Inspection Woes: Charleston Restaurants Criticized for Health Violations

Inspection Woes: Charleston Restaurants Face Criticism from Health Inspectors

Charleston, South Carolina, has always been a city known for its incredible food scene, but it seems that some local restaurants have fallen short of health codes recently. The state health inspectors have been busy, and their findings from September inspections have raised a few eyebrows in the culinary community. With kitchens reported to be teeming with flies and shocking violations like raw chicken dripping over a bag of sugar, we’re here to share the details so you can stay informed about where to dine and where to think twice before diving in.

A Closer Look at Inspection Reports

Every month, the state releases grades and reports of food establishments in the Charleston area. This September, several restaurants received some eyebrow-raising grades during their inspections. Here’s a peek at the results for some of our local favorites:

• Berkeley’s – After an inspection on September 5, they received a B grade. Inspectors noted employees returning from outside and handling food without washing their hands – yikes! Cooked pasta and marinara sauce were not cooled properly, and there were expired items still in the kitchen. However, the restaurant bounced back with an A grade in their follow-up inspection on September 13.
• Hokkaido Sushi Hibachi – This sushi lover’s haven also faced scrutiny, scoring a B grade on September 3. Issues included an ice bin with organic debris and beef being thawed in soapy water. Grease buildup on equipment didn’t help either. But just like Berkeley’s, they turned it around with an A grade on their follow-up.
• Las Lupitas – Scoring a B on September 25, inspectors found raw chicken dripping onto sugar and flies buzzing around. The meeting’s uninvited guests raised concerns about cleanliness, but they redeemed themselves by achieving an A in their follow-up inspection on October 4.
• Linda’s Taqueria Mexicana – With a B grade on September 6 due to poor handwashing practices and food buildup in the kitchen, this restaurant also demonstrated that they could improve, receiving an A in their follow-up.
• Paisano’s Pizza Grill – Scoring a B on September 9, Paisano’s had issues with staff not wearing hair restraints and improper temperatures for meatballs. A subsequent follow-up inspection on September 16 brought better news with an A grade.
• Pho Lucky – This cherished Vietnamese spot received a B on September 3 due to raw shrimp stored over vegetables and unsanitized dishware. They cleaned up their act and earned an A on the follow-up inspection.
• Señor Tequila – Scored a B on September 24 due to issues like raw chicken and salsa left uncovered, but they redeemed themselves earning an A grade in their follow-up inspection on October 4.
• The Coop at Palm – They faced some serious criticisms on September 11, scoring a B due to a concerning number of fruit flies and flow of food items being improperly labeled or stored. On their follow-up inspection on September 17, their grade remained a B.
• Yamato – Another spot that got flagged was Yamato, who scored a B on September 24, with problems like improperly stored shrimp on the floor. A follow-up inspection has yet to happen.

What Does This Mean for Diners?

Inspectors focus on critical violations that can endanger public health, including improper food handling, unsanitary conditions, and pest infestations. While many restaurants made improvements after initial inspections, it’s crucial for diners to look at these grades before making decisions on where to eat. It serves as a reminder that cleanliness is a must for any dining establishment—and not just in appearance.

As you venture out to enjoy your meals in Charleston, keep in mind the importance of these inspections. It’s essential to be informed and recognize which restaurants are working hard to provide safe dining experiences. Here’s to hoping that all our favorite spots continue to strive for those top grades!