Dragon Flame Chinese Grill

909 E Lemon St, Tempe, AZ 85281
Chinese
License: Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking
Last inspected: Jan 2, 2026
100
Score
Low Risk

Dragon Flame Chinese Grill has been inspected 12 times since 2024. The most recent visit was on Jan 2, 2026. When a facility lands in the low risk tier, it usually means nothing alarming showed up at the most recent visit.

The trend has been favorable: violation counts have eased from around two violations to closer to zero violations per visit over the last few inspections.

“Cleaning, frequency and restrictions” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing six times across the record.

Dragon Flame Chinese Grill's latest score of 100 sits above the Tempe average of 95. The file should reassure diners considering a visit.

12
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 2, 2026
Food Advisory Inspection
No violations found.
100
Dec 17, 2025
Food Advisory Inspection
No violations found.
100
Nov 13, 2025
Food Advisory Inspection
No violations found.
100
Nov 6, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 1 minor violation. 3 corrected on site.
View 3 violations
Improper handwashing procedure (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed employee wash hands at handsink for approximately 5 seconds and dry hands with a re-usable cloth. Discussed the importance of proper hand washing procedures with the person-in-charge (PIC). Proper handwashing procedure is to rinse hands with warm water, scrub with soap for 10-15 seconds, rinse with warm water, dry with approved drying provision, and turn off in a manner to prevent re-contamination of hands. Entire process should take approximately 20 seconds for full and proper handwashing to prevent spread of pathogens and contamination. Employee properly washed hands at handwash sink and dried hands with disposable napkins at time of inspection
2-301.12
Handwashing sink blocked, inaccessible, or used improperly (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed bucket in handsink on cookline. Also observed handsinks next to three-compartment sink and at bar without an approved hand drying provision. Handsinks must only be used for handwashing, and cannot be used for storage. Handwash sinks must be supplied with hot water of at least 100°F, soap and an approved hand drying provision at all times. Facilities must be maintained in a condition that promotes handwashing. Person in charge (PIC) will ensure establishment discontinues use of handwash sink for all activities that are not for handwashing. PIC provided napkins to handsinks at time of inspection
5-205.11
Improper cooling methods used (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed approximately 30 containers of cooked chicken stacked on top of each other in standing refrigerator with an internal temperature between 54*F-59*F. Per employee, chicken was prepped at 8AM, approximately 4 hours prior. TCS foods must be cooled in: uncovered/loosely covered, shallow containers less than 4 inches deep, in equipment designed to rapidly cool, by using an ice bath, by using ice as an ingredient, or another effective means. Employee relocated chicken to freezer to rapidly cool to 41*F at time of inspection
3-501.15(B)
74
Jun 13, 2025
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: Observed buildup of grease and food debris under equipment and on walls throughout the establishment. Physical facility must be cleaned frequently enough to prevent accumulation of dirt, organic matter, and food debris. Must clean physical facility prior to next routine inspection
6-501.12
95
Jun 3, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 1 minor violation. 1 corrected on site.
View 3 violations
Raw and ready-to-eat foods not properly separated (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed container of raw chicken on top shelf stored above cooked chicken and duck sauce, raw beef above cooked chicken, and ground beef stored above condiments and watermelon in standing fridge next to prep sink. Observed packaged chicken gizzards stored above packaged ground beef, both above cartons of raw pooled eggs in left glass reach-in. Observed open container of raw beef stored directly above cut bok choy also in left glass reach-in. All raw animal proteins must be stored below ready-to-eat (RTE) foods and stored according to cooking temperature at all times to prevent cross contamination. Person-in-charge (PIC) properly stored all raw animal proteins according to the final cooking temperature based on the cooking parameters in § 3-401.11 of the Food Code
3-302.11(A1-2)
Handwashing sink blocked, inaccessible, or used improperly
Inspector notes: Observed back area handsink with broken cold water valve, with water at 120*F minimum. Also observed back area handsink with slightly broken discharge piping leaking water onto floor. Must repair piping and handsink to put out both cold and hot water under pressure by re-inspection. Observed multiple handsinks not stocked with soap or paper towels. Observed handsink next to three-compartment blocked by shelving unit and equipment not in use. PIC restocked all handsinks with soap and paper towels and removed blockage in front of handsink at time of inspection. Observed employee fill container with water from handsink to use for cooking. Handsinks must only be used for handwashing, and no other tasks. Discussed using prep sink to fill containers with water instead of handsinks. Handwash sinks must be supplied with hot water of at least 100°F, soap and an approved hand drying provision at all times. Facilities must be maintained in a condition that promotes handwashing. PIC will ensure establishment discontinues use of handwash sink for all activities that are not for handwashing
5-205.11
Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: Observed buildup of grease and food debris under equipment and on walls throughout the establishment. Physical facility must be cleaned frequently enough to prevent accumulation of dirt, organic matter, and food debris. Must clean physical facility prior to next routine inspection
6-501.12
74
Mar 13, 2025
Routine
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations. 4 corrected on site.
View 6 violations
Raw and ready-to-eat foods not properly separated (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed boxes of raw, unpasteurized whole shelled eggs stored directly above cucumbers in a glass front refrigerator. Also observed raw beef skewers stored above bulk sauce such as oyster sauce in another glass front refrigerator. All raw animal proteins must be stored below ready-to-eat (RTE) foods and stored according to cooking temperature at all times to prevent cross contamination. PIC properly stored all raw animal proteins according to the final cooking temperature based on the cooking parameters in § 3-401.11 of the Food Code
3-302.11(A1-2)
Food not cooled to safe temperature within required time (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed cooked chicken with internal temperature of 45*F - 53*F. The chicken was stacked in plastic/Styrofoam containers on top of each other and the person in charge indicated the chicken was cooked between 3:00 am and 4:00 am (>6 hours before inspection). Cooked time/temperature controlled for safety (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. Also discussed appropriate cooling methods
3-501.14
Equipment or utensils not clean (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed knives, can opened, and food peeler with food debris and grime on them. Also observed pans and plastic containers with food debris on them. All food-contact surfaces must be cleaned to sight and touch. PIC relocated all food-contact surfaces to warewashing area to be washed, rinsed, and sanitized at the time of inspection
4-601.11(A)
No certified food protection manager
Inspector notes: Person in charge indicated there was no Certified Food Protection Manager onsite at time of inspection. Establishment was open and operating. A Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) is required to be on the premises during all hours of operation
2-102.12(A)
Nonfood-contact surfaces not cleaned at required frequency (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed loose food and grime in refrigerator unit throughout the establishment. Nonfood-contact surfaces shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris. Nonfood-contact surfaces shall be cleaned at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil residues
4-602.13
Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: Observed buildup of grease and food debris under equipment and on walls throughout the establishment. Physical facility must be cleaned frequently enough to prevent accumulation of dirt, organic matter, and food debris. Must clean physical facility prior to next routine inspection
6-501.12
58
Dec 3, 2024
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
No certified food protection manager
Inspector notes: Person in charge indicated there was no Certified Food Protection Manager onsite at time of inspection. Establishment was open and operating. A Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) is required to be on the premises during all hours of operation
2-102.12(A)
95
Nov 20, 2024
Routine
2 major violations. 2 minor violations. 2 corrected on site.
View 4 violations
Prohibited toxic material present in facility (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed household ant insecticide stored on the bottom shelf of a metal rack in the kitchen. 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 hand drying provision at handwashing sink (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed no hand soap or hand drying provisions at the hand sinks in the dry storage room, the main kitchen, or behind the bar. Handwash sinks must be supplied with hot water of at least 100°F, soap and an approved hand drying provision at all times. Facilities must be maintained in a condition that promotes handwashing. PIC provided hand drying provision for handwash sink at time of inspection
6-301.12
No certified food protection manager
Inspector notes: Person in charge indicated there was no Certified Food Protection Manager onsite at time of inspection. Establishment was open and operating. A Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) is required to be on the premises during all hours of operation
2-102.12(A)
Outer openings not protected against pests
Inspector notes: Observed the garage doors in the front and back opened at time of inspection. Neither door had a turned-on air curtain. Discussed ensuring all outer openings are protected either by closing and leaving doors closed, using air curtains, and/or developing and obtaining approval for an integrated pest management plan from Maricopa County Environmental Health Services. Person in charge indicated the doors were opened for cleaning only and they would close them
6-202.15
74
Sep 20, 2024
Reinspection
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
No certified food protection manager
Inspector notes: Person in charge indicated there was no Certified Food Protection Manager onsite at time of inspection. Establishment was open and operating. A Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) is required to be on the premises during all hours of operation
2-102.12(A)
Nonfood-contact surfaces not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: Observed storage racks, the insides/outsides of refrigeration equipment, and cooking equipment throughout the establishment with food debris and grime. Nonfood-contact surfaces shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris. Nonfood-contact surfaces shall be cleaned at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil residues
4-602.13
Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: Observed food debris, dust, and grime all throughout the kitchen/dish area on the floors and walls under equipment and racks. Physical facility must be cleaned frequently enough to prevent accumulation of dirt, organic matter, and food debris. Must clean physical facility prior to next routine inspection
6-501.12
86
Sep 10, 2024
Reinspection
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Evidence of pests or pest control inadequate
Inspector notes: Observed 3 flat brown insects in the kitchen; also observed 15+ small flying insects in the bar area. Pest issues are worsening. Operator emailed the inspector a copy of their pest control invoices; pest control has not been applied since the last routine inspection. Establishment must be maintained free of pests and all pest control measures must be conducted by a licensed pest control specialist. Must eliminate current pest control problem and obtain pest control from a certified and licensed pest control specialist by re-inspection
6-501.111(C)
No certified food protection manager
Inspector notes: Person in charge indicated there was no Certified Food Protection Manager onsite at time of inspection. Establishment was open and operating. A Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) is required to be on the premises during all hours of operation
2-102.12(A)
Nonfood-contact surfaces not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: Observed storage racks, the insides/outsides of refrigeration equipment, and cooking equipment throughout the establishment with food debris and grime. Nonfood-contact surfaces shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris. Nonfood-contact surfaces shall be cleaned at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil residues
4-602.13
Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: Observed food debris, dust, and grime all throughout the kitchen/dish area on the floors and walls under equipment and racks. Physical facility must be cleaned frequently enough to prevent accumulation of dirt, organic matter, and food debris. Must clean physical facility prior to next routine inspection
6-501.12
78
Aug 27, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 3 minor violations. 2 corrected on site.
View 6 violations
Raw and ready-to-eat foods not properly separated (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed bowl raw whole shelled eggs stored on a shelf directly above containers of thawing cooked ground meat in reach in refrigerator. Also observed pans of raw chicken stored directly on top of pans of raw lamb. All raw animal proteins must be stored below ready-to-eat (RTE) foods and stored according to cooking temperature at all times to prevent cross contamination. PIC properly stored all raw animal proteins according to the final cooking temperature based on the cooking parameters in § 3-401.11 of the Food Code
3-302.11(A1-2)
Handwashing sink blocked, inaccessible, or used improperly (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed bucket in hand sink near cook line. Also observed knives in hand sink in bar area. Discussed with person in charge hand washing facilities must be maintained in a condition that promotes handwashing and restricted for that use. Convenient accessibility of a handwashing facility encourages timely handwashing which provides a break in the chain of contamination from the hands of food employees to food or food-contact surfaces. PIC removed all items from sinks
5-205.11
Evidence of pests or pest control inadequate
Inspector notes: Observed 3 flat brown insects in the kitchen. Establishment must be maintained free of pests and all pest control measures must be conducted by a licensed pest control specialist. Must eliminate current pest control problem and obtain pest control from a certified and licensed pest control specialist by re-inspection
6-501.111(C)
No certified food protection manager
Inspector notes: Person in charge indicated there was no Certified Food Protection Manager onsite at time of inspection. Establishment was open and operating. A Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) is required to be on the premises during all hours of operation
2-102.12(A)
Nonfood-contact surfaces not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: Observed storage racks, the insides/outsides of refrigeration equipment, and cooking equipment throughout the establishment with food debris and grime. Nonfood-contact surfaces shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris. Nonfood-contact surfaces shall be cleaned at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil residues
4-602.13
Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: Observed food debris, dust, and grime all throughout the kitchen/dish area on the floors and walls under equipment and racks. Physical facility must be cleaned frequently enough to prevent accumulation of dirt, organic matter, and food debris. Must clean physical facility prior to next routine inspection
6-501.12
61

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Dragon Flame Chinese Grill last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Dragon Flame Chinese Grill on file is from Jan 2, 2026. The public record contains 12 inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Dragon Flame Chinese Grill?

Across the inspection record, “cleaning, frequency and restrictions” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at Dragon Flame Chinese Grill.

How does Dragon Flame Chinese Grill compare to other restaurants in Tempe?

Dragon Flame Chinese Grill most recently scored 100 out of 100, which is higher than the Tempe average of 95.

Has Dragon Flame Chinese Grill's inspection record improved over time?

Yes. Recent inspections at Dragon Flame Chinese Grill have averaged around zero violations per visit, down from roughly two earlier in the record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at Dragon Flame Chinese Grill means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.