Buffalo Chip Saloon & Smokehouse

6811 E Cave Creek Rd Cave, Cave Creek, AZ 85331
Bar / Pub
License: Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking
Last inspected: Jan 8, 2026
74
Score
Medium Risk

Inspectors have visited Buffalo Chip Saloon & Smokehouse six times, with records going back to 2024. The latest inspection on file is from Jan 8, 2026. A medium risk rating points to a few notable findings at the last inspection, though nothing severe.

Recent inspections have turned up roughly the same number of issues each time, hovering near one violation per visit.

Buffalo Chip Saloon & Smokehouse's latest score of 74 falls below the Cave Creek average of 95. Nothing in the record is alarming, but there's room to improve.

6
Inspections
1
Critical latest
1
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 8, 2026
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 1 minor violation. 2 corrected on site.
View 3 violations
Food not cooled to safe temperature within required time (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: In the walk-in cooler, observed roast which was prepared the day before with internal temperature of 46-47F. Cooked TCS foods must be cooled from 135°F to 70°F within 2 hours, and from 70°F to 41°F within 4 hours for a total of 6 hours for cooling. The roast was over 4 inches thick in parts. Advised manager onsite and by phone regarding resizing thick meats prior to cooling to ensure the cooling parameters are properly met. The improperly cooled roast was discarded by PIC at time of inspection
3-501.14
Prohibited toxic material present in facility (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed containers of Roach Away boric acid and Raid ant and roach spray in the kitchen near the entrance. All pest control for the establishment must be performed by a certified pest control specialist and chemicals for pest control must not be stored onsite. PIC removed pest control chemicals from premises at time of inspection
7-202.11
No certified food protection manager
Inspector notes: The person in charge onsite is not a certified food manager. A Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) is required to be on the premises during all hours of operation
2-102.12(A)
74
Oct 9, 2025
Routine
No violations found.
100
Jul 29, 2025
Routine
No violations found.
100
Jan 15, 2025
Routine
No violations found.
100
Sep 24, 2024
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Evidence of pests or pest control inadequate
Inspector notes: Observed multiple flies in kitchen area near 3-compartment sink
6-501.111(A-B,D)
95
Jul 26, 2024
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Evidence of pests or pest control inadequate
Inspector notes: Observed multiple flies in kitchen person in charge informed they shall have pest routine pest control to eliminate flies in kitchen
6-501.111(A-B,D)
95

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Buffalo Chip Saloon & Smokehouse last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Buffalo Chip Saloon & Smokehouse on file is from Jan 8, 2026. The public record contains six inspections in total.

How does Buffalo Chip Saloon & Smokehouse compare to other restaurants in Cave Creek?

Buffalo Chip Saloon & Smokehouse most recently scored 74 out of 100, which is lower than the Cave Creek average of 95.

Has Buffalo Chip Saloon & Smokehouse's inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Buffalo Chip Saloon & Smokehouse have averaged around one violation per visit across the recent record.

What does a medium risk rating mean?

A medium risk rating at Buffalo Chip Saloon & Smokehouse means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.