🍽️ RestInspect
F

Mama'S African Kitchen Restaurant & Bar

6606 N SHERIDAN RD, CHICAGO 60626

Restaurant · Risk 1 (High)

Risk
High
score 95/100
9
inspections on file
50
total violations
9
critical violations
🤖

Risk assessment

auto-generated

This establishment has a troubling inspection history and warrants real caution. Its most recent inspection (2026-05-27) earned a Grade F. Inspectors recorded 9 critical violations across the visits on file — these are the findings most associated with foodborne illness. Its grade has held steady across recent inspections.

Inspection history

  1. F
    2026-05-27
    Fail · Complaint Re-Inspection
    • minor 1. PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES - Comments: PERSON IN CHARGE WITH NO SANITATION MANAGER CERTIFICATE.MUST PROVIDE.
    • CRITICAL 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: FOUND NO CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED WHILE HANDLING TCS FOODS.(HANDLES FISH ,CHICKEN, ETC.) PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-012. MUST PROVIDE.
    • CRITICAL 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: FOUND NO HANDWASHING SINK BY FRONT FOOD DISPENSING COUNTER.PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-38-030C. MUST PROVIDE PLUMBED HAND SINK OR REMOVE HOT HOLDING UNIT. HOT HOLDING UN…
    • minor 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: FOUND NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT BAR HANDSINKS.MUST PROVIDE.
    • minor 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: FOUND FOOD INSIDE WALK IN COOLER WITH NO LABEL. (FISH, ETC.) MUST PROVIDE LABLES WITH CONTENTS NAME.
    • minor 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: FOOD CONTAINERS STORED ON FLOOR. MUST ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS 6" OFF FLOOR.
    • minor 44. UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED - Comments: FOUND FOOD CONTAINERS, POTS, ETC. NOT STORED PROPERLY. MUST STORE INVERTED AND PROTECTED.
    • minor 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: FOUND CUTTING BOARDS WITH STAINS/DEEP GROOVES.MUST BE CLEAN AND SMOOTH.
    • minor 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: FOUND FOLLOWING NOT CLEAN: INTERIOR/EXTERIOR OF COOKING EQUIPMENT & COOLERS/FREEZERS, SINKS, SHELVING UNITS, BAR ICE MAKER, ETC. MUST CLEAN ALL EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS THROUGHOUT.
    • minor 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: FOUND FOLLOWING AREAS CLUTTERED: KITCHEN AREAS, DISHWASHING AREAS, OFFICE AREAS, STORAGE AREAS, AND INSIDE SEATING BOOTHS. OLD EQUIPMENT, GARBAGE, EXCESSIVE POT AND PANS. MUS…
    • minor 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: FOUND FLOORS NOT CLEAN THROUGHOUT KITCHEN AND BAR AREAS. BEHIND AND UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT). ALSO, FLOOR DRAINS NOT CLEAN. MUST CLEAN FLOORS AND FLOOR DRAINS THROUGHOUT KITCHEN …
    • minor 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES NOT PROVIDED. MUST PROVIDE FOR EMPLOYEES.
    • minor 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE PROVIDED.MUST PROVIDE.
    • CRITICAL 59. PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION CORRECTED - Comments: FOUND PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT DATED 5-12-26 INSPECTION 2636663: #38 FOUND 7 RAT DROPPING ALONG WALLS INSIDE DISHWASHING AREAS. FOUND 1…
  2. –
    2026-05-19
    No Entry · Complaint Re-Inspection
    • CRITICAL 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS - Comments: FOUND NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL CLEAN UP PROCEDURE WITH SPILL KIT.PRIORITY FOUNDATION.CITATION ISSUED.7-38-005.MUST PROVIDE.
    • minor 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: FOUND NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT BAR HANDSINKS.MUST PROVIDE.
    • minor 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: FOUND FOOD INSIDE WALK IN COOLER WITH NO LABEL.(FISH,ETC.)MUST PROVIDE.
    • CRITICAL 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: FOUND 7 RAT DROPPING ALONG WALLS INSIDE DISHWASHING AREAS.PRIORITY FOUNDATION.CITATION ISSUED.7-38-020A.MUST NOTIFY PEST CONTROL OPERATOR AND REMOVE ALL DROPPINGS.
    • minor 44. UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED - Comments: FOUND FOOD CONTAINERS,POTS,ETC. NOT STORED PROPERLY.MUST STORE INVERTED.
    • minor 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: FOUND FOLLOWING NOT CLEAN: EXTERIOR OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, SINKS, SHELVING UNITS, ETC.MUST CLEAN ALL MENTIONED.
    • minor 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: FOUND FOLLOWING AREAS CLUTTERED:KITCHEN AREAS, DISHWASHING AREAS, OFFICE AREAS, AND STORAGE AREAS.(OLD EQUIPMENT,GARBAGE, EXCESSIVE POT AND PANS)MUST DECLUTTER/ REMOVE OLD UN…
    • minor 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES NOT PROVIDED.MUST PROVIDE.
    • minor 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE PROVIDED.MUST PROVIDE.
  3. F
    2026-05-12
    Fail · Complaint
    • minor 1. PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES - Comments: PERSON IN CHARGE WITH NO SANITATION MANAGER CERTIFICATE.MUST PROVIDE.
    • CRITICAL 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: FOUND NO CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION MANAGER ON PREMISES WHILE HANDLING TCS FOODS.(HANDLES FISH,CHICKEN.ETC.)PRIORITY FOUNDATION.CITATION ISSUED.7-38-012.MUST PROVIDE.
    • CRITICAL 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS - Comments: FOUND NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL CLEAN UP PROCEDURE WITH SPILL KIT.PRIORITY FOUNDATION.CITATION ISSUED.7-38-005.MUST PROVIDE.
    • minor 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: FOUND NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT BAR HANDSINKS.MUST PROVIDE.
    • CRITICAL 23. PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION - Comments: FOUND READY TO EAT FISH INSIDE WALK IN COOLER NOT DATE MARKED.PRIORITY FOUNDATION.CITATION ISSUED.7-38-005.DISPOSED OF 10 POUNDS OF UNLABELED READY TO EAT FISH.VALUE AT 50 DOLLARS.
    • minor 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: FOUND FOOD INSIDE WALK IN COOLER WITH NO LABEL.(FISH,ETC.)MUST PROVIDE.
    • CRITICAL 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: FOUND 7 RAT DROPPING ALONG WALLS INSIDE DISHWASHING AREAS.PRIORITY FOUNDATION.CITATION ISSUED.7-38-020A.MUST NOTIFY PEST CONTROL OPERATOR AND REMOVE ALL DROPPINGS.
    • minor 44. UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED - Comments: FOUND FOOD CONTAINERS,POTS,ETC. NOT STORED PROPERLY.MUST STORE INVERTED.
    • minor 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: FOUND FOLLOWING NOT CLEAN: EXTERIOR OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, SINKS, SHELVING UNITS, ETC.MUST CLEAN ALL MENTIONED.
    • minor 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: FOUND FOLLOWING AREAS CLUTTERED:KITCHEN AREAS, DISHWASHING AREAS, OFFICE AREAS, AND STORAGE AREAS.(OLD EQUIPMENT,GARBAGE, EXCESSIVE POT AND PANS)MUST DECLUTTER/ REMOVE OLD UN…
    • minor 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES NOT PROVIDED.MUST PROVIDE.
    • minor 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE PROVIDED.MUST PROVIDE.
  4. –
    2026-05-11
    No Entry · Complaint

    No itemized violations published for this inspection.

  5. –
    2026-04-27
    No Entry · Complaint

    No itemized violations published for this inspection.

  6. A
    2025-10-14
    Pass · Complaint
    • minor 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD STORED IN CONTAINERS IN ALL THE COOLERS, WALK IN COOLER AND DRY STORAGE WITHOUT PROPER LABELING OF NAME. INSTRUCTED TO PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE A LABEL REFLECTING TH…
    • minor 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD CONTAINERS STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE WALK-IN COOLER AND MAIN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY STORE AND PROTECT FOOD ITEMS FROM CONTA…
    • minor 41. WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED - Comments: OBSERVED WET WIPING CLOTHS ON SEVERAL PREP SURFACE AREAS AND HANGING NEAR HANDWASHING SINK IN BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES T…
    • minor 43. IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED - Comments: OBSERVED KNIVES BEING STORED IMPROPERLY. INSTRUCTED ON HOW TO PROPERLY STORE UTENSILS BETWEEN USES.
    • minor 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: 4-501.12 OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS IN THE REAR PREP AREA WITH OPEN SEAMS AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REFINISH OR REPLACE DAMAGED OR STAINED C…
    • minor 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: 5-205.15 OBSERVED 3 SINKS IN BAR AREA NEXT TO BEER DISPENSER TO BE SLOW DRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • minor 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: 6-501.114 OBSERVED OUT OF USE PREP COOLER, BAKERY EQUIPMENT, DELI SLICER, AND EXCESS, CLUTTER AND ITEMS IN REAR STORAGE AND OFFICE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DECLUTTER AND REMOVE AL…
    • minor 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP, FOOD DEBRIS, AND DIRT ON FLOOR UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP, DISH WASHING, AND STORAGE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEA…
    • minor 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED MISSING AND DAMAGED POROUS FLOORS THROUGHOUT MAIN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR TO CREATE A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE. MUST MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
  7. –
    2025-10-08
    No Entry · Complaint

    No itemized violations published for this inspection.

  8. A
    2025-08-19
    Pass · License
    • minor 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS IN THE REAR PREP AREA WITH OPEN SEAMS AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REFINISH OR REPLACE DAMAGED OR STAINED CUTTING BO…
    • minor 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED DAMAGED GASKET AT PREP COOLER ADAJACENT TO HOT COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
    • minor 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: OBSERVED DUMP SINK IN BAR AREA NEXT TO BEER DISPENSER TO BE SLOW DRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • minor 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED OUT OF USE PREP COOLER, BAKERY EQUIPMENT, DELI SLICER, ETC STORED ON SITE FROM PREVIOUS OCCUPANT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL ITEMS FROM PREMISES NOT NECESSARY FOR OPER…
    • minor 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED FLOORS THROUGHOUT MAIN PREP AREA AND IN WALK IN COOLER WITH CHIPPED/PEELING PAINT. INSTRUCTED TO REPAINT/REFINISH TO CREATE A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE AND…
    • minor 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSONS WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH COMPLETION OF TRAINING. MUST PROVIDE DOCUMEN…
  9. –
    2025-08-18
    Not Ready · License

    No itemized violations published for this inspection.

Source: Chicago Dept. of Public Health (data.cityofchicago.org · 4ijn-s7e5). This page is a snapshot — verify current status with the official city portal.