Sautee Trail Cafe

3933 State Hwy 17, Clarkesville, GA 30523
Café / Breakfast
License: Food Service
Last inspected: Aug 12, 2025
67
Score
Medium Risk

Public records currently show only two inspections for Sautee Trail Cafe. On Aug 12, 2025, the health department conducted the most recent visit. A medium risk score generally means inspectors found things to fix, though most weren't urgent.

The picture has gotten worse over the last few visits, with the average climbing from around four violations to closer to seven violations.

Looking across the full record, “food and nonfood-contact surfaces cleanable” is the recurring theme, flagged two times.

Sautee Trail Cafe's latest score of 67 falls below the Clarkesville average of 91. The full record sits in fairly typical territory for a working restaurant.

2
Inspections
0
Critical latest
1
Major latest
6
Minor latest
Inspection History
Aug 12, 2025
Routine
1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 7 violations
16A - hot and cold water available; adequate pressure
Inspector notes: Observed hot water not provided at employee handwashing sink. Hot water must be proved at handwashing sink as outlined in the Georgia Food Code. Reapir hand washing sink such that it is provided with hot water. (g) Capacity. 1. The water source and system shall be of sufficient capacity to meet the peak water demands of the food service establishment. 2. Hot water generation and distribution systems shall be sufficient to meet the peak hot water demands throughout the food service establishment. (h) Pressure. Water under pressure shall be provided to all fixtures, equipment, and nonfood equipment that are required to use water except that water supplied as specified under subsection (1)(k)1 and 2 to a temporary food service operation or in response to a temporary interruption of a water...
511-6-1.06(1)(g)
15A - food and nonfood-contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed, and used
Inspector notes: Chest reach-in-freezer in storage building has a broken lid and ripped gasket, such that the lid does not completely seal properly. Equipment components shall be kept intact, tight and adjusted in accordance with manufacturer's specifications, while also meeting Georgia Food code requirements. Repair or replace reach-in-freezer such that it is in good repair. (6) Maintenance and Operation. (a) Good Repair and Proper Adjustment. 1. Equipment shall be maintained in a state of repair and condition that meets the requirements specified under subsections (1) and (2)of this Rule. 2. Equipment components such as doors, seals, hinges, fasteners, and kick plates shall be kept intact, tight, and adjusted in accordance with manufacturer's specifications.
511-6-1.05(6)(a)
15C - nonfood-contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: Observed grease and food residue accumulation under and behind the fryer and grill area. Non-food contact surfaces of equipment shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue and other debris. Clean all areas in the facility that have an accumulation of residue/debris. 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.
511-6-1.05(7)(a)
15C - nonfood-contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: Observed grease and food residue accumulation on vent hood. Clean vent hood of all residue and at a frequency to prevent any accumulation. (d) Nonfood-Contact Surfaces. Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be cleaned at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil residues.
511-6-1.05(7)(d)
17B - garbage/refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: Observed missing drain plug in dumpster. Replace missing dumpster drain plug. (o) Using Drain Plugs. Drains in receptacles and waste handling units for refuse, recyclables, and returnables shall have drain plugs in place.
511-6-1.06(5)(o)
17C - physical facilities installed, maintained, and clean
Inspector notes: Observed ac unit vent above ice machine with an accumulation of dust. Air vents must be kept clean to prevent contamination. Clean at a frequency to prevent accumulation. (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.
511-6-1.07(5)(a)
13A - posted: permit/inspection/choking poster/handwashing
Inspector notes: Observed most current inspection report not posted in drive thru window. Post most current inspection report in drive thru window to meet the requirements. 2. Food service establishments with drive-thru windows will post the current inspection report, and also have the inspection report posted so that a minimum of the top one-third of a copy of the current inspection report is visible through each window allowing customers to easily read the score, date of inspection and establishment information.
511-6-1.02(1)(d)
67
Aug 16, 2024
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
15A - food and nonfood-contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed, and used
Inspector notes: Chest Reach-in-freezer in storage building has a broken lid and ripped gasket, such that the lid does not completely seal properly. Equipment components shall be kept intact, tight and adjusted in accordance with manufacturer's specifications, while also meeting Georgia Food code requirements.
511-6-1.05(6)(a)
15C - nonfood-contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: Grease and food residue buildup under and behind the fryer and grill area. Non-food contact surfaces of equipment shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue and other debris.
511-6-1.05(7)(a)
17D - adequate ventilation and lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: Light bulbs missing protective shielding in food prep area, grill/cooking area, and food/cold holding unit storage building. Light bulbs shall be shielded, coated, or otherwise shatter-resistant in areas where there is exposed food; clean equipment, etc.
511-6-1.07(2)(i)
18 - insects, rodents, and animals not present
Inspector notes: Outer openings doors are not self-closing. Outer openings of a food service establishment shall be protected against the entry of insects and rodents by solid, self-closing, tight-fitting doors.
511-6-1.07(2)(m)
82

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Sautee Trail Cafe last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Sautee Trail Cafe on file is from Aug 12, 2025. The public record contains two inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Sautee Trail Cafe?

Across the inspection record, “food and nonfood-contact surfaces cleanable” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Sautee Trail Cafe.

How does Sautee Trail Cafe compare to other restaurants in Clarkesville?

Sautee Trail Cafe most recently scored 67 out of 100, which is lower than the Clarkesville average of 91.

Has Sautee Trail Cafe's inspection record improved over time?

No. Recent inspections at Sautee Trail Cafe have averaged around seven violations per visit, up from roughly four earlier in the record.

What does a medium risk rating mean?

A medium risk rating at Sautee Trail Cafe means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.