The Little Cafe
Last inspected: Mar 26, 2026
55
Score
Public records show seven inspections at The Little Cafe stretching back to 2024. Inspectors last stopped by on Mar 26, 2026. Diners should read medium risk as a signal that some issues exist but aren't extreme.
Violation counts have been trending down, averaging around five violations across recent inspections versus roughly 13 violations before.
Across the inspection history, “employee personal items stored” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded three times.
The Little Cafe's latest score of 55 falls below the Trenton average of 66. Nothing in the record is alarming, but there's room to improve.
7
Inspections
2
Critical latest
0
Major latest
6
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 26, 2026
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 6 minor violations.
View 8 violations
High Priority - Date marked combined ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food not consumed/sold within 7 days of preparing/opening the earliest ready-to-eat time/temperature for safety ingredient. See stop sale. Inside refrigerated make-table: Pan of tuna salad made in-house with date mark of 3/19. Manager discarded the tuna salad during this inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
01B-28-5
High Priority - Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Employee at cookline cracked a raw shell egg with bare hands, then put on gloves without first washing hands. Inspector had the employee stop and wash hands before handling food at cookline. **Corrected On-Site**
12A-07-5
Basic - Building components, attachments or fixtures in poor repair. Corner of door to food storage shed rotted.
36-51-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee's shoes stored on top of ice machine. Manager removed the shoes from the area during this inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
40-06-5
Basic - Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. One employee handling food at cookline with watch on wrist.
13-07-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Gaskets on reach-in freezer doors in kitchen and in exterior storage areas soiled with mold-like substance. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Wet mop stored down inside mop sink. Manager hung the mop to dry during this inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
42-01-4
Basic - Wiping cloth chlorine sanitizing solution not at proper minimum strength. Sanitizer bucket chlorine 200ppm. Manager diluted the sanitizer with water, then 100ppm. **Corrected On-Site**
21-07-4
55
Jan 23, 2026
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Jan 22, 2026
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Roach excrement and/or droppings present. 1. Roach excrement on lower portion of wall in kitchen behind reach-in freezer. 2. One roach egg sac on floor at cookline below warmer. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2026-01-22: None observed. **Time Extended**
35A-23-4
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Live, small flying insects found Three live flies flying in kitchen near cookline and warewash areas. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2026-01-22: None observed. **Time Extended**
35A-02-7
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. 1. Two live roaches in kitchen crawling on reach-in freezer, below doors. 2. One live roaches crawling on floor in kitchen near reach-in freezer. 3. One live roach in kitchen on wheel below reach-in freezer. 4. One live roach in kitchen on conduit pipe on wall behind reach-in freezer. Manager called pest control, who arrived and baited the area during this inspection. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2026-01-22: 1. Four live roaches in kitchen on gasket of reach-in cooler door at cookline. 2. 11 live roaches in kitchen on wheels below refrigerated make-table at cookline. **Admin Complaint**
35A-05-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Accumulation of dead or trapped birds, insects, rodents, or other pests, in control devices. 16 dead flies stuck to sticky pest control device hanging from shelf at cookline. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2026-01-22: None observed. **Time Extended**
35A-06-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Fly sticky tape hanging over food/food preparation area/food-contact equipment. 1. Sticky pest control device hanging from shelf at cookline directly above package of tortillas. 2. Sticky pest control device hanging from shelf in warewash area directly above clean dishes. Manager discarded both during this inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2026-01-22: None observed. **Time Extended**
35B-08-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Outer openings not protected during operation and vermin and/or environmental cross contamination present. Exterior door to kitchen near reach-in freezer has gaps leading to outside. Several live roaches and flies found near the area. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2026-01-22: Outer openings kept closed during this inspection. **Time Extended**
35B-05-4
55
Jan 21, 2026
Routine - Food
5 critical violations. 1 major violation. 13 minor violations.
View 19 violations
High Priority - Roach excrement and/or droppings present. 1. Roach excrement on lower portion of wall in kitchen behind reach-in freezer. 2. One roach egg sac on floor at cookline below warmer. **Warning**
35A-23-4
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Inside warmer at cookline: sausage patties (100F - Hot Holding). Employee at cookline stated the sausage patties were reheated this morning and placed in the warmer to hold approximately 20 minutes prior. The employee voluntarily discarded the sausage patties during this inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
03B-01-6
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Spray bottle containing "Windex" glass cleaner and aerosol can containing air freshener stored on counter in bar area, directly beside both single-use and metal utensils. Manager removed the chemicals from the area during this inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
41-10-4
High Priority - Live, small flying insects found Three live flies flying in kitchen near cookline and warewash areas. **Warning**
35A-02-7
High Priority - Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. 1. Two live roaches in kitchen crawling on reach-in freezer, below doors. 2. One live roaches crawling on floor in kitchen near reach-in freezer. 3. One live roach in kitchen on wheel below reach-in freezer. 4. One live roach in kitchen on conduit pipe on wall behind reach-in freezer. Manager called pest control, who arrived and baited the area during this inspection. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
35A-05-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. 1. Cup and spray bottle stored inside handwash sink at front counter. 2. Pitcher full of water stored inside handwash sink at cookline. 3. Dishes stored inside handwash sink in warewash area.
31A-11-4
Basic - Accumulation of dead or trapped birds, insects, rodents, or other pests, in control devices. 16 dead flies stuck to sticky pest control device hanging from shelf at cookline. **Warning**
35A-06-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Bowl without handle used as scoop inside bin of cooked potatoes at cookline. **Repeat Violation**
14-01-5
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee "Dr Pepper" drink bottle stored on clean dish rack, directly above clean dishes. Manager removed the drink from the shelf during this inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
12B-07-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. 1. Employee purse stored on top of corn meal bin near cookline. 2. Employee phone stored on top of cutting board at refrigerated make-table. 3. Employee bag stored on top of fountain soda rack. All personal items were removed from the areas during this inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
40-06-5
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Lower shelf of table in warewash area soiled with rust.
14-11-5
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Exterior door to kitchen near reach-in freezer has gaps leading to outside. **Warning**
35B-01-4
Basic - Fly sticky tape hanging over food/food preparation area/food-contact equipment. 1. Sticky pest control device hanging from shelf at cookline directly above package of tortillas. 2. Sticky pest control device hanging from shelf in warewash area directly above clean dishes. Manager discarded both during this inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
35B-08-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact equipment exposed to splash/spillage not constructed of materials that are corrosion resistant, non-absorbent, smooth and easily cleanable. Unsealed plywood on counter below register in front bar area.
14-47-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. 1. Exterior of breading bins at cookline soiled with grease. 2. Wire shelving inside walk-in cooler heavily soiled with mold-like substance. 3. Gaskets on reach-in freezer door soiled with mold-like substance. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Outer openings not protected during operation and vermin and/or environmental cross contamination present. Exterior door to kitchen near reach-in freezer has gaps leading to outside. Several live roaches and flies found near the area. **Warning**
35B-05-4
Basic - Plumbing system in disrepair. Pipe disconnected below handwash sink in warewash area.
29-08-4
Basic - Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures. 1. Floor under and around equipment throughout kitchen soiled with grease and/or food debris. 2. Floor in exterior storage area soiled with dirt and/or leaves.
36-50-4
Basic - Unnecessary items/unused equipment on the premises. 1. Large pipe on ground near back door of kitchen. 2. Pallet and lattice on ground outside, near dumpster.
33-31-5
22
Sep 2, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 13 minor violations.
View 15 violations
High Priority - Container of medicine improperly stored. Prescription medicine stored inside reach-in cooler above container of sauce in kitchen. Manager removed medication from the cooler during this inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
41-07-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. 1. Coke nozzle on fountain machine soiled with mold-like substance. 2. Interior of ice machine door soiled with lime-like substance or slime
22-02-4
Basic - Standing water in floor drain/floor drain draining very slowly. Slow drain below three-compartment sink overflowed water onto the floor when drained.
29-19-4
Basic - Storage of maintenance equipment/tools in areas that may result in cross contamination of food, equipment, utensils, linens and/or single-service and single-use articles. Leaf blower stored on wire rack directly above boxes containing single-use trays and cups. Employee's bag stored removed the leaf blower from the shelf during this inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
42-03-5
Basic - Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Pipe below handwash sink disconnected and leaking water onto the ground when used.
29-11-4
Basic - Wood surface not properly sealed. Unsealed plywood on top of counter in bar area.
14-06-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Bowl without handle stored down inside pan of home fries at cookline. Employee removed the bowl from the pan during this inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
14-01-5
Basic - Cardboard used to line nonfood-contact shelves. Cardboard used to line shelf at cookline. Employee discarded the cardboard during this inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
14-45-4
Basic - Dead roaches on premises. 1. One dead roach on floor near walk-in cooler door. 2. One dead roach on floor in kitchen beside mop sink. Both were swept and discarded during this inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
35A-03-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drink cup on prep table beside pan of home fries at cookline. Employee removed the cup from the table during this inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
12B-07-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. 1. Employee's bag stored on top of prep cart, with condiments and above single-use items. 2. Employee purse sitting on top of canned foods on shelf at cookline. Both items were removed during this inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
40-06-5
Basic - Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Employee at cookline working with and handling food with bracelet on wrist.
13-07-4
Basic - Grease receptacle/dumpster not on proper pad/nonabsorbent surface. Dumpster sitting directly on soil.
33-23-4
Basic - Insect control device installed over food preparation area. Sticky fly trap with more than 10 flies hanging from wire shelving directly above knives and pot lids. Manager discarded the fly trap during this inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
35B-02-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. 1. Gaskets on several freezer doors soiled with mold-like substances. 2. Hood filters above cookline soiled with grease. 3. Side of fryer at cookline soiled with grease. 4. Arrange around nozzles at fountain machine soiled with mold-like substance. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
41
Feb 13, 2025
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Proper Hot and Cold Holding Temperatures
FL-21
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Proper Sanitizer Contact Time and Concentration
FL-33
Personal Cleanliness
FL-40
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
70
Oct 29, 2024
Food-Licensing Inspection
1 critical violation. 6 minor violations.
View 7 violations
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. 1. Backflow prevention devise missing at red hose connection behind building. 2. Backflow prevention devise missing at spigot on side of shed.
29-34-4
Basic - Dead roaches on premises. 1. One dead roach on floor in kitchen at cookline. 2. One dead roach on floor in kitchen at entrance. 3. Two dead roaches on floor inside walk-in cooler. Employee cleaned up and discarded all dead roaches during this inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
35A-03-4
Basic - Grease receptacle/dumpster not on proper pad/nonabsorbent surface. Dumpster sitting directly on soil.
33-23-4
Basic - Open dumpster lid. Lid of dumpster beside building left open. Manager closed dumpster lids during this inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
33-16-4
Basic - Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures. 1. Area below hood above grill soiled with debris from leaves. 2. Floor behind cookline soiled with leaves. 3. Window AC vent soiled with dust near three-compartment sink.
36-50-4
Basic - Wall not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, warewashing areas or bathroom. Unsealed plywood around window AC unit near three-compartment sink.
36-30-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Bin of flour at front counter missing label. Employee added proper label during this inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
02D-01-5
64
Frequently Asked Questions
When was The Little Cafe last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at The Little Cafe on file is from Mar 26, 2026. The public record contains seven inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at The Little Cafe?
Across the inspection record, “employee personal items stored” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at The Little Cafe.
How does The Little Cafe compare to other restaurants in Trenton?
The Little Cafe most recently scored 55 out of 100, which is lower than the Trenton average of 66.
Has The Little Cafe's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at The Little Cafe have averaged around five violations per visit, down from roughly 13 earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at The Little Cafe means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.
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