On August 11, 2025, health inspectors visited La Catrachita Taqueria and Hangry Joe’s Hot Chicken & Wings. The Philadelphia Department of Health cited both establishments for significant food safety violations. With both establishments failing to meet health standards, a follow-up inspection will be scheduled once corrections are completed.
Please note that the reports mentioned here are from inspections conducted on August 11 and may not represent the future health inspection status of the food establishments.
Highlights
- On August 11, inspectors from the Philadelphia Department of Health visited La Catrachita Taqueria and Hangry Joe’s Hot Chicken & Wings for a routine check.
- Inspectors found signs of insects and failures in proper food holding temperatures at La Catrachita Taqueria.
- The inspection at Hangry Joe’s Hot Chicken & Wings documented heavy mouse activity along with additional violations.
La Catrachita Taqueria
- Where: 1201 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
- When: August 11, 2025
The person in charge (PIC) at the facility was unable to demonstrate proper knowledge of the Philadelphia Food Code to the inspectors visiting the facility. The beverage station’s handwashing sink did not supply hot water.
Inspectors found remnants of old food and other objects in the handwashing sink. Following preparation, bulk sauces were not cooled from 135°F to 70°F in the required 2 hours and/or to 41°F within the required 6 hours.
Evidence of insect activity was observed in the venue, particularly house flies. Employees handling food did not wear effective hair restraints. The main water supply line in the basement lacked a backflow prevention device.
The 3-compartment sink was not equipped with a neck faucet to allow easy filling of individual compartments for washing, rinsing, and sanitizing equipment and utensils. The toilet room door also failed to close by itself.
The establishment should ensure that mandated fees are paid to enable review of the plans received by the Office of Food Protection. The restaurant can contact the number provided in the report for more information. To view the full report of La Catrachita Taqueria, click here.
Hangry Joe’s Hot Chicken & Wings
- Where: 28 S 20th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
- When: August 11, 2025
The inspectors observed an employee touching food with their bare hands during salad preparation. Many items were seen obstructing the basement handwash sink. The facility had chlorine sanitizer, but no chlorine test strips were observed.
The basement area of the facility revealed large flies and mouse droppings. German roaches were present in the vertical pipe leading from the grease trap below the three-bay sink. The walk-in cooler’s fan cover had black fuzz.
Roach droppings were found on a knife holder and chemical dispensers. The basement counter showed evidence of dead flies. The hood and fire suppression lines had accumulated dust and grease.
The area under the stairs in the basement had traces of mouse droppings. The wall behind the water heater showed residue. Dead bugs were found on the stairway. The full health inspection report for Hangry Joe’s Hot Chicken & Wings has been posted online.
Follow-up Inspection
The inspection determined that neither establishment is in satisfactory compliance. Inspectors mentioned in the report summary for each facility that corrective measures must be taken to resolve the violations.
A follow-up inspection will review whether the establishments are meeting compliance requirements. If these violations are not corrected, the health license may be revoked, and additional legal action may be taken by the department.
