Hilltop Caribbean Grill
Last inspected: Apr 17, 2026
74
Score
The health department has logged five inspections at Hilltop Caribbean Grill, the earliest from 2024. Hilltop Caribbean Grill was last inspected on Apr 17, 2026. A medium risk score generally means inspectors found things to fix, though most weren't urgent.
Violation counts have been trending down, averaging around three violations across recent inspections versus roughly eight violations before.
“Nonfood-contact surfaces clean” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing three times across the record.
Restaurants in Lithonia average 87, so Hilltop Caribbean Grill trails the local norm. The inspection history reads as standard for a restaurant of this size.
5
Inspections
1
Critical latest
1
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 17, 2026
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 1 minor violation. 1 corrected on site.
View 3 violations
6-1C - proper cooling time and temperature
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed cooked Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food (3 pans of curry chicken stored in walk in cooler) not cooled from 135F to 41F within 6 hours. COS: 3 pans were discarded by PIC C/A: 511-6-1.04(6)(d) - Cooling (P) (d) Cooling. 1. Cooked time/temperature control for safety food shall be cooled: (i) Within 2 hours from 135°F (57°C) to 70°F (21°C); P and (ii) Within a total of 6 hours from 135°F (57°C) to 41°F (5°C) or less. P
511-6-1.04(6)(d)
1-2B - certified food protection manager
Inspector notes: Location has no active CFSM. COS: PIC signed up for servsafe test while inspector was onsite.
511-6-1.03(3)(a)
11A - proper cooling methods used: adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: vfdlk
74
Oct 7, 2025
Followup
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 2 minor violations. 4 corrected on site.
View 6 violations
6-1B - proper hot holding temperatures
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed greens(121F) and beef patties (119F) not maintaining a TCS food temp of 135F or higher. C/A: 511-6-1.04(6)(f) - Time/Temperature Control for Safety; Hot Holding (P) (f) Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food, Hot and Cold Holding. Except during preparation, cooking, or cooling, or when time is used as the public health control, time/temperature control for safety food shall be maintained at 41°F (5°C) or below or 135°F (57°C) or above, except that roasts cooked to a temperature and for a time specified in subsection (5)(a)2 of this Rule and reheated using the same temperature and time conditions as cooking may be held at a temperature of 130°F (54°C) or above. P COS: Items were discarded by PIC.
511-6-1.04(6)(f)
1-2B - certified food protection manager
Inspector notes: Location has no active CFSM. C/A: 511-6-1.03(3)(a) - Food Safety Manager Certification (Pf) Food service establishments shall have in its employ a Certified Food Safety Manager (CFSM) as specified in paragraph (b) of this subsection to ensure food safety is being managed within the food service establishment during all hours of operation as specified within paragraph (d) of this subsection. Pf Given 30 days to obtain and email to ASHLEY.CLARK1@DPH.GA.GOV
511-6-1.03(3)(a)
2-2D - adequate handwashing facilities supplied & accessible
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed colander stored in hand sink upon entering main kitchen. C/A: 511-6-1.06(2)(o) - Using a Handwashing Sink- Operation & maintenance (Pf) (o) Using a Handwashing Sink. 2. A handwashing facility may not be used for purposes other than handwashing. Pf COS: Colander was removed and sink was sanitized. Advised PIC sink shall remain free and clear at all times.
511-6-1.06(2)(o)
6-2 - proper date marking and disposition
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed multiple cooked TCS food items stored in reach in cooler, walk in cooler and prep top for more than 24 hours without proper date markings. C/A: 511-6-1.04(6)(g) - Ready-To-Eat Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food, Date Marking (Pf) (g) Ready-to-Eat Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food, Date Marking 3. A refrigerated, ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food ingredient or a portion of a refrigerated, ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food that is subsequently combined with additional ingredients or portions of food shall retain the date marking of the earliest-prepared or first-prepared ingredient. Pf COS: Cooked TCS food items were discarded by PIC. Advised to refer to the date marking poster.
511-6-1.04(6)(g)
11A - proper cooling methods used: adequate equipment for temperature control
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed employee place pan of curry chicken (85F) in walk in cooler to cool with lids on tight. C/A: 511-6-1.04(6)(e) - Cooling Methods (Pf, C) (e) Cooling Methods. 1. Cooling shall be accomplished in accordance with the time and temperature criteria specified under DPH Rule 511-6-1-.04(6)(d) by using one or more of the following methods depending on the type of food being cooled: (i) Placing the food in shallow pans; Pf (ii) Separating the food into smaller or thinner portions; Pf (iii) Using rapid cooling equipment; Pf (iv) Stirring the food in a container placed in an ice water bath; Pf (v) Using containers that facilitate heat transfer; Pf (vi) Adding ice as an ingredient; Pf or (ii) Loosely covered, or uncovered if protected from overhead contamination during the cooling period to...
511-6-1.04(6)(e)
15C - nonfood-contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: Observed the inside of reach in coolers, prep top, reach in freezer unclean with food debris build up. C/A: C/A: 511-6-1.05(7)(a)2,3 - Equipment, Food/Nonfood-Contact Surfaces, and Utensils, food-contact surfaces of cooking equipment & nonfood-contact surfaces free of accumulations (C) 2. The food-contact surfaces of cooking equipment and pans shall be kept free of encrusted grease deposits and other soil accumulations. 3. Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris. Advised to have deep cleaned and increase cleaning frequency.
511-6-1.05(7)(a)
58
Apr 24, 2025
Routine
2 critical violations. 8 minor violations. 3 corrected on site.
View 10 violations
3-1C - food in good condition, safe, and unadulterated
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed sour cream stored in prep top cooler reach in with mold like growth. C/A: 511-6-1.04(1) - Safe, unadulterated and Honestly Presented (P) (1) Condition. Food shall be safe, unadulterated, and honestly presented. P COS: Sour cream was discarded by cook.
511-6-1.04(1)
2-1B - hands clean and properly washed
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed cook wearing 2 pair of gloves (clear plastic gloves and black gloves over top), handle raw chicken, remove on pair of gloves, put on a new pair of gloves over the clear plastic gloves and move on to handle cooked TCS ready to eat food. C/A: 511-6-1.03(5)(c) - When to Wash (P) (c) When to Wash. 1. Food employees shall clean their hands and exposed portions of their arms immediately before engaging in food preparation including working with exposed food, clean equipment and utensils, and unwrapped single-service and single-use articles P and: (vii) When switching between working with raw food and working with ready-to-eat food (viii) Before donning gloves to initiate a task that involves working with food COS: Cooked TCS ready to eat food was discarded, cook was educated on when...
511-6-1.03(5)(c)
17C - physical facilities installed, maintained, and clean
Inspector notes: Observed floors under cooking equipment, dry storage racks in main kitchen unclean with heavy food debris build up. C/A:511-6-1.07(5)(a),(b) - Good Repair, physical facilities maintained; Cleaning, Frequency & Restrictions, cleaned often enough to keep them clean (C) (5) Maintenance and Operation. (a) Good Repair. All physical facilities shall be maintained in good repair. (b) Cleaning, Frequency and Restrictions. 1. The physical facilities shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean and by methods that prevent contamination of food products. 2. Except for cleaning that is necessary due to a spill or other accident, cleaning shall be done during periods when the least amount of food is exposed, such as after closing. Advised to have deep cleaned and increase cleaning frequ...
511-6-1.07(5)(a)
17C - physical facilities installed, maintained, and clean
Inspector notes: Observed clutter in main kitchen. If equipment is not being used have it removed from main kitchen to prevent contamination. C/A:511-6-1.07(5)(n) - Maintaining Premises, free of unnecessary items/litter (C) (n) Maintaining Premises. The premises shall be free of items that are unnecessary to the operation or maintenance of the establishment, such as litter or equipment that is nonfunctional or no longer used and litter.
511-6-1.07(5)(n)
12A - contamination prevented during food preparation, storage, display
Inspector notes: Observed pickled split mackerel, chicken bullion stored on floor in walk in cooler. C/A: 511-6-1.04(4)(q) - Food Storage (C) (q) Food Storage. 1. Except as specified in paragraphs 2 and 3 of this subsection, food shall be protected from contamination by storing the food: (i) In a clean, dry location; (ii) Where it is not exposed to splash, dust, or other contamination; and (iii) At least 6 inches (15 cm) above the floor. Advised to have items moved at least six inches from floor.
511-6-1.04(4)(q)
12A - contamination prevented during food preparation, storage, display
Inspector notes: Observed heavy debris build up on ventilation hood in main kitchen. C/A:511-6-1.04(4)(z) - Miscellaneous Sources of Contamination (C) (z) Miscellaneous Sources of Contamination. Food shall be protected from contamination that may result from a factor or source not specified under paragraphs (a) through (y) of this subsection. Advised to have hood deep cleaned and increase cleaning frequency to prevent contamination.
511-6-1.04(4)(z)
12C - wiping cloths: properly used and stored
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed wiping cloths stored in sanitizer bucket with no measurable amount of sanitizer. C/A: 511-6-1.04(4)(m) - Wiping Cloths, Use Limitation (C) (m) Wiping Cloths, Use Limitation. 2. Cloths in-use for wiping counters and other equipment surfaces shall be: (i) Held between uses in a chemical sanitizer solution at a concentration specified under DPH Rule 511-6-1-.05(6)(n); COS: Sanitizer bucket was remade to read 100ppm Cl and advised to use test strips when making sanitizer solutions.
511-6-1.04(4)(m)
14A - in-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: Observed 2 pans storing in use utensils stored in water not holding a TCS temp of 135F or higher. (69F and 70F)
511-6-1.04(4)(k)
15A - food and nonfood-contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed, and used
Inspector notes: Observed foil lining the dry storage shelf and oven in main kitchen and the single use shelf in front service kitchen area. Corrective Action: 511-6-1.05(1)(a) - Materials, General Requirements (P, C) (1) Materials. (a) General Requirements. Utensils and food-contact surfaces of equipment shall be made of materials that do not allow the migration of deleterious substances or impart colors, odors, or tastes to food and under normal use conditions, and shall be: P safe P, durable, corrosion-resistant, and nonabsorbent. In addition, materials shall be sufficient in weight and thickness to withstand repeated warewashing and shall be finished to have a smooth, easily cleanable surface. Materials shall be resistant to pitting, chipping, crazing, scratching, scoring, distortion and decompositi...
511-6-1.05(1)(a)
15C - nonfood-contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: Observed cart used to store dry goods unclean to sight and touch. Observed inside of reach in freezer unclean to sight with debris build up. C/A: 511-6-1.05(7)(a)2,3 - Equipment, Food/Nonfood-Contact Surfaces, and Utensils, food-contact surfaces of cooking equipment & nonfood-contact surfaces free of accumulations (C) 2. The food-contact surfaces of cooking equipment and pans shall be kept free of encrusted grease deposits and other soil accumulations. 3. Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris. Advised to have deep cleaned and increase cleaning frequency.
511-6-1.05(7)(a)
50
Oct 22, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation. 4 minor violations. 2 corrected on site.
View 5 violations
2-1B - hands clean and properly washed
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed cook answer cell phone then return to cooking without washing hands. Corrective Action: 511-6-1.03(5)(c) - When to Wash (P) (c) When to Wash. 1. Food employees shall clean their hands and exposed portions of their arms immediately before engaging in food preparation including working with exposed food, clean equipment and utensils, and unwrapped single-service and single-use articles P and: (i) After touching bare human body parts other than clean hands and clean, exposed arms; P (ii) After using the toilet room; P (iii) After caring for or handling service animals or aquatic animals; P (iv) After coughing, sneezing, using a handkerchief or disposable tissue, using tobacco, eating, or drinking, except for drinking from a closed beverage container and the container is handled to...
511-6-1.03(5)(c)
12A - contamination prevented during food preparation, storage, display
Inspector notes: Observed dry spices stored directly on floor under oven. Corrective Action: 511-6-1.04(4)(q) - Food Storage (C) (q) Food Storage. 1. Except as specified in paragraphs 2 and 3 of this subsection, food shall be protected from contamination by storing the food: (i) In a clean, dry location; (ii) Where it is not exposed to splash, dust, or other contamination; and (iii) At least 6 inches (15 cm) above the floor. 2. Food in packages and working containers may be stored less than 6 inches (15 cm) above the floor on case lot handling equipment if the equipment can be moved by hand or by conveniently available apparatuses such as hand trucks and forklifts. 3. Pressurized beverage containers, cased food in waterproof containers such as bottles or cans, and milk containers in plastic crates may b...
511-6-1.04(4)(q)
12B - personal cleanliness
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed employee preparing customer ready to eat food with apple watch and bracelets on arm. Observed cook in main kitchen wrapping ready to eat food with bracelet on. Corrective Action:511-6-1.03(5)(g) - Jewelry (C) (g) Jewelry. Except for a plain ring such as a wedding band food employees may not wear jewelry including medical information jewelry on their arms and hands while preparing food. Corrected onsite: Front service employee discarded plate, removed arm jewelry and washed hands before returning to work. Cook discarded ready to eat food, removed bracelet and washed hands before returning to work.
511-6-1.03(5)(g)
13A - posted: permit/inspection/choking poster/handwashing
Inspector notes: Observed current permit not paid. Corrective Action:511-6-1.02(1)(f)(1) - Permit, Displayed (C) 1. Post the permit in a location in the food service establishment that is conspicuous to consumers ADVISED TO CONTACT 404-508-7900 TO PAY CURRENT PERMIT FEES.
511-6-1.02(1)(f)(1)
15A - food and nonfood-contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed, and used
Inspector notes: Observed foil lining the dry storage shelf. Corrective Action: 511-6-1.05(1)(a) - Materials, General Requirements (P, C) (1) Materials. (a) General Requirements. Utensils and food-contact surfaces of equipment shall be made of materials that do not allow the migration of deleterious substances or impart colors, odors, or tastes to food and under normal use conditions, and shall be: P safe P, durable, corrosion-resistant, and nonabsorbent. In addition, materials shall be sufficient in weight and thickness to withstand repeated warewashing and shall be finished to have a smooth, easily cleanable surface. Materials shall be resistant to pitting, chipping, crazing, scratching, scoring, distortion and decomposition. Advised PIC to have foil removed.
511-6-1.05(1)(a)
70
Apr 24, 2024
Routine
4 minor violations. 2 corrected on site.
View 4 violations
4-2A - food stored covered
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed cooked items in walk in cooler stored uncovered for more than 24 hours. Storing the food in packages, covered containers, or wrappings, except for loosely covered or uncovered containers in which food is being cooled if protected from overhead contamination. COS- lids were added to all uncovered cooked food items.
511-6-1.04(4)(c)
12A - contamination prevented during food preparation, storage, display
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed food items delivered 4/23/2024 stored on the floor. Food in packages and working containers may be stored less than 6 inches (15 cm) above the floor on case lot handling equipment if the equipment can be moved by hand or by conveniently available apparatuses such as hand trucks and forklifts . COS- items were moved to storage area 6 inches off the floor
511-6-1.04(4)(q)
15C - nonfood-contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: Observed racks in walk in cooler and main kitchen unclean with debris build up. The food-contact surfaces of cooking equipment and pans shall be kept free of encrusted grease deposits and other soil accumulations. 3. Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris. Advised to deep clean and increase cleaning frequency.
511-6-1.05(7)(a)
16B - plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: Observed leak at 3 compartment sink. Water dripping from the sanitizer solution. A plumbing system shall be repaired according to law; and maintained in good repair. Advised to have repaired.
511-6-1.06(2)(r)
82
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Hilltop Caribbean Grill last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Hilltop Caribbean Grill on file is from Apr 17, 2026. The public record contains five inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Hilltop Caribbean Grill?
Across the inspection record, “nonfood-contact surfaces clean” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at Hilltop Caribbean Grill.
How does Hilltop Caribbean Grill compare to other restaurants in Lithonia?
Hilltop Caribbean Grill most recently scored 74 out of 100, which is lower than the Lithonia average of 87.
Has Hilltop Caribbean Grill's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Hilltop Caribbean Grill have averaged around three violations per visit, down from roughly eight earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Hilltop Caribbean Grill means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.
How often is Hilltop Caribbean Grill inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Hilltop Caribbean Grill is inspected around three times per year on average.
Nearby Restaurants
Explore More
→
All locations in Lithonia