[Editor’s note: The report referenced in this article reflects conditions observed during an inspection conducted on May 7 and does not represent the establishment’s current or future status.]
The Philadelphia Health Department conducted a routine health inspection at Toska Restaurant and Brewery on May 7. The restaurant was cited for multiple health and safety code violations, including mouse droppings in several areas of the facility, improper storage of food items, and leaking pipes.
WhatNow has reached out to the restaurant for comment and will update the story upon receiving a response.
Toska Restaurant and Brewery
When: May 7, 2026
Where: 7136 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19119, United States
Philadelphia-based Toska Restaurant and Brewery is known for serving wood-fired pizza and house-brewed craft beer. According to the health inspection report, violations included:
- The person in charge held a ServSafe certificate but did not have a valid Food Establishment Personnel Food Safety Certificate. The food safety certificate application link was sent by email and corrected on-site during the inspection.
- A bucket of fries was filled while standing in the 3-compartment sink. The staff was instructed to move the food item to the prep sink.
- The dishwasher’s chlorine chemical sanitizer level was measured at 0 ppm, instead of the required 50-100 ppm range.
- The can opener’s food-contact surface had food residue buildup. The report also noted gaps around the walk-in cooler door, which could allow insects and rodents to enter.
- Rodent activity was reported in multiple areas near the outdoor walk-in cooler and pizza prep station.
- Mouse droppings were also found on a sanitizer bucket under the dishwasher and on a wall shelf in the pizza prep area. The shelf was cleaned during the inspection.
- Food debris and mouse droppings were seen under storage racks in the walk-in cooler.
- The report also cited standing water in a prep refrigerator, clutter under a prep table, and dust buildup on walk-in cooler fan vents.
- Cases of water and a container of French fries were stored directly on the kitchen floor.
- Wet wiping cloths were left on the handwashing sink and were not stored properly in a sanitizer solution. It was corrected on-site, and cloths were moved to a sanitizer solution. Lack of sanitizer strips to monitor the sanitizer concentration was also noted. A spill was found inside a refrigerator unit in the first-floor bar area.
- A rubber door gasket on the second-floor bar refrigerator was loose. Water was leaking from pipes under the dishwasher, prep sink, and 3-compartment sink in the bar. A bucket was placed underneath the sink to catch the water.
- Food debris was found in multiple areas in the restaurant, including under the hot holding unit and reach-in refrigerators in the kitchen, along the floor edges in the second-floor bar area, and on basement stairs.
- Mouse droppings, dust, and debris were found behind storage racks in the basement as well.
- A broom and dustpan were stored on the floor instead of being stored/hung up properly. A mop was also left in the mop bucket instead of being hung to dry properly.
- A light bulb under the hood was not protected with a shield to prevent breakage.
For more information, a detailed inspection report is available here.
Follow-Up Inspection
Following the inspection, the restaurant was found to be in an unsatisfactory condition. The restaurant is required to correct all the violations identified in the report. The Philadelphia Health Department will conduct a reinspection to verify the compliance status.
