[Editor’s note: The report mentioned here is from inspections conducted on December 26 and may not represent the future health inspection status of the food establishment.]
The Philadelphia Department of Public Health conducted a routine inspection on December 26. Haven Cafe was cited for multiple violations during the routine inspection, including unlabeled chemical containers and improper food storage.
Haven Cafe
- When: December 26, 2025
- Where: 3528 Wharton St, Philadelphia, PA 19146
Haven Cafe is a neighborhood restaurant offering breakfast and lunch options. According to the inspection report, the restaurant was cited for the following violations:
- The report noted that no employee with a valid Food Establishment Personnel Food Safety Certificate was present at the time of inspection. This violation was corrected on-site.
- There was no designated hand sink in the cooking and warewash area. The report said that a plastic curtain separates it from the front service area, where the only hand sink is located. There was also no handwashing reminder sign posted at that sink.
- Raw animal products were stored above ready-to-eat foods in refrigeration units.
- The levels of chlorine sanitizer in the three-compartment sink measured 0 ppm instead of 50-100 ppm. This violation was corrected on-site.
- The ice machine bin showed black residue and yellow slime buildup, according to the report.
- Ready-to-eat sauces that were held longer than 48 hours were not date-marked.
- Unapproved rodenticides were found in the basement stairwell. The report noted that open poison cubes were not placed in tamper-resistant traps.
- Gnats were seen in the front service area, while mouse droppings were found in the basement storage area.
- The report cited an employee for wearing a wristwatch in the cooking area, which was corrected on site by the inspectors.
- The report noted the use of several non-commercial refrigerators, freezers, air fryers, and an Instant Pot for food storage and preparation. An inoperable ice machine was used for storage, and an exhaust hood in the rear prep area was not operational.
- The facility did not have chlorine sanitizer test strips to monitor its concentration.
- The report stated that bagged trash in the rear storage area was not stored in lidded containers.
- The report noted oil residue on kitchen surfaces. Food debris was observed along the floor edges, and mouse droppings were seen on the basement stairs. Excess clutter was found in the basement area.
- Brooms and dust pans were seen stored on the floor and not on a utility rack.
- Cooking equipment was not located under an exhaust hood despite being used for animal-based foods such as bacon, eggs, and meats. Lighting over the front-hand sink was also deemed inadequate.
- The facility was conducting unapproved hot food preparation with inadequate equipment.
A detailed report is available here.
Follow-up Inspection
According to the official report, the restaurant is expected to correct the violations ahead of the reinspection and provide a current food license. Failure to comply could result in the revocation of the establishment’s health license and additional enforcement actions.
