Baba's Coffee
Last inspected: Feb 10, 2026
90
Score
Public records show 18 inspections at Baba's Coffee stretching back to 2012. The most recent report on file is from Feb 10, 2026. A low risk rating suggests inspectors haven't found much to be concerned about lately.
Violation counts have ticked up lately, averaging around four violations per visit versus roughly two violations earlier in the record.
“Insects, rodents, & animals not present” comes up most often, recorded eight times in the inspection record.
That puts the facility ahead of the local pack: the average Chicago restaurant scores 81. The inspection history reads as standard for a restaurant of this size.
18
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 10, 2026
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TORN GASKETS ON THE INSIDE OF TWO DOOR COOLER IN THE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LEAK FROM THE FAUCET HEADS AT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AND HANDWASHING SINK IN THE DISHWASHING/PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
90
Jun 3, 2024
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SELF-CLOSING DOOR DEVICE ON THE SOUTH-END WASHROOM DOORS.INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A SELF-CLOSING DOOR DEVICE ON BOTH WASHROOM DOORS AND MAINTAIN.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE WATER STAINED CEILING TILES AT REAR DRY STORAGE ROOM AND MAINTAIN.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH EXPIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AS REQUIRED.
58
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE IN THE SOUTH-END WASHROOMS.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
10
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO TRANSFER FOOD PRODUCTS FROM AN OPEN ORIGINAL CAN CONTAINER INTO FOOD GRADE CONTAINER FOR PROPER FOOD STORAGE AND MAINTAIN.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED STAINED CUTTING BOARD ON TOP OF THE PREP LINE COOLER IN FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE OR REPLACE THE CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN.
47
74
Aug 30, 2023
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SEVERAL INSECT CARCASSES IN WINDOW SEAL OF TOILET ROOM NEAR REAR DOOR ADJACENT FROM STORAGE ROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE INSECT CARCASSES.
38
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RUSTED RACKS INSIDE 3-DOOR COOLER IN KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAINT OR REPLACE RACKS.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SEVERAL UNUSED ITEMS ( PANS, CABINETS, CARTS, RUGS,) STORED OUTSIDE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ANY UNNECESSARY ITEMS FROM PREMISES.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUST ACCUMULATION ON LIGHTS AND FILTERS ABOVE GRIDDLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN.
56
82
Apr 12, 2022
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO LABEL SOME FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS IDENTIFIED WITH COMMON NAME (SALT, SUGAR ETC) IN REAR STORAGE ROOM.
37
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REPAINT TOP/LID OF GREASE BOX WITH RUST ACCUMULATION UNDERNEATH 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CARDBOARD LINER ON STORAGE SHELVES IN REAR STORAGE ROOM.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOOR UNDER AND BEHIND HOT WATER TANK IN REAR KITCHEN.
55
82
Feb 26, 2021
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Feb 19, 2021
Routine
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK FROM A LICENSED PEST CONTROL COMPANY WITH ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(C). NO CITATION ISSUED.
38
90
Nov 22, 2019
Routine
4 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 14 violations
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER FOR TAKING FOOD TEMPERATURES.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005,NO CITATION ISSUED.
36
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY THAT INCLUDES A SIGNED ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FROM EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010,NO CITATION ISSUED. -
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: FOUND NO PROCEDURE/PLAN FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS AND NO CLEAN-UP ITEMS.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN APPROPRIATE SUPPLIES OR KIT. (NECESSARY ITEMS AT A MINIMUM: GLOVES, FACE MASKS, DISPOSABLE MOPS AND APPROPRIATE SANITIZER THAT KILLS NOROVIRUS).PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005,NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Variance obtained for specialized processing methods
Inspector notes: YOGURT IS MADE ON PREMISES. MUST CEASE MAKING YOGURT AND PROVIDE A HACCP PLAN FOR YOGURT MAKING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005,NO CITATION ISSUED.
32
Compliance with variance/specialized process/haccp
Inspector notes: YOGURT IS MADE IN PREMISES. MUST PROVIDE A HACCP PLAN FOR YOGURT MAKING. REFER TO VIOLATION #32.
29
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BULK FOOD CONTAINERS IN REAR DRY STORAGE ROOM NOT LABELED.MUST LABEL TO IDENTIFY DRY FOODS STORED AND MAINTAIN.
37
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED REAR EXIT DOOR NOT TIGHT FITTING, INSECT OR RODENT PROOFED OPEN 1/2 IN GAP AT BOTTOM OF DOOR.MUST MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING ALL ACROSS THE BOTTOM TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.
38
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: OBSERVED KITCHEN POTS,PANS AND MULTI-USE UTENSILS IN KITCHEN NOT PROPERLY STORED.MUST BE INVERTED TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION BEFORE USE AND TO MAINTAIN.
44
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE 2 DOOR STAND-UP COOLER IN KITCHEN. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKET.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN SHELFS IN KITCHEN 2 DOOR STAND-UP COOLER TO REMOVE DRIED-UP FOOD SPLASHED DEBRIS AND MAINTAIN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SMALL WATER LEAK AT BASE OF FAUCET 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR PLUMBING LEAK AND TO MAINTAIN.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLES IN WASH ROOMS.
53
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: WASH ROOM DOORS MUST BE SELF CLOSING AND MAINTAIN.
53
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: ALLERGEN TRAINING IS REQUIRED FOR ALL EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE A CITY FOR CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETE TRAINING AND MAINTAIN CERTIFICATE ON SITE.
58
41
Mar 29, 2018
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Mar 22, 2018
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Outside garbage waste grease and storage area; clean, rodent proof, all containers covered
Inspector notes: FOUND OUTSIDE GARBAGE LID OPEN WITH OVERFLOWING GARBAGE. INSTRUCTED TO CLOSE THE LID WITHOUT OVERFLOWING GARBAGE. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
19
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #1982519 DATED 2/2/17. #35- DETAIL CLEAN KITCHEN EXHAUST HOOD/FILTERS TO REMOVE GREASE BUILD-UP AND REMOVE ACCUMULATIONS OF DUSTS ON VENTILATION COVERS IN TOILET ROOMS AND MAINTAIN. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-090.
29
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: REMOVE ALUMINUM FOIL BEING USED AS A SHELVE LINER AND MAINTAIN.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE FLOOR UNDER AND BEHIND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT, AROUND THE WATER HEATER TANK AND THRU-OUT THE PREP AREA AND MAINTAIN.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: LEAK ON THE FAUCET OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REPAIR TO STOP THE LEAK.
38
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME. MUST PROVIDE.
45
74
Feb 2, 2017
Reinspection
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN KITCHEN EXHAUST HOOD/FILTERS TO REMOVE GREASE BUILD-UP AND REMOVE ACCUMULATIONS OF DUSTS ON VENTILATION COVERS IN TOILET ROOMS AND MAINTAIN.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SMALL WATER LEAK AT DRAIN PIPE BENEATH THE DISHWASHING 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND MISSING SINK STOPPER AT SAME SINK.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR PLUMBING LEAK AND PROVIDE ADEQUATE SINK STOPPERS FOR THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND MAINTAIN.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER INSIDE THE REFRIGERATOR AT REAR DRY STORAGE ROOM.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN VISIBLE THERMOMETER INSIDE COOLERS.
40
86
Jan 26, 2017
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE KITCHEN 2 DOOR FOOD PREP COOLER,NOT IN OPERATION AT THIS TIME,NO POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS HELD INSIDE COOLER,MANAGER STATES IS OUT OF ORDER.TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION AT THIS TIME,THERE IS ENOUGH REFRIGERATION TO MAINTAIN FOOD TEMPERATURES. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A).
2
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN KITCHEN EXHAUST HOOD/FILTERS TO REMOVE GREASE BUILD-UP AND REMOVE ACCUMULATIONS OF DUSTS ON VENTILATION COVERS IN TOILET ROOMS AND MAINTAIN.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SMALL WATER LEAK AT DRAIN PIPE BENEATH THE DISHWASHING 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND MISSING SINK STOPPER AT SAME SINK.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR PLUMBING LEAK AND PROVIDE ADEQUATE SINK STOPPERS FOR THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND MAINTAIN.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER INSIDE THE REFRIGERATOR AT REAR DRY STORAGE ROOM.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN VISIBLE THERMOMETER INSIDE COOLERS.
40
82
Feb 26, 2016
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TORN GASKETS ON BOTH KITCHEN REFRIGERATION UNITS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRTY GASKETS ON BOTH KITCHEN REFRIGERATOR UNITS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A HOLE IN THE WALL BEHIND THE GREASE TRAP. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO SEAL AND MAINTAIN.
35
86
Sep 25, 2015
License
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: NO THREE SINK STOPPERS FOR THREE COMPARTMENT SINK, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE,
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: NO THERMOMETER INSIDE TWO COOLER/FREEZER UNIT REAR STORAGE AREA, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE,
40
90
Jun 12, 2015
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NO FOOD CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE WITH A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED OR AVAILABLE, INSTRUCTED TO ENROLL IN A CLASS WITH PROOF OF ENROLLMENT OR ACTUAL CERTIFICATE MUST BE POSTED AVAILABLE AT TIME OF INSPECTION, SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED: 7-38-012
21
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MISSING COVER TO REACH-IN PREP COOLER, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE, STORING FOODS IN CARRYOUT BAGS, INSTRUCTED TO INVEST IN FOOD GRADE BAGS,
32
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: REAR STORAGE AREA CLUTTER, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND BETTER ORGANIZE AREA,
41
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING IN ILLINOIS CERTIFICATES AT THIS TIME OF INSPECTION, MUST PROVIDE,
45
82
Aug 14, 2014
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON PREMISES OR CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFICATE POSTED WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS-CICEKN AT 42.0 F IS BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED THAT CITY OF CHICAGO CURRENT CERITIFCATE MUST BE POSTED, PROVIDED AND/ MANAGER ON PREMISES.
21
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: FOIL COVERING SHELF UNDER PREP TABLE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE FOIL, MAINTAIN SHELF AND KEEP CLEAN.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: VENTILATION COVERS AND EXHUAST HOOD NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOOR IN CORNER AND UNDER EQUIPENT NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN DAILY AND REMOVE DEBRIS.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: VENTILATION COVERS THROUGHT PREMISES NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND REMOVE DUST DEBRIS.
35
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: THERMOMETER NOT PROVIDED INSIDE CONDIMENT COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER CONSPICUOUSLY INSIDE ALL COOLERS.
40
74
Apr 4, 2013
Complaint
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: CUTTING BOARDS IN POOR REPAIR, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: NOTED FOOD DEBRIS ON EQUIPMENT; INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN/SANITIZE; PREP COOLER, COOKING EQUIPMENT, CHEST FREEZER, MICROWAVE OVEN AND MOP SINK.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOORS, MUST DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS, UNDER, BEHIND EQUIPMENT AT CORNERS AND ALONG WALLS AT THE PREP AREA AND STORAGE AREA.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO SEAL OPENINGS AROUND PIPES NEAR THE CEILING TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.
35
82
Oct 3, 2012
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: RAW WOODS OF SHELVINGS OF THE STORAGE ROOM. MUST SEAL OR PAINT THE WOODS. RIPPED OFF RUBBER GASKET ALONG THE DOOR OF THE 2 DOOR REACH IN COOLER. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN IN DETAIL THE FILTER BY THE HOOD, THE CEILING VENTS IN THE DINING AREA (WITH ACCUMULATED DUST BUILD -UP) AND MAINTAIN.
35
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: MISSING THERMOMETER IN THE CHEST FREEZER. MUST PROVIDE AND MUST BE VISIBLE.
40
86
May 21, 2012
License
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE MISSING CEILING TILE ABOVE PREP AREA.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: LIGHTS MUST BE SHIELDED WITH END CAPS ABOVE FOOD PREP AREA.
36
Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters
Inspector notes: TOILET ROOM DOORS MUST BE SELF CLOSING. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL SELF CLOSING DEVICE.
37
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE BACK FLOW PREVENTER DEVICE OR VACUUM BREAKER AT MOP SINK FAUCET.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE INSIDE COOLERS AND FREEZERS.
40
78
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Baba's Coffee last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Baba's Coffee on file is from Feb 10, 2026. The public record contains 18 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Baba's Coffee?
Across the inspection record, “insects, rodents, & animals not present” has been cited eight times, more than any other issue at Baba's Coffee.
Has Baba's Coffee's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Baba's Coffee have averaged around four violations per visit, up from roughly two earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Baba's Coffee means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.
How often is Baba's Coffee inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Baba's Coffee is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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