Baba Shawarma Inc. failed a health inspection

Baba Shawarma Inc.

Restaurant

6404 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60645

North Side

Sep 16, 2026 — Complaint inspection

Fail

Triggered by a public complaint about this restaurant.

Severe pest infestation with live roaches, dozens of flying insects, and extensive mouse droppings throughout food prep areas.

Standout Inspection

We flagged this inspection for serious public health concerns.

Key Findings

5 live roaches found on floors and prep equipment; over 50 flying insects on walls and ceilings; over 75 mice droppings under equipment and along walls.
Floors, walls, and ceilings heavily soiled with dirt, grease, food debris, and pest remains; foam sealants deteriorated with holes and debris.
No certified food manager on duty while handling ready-to-eat chicken and beef; no person in charge present during inspection.
Employee did not change gloves or wash hands when moving between storage and prep areas; hand-washing sinks blocked by equipment and lacking soap.

Key findings are derived directly from the inspector's notes from the Chicago Department of Public Health. See the full violation notes below.

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Violation code #38 — INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector's Notes:

NOTED THE FOLLOWING:- -- 5 LIVE ROACHES ON FLOOR AROUND THE PREP AREA AND UNUSED EQUIPMENT. 2 ON PREP COOLER USED FOR DRY STORAGE AND 1 ON FLOOR UNDER PREP AREA HAND WASH SINK. --OVER 50 FLYING INSECTS ON WALLS, CEILING, BREAD RACKS AT THE DRY STORAGE AREA, DINING ROOM AND IN CABINET UNDER NORTH SIDE WASHROOM HAND SINK. --OVER 75 MICE DROPPINGS ON FLOOR ALONG WALL BASE AND UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT, ESPECIALLY AT THE DRY STORAGE AREA. --INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS AND ELIMINATE PEST ACTIVITY. INSTRUCTED TO CONSULT WITH PEST CONTROL COMPANY AND HAVE PREMISES TREATED. PRIORITY VIOLATION#7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.

Violation code #55 — PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector's Notes:

NOTED THE FOLLOWING:- -FLOORS THROUGHOUT PREMISE ESPECIALLY ALONG WALL BASE AND UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT WITH DIRT, GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS, INCLUDING LIVE AND DEAD ROACHES AND MICE DROPPINGS. -WALLS WITH FOOD DIRT AND FOOD SPILLS. ACCUMU;ATED DUST ON WALL & CEILING VENT COVERS. -FOAM MATERIAL USED FOR SEALING HOLES CHEWED INTO AND DEBRIS ALL OVER THE FLOOR. -INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE ESPECIALLY AREAS WITH PEST ACTIVITY, CLEAN AND MAINTAIN . MUST UPGRADE HOUSEKEEPING. REMOVE ALL UNEVEN FOAM SEALANT AND SMOOTHLY SEAL ALL HOLES AND OPENINGS.