Baba's Buffalo Famous Crispy Chicken & Lemonade
Last inspected: Sep 10, 2025
50
Score
Baba's Buffalo Famous Crispy Chicken & Lemonade has been inspected five times since 2021. The newest entry in the record is dated Sep 10, 2025. High risk indicates the latest inspection turned up problems worth knowing about.
Performance has remained roughly level over recent inspections, averaging near 10 violations each time.
When inspectors have written things up, “adequate ventilation & lighting” has been the most frequent reason, cited eight times.
The city-wide average sits at 81, which Baba's Buffalo Famous Crispy Chicken & Lemonade's 50 doesn't quite reach. Taken together, the history suggests a facility that has struggled with consistency.
5
Inspections
2
Critical latest
1
Major latest
6
Minor latest
Inspection History
Sep 10, 2025
Routine
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Hands clean & properly washed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EMPLOYEES NOT WASHING HANDS WHEN CHANGING TASKS. OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLER WITH GLOVES ON, GET A WIPING CLOTH FROM THE TOILET ROOM, WIPE DOWN SURFACES, AND THEN STARTED TO PREPARE FOOD FOR A CUSTOMER. ALSO, OBSERVED ANOTHER FOOD HANDLER WITH GLOVES WIPING SURFACES AND TOUCHED THE RIM OF A NEARBY GARBAGE CAN AND STARTED TO PREP FOOD ITEMS. MUST WASH HANDS AFTER EVERY POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION. FOOD HANDLERS WERE NOTIFIED IMMEDIATELY, AND THEY WASHED THEIR HANDS. NO FOOD ITEMS WERE CONTAMINATED. PRIORITY 7-38-010, CITATION ISSUED
8
Hands clean & properly washed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER HANDWASHING PROCEDURE. OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER WASHING HANDS WITHOUT USING SOAP. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY WASH HANDS WITH SOAP AND DRY WITH A HAND DRYING PROVISION. FOOD HANDLER WAS IMMEDIATELY NOTIFIED AND PROPERLY REWASHED HANDS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-010, CITATION CONSOLIDATED WITH ABOVE VIOLATION
8
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH THE ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE DURING THE INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH THE ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE MUST BE POSTED ON SITE AT ALL TIMES, WHILE OPEN AND OPERATING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012, CITATION ISSUED
2
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO NEW FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE FOR NEW EMPLOYEES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN RECORD ON SITE.
57
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THREE CONTAINERS AT THE FRONT DISPLAY/SERVICE WINDOW NOT LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL AND MAINTAIN.
37
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE REAR TOILET ROOM DOOR NOT SELF CLOSING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SELF CLOSING UNIT ON MENTIONED DOOR AND MAINTAIN.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CLUTTER ON THE SIDE OF THE WALK-IN FREEZER IN THE REAR DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DECLUTTER, ORGANIZE AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FLOORS UNDER THE ICE CREAM/SLUSHY MACHINE IN FRONT SERVICE/ PREP AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED POOR LIGHT QUALITY IN THE WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHT IN MENTIONED UNIT AND MAINTAIN.
56
50
Jul 9, 2024
Complaint
9 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD LABELS ON ITEMS; NO LABELS ON SALT, SEASONING, SYRUP, COOKING OIL, PEANUTS AND SPRINKLES IN THE SERVING AND FOOD PREPARATION AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO LABLE ALL FOOD ITEMS WITH COMMONS NAMES.
37
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: OBSERVED STAFF IN FOOD PREPARATION AREA WITH NO HAIR NET/RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. COS.
40
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS IMPROPERLY STORED ON THE COUNTER IN THE FOOD PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND TO STORE PROPERLY. COS.
41
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CRATES ON THE FLOOR NEAR/IN THE DISWASH AREA AND IN THE STAFF RESTROOM AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CRATES AS NOT TO HARBOR/ATTRACT INSECTS/PESTS.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WALLS IN THE FOOD PREPARATION AREA DIRTY WITH BLACK GREASY DEBRIS AT THE STOVE AND GRILL AREAS. OBSERVED FLOORS WITH VISIBLE DIRT/DEBRIS THROUGHOUT THE ESTABLISHMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED COVERING/PROTECTIVE SHIELD IN THE STAFF RESTROOM WARPED AND DOES NOT FIT FLUSH ON THE CEILING. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE LIGHTBULB COVERING/SHIELD.
56
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LIGHTBULB OUT OVER THE GRILL AT THE VENT IN THE FOOD PREPARATION AREA AND IN FREEZER #1. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
56
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED VENT IN THE FOOD PREPARATION AREA OVER THE GRILL AND STOVE WITH GREASE BUILD-UP AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES FOR ALL STAFF WHO HANDLE/COOK/SERVE FOOD. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND PROVIDE.
57
64
Nov 14, 2023
Complaint
2 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 12 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SOAP AT HANDWASHING SINK IN DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED SOAP SHALL BE AVAILABLE AT ALL HANDWASHING SINKS AT ALL TIMES. CORRECTED ON SITE SOAP PROVIDED AT HANDWASHING SINK. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C) CONSOLIDATED VIOLATION.
10
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS AT HANDWASHING SINK IN DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED HAND DRYING PROVISIONS SHALL BE AVAILABLE AT ALL HANDWASHING SINKS AT ALL TIMES. CORRECTED ON SITE PAPER TOWELS PROVIDED FOR HANDWASHING SINK. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CONSOLIDATED WITH VIOLATION ABOVE CITATION ISSUED.
10
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LARGE WHITE CONTAINERS WITH SEASONING AND FLOUR NOT LABELED IN FRONT PREP NEAR HANDWASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME OF FOOD WHEN NOT IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER.
37
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OPENING AT BASE OF REAR EXIT DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRANCE.
38
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RUST ON SILVER SHELVING UNIT IN WALKIN COOLER AND ON SHELVING UNITS OF ONE DOOR REFRIGERATOR IN FRONT PREP. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE RUST FROM SHELVES OR REPLACE SHELVING UNITS, NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES SHALL BE SMOOTH FOR EASE OF CLEANABILITY. OBSERVED CARDBOARD USED AS SHELF LINER IN DESSERT COOLER AND UNDERNEATH FLATTOP GRIL ON PREP TABLE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CARDBOARD SHELF LINERS, NONFOOD CONTACT SURFACES SHALL BE SMOOTH FOR EASE OF CLEANABILITY.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BLACK SUBSTANCE ON INTERIOR SHELVING AND DUST ON EXTERIOR OF SODA TWO DOOR COOLER IN FRONT PREP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED BROWN BUILDUP UNDERNEATH FLAT TOP GRILL. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON WASHROOM DOOR REMOVED. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON WASHROOM DOOR AND MAINTAIN.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LEAVES AND DIRT IN REAR ALONG WALL NEXT TO EXIT DOOR AND BEHIND HOT WATER TANK. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED FLOOR UNDERNEATH HANDWASHING SINK AND NEXT TO HANDWASHING SINK WITH DIRT AND DEBRIS ALONG WALL. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED DIRT AND FOOD DEBRIS NEXT TO AND BEHIND FLATTOP GRILL. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED STAINED CEILING TILES IN REAR NEAR EXIT DOOR AND ABOVE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MOP DRYING AGAINST WALL IN MOP SINK. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL MOP RACK FOR PROPER DRAINAGE AND DRYING OF MOPS TO PREVENT PEST BREEDING.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUSTY CEILING VENT COVER IN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NON-WORKING LIGHT IN HOOD. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE LIGHT BULB AND MAINTAIN.
56
50
Jan 11, 2023
Routine
1 critical violation. 8 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TCS FOODS HELD AT IMPROPER INTERNAL TEMPERATURES IN THE WALK-IN COOLER, SUCH AS 40LBS OF DICE CHICKEN AT 49.8F AND 40LBS OF CHICKEN BREAST AT 48.4F. MANAGER DISCARDED AND DENATURED A TOTAL 80LBS AT $120. ALL COLD TCS FOOD MUST MAINTAIN 41F OR BELOW . PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.
22
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MSG, SALT AND SUGAR OUT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS AND IN CONTAINERS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE PRODUCT NAME. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL FOODS AND SPICES WITH COMMON NAME THAT ARE OUT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS.
37
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TO-GO CONTAINERS STORED FACING UP ON SHELF IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT ALL EQUIPMENT TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
39
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CARDBOARD USED AS LINER IN WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL CARDBOARD. ALL FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DEBRIS AROUND DUMPSTER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
54
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DEBRIS ON FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS IN FROM PREP AREA AND BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENTS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 4 BURNT OUT LIGHT BULBS IN THE FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 1 EMPLOYEES WORKING WITHOUT FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES MUST COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES
57
58
Jun 1, 2021
License
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BURNED OUT CEILING LIGHT BULBS ABOVE STAND UP 1-DOOR REACH IN PREP COOLER. MUST PROVIDE WORKING LIGHT BULBS AT SAID LOCATION.
56
95
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Baba's Buffalo Famous Crispy Chicken & Lemonade last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Baba's Buffalo Famous Crispy Chicken & Lemonade on file is from Sep 10, 2025. The public record contains five inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Baba's Buffalo Famous Crispy Chicken & Lemonade?
Across the inspection record, “adequate ventilation & lighting” has been cited eight times, more than any other issue at Baba's Buffalo Famous Crispy Chicken & Lemonade.
Has Baba's Buffalo Famous Crispy Chicken & Lemonade's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Baba's Buffalo Famous Crispy Chicken & Lemonade have averaged around 10 violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Baba's Buffalo Famous Crispy Chicken & Lemonade means the most recent inspection flagged either critical violations or a substantial number of smaller ones. Diners may want to read the violation details before deciding to visit.
How often is Baba's Buffalo Famous Crispy Chicken & Lemonade inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Baba's Buffalo Famous Crispy Chicken & Lemonade is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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