The Pony Express Cafe

28190 N Alma School Pkwy, Scottsdale, AZ 85262

Café / Breakfast

License: Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking

Last inspected: Dec 3, 2025

100

Score

Low Risk

The health department has logged five inspections at The Pony Express Cafe, the earliest from 2024. The most recent report on file is from Dec 3, 2025. When a facility lands in the low risk tier, it usually means nothing alarming showed up at the most recent visit.

Things are looking better lately, with recent visits averaging around zero violations compared to roughly two violations earlier on.

When inspectors have written things up, “approved system and cleanable fixtures” has been the most frequent reason, cited two times.

The Pony Express Cafe's latest score of 100 sits above the Scottsdale average of 95. The full picture is one of consistent compliance.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Dec 3, 2025

Food Advisory Inspection

No violations found.

100

Oct 28, 2025

Reinspection

1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 2 corrected on site.

View 2 violations

Plumbing system not approved or fixtures not cleanable (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed Y-valve installed on mop sink with AVB at time of inspection. Y-valves are prohibited and faucets are to be designed and constructed according to law. PIC removed Y-valve from mop sink at time of inspection

5-202.11(A)

Handwashing sink blocked, inaccessible, or used improperly (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed chemical spray bottle and dishes in the handwash sink at time of inspection. Handwash sink must be kept available to promote regular handwashing. PIC relocated all items blocking handwash sink at time of inspection

5-205.11

Oct 21, 2025

Routine

1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 2 corrected on site.

View 3 violations

Plumbing system not approved or fixtures not cleanable (corrected on site)

5-202.11(A)

Handwashing sink blocked, inaccessible, or used improperly (corrected on site)

5-205.11

Food thermometer not available or accessible

Inspector notes: Probe thermometer not found on-site at time of inspection. Per PIC, probe thermometer exists but had been moved by absent employee. Properly calibrated probe thermometers are required at all times for monitoring food temperatures. Must provide a probe thermometer for establishment prior to re-inspection

4-302.12

May 29, 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 dishes in sanitization compartment of 3-compartment sink with quat sanitizer concentration measured below 50ppm by both store and inspector's test strips. An emptying and refilling of the sink showed the automatic sanitizer dispenser was not producing a solution within minimum sanitizer limit shown on bottle. Food contact surfaces must be sanitized with the concentration of sanitizer determined by the manufacturer. PIC switched to on-site bleach and chlorine test strips at time of inspection. Will call maintenance to fix quat dispenser

4-501.114(A-E)

Aug 19, 2024

Routine

1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 2 corrected on site.

View 2 violations

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

Inspector notes: Observed raw chorizo stored on top shelf of large reach in cooler above cheese, bread, and various ready to eat foods

3-302.11(A1-2)

Ready-to-eat food not date marked (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed sliced ham, turkey, and roast beef with a date marking of 8/7 person in charge explained items were improperly date marked and were date marked with the correct date at time of inspection. Person in charge informed all temperature sensitive items shall be properly date marked

3-501.17

Frequently Asked Questions

When was The Pony Express Cafe last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at The Pony Express Cafe on file is from Dec 3, 2025. The public record contains five inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at The Pony Express Cafe?

Across the inspection record, “approved system and cleanable fixtures” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at The Pony Express Cafe.

How does The Pony Express Cafe compare to other restaurants in Scottsdale?

The Pony Express Cafe most recently scored 100 out of 100, which is higher than the Scottsdale average of 95.

Has The Pony Express Cafe's inspection record improved over time?

Yes. Recent inspections at The Pony Express Cafe 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 The Pony Express Cafe 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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