Ponko
Last inspected: Apr 1, 2026
64
Score
There aren't many inspections to draw from yet: just two so far. The most recent report on file is from Apr 1, 2026. Medium risk typically reflects a handful of issues that inspectors wrote up but didn't deem critical.
Recent inspections have turned up more issues than earlier ones, averaging around eight violations lately compared to roughly four violations before.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “in-use utensils”, showing up two times.
Restaurants in Atlanta average 90, so Ponko trails the local norm. The inspection history reads as standard for a restaurant of this size.
2
Inspections
0
Critical latest
1
Major latest
7
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 1, 2026
Routine
1 major violation. 7 minor violations. 4 corrected on site.
View 8 violations
2-2D - adequate handwashing facilities supplied & accessible
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed a wiping cloth stored inside the hand sink behind the cash register upon arrival. CA: Advised PIC A handwashing facility may not be used for purposes other than handwashing. COS: PIC removed the wiping cloth
511-6-1.06(2)(o)
2-2B - proper eating, tasting, drinking, or tobacco use
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed 2 employee drink cups stored on the prep table in the main kitchen and 1 water bottle stored below. CA: Advised PIC Employees shall consume food only in approved designated areas separate from food preparation and serving areas, equipment or utensil areas and food storage areas. However, drinking from a single service beverage cup with a secure lid and straw that is handled to prevent contamination of the employee’s hands, the container, exposed food, clean equipment, utensils and linens, unwrapped single-service and single-use articles will be allowed. COS: PIC discarded beverages during time of inspection
511-6-1.03(5)(k)
11A - proper cooling methods used: adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: Observed a container of noodles and a container of raw chicken cooling with plastic wrap tightly covered. CA: Advised PIC 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 (vii) Other effective methods. Pf 2. When placed in cooling or cold holding equipment, food containers in which food is being cooled shall be: (i) A...
511-6-1.04(6)(e)
14A - in-use utensils: properly stored
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed the handle in direct contact with white rice and chicken on the steam table in the main kitchen. CA: Advised PIC During pauses in food preparation or dispensing, food preparation and dispensing utensils shall be stored: In food that is not time/temperature control for safety food with their handles above the top of the food within containers or equipment that can be closed, such as bins of sugar, flour, or cinnamon. COS: PIC removed the utensils and washed and sanitized them at the 3-compartment sink
511-6-1.04(4)(k)
14A - in-use utensils: properly stored
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed 1 scoop handle inside a bulk container of rice. CA: Advised PIC During pauses in food preparation or dispensing, food preparation and dispensing utensils shall be stored:.In food that is not time/temperature control for safety food with their handles above the top of the food within containers or equipment that can be closed, such as bins of sugar, flour, or cinnamon. COS: Scoop was removed and sanitized
511-6-1.04(4)(k)
14B - utensils, equipment and linens: properly stored, dried, handled
Inspector notes: Observed dishes stacked while wet stored on the dish rack. CA: Advised PIC dishes shall be stored in a self-draining position that allows air drying; and (ii) Covered or inverted. 4. Items that are kept in closed packages may be stored less than 6 inches (15 centimeters) above the floor on dollies, pallets, racks, and skids that are designed as specified under subsection (2)(hh) of this Rule.
511-6-1.05(10)(e)
15A - food and nonfood-contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed, and used
Inspector notes: Observed stand alone cutting boards heavily stained stored on the dish rack. CA: Advised PIC Surfaces such as cutting blocks and boards that are subject to scratching and scoring shall be resurfaced if they can no longer be effectively cleaned and sanitized, or discarded if they cannot be resurfaced.
511-6-1.05(6)(b)
15C - nonfood-contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: Observed reach-in cooler gaskets unclean with residue present. CA: Advised PIC . Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be cleaned at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil residues.
511-6-1.05(7)(d)
64
Sep 16, 2024
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
18 - insects, rodents, and animals not present
Inspector notes: I observed the door in the kitchen does not close correctly possibly allowing insects.
18 - insects, rodents, and animals not present
Inspector notes: I observed the door in the kitchen does not close correctly possibly allowing insects.
17C - physical facilities installed, maintained, and clean
Inspector notes: I observed flooring in disrepair around the fryers.
511-6-1.07(2)(a)
18 - insects, rodents, and animals not present
Inspector notes: I observed a fruit fly issue around the bar area. Pull out equipment to check for food debris. Check drains for food debris.
511-6-1.07(5)(k)
82
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Ponko last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Ponko on file is from Apr 1, 2026. The public record contains two inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Ponko?
Across the inspection record, “in-use utensils” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Ponko.
How does Ponko compare to other restaurants in Atlanta?
Ponko most recently scored 64 out of 100, which is lower than the Atlanta average of 90.
Has Ponko's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Ponko have averaged around eight violations per visit, up from roughly four earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Ponko means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.
Nearby Restaurants