The Philadelphia Department of Health is responsible for ensuring public health standards. A recent inspection revealed three restaurants violating several health codes. Corrective actions must be taken before reinspection.
Please note that the reports mentioned here are from an inspection conducted on June 30. They may not represent the future health inspection status of the restaurants.
Highlights
- The Philadelphia Department of Health cites three restaurants for violating health codes.
- The inspection was conducted on Monday, June 30, 2025.
- The restaurants must take corrective actions for a smooth reinspection.
Ming River Sidewalk House
- Where: 148 N 10th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
- Date: June 30, 2025
The restaurant specializes in Chinese dishes and is popular among local patrons. But the recent health inspection documented several health code violations. The on-site inspector reported the presence of mouse feces on the floor in several areas of the restaurant.
The inspection revealed several violations of sanitary practices. The report documents food and boxes of food-related items stored within 6 inches of the floor. Wiping cloths were lying around while still moist. Inspectors noted a cleaver placed between table edges. The garbage disposal unit was installed in the handwashing sink of the prep area.
The common bowls or food containers were in direct contact with bulk ingredients, without handles. The cutting board had several deep scratches and scoring, making cleaning ineffective. Some areas needed cleaning. These areas include the exteriors of cooking equipment, refrigeration units, shelving, floors, and walls.
The report also states more violations, these include:
- The person in charge did not have a Food Establishment Personnel Food Safety Certificate
- Letters were missing from the sign posted at the handwashing sink inside the toilet
- There was no common name label on the food ingredients stored in bulk
- There was no proper seal on the walk-in cooler in the kitchen area
- The microwave was made from materials not approved for food service use
- The rear prep area wall had a hole
- There was no shield from breakage on the light bulbs inside the kitchen ceiling
A detailed health report of Ming River Sidewalk House’s recent inspection is available online.
Emmy Squared Pizza
- Where: 632 S 5th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
- Date: June 30, 2025
The restaurant offers Detroit-style pizza to local diners. Unfortunately, a recent inspection revealed several health code violations in the pizzeria. Inspectors found mouse droppings, small cockroaches, and fruit flies in various areas of the restaurant.
The report mentions the improper inversion of glass plates in the food prep area. Dustpans and brooms were stored on the floor throughout the restaurant. There was no paper towel in the handwashing sink in the lower-level prep kitchen.
Other violations include:
- The grease built up in the hood filters
- Deep floor cleaning is needed to remove debris, residue, and mouse droppings
- In the basement area, the mop sink was stained and in need of cleaning
- General repair needs to be done on the interior gaskets of several refrigeration units
A detailed health report of Emmy Squared Pizza’s recent inspection is available online.
Kura Revolving Sushi Bar
- Where: 1721 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19102
- Date: June 30, 2025
Known for its rotating sushi service, the restaurant has a presence in the community. Unfortunately, a recent health inspection reported several health code violations. The on-site inspector noted small flies in the prep area near the cut fish fridge and the hallway.
The inspection cited needed repairs to the front entrance, freezer, and restroom facilities. The cutting board had deep scratches and scoring, which made cleaning and sanitizing the board ineffective.
The restaurant also violates several sanitary codes. In the outdoor dumpster area, there was trash on the ground while the lids of the dumpsters were open. The brooms and dustpans were stored on the floor in the first-floor cleaning area. More of these violations were documented in the following way:
- Liquid was found on the wall behind the soda rack in the first-floor soda closet
- The food prep area behind the stove has grease on the floor
- There was trash on the floor sink in the drink prep area
- The floor behind the machines in the arcade area had dust
- Non-essential items were stored in the second-floor storage area
- A chest freezer in the basement storage area was not in use
- There were dead bugs on the floor of the water meter and the mop sink room
A detailed health report of Kura Revolving Sushi Bar’s recent inspection is available online.
Follow-Up Inspection
The list of violations has been handed to the management of the three restaurants in Philadelphia. These issues must be fixed before the reinspection.
Addressing the violations is essential to avoid permit suspension. Food safety in public eateries is ensured through these inspections. Thus, routine inspections are conducted by the agency.
