The Normal Bar
Last inspected: Feb 12, 2026
95
Score
Across the available record, The Normal Bar has six inspections on file, the first dated 2024. The most recent visit was on Feb 12, 2026. A low risk rating suggests inspectors haven't found much to be concerned about lately.
Performance has remained roughly level over recent inspections, averaging near two violations each time.
Looking across the full record, “hand drying provision” is the recurring theme, flagged two times.
The Normal Bar scores about where you'd expect for a Tempe restaurant. The file should reassure diners considering a visit.
6
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 12, 2026
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Nonfood-contact surfaces not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: Observed ice buildup on the fan part of the reach-in refrigerator. Discussed with person in charge (PIC) 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
95
Aug 20, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 3 corrected on site.
View 3 violations
Raw and ready-to-eat foods not properly separated
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed raw shelled eggs stored above RTE sliced bread in a drawer unit in the back of house at time of inspection. 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)
Ready-to-eat food not date marked
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed cooked beans, nacho cheese, and cooked chicken wings in the prep table of the back of house without dates at time of inspection. PIC was unsure of the dates for beans at time of inspection and voluntarily discarded items at time of inspection. Per PIC, nacho cheese & chicken wings were made the day prior to inspection. All ready-to-eat (RTE)/time and temperature-controlled foods for safety (TCS) foods were properly date marked at the time of inspection. RTE/TCS foods requiring date marking must be date marked within 24 hours and sold or discarded after 7 days (including the day it was made as day 1)
3-501.17
Handwashing sink blocked, inaccessible, or used improperly
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed several cut lemons dumped in handwashing sink at the bar at time of inspection. Person in charge (PIC) will ensure establishment discontinues use of handwash sink for all activities that are not for handwashing. Employee relocated all items blocking handwash sink at time of inspection. Reviewed proper procedures for handwashing sinks at time of inspection
5-205.11
70
May 6, 2025
Routine
1 major violation. 1 corrected on site.
View 1 violation
Prohibited toxic material present in facility
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed spray can of fly killer in the bar at time of inspection. Instructed person in charge (PIC) to remove spray bottle of insect killer and ensure that pest control is only be performed by a licensed pest control company. PIC removed can of insect killer at time of inspection
7-202.11
90
Jan 28, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 corrected on site.
View 1 violation
Manual and Mechanical Warewashing Equipment, Chemical Sanitization- Temperature, pH, Concentration and Hardness
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed chemical dishwasher in kitchen with a chlorine concentration of 0 ppm chlorine at the time of inspection. Establishment ran the machine additional times; no chlorine was observed from any of the runs. Establishment instructed not to use dish washer until it has a measure chlorine concentration of 50-100 ppm. Establishment agreed to use 3-compartment sink in meantime
4-501.114(A-E)
86
Sep 30, 2024
Routine
1 major violation. 1 corrected on site.
View 1 violation
No hand drying provision at handwashing sink
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed no paper towels at both handwashing sinks in the bar at time of inspection. Discussed with person in charge (PIC) that paper towels must be available at handwashing sink at all times. PIC restocked single-use paper towels. Discussed importance of providing hand drying provision to ensure proper hand washing with the PIC. Repeat violation (2nd Consecutive)
6-301.12
90
Jun 26, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 1 corrected on site.
View 2 violations
Hot or cold food held at improper temperature
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed cooked eggs with temperature between 125 to 126*F in steamer. Observed cooked potatoes with temperatures between 109 to 112*F on the stove at time of inspection. Per cook, all items were made within an hour of inspection and were reheated to 165*F at time of inspection. Except during preparation, cooking, cooling or when time is used as a control all TCS foods must be maintained at 135°F or above. Discussed proper hot holding procedures with person in charge (PIC) at time of inspection
3-501.16(A)(1)
No hand drying provision at handwashing sink
Inspector notes: Observed no paper towels at the handwashing sink in the bar at time of inspection. Discussed with person in charge (PIC) that paper towels must be always available at handwashing sink. PIC provided hand drying provision for hand wash sink at time of inspection
6-301.12
78
Frequently Asked Questions
When was The Normal Bar last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at The Normal Bar on file is from Feb 12, 2026. The public record contains six inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at The Normal Bar?
Across the inspection record, “hand drying provision” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at The Normal Bar.
How does The Normal Bar compare to other restaurants in Tempe?
The Normal Bar most recently scored 95 out of 100, which is about the same as the Tempe average of 95.
Has The Normal Bar's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at The Normal Bar have averaged around two violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at The Normal Bar means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.
How often is The Normal Bar inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, The Normal Bar is inspected around four times per year on average.
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