What is Baba's Buffalo Famous Crispy Chicken & Lemonade's health inspection score?

Baba's Buffalo Famous Crispy Chicken & Lemonade has a SafeDine safety score of 38 out of 100 (Grade C). This score is calculated from official government health inspection data, factoring in violation severity, recency, and trends.

When was Baba's Buffalo Famous Crispy Chicken & Lemonade last inspected?

Baba's Buffalo Famous Crispy Chicken & Lemonade was last inspected on September 10, 2025. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does Baba's Buffalo Famous Crispy Chicken & Lemonade have?

Baba's Buffalo Famous Crispy Chicken & Lemonade has 39 total violations across 4 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is Baba's Buffalo Famous Crispy Chicken & Lemonade safe to eat at?

Baba's Buffalo Famous Crispy Chicken & Lemonade has a safety score of 38/100, which suggests room for improvement. Review the detailed inspection history on SafeDine for more information.

What type of cuisine does Baba's Buffalo Famous Crispy Chicken & Lemonade serve?

Baba's Buffalo Famous Crispy Chicken & Lemonade serves Chicken cuisine. Visit their SafeDine page for safety scores, inspection history, and more details.

Official Health Record

Baba's Buffalo Famous Crispy Chicken & Lemonade

Name: Baba's Buffalo Famous Crispy Chicken & Lemonade
Address: 5360 W DIVISION ST, Chicago, 60651
Rating: 38

5360 W DIVISION ST, Chicago

Last inspected 7mo ago

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0Poor

Chicken•Chicago

Ranked #997 of 1000 in ChicagoBetter than 97% of chicken restaurants

Declining

4 inspections

Last: Sep 10, 2025

medium confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

Clean Rate

9.8

Avg Violations

7 months ago

Last Inspected

Top Concerns

Most common issues from recent inspections

HandwashingHigh Priority

Employees not properly washing hands — contamination risk

Temperature control

Food not kept at safe temperatures — risk of bacterial growth

Cross-contamination

Raw and cooked foods not properly separated

Plumbing issues

Plumbing or waste disposal problems

Employee hygiene

Personal hygiene practices not followed

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-62

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-2 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-6 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-12 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Freshness Penalty

-3 pts

Score reduced due to stale inspection data

Inspection Timeline

-17 pts

Latest

100% weight

2nd

60% weight

3rd

30% weight

How scoring works: Every restaurant starts at 100 points. Points are deducted for violations found during inspections.

Recent inspections are weighted more heavily. High priority violations (direct health hazards) have the greatest impact.

Location

5360 W DIVISION ST, Chicago, IL 60651

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Violation Timeline

Jan 2023

1 inspections

2 intermediate

7 basic

Jan

Nov 2023

1 inspections

2 high priority

2 intermediate

8 basic

Jul 2024

1 inspections

1 intermediate

8 basic

Jul

Sep 2025

1 inspections

3 high priority

1 intermediate

5 basic

Inspection History

4 records on file

2 Canvass2 Complaint

Sep 25

Canvass InspectionLatestPass w/ Conditions

3 High1 Med5 Basic

9 total3 risk factors

40/100inspection score

−45 pts

High Priority (3)

−30 pts

2CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATERisk Factor−10
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
8HANDS CLEAN & PROPERLY WASHEDRisk Factor−10
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
8HANDS CLEAN & PROPERLY WASHEDRisk Factor−10
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

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
OBSERVED THREE CONTAINERS AT THE FRONT DISPLAY/SERVICE WINDOW NOT LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL AND MAINTAIN.

Basic (5)

−10 pts

53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
OBSERVED THE REAR TOILET ROOM DOOR NOT SELF CLOSING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SELF CLOSING UNIT ON MENTIONED DOOR AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED CLUTTER ON THE SIDE OF THE WALK-IN FREEZER IN THE REAR DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DECLUTTER, ORGANIZE AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED THE FLOORS UNDER THE ICE CREAM/SLUSHY MACHINE IN FRONT SERVICE/ PREP AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED POOR LIGHT QUALITY IN THE WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHT IN MENTIONED UNIT AND MAINTAIN.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
OBSERVED NO NEW FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE FOR NEW EMPLOYEES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN RECORD ON SITE.

Base deductions−45 pts

Risk factor bonus (3× +5)−15 pts

Jul 24

Complaint InspectionPass

1 Med8 Basic

9 total

79/100inspection score

−21 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
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.

Basic (8)

−16 pts

40PERSONAL CLEANLINESS−2
OBSERVED STAFF IN FOOD PREPARATION AREA WITH NO HAIR NET/RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. COS.
41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS IMPROPERLY STORED ON THE COUNTER IN THE FOOD PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND TO STORE PROPERLY. COS.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
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.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
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.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED COVERING/PROTECTIVE SHIELD IN THE STAFF RESTROOM WARPED AND DOES NOT FIT FLUSH ON THE CEILING. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE LIGHTBULB COVERING/SHIELD.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED VENT IN THE FOOD PREPARATION AREA OVER THE GRILL AND STOVE WITH GREASE BUILD-UP AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED LIGHTBULB OUT OVER THE GRILL AT THE VENT IN THE FOOD PREPARATION AREA AND IN FREEZER #1. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES FOR ALL STAFF WHO HANDLE/COOK/SERVE FOOD. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND PROVIDE.

Base deductions−21 pts

Nov 23

Complaint InspectionPass w/ Conditions

2 High2 Med8 Basic

12 total

54/100inspection score

−46 pts

High Priority (2)

−20 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
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.
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
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.

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
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.
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED OPENING AT BASE OF REAR EXIT DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRANCE.

Basic (8)

−16 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
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.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
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.
53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
OBSERVED SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON WASHROOM DOOR REMOVED. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON WASHROOM DOOR AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
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.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED STAINED CEILING TILES IN REAR NEAR EXIT DOOR AND ABOVE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED MOP DRYING AGAINST WALL IN MOP SINK. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL MOP RACK FOR PROPER DRAINAGE AND DRYING OF MOPS TO PREVENT PEST BREEDING.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED DUSTY CEILING VENT COVER IN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED NON-WORKING LIGHT IN HOOD. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE LIGHT BULB AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−46 pts

Jan 23

Canvass InspectionPass w/ Conditions

2 Med7 Basic

9 total

76/100inspection score

−24 pts

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

22PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES−5
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.
37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
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.

Basic (7)

−14 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
OBSERVED TO-GO CONTAINERS STORED FACING UP ON SHELF IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT ALL EQUIPMENT TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
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.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
54GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED−2
OBSERVED DEBRIS AROUND DUMPSTER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED DEBRIS ON FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS IN FROM PREP AREA AND BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENTS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED 4 BURNT OUT LIGHT BULBS IN THE FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
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

Base deductions−24 pts

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Community Safety Reports

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Data source: Chicago CDPH · Official government inspection records

Grading System

85 – 100

Excellent

70 – 84

Good

Below 70

Fair

About SafeDine Scores

Scores are calculated using official government inspection data. High Priority violations (direct health hazards) have the greatest impact, followed by Intermediate and Basic violations. Community reviews can adjust the score by up to 5 points when 3+ reviews are submitted.

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