[Editor’s note: The reports mentioned here are from inspections conducted on February 4 and may not represent the future health inspection status of the food establishments.]
The Philadelphia health department found multiple health code violations at Bamboo Bar in an inspection conducted on February 4. The management has been advised to correct the violations promptly.
Bamboo Bar
- When: February 4, 2026
- Where: 6238 Bustleton Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19149
Bamboo Bar is a restaurant and nightclub on Bustleton Avenue. The report noted that the restaurant was not in compliance with the safety code. The violations were:
- Food employees failed to follow proper handwashing procedures and were seen changing tasks without washing their hands.
- Employees were seen wearing single-use gloves without washing their hands first. Old food residue and a strainer were found inside a food prep handwash sink, and soap and paper towels were missing at handwash sinks in both the food prep area and the men’s restroom.
- A plastic serving spoon handle was observed in direct contact with rice inside a rice warmer.
- Several potentially hazardous ready-to-eat foods stored for more than 48 hours in walk-in coolers and freezers were not date-marked. The report also noted prepared sauces and food items, along with boxed oils, beverages, and food supplies stored directly on the floor instead of at least six inches above it.
- The inside of the ice machine bin in a basement bar/storage area had black residue and pink slime. The can opener had visible food residue on its food-contact surfaces.
- Moist wiping cloths were left on sinks and refrigeration units instead of being stored in a sanitizer solution. The facility also did not have chlorine sanitizer test strips to monitor sanitizer concentration.
- Cardboard lining freezer shelving, aluminum foil lining refrigeration units, and plastic crates were being used for food elevation. One ice machine and a chest refrigerator in the basement were not operational. More issues included loose door gaskets, damaged flooring in the walk-in freezer, deeply scored cutting boards, missing lids on ice bins, and a kitchen hand-wash sink that was not sealed to the wall.
- Hot and cold water were not under pressure at the bar-area handwash sink, and water service was restored during the inspection.
- Several plumbing issues were noted, including missing backflow prevention at the mop sink, improper drain configurations, leaking pipes at restroom fixtures, and water leaks from the bar area ceiling into basement spaces and restrooms.
- The lidded trash cans were found missing in restrooms, ventilation fans were non-operational, ventilation ductwork was unscreened, water-damaged or missing ceiling tiles were found, pooled water on restroom floors, and dust buildup on ventilation fixtures were observed.
- The facility contained porous and damaged ceiling tiles, unsealed floor and wall penetrations, unstable basement step rails, and unsealed cement flooring. Grime buildup, grease, debris, pooled wastewater, and old mouse droppings were observed along floor perimeters and storage areas, the report mentioned.
- Clutter and unused equipment further contributed to sanitation and pest risks. Brooms and dustpans stored were not elevated.
A detailed report is available online.
Follow-up Inspections
The inspection report noted that the establishment needed corrective action to fix the violations, and the compliance status will be assessed during the reinspection. Failure to correct the violations may result in the revocation of the restaurant’s health license and legal action.
