[Editor’s note: The reports mentioned here are from inspections conducted on February 6 and may not represent the future health inspection status of the food establishments.]
The Austin public health department carried out a routine check on February 6 at Idle Hands. The eatery was found to be in violation of several food safety codes and received 78 as a score.
Idle Hands
- When: February 6, 2026
- Where: 85 Rainey St, Austin, TX 78701
Idle Hands serves craft cocktails and a variety of American dishes. According to the inspection report, the restaurant was non-compliant with the food safety code. The violations were:
- The handwashing sink’s maximum temperature was only 82°F, and another handwashing sink failed to reach the required hot water temperature of at least 100°F.
- One handwashing sink was also inaccessible and was being used for purposes other than handwashing. The report noted that ice was seen dumped into the sink.
- The eatery did not post a current food protection manager certificate in public view as required.
- Food-contact surfaces and utensils were not clean to the sight and touch. The cutting boards had deep grooves and discoloration. The ice machine also was not cleaned enough to avoid the buildup of soil or mold.
- The establishment did not discard food beyond time and temperature limits. Chicken wings were found at the bottom of the reach-in cooler. The food was discarded.
- The report said working containers of poisonous or toxic materials were not labeled with a common name. The bottles that had unknown liquids were seen near the mop sink.
- The establishment failed to eliminate pests, with fruit flies observed in the bar area.
- Equipment and utensils were not air-dried after cleaning and sanitizing. The containers were stacked above the three-compartment sink.
- Nonfood-contact surfaces were not smooth, non-absorbent, or easily cleanable. The lid of an open-top cooler had been repaired with tape.
- The establishment failed to provide test strips or another device to measure the concentration of sanitizing solutions.
- Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment were not kept clean, with dust and debris observed on kitchen vents.
- The plumbing system was not maintained in good repair, the report mentioned. A leaking pipe was seen beneath the three-compartment sink.
- Physical facilities were not maintained in good repair. Missing ceiling tiles were observed in the kitchen area.
A detailed report is available online.
Follow-up Inspection
As per the report, the restaurant will have to undergo a reinspection after it scored low due to inadequate or no hot water and an inoperable hand-washing sink. The follow-up inspection is said to be due by February 11.
