Harkins Backlot

2440 W Happy Valley Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85085

Bar / Pub

License: Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking

Last inspected: Jan 16, 2026

100

Score

Low Risk Grade: A

With just two inspections in the record, there isn't enough history to establish a clear pattern. Harkins Backlot was last inspected on Jan 16, 2026. Low risk indicates the latest report didn't flag anything that would worry the average customer.

Things have been moving in the right direction, with the rolling count dropping from around five violations to closer to zero violations per visit.

Restaurants in Phoenix average 97, so Harkins Backlot is doing better than most peers. Overall, the inspection record reads well.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Jan 16, 2026

Routine

No violations found.

100

Sep 4, 2025

Routine

2 critical violations. 3 minor violations. 5 corrected on site.

View 5 violations

Raw and ready-to-eat foods not properly separated (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed raw chicken wings stored over fully cooked chicken wings in the walk-in cooler on a cooling rack. 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)

Manual and Mechanical Warewashing Equipment, Chemical Sanitization- Temperature, pH, Concentration and Hardness (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed concentration of chlorine sanitizer at the in-use mechanical dishwasher in the dish pit at 0ppm on the food contact surface with chlorine test strips after cycle. Chlorine sanitizer concentrations on the food contact surface shall be between 50ppm-100ppm. PIC was instructed to relocate all food-contact surfaces previously washed in dishwasher to warewashing area to be washed, rinsed, and sanitized at the time of inspection

4-501.114(A-E)

Food thawed using improper method (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed thawed raw tuna in ROP packaging labeled to remove immediately after thawing. All ROP fish labeled "Keep Frozen" must be removed completely from reduced oxygen packaging (ROP) prior to thawing under refrigeration or immediately after thawing under cold running water. All ROP fish was removed from ROP packaging at time of inspection. PIC was instructed to remove ROP fish from packaging at the time of inspection

3-501.13

In-use utensils stored improperly between uses (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed in-use utensils on the flat top sitting in water at 103*F at the time of inspection. In-use utensils must be stored in a clean, dry location; in running water; or in hot water above 135°F. If utensils are stored in food, the handles must be stored above the surface of the food.PIC was instructed to properly store in-use utensils at time of inspection

3-304.12

Equipment or utensils not air-dried before storage (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed employee at the dish pit drying food contact surfaces immediately following the wash, rinse, sanitize cycle. All equipment and food contact surfaces must be air-dried after properly cleaning and sanitizing. Discussed with PIC and employee the importance of air drying dishes

4-901.11

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Harkins Backlot last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Harkins Backlot on file is from Jan 16, 2026. The public record contains two inspections in total.

How does Harkins Backlot compare to other restaurants in Phoenix?

Harkins Backlot most recently scored 100 out of 100, which is higher than the Phoenix average of 97.

Has Harkins Backlot's inspection record improved over time?

Yes. Recent inspections at Harkins Backlot have averaged around zero violations per visit, down from roughly five earlier in the record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

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

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