The Office of Food Protection of the Philadelphia Department of Health performs timely inspections across Philadelphia restaurants. Inspectors do so to ensure all the food facilities abide by its food safety guidelines. Failure to do so may result in serious repercussions.
In one such inspection conducted on April 4, three restaurants were found guilty of violating many guidelines of the Philadelphia-based health organization.
Please note that the results mentioned here are from inspections conducted on April 4 and may not represent the future inspection status of the establishments.
Highlights
- Royal Boucherie, Big Grill Barbecue, and Cibo Bistro & Wine Bar failed health inspection on April 4.
- The inspection was carried out by the Office of Food Protection of the Philadelphia Department of Health.
- Issues such as mouse droppings, defective kitchen equipment, and dirty food prep areas were identified in the inspection reports.
Three Philadelphia Restaurants Failed Health Inspection
Inspectors of the Office of Food Protection of the Philadelphia Department of Health identified multiple health infringements at Royal Boucherie, Big Grill Barbecue, and Cibo Bistro & Wine Bar (Terminal B). While some had mouse feces and debris, others had poor-quality kitchen equipment.
Royal Boucherie
Outdoor setting, wine collection, and food at Royal Boucherie (Source: Google Reviews)
- Where: 52 S 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106, United States
- Date: April 4, 2025
This Philadelphia-based French restaurant is known for its lush bar and tavern space. Royal Boucherie also offers visitors its delectable French dishes in a beautiful outdoor dining setting. Menu highlights include a small charcuterie board, duck confit, steak tartare, and crème brûlée.
Royal Boucherie could not make it through the routine inspection process of the Office of Food Protection on April 4.
Inspection Findings at Royal Boucherie
Officials reported many violations of their guidelines for restaurants during their inspection of Royal Boucherie. There was a signboard reminder for staff to handwash in the restaurant’s bar area. As a corrective action, the French food facility added a sign during the inspection.
The inspection report also highlighted that the refrigeration equipment at Royal Boucherie did not have any device to measure the temperature. Additionally, chlorine chemical sanitizer was missing at the Philadelphia restaurant for cleaning utensils, glassware, and equipment.
Inspectors of the Office of Food Protection further noted that there were mouse droppings in many areas of Royal Boucherie. There was also soil accumulation and debris in the French restaurant’s kitchen, bar, and basement zone.
Inspectors found knives stored in an unsanitary location, which were removed during the inspection, and noted that the cutting boards were blunt.
There was no sink stopper used for the leaking utility sink at the French restaurant. Its exhaust hood was broken, and the stainless steel panel was not sealed properly. Health inspectors observed dim lighting in Royal Boucherie’s rear basement storage area.
Big Grill Barbecue
Food items at Big Grill Barbecue (Source: Google Reviews)
- Where: 1605 Wadsworth Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19150, United States
- Date: April 4, 2025
Located on Wadsworth Ave, Big Grill Barbecue promises to bring ‘real barbecue’ with its smoked meat and delicious flavors. Some loved food items are jerk-smoked chicken wings, St. Louis-style ribs, and Mombo wings.
Big Grill Barbecue demonstrated many food safety violations during the Office of Food Protection’s inspection last Friday.
Inspection Findings at Big Grill Barbecue
As per the inspection report, the chemical storage closet at Big Grill Barbecue had raw wood shelves. Inspectors suggested painting/sealing the shelves. Plus, the closet had a defective steam table. Inspectors asked the staff at the Philadelphia eatery to remove the table as it could become a home for rodents.
The food facility did not have sanitizer test strips or a utility rack. Food safety inspectors then found a non-NSF drainboard at Big Grill Barbecue.
The inspection report further shed light on hygiene issues at the Philadelphia-based barbecue. From food debris in the refrigerator to dust on ceiling vents, many concern areas were listed in the report.
Cibo Bistro & Wine Bar (Terminal B)
Food items and refreshments at Cibo Bistro & Wine Bar (Source: Google Reviews)
- Where: 8000 Essington Ave B Terminal, Philadelphia, PA 19153, United States
- Date: April 4, 2025
The Italian restaurant serves mouthwatering breakfast items and an exquisite wine collection. Highlights include bruschetta, calamari rings, buttermilk pancakes, and bloody mary wine.
Cibo Bistro & Wine Bar did not comply with the food safety regulations of the Office of Food Protection during its routine inspection on April 4.
Inspection Findings at Cibo Bistro & Wine Bar (Terminal B)
The inspection report of Cibo Bistro & Wine Bar showed multiple food safety violations by the Italian restaurant. Food inspectors first observed that there was no hot water at its hand sink in the takeout area. As a corrective measure, the food facility brought a plumber, who then turned on the hot water.
The rinse basin at Cibo Bistro & Wine Bar had a slow drain when stopped. This issue, too, was corrected by the plumber.
After this, the food safety inspectors found that the sanitizing solution at the restaurant’s ware wash sink did not have an ideal chlorine concentration of 50-100 ppm. The sink also had a leakage. Other than this, the hand sink at the Italian restaurant’s takeout area lacked hot water.
In the inspection report, many unhygienic areas at the Italian restaurant were listed. From food residue on the can opener to yellow buildup on its main kitchen dishwasher, there were many cleanliness issues at Cibo Bistro & Wine Bar.
All three Philadelphia restaurants have been mandated to follow corrective actions by the Office of Food Protection. Although dates have not been fixed, the organization will soon return with a follow-up inspection at Royal Boucherie, Big Grill Barbecue, and Cibo Bistro & Wine Bar.
