Philadelphia BBQ Restaurant Cited for Violations During Health Inspection

Barkley’s BBQ in North Philadelphia was inspected by the Department of Public Health on July 24. Inspectors flagged multiple violations at the popular barbecue joint. Cleanliness concerns and general upkeep violations were among the issues reported. Rodent droppings were also found, prompting an urgent need for corrective measures.

Please note that the report mentioned here is from a particular inspection conducted on July 24 and may not represent the future health inspection status of the establishment.

Highlights

• The Philadelphia Department of Health cited Barkley’s BBQ for health code violations.
• The restaurant was deemed out of compliance with city health regulations.
• A follow-up inspection will be scheduled once corrective actions are completed.

Barkley’s BBQ

• Where: 2017 N 29th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19121
• When: July 24, 2025 (12:50 PM to 01:25 PM)

A number of violations were reported by the health inspectors visiting Barkley’s BBQ on July 24. Inspectors found the reach-in refrigerator missing a required thermometer. The rear food prep area revealed potential rodent presence.

Inspectors noted rodent droppings on top of the covered refuse bin. The facility was also using unapproved food preparation equipment. Inspectors directed the business to remove unapproved grills and a smoker.

The facility failed to maintain provisions for air gaps in its prep sink’s drain line system. Also, the drain line under the food prep sink was found to be leaking. The door of the employee restroom was not self-closing.

Excess grease had built up under drums in the rear outdoor area. The outside area showed weeds and grass growing in excessive amounts.

The inspectors observed that the wall seams were open throughout the facility. The ceiling light placed by the facility in the employee restroom was not covered properly to avoid breakage. To check the complete health inspection report, click here.

Follow-Up Inspection

Inspectors confirmed that Barkley’s BBQ is not in satisfactory compliance. The facility is expected to address the violations through corrective measures. After the violations are appropriately addressed, the department will follow up with a reinspection.

If the facility does not have a valid City of Philadelphia Department of Public Health Food Establishment Personnel Food Safety Certificate, it should send an application within 30 days of this inspection.

The non-receipt of the application will lead to an intent to cease operations order. The facility did not provide a valid food license to the inspectors. If the license is due for renewal, the business should contact the Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I).

The Department of Public Health will issue a License Eligibility Report (LER) after a compliant inspection. If violations aren’t corrected, the department may revoke the health license or pursue legal action.