THE HOODED SYSTEM ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING; INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
  7. License

    5 infractions

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED REAR EXIT DOOR WITH A 1/4" GAP AT THE BOTTOM. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN TO PREVENT POSSIBLE ENTRY POINT FOR PESTS.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • MUST CLEAN INTERIOR OF DISPLAY COOLERS TO REMOVE SPILLS AND/OR DEBRIS.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FIXTURES, FLOORS AND SHELVING INSIDE THE WASHROOM.
    • 54. GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
      • MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN REAR YARD OF PREMISES TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • FLOORS NEED CLEANING ALONG THE WALL BASE AND IN CORNERS THROUGH OUT TO REMOVE DEBRIS.

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