Complaint
Jun 18, 2026
Pass
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jun 18, 2026 · Original Source
Restaurant · Chicago, IL
Baba's
6421 S Dr Martin Luther King Jr Dr
Last inspected Jun 18, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗
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ImprovingThe latest inspection recorded fewer violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.
The full inspection history
7 inspectionsCanvass
Nov 14, 2025
Pass
1 recorded violation
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
FLOORS THROUGHOUT IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL DEBRIS AND BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
In plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Nov 14, 2025 · Original Source
Complaint
Jul 25, 2025
Pass w/ Conditions
10 recorded violations
notedCode 6Employee health and hygiene
Official wording
PROPER EATING, TASTING, DRINKING, OR TOBACCO USE
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED OPEN CUP OF BEVERAGE IN REAR PREP TABLE AND EMPLOYEE DRINKING FROM OPEN CUP IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE CLOSED LID CONTAINERS FOR EMPLOYEE BEVERAGES TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
In plain English
This covers things like hair restraints, jewelry, clean clothing, eating or drinking in food prep areas, touching ready-to-eat food with bare hands, or not having a sick-employee policy.
More about employee hygiene or health policy issuesnotedCode 37Food source and labeling
Official wording
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS NOT LABELED IN REAR PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO LABEL ALL BULK CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME OF FOOD.
In plain English
Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.
More about food source, dating, or labeling problemsnotedCode 44Equipment and utensils
Official wording
UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED CLEAN MULTI-USE EQUIPMENT NOT INVERTED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INVERT ALL CLEAN MULTI-USE EQUIPMENT TO PROTECT FROM CONTAMINATION.
In plain English
Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.
More about equipment or utensil issuesnotedCode 45Equipment and utensils
Official wording
SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE CONTAINERS NOT INVERTED AND STORED ON FLOOR IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INVERT AND ELEVATE ALL SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES TO PROTECT FROM CONTAMINATION.
In plain English
Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.
More about equipment or utensil issuesnotedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED SOILED CARDBOARD INSIDE BOTTOM OF REACH-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL SOILED CARDBOARD AND MAINTAIN COOLER.
In plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsnotedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS AND GREASE BUILDUP ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF FRYERS, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS, HOLDING UNITS, SHELVING UNITS, BULK CONTAINERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
In plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsnotedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage
Official wording
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED TOILET LEAKING FROM BASE INSIDE WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
In plain English
The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.
More about water, plumbing, or sewage problemsnotedCode 53Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN COVERED RECEPTACLE IN WASHROOM.
In plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsnotedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON LIGHT SHIELDS AND CEILING TILES, GREASE BUILDUP ON FLOORS UNDER FRYERS, COOKING EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
In plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsnotedCode 62Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
COMPLIANCE WITH CLEAN INDOOR AIR ORDINANCE
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED ONE ELEPHANT SHAPED ASHTRAY FILLED WITH CIGARETTE BUTT AND ASHES ON SHELF NEAR COCOA PEBBLES CEREAL BOX ABOVE PREP TABLE IN REAR PREP AREA. OBSERVED ANOTHER ELEPHANT SHAPED ASHTRAY FILLED WITH ASHES ON SHELF NEAR TOILET TISSUE INSIDE WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL ASHTRAYS FROM PREMISES. ASHTRAYS SHALL BE REMOVED FROM ANY AREA SMOKING IS PROHIBITED BY THE OWNER, OPERATOR, MANAGER OR OTHER PERSON HAVING CONTROL OF THE AREA. SMOKING IS PROHIBITED IN PULBIC PLACES AND PLACES OF EMPLOYMENT. CLEAN INDOOR AIR ORDINANCE (REMOVAL OF ASHTRAYS) 7-32-020(C) CITATION ISSUED
In plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jul 25, 2025 · Original Source
Complaint
Feb 20, 2025
Pass
1 recorded violation
notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED GREASE ON THE EXTERIOR SURFACES OF THE FRYERS AND IN BOTTOM AREAS OF SOME FRYERS; INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN. OBSERVED GREASE ON THE ELECTRICAL PANELS BEHIND THE FRYERS, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
In plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Feb 20, 2025 · Original Source
Canvass
Dec 18, 2024
Pass
4 recorded violations
notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED GREASE ON THE EXTERIOR SURFACES OF THE FRYERS AND IN BOTTOM AREAS OF SOME FRYERS; INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN. OBSERVED GREASE ON THE ELECTRICAL PANELS BEHIND THE FRYERS, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
In plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsnotedCode 52Water, plumbing, and sewage
Official wording
SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED STANDING WASTE WATER IN MOP BUCKET; INSTRUCTED TO DISPOSE OF WATER ONCE CLEANING IS DONE. CORRECTED ON SITE.
In plain English
The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.
More about water, plumbing, or sewage problemsnotedCode 53Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
Inspector’s notes
FOUND NO SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON WASHROOM DOOR; INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON DOOR.
In plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsnotedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS AND WALLS AROUND UNDER AND BEHIND EQUIPMENT WHERE NEEDED.
In plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Dec 18, 2024 · Original Source
Canvass
Mar 8, 2024
Pass
2 recorded violations
notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
SOME CLEANING NEEDED TO THE EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT; CLEAN WHERE NEEDED.
In plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsnotedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED AN AREA OF THE FLOOR IN NEED OF CLEANING BEHIND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT; CLEAN FLOOR. OBSERVED SOME CEILING VENTS AND LIGHT SHIELDS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE DUST; CLEAN SAME.
In plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Mar 8, 2024 · Original Source
Canvass
Dec 13, 2023
Pass
4 recorded violations
notedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage
Official wording
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
Inspector’s notes
LEAK AT HANDLE ON HANDWASH SINK BY 3 OMPARTMENT SINK AREA. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
In plain English
The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.
More about water, plumbing, or sewage problemsnotedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
FLOORS THROUGHOUT IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS AND BUILD UP. CLEAN BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT AND REACH IN CHEST FREEZERS. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
In plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsnotedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
Inspector’s notes
ALL DOOR HANDLES AND SERVICE CARTS IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD BUILD AND OR GREASE. CLEAN ALL STORAGE CUBBIES UP FRONT BY REGISTER. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
In plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsnotedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
THE INTERIOR OF REACH IN COOLER ON LINE IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS AND BUILD UP. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
In plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
More about cleaning or sanitizing problemsOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Dec 13, 2023 · Original Source