The Philadelphia Department of Health conducted health inspections at various restaurants in Philadelphia on April 24. Four restaurants failed to pass the inspection and were found to have various shortcomings in their procedures. The compliance status will be assessed upon reinspection.
Please note that the results mentioned here are from inspections conducted on April 24 and may not represent the future health inspection status of the food establishments.
Highlights
- Four restaurants in Philadelphia showed unsatisfactory compliance in health inspections.
- The health inspection was conducted on April 24, which revealed multiple safety lapses at these outlets.
- All the restaurants will undergo reinspection. Before that, all violations have to be eliminated.
Four Restaurants in Philadelphia That Failed Health Inspections
The Health Department in every region keeps a check on the operations of the restaurants in their area. A similar periodic health inspection was conducted in Philadelphia on April 24 at various restaurants. Among them, four restaurants failed and were asked to eliminate the violations by the Department of Health. In case of failure, the restaurants might have to cease operations.
Billy Doc’s Diner
- Where: 4056 H St, Philadelphia, PA 19124
- When: April 24, 2025
Billy Doc’s is a traditional diner with comfortable seating. It is famous for serving simple and healthy platters, omelets, and breakfast options. The restaurant failed to provide a valid food license during the health inspection conducted on Thursday. Multiple other violations were also observed at the facility, as per the inspection report.
- Food employees observed donning single-use gloves without a prior hand wash.
- Observed cooked food in a pot left uncovered to cool.
- Observed a bulk food container with uncooked cracked/scrambled eggs and a carton tray of 24 eggs measured between 60 – 64 degrees F, rather than 45 degrees F or below.
- Chemicals were stored above or on the same shelf as food items.
- An unapproved insect control device was stored under the counter space in the front prep/serve area.
- Observed evidence of food handling/preparation conducted in an unapproved basement food prep area.
- The inspector noticed ware wash sinks with residue in wash and rinse compartments and not clean to sight.
Brooklyn Dumpling Shop
- Where: 3400 Lancaster Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19104
- When: April 24, 2025
Brooklyn Dumpling Shop has various outlets across the country. It is a restaurant chain famous for serving flavorful signature dumplings, protein bowls, etc. The Philadelphia outlet on Lancaster Ave was found to have multiple food safety violations. The health inspection report has listed all the observations.
- The food safety certified person arrived during the time of inspection.
- Hot water at least 100 degrees F was not available at the toilet room hand-washing sink.
- The paper towel dispenser was found empty by the inspector at the handwash sink in the warewashing area.
- Bare wooden shelving was observed under the prep table used to store produce.
- The inspector observed a “Botrista” Boba Machine installed with a waterline coming from the hand-washing sink. Plans for the machine need to be submitted to the Department.
Playa Bowls
- Where: 236 S 11th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
- When: April 24, 2025
Playa Bowls is a chain that serves health-conscious food to diners. People visit the restaurant to enjoy healthy vegan dishes. However, the health inspection report of the Philadelphia outlet of Playa Bowls mentions food safety lapses observed at the facility.
- The hand wash sink in the ware wash area was observed with dishes, and not accessible at all times for employee use.
- Bulk food ingredient storage containers were not labeled with the common name of the food, as per the report.
- Non-NSF microwave and crockpot were observed by the inspector in the storage area and behind the counter.
- Ground tiles outside the front door were observed lifted and missing.
- Perimeter cleaning needed in the three-basin sink and handwashing sink, storage shelves in the basement, and the front prep area.
- Defective lighting was observed in the ware wash and storage area.
Sophie’s Kitchen
- Where: 522 Washington Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19147
- When: April 24, 2025
Sophie’s Kitchen is a Cambodian restaurant with food outlets located in various locations. Beef skewers and sour flower salad are loved by the visitors at the restaurant. In a health inspection conducted in the Philadelphia location, the restaurant was found to exhibit non-compliant procedures. The report mentions the following violations.
- Inverted plastic crates were being used for elevated storage, as found during the inspection.
- Grease and soil accumulation on the exterior surfaces of cooking equipment were observed by the inspector.
- Maintenance tools were stored idly on the ground in the kitchen and server stations.
- Several lights were out in the basement kitchen area.
- Lights in the kitchen were not shielded from breakage.
- Accumulation of static dust and grease was observed on the exhaust hood and hood filters.
Different types of violations were observed at the restaurants in Philadelphia. Some had issues with their food establishment license, while some lacked a valid food safety certification. All the restaurants are required to comply with the Philadelphia Health Code before a reinspection is conducted.
