[Editor’s note: The reports mentioned here are from inspections conducted on February 9 and may not represent the future health inspection status of the food establishments.]
The Philadelphia health department conducted routine health inspections across the area on February 9. Newbold Cafe and Scotty’s Bar were found to be in violation of several food safety regulations.
Newbold Cafe
- When: February 9, 2026
- Where: 1514 Tasker St, Philadelphia, PA 19145
Newbold Cafe serves sandwiches, wraps, pretzels, and salads. According to the report, the restaurant was cited for:
- Reusable cloths were being used to dry hands at the handwashing station. These were removed during the inspection.
- The report noted that debris was seen inside the cold prep refrigerator, including on the door and rear rim, where in-use knives were stored. Cleaning was initiated.
- The quaternary ammonium concentration in the three-compartment warewashing sink measured below the manufacturer’s required range. The concentration was corrected.
- Sponges were being used to clean food-contact surfaces in the food prep area. The sponges were discarded during the inspection.
- Knives were stored on a rear ledge beneath the cold prep refrigerator door, where food debris was present.
- The garbage grinder was inoperable and did not meet the required horsepower, the report said. The microwave oven and a drop-in sink used as a food prep sink and a reach-in freezer in the customer service area were not NSF/ANSI approved.
- Accumulation of ice and debris was observed inside the chest freezer, requiring cleaning.
- A fast leak was found at the food prep sink faucet.
- The basement was observed to be damp and cluttered. The dust pan also had visible buildup and required cleaning.
- The report mentioned lighting levels were below required standards in both the warewashing area and the food preparation area.
A detailed report is available online.
Scotty’s Bar
- When: February 9, 2026
- Where: 1420 Ellsworth St, Philadelphia, PA 19146
Scotty’s Bar is a neighborhood bar. The report flagged the violations:
- The food safety certified (FSC) person only possessed a ServSafe certificate. They could not showcase enough knowledge of reportable foodborne illnesses, required employee exclusions, or the obligation to notify the health department if an employee is diagnosed with a reportable illness.
- The report said that no sign or poster was posted at the handwash sink in the food preparation area to remind employees to wash their hands. The sign from the windowsill was relocated and placed above the sink.
- The ice scoop handle was observed to be stored directly in ice, prompting the disposal of the ice during inspection.
- Open bags of chicken were also observed in direct contact with the sanitizer basin of the warewashing sink. The chicken was then immediately placed in a pot and stored in the refrigerator.
- The quaternary ammonium sanitizer concentration in the three-compartment warewashing sink in the bar area measured 150-200 ppm, below the manufacturer-required range of 200-400 ppm. The concentration was adjusted and corrected during inspection.
- The facility did not follow an approved procedure for washing and preparing food. The report noted that open bags of chicken were seen thawing in the sanitizing compartment of the warewashing sink and at room temperature. The chicken was transferred to a pot and refrigerated for proper thawing.
- Temperature measuring devices were not available or accessible in the reach-in refrigerator.
- Beverage cases were stored beneath a drainage pipe in the basement and were relocated during inspection.
- An unfinished basement was being used for beverage storage, and the ice bin beneath the bar lacked a cover.
- The reach-in refrigerator in the food prep area was holding food above 41°F. The walk-in cooler was inoperable, and a crack and a hole were observed in the ice machine bin door hinge. Wire drying racks in the food prep area were not NSF/ANSI approved.
- Dust accumulation was seen on refrigerator fan covers and on the screen covering the fan above the drying rack near the warewashing sink.
- Old rat droppings were observed on the floor of the rear basement closet, the report said. A dying cockroach was also seen at the floor-wall junction beneath a storage rack in the food prep area.
- Debris as seen along floor perimeters, grease and food buildup on food prep walls, broken glass, and liquid spills on the basement floor.
- The unfinished basement used for storage did not meet requirements for smooth, non-absorbent, easily cleanable surfaces.
- Cracked and damaged floor tiles were observed in the food preparation area.
A detailed report is available online.
Follow-up Inspection
According to the reports, the restaurants are not in compliance with the food safety standards and must correct the violations before the follow-up.
Newbold Cafe did not provide a valid food license during the inspection and is expected to contact the Department of Licenses and Inspections for renewal in case it has expired.
Failure to correct the violations may result in revocation of the eateries’ health license and other legal actions.
