Grayson West
Dining out should be a delightful experience, but sometimes, the kitchen’s hidden secrets can turn a meal into a nightmare. Health inspections ensure our safety, yet some establishments must catch up. Here are 20 restaurants that failed routine health inspections, each with an unsettling story.
Gallaghers Steakhouse, New York City
In May 2023, Gallaghers Steakhouse earned a “C” grade after inspectors found “filth flies” and improperly stored food. Despite these violations, they displayed an outdated “A” rating and led customers to believe they were in the clear. The restaurant corrected the misleading display after public outcry.
Chipotle Mexican Grill, Simi Valley, California
After a norovirus outbreak in 2015, they faced multiple violations. Inspectors discovered unsanitary food handling and an employee working while ill, which led to over 200 people getting sick. Their reputation took a significant hit after this incident, leading to law-related and financial fallout.
Joe’s Crab Shack, Houston, Texas
Joe’s Crab Shack faced a major health inspection failure in 2015. The restaurant received a citation from inspectors for missing handwashing stations and improper food storage. They also found live roaches in the kitchen and on food preparation surfaces. Customers expect cleanliness, and Joe’s fell short.
Lenny’s Deli, New York City, New York
Unsanitary conditions, including mold in the kitchen and unclean equipment, led to health citations for Lenny’s Deli in 2015. It was found to have improper food storage practices, which raised contamination concerns. The deli was fined and required to clean and sanitize the kitchen thoroughly before it could reopen to customers.
Sushi Kame, Las Vegas, Nevada
Sushi Kame, a popular Vegas sushi spot, failed an inspection in 2019 for improperly storing sushi-grade fish. They received a failing grade due to issues like improper food temperature controls and a lack of sanitation procedures. Always check a restaurant’s hygiene before enjoying raw fish!
Freshly Chopped & Neat Pizza, Ireland
Inspectors shut down Freshly Chopped & Neat Pizza in Ireland after they found cockroaches and active rodent infestations. This restaurant’s kitchen cleanliness and food storage also fell short of standards. The inspectors ordered the restaurant to fix the issues to improve hygiene and ensure customer safety.
King Tea, Brisbane, Australia
Rodent signs and mold were found in King Tea’s kitchen, resulting in a hefty fine of nearly $30,000. Inspectors also noted unsanitary food preparation practices, which created serious health risks. Despite its high-end reputation, the restaurant struggled with mandatory basic food safety standards.
Absolute Bagels, New York City
An inspection at Absolute Bagels uncovered multiple violations, such as evidence of pests and poor hygiene in the kitchen. The restaurant was temporarily closed to allow for thorough cleaning and repairs. However, the establishment took corrective actions and reopened afterward.
The Keg, Calgary, Canada
Inspectors fined The Keg in Calgary after finding improper food handling and unsanitary kitchen conditions. Food was stored at unsafe temperatures, increasing the risk of foodborne illness. They temporarily shut down and had to implement corrective actions to meet health standards before reopening.
Bird Dog, Palo Alto, California
Health inspectors cited this fine-dining restaurant for improper food storage and handling. They discovered meats stored at temperatures that could promote bacterial growth, heightening the risk of foodborne illness. An immediate closure to address these violations shortly followed and the management quickly resolved the issues to reopen safely.
Whataburger, Austin, Texas
Whataburger in Austin was cited for improper food handling practices and unsanitary conditions in the kitchen. Inspectors found that some employees were not following proper sanitation procedures, which led to potential contamination. The chain took swift corrective action after the inspection.
Phoenix Public Market Cafe, Phoenix, Arizona
This cafe faced challenges in 2019 when inspectors identified grease buildup, malfunctioning equipment, and improper food storage. These issues led to a temporary closure. A dining establishment’s food safety standards and regular maintenance are critical to preventing such incidents.
Gene & Georgetti, Chicago, Illinois
One of Chicago’s oldest steakhouses, Gene & Georgetti, received health code violations for storing food incorrectly and having unsanitary kitchen equipment. These violations were serious enough to cause concern about food safety. The restaurant was fined, and authorities reviewed its hygiene practices.
Sheraton McKinney Hotel, Dallas, Texas
Sheraton McKinney’s in-house restaurant faced food safety violations, including mishandled storage and poor cleaning practices. Inspectors flagged these issues as risks to patrons. They were fined and required to address all concerns promptly before being allowed to reopen their doors to the public.
OG’z The Original Empanada Shop, Queen Creek, Arizona
Health inspectors cited OG’z in 2019 for storing raw meat incorrectly and failing to keep the kitchen sanitary. Concerns over cross-contact risks and poorly maintained prep areas prompted action. Notably, the Queen Creek empanada spot resolved safety issues and trained staff before reopening to customers.
Spotted Pig, New York City
Once a famed NYC dining spot, The Spotted Pig was shut down following reports from the Health Department of rodent infestations and unsanitary conditions. Inspectors documented mice, rats, and cockroaches in the kitchen prompting a mandatory closure until thorough sanitation measures were completed.
Fatburger, Los Angeles, California
In 2021, they faced serious violations, including a rodent infestation in the kitchen and improper food storage. Health inspectors discovered unsanitary conditions, posing a risk to food safety. The restaurant was temporarily shut down and instructed to improve sanitation practices before reopening.
American Wings and Burgers, Brisbane, Australia
American Wings and Burgers was fined $25,000 in September 2024 for multiple food safety breaches, including improper food storage and unsanitary conditions. This led to the owner facing 20 charges related to these violations, highlighting significant lapses in maintaining health standards.
Chou’s Kitchen, Chandler, Arizona
After an inspection, it was cited that Chou’s Kitchen for thawing raw shrimp on the kitchen floor and storing raw eggs above cooked food. These practices increased the risk of cross-contamination and foodborne illnesses, posing a significant health issue to customers. What came later was a temporary closure to correct these issues and ensure safety.
Gigi’s, New York City
Gigi’s on the Upper East Side had to shut down temporarily after health inspectors found a rodent infestation with their droppings on surfaces and improper food storage by the restaurant and its staff. The restaurant was fined and ordered to clean and sanitize the entire facility before reopening.