Bison Coffee

1600 Callowhill St Aka 352 N. 16Th St., Philadelphia, PA 19130

Café / Breakfast

Last inspected: Jul 9, 2025

Score

High Risk

Inspectors have visited Bison Coffee three times, with records going back to 2024. The most recent visit was on Jul 9, 2025. The high risk label is a heads-up that the most recent visit didn't go well.

Things have been moving the wrong way, with the rolling count rising from around five violations to closer to eight violations per visit.

When inspectors have written things up, “adequate handwashing facilities supplied & accessible” has been the most frequent reason, cited two times.

The city-wide average sits at 72, which Bison Coffee's 52 doesn't quite reach. Taken together, the history suggests a facility that has struggled with consistency.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Jul 9, 2025

Routine

2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 5 minor violations. 3 corrected on site.

View 8 violations

Toxic substances properly identified, stored & used (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed insecticide not labeled by the manufacturer for food facility usage, in the dish wash area. Corrective action the insecticide was discarded.

46.1022

Adequate handwashing facilities supplied & accessible (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: No papertowels or other hand drying method was present at the hand wash in the dish room. Corrective action: The papertowels were refilled.

46.941(a)-(e)

Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Pink slime observed in the ice machine. Corrective action: The ice machine was cleaned during the inspection.

46.711(a)

Insects, rodents & animals not present; no unauthorized persons

Inspector notes: Gap observed at the base of the 2 front doors. New Violation.

46.922(e)(f)

Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed, & used

Inspector notes: Cutting board observed with deep scratches and scoring not allowing for effective cleaning and sanitizing, on the cold prep unit in the serving area. New Violation.

46.672

Non-food contact surfaces clean

Inspector notes: -Residue observed on the interior of the microwave. -Debris and dead bug observed on a shelf in the serving area. -Residue observed at the bottom of the reach in fridge in the dish room. New Violation.

46.711(b)(c)

Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

Inspector notes: Loose faucet observed in one toilet room. New Violation.

46.825(b)-(e)

Physical facilities installed, maintained, & clean

Inspector notes: Dish machine in the dish area was not in use. New Violation.

46.981(a)(b)(c)(g)(n)

May 14, 2024

Reinspection

2 minor violations.

View 2 violations

Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed, & used

Inspector notes: Cutting boards observed with deep scratches and scoring not allowing for effective cleaning and sanitizing.

46.672

In-use utensils: properly stored

Inspector notes: Spatulas on table and not stored properly between use

46.302

Apr 9, 2024

Routine

2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 4 minor violations.

View 8 violations

Proper cold holding temperature

Inspector notes: Milk held at 52.8 and 60.2 degrees F, rather than 45 degrees F or below as required. New Violation.

46.385(a)(2)

Adequate handwashing facilities supplied & accessible

Inspector notes: Paper towel dispenser empty at the handwash sink in the warewashing area. New Violation.

46.941(a)-(e)

Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized

Inspector notes: Pink slime observed on the interior of the ice machine New Violation.

46.712

Certification by accredited program, compliance with Code, or correct responses

Inspector notes: PIC not present to demonstrate or correct staff who could not demonstrate adequate knowledge of Philadelphia Food Code New Violation.

46.102

Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display

Inspector notes: Food is not stored at least 6 inches above the floor. New Violation.

46.321

In-use utensils: properly stored

Inspector notes: Spatulas on table and not stored properly between use New Violation.

46.302

Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed, & used

Inspector notes: Inoperable reach-in observed New Violation.

46.671

Physical facilities installed, maintained, & clean

Inspector notes: After use, mops shall be placed in a position that allows them to air-dry without soiling walls, equipment or supplies. New Violation.

46.981(f)

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Bison Coffee last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Bison Coffee on file is from Jul 9, 2025. The public record contains three inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Bison Coffee?

Across the inspection record, “adequate handwashing facilities supplied & accessible” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Bison Coffee.

Has Bison Coffee's inspection record improved over time?

No. Recent inspections at Bison Coffee have averaged around eight violations per visit, up from roughly five earlier in the record.

What does a high risk rating mean?

A high risk rating at Bison Coffee means the most recent inspection flagged either critical violations or a substantial number of smaller ones. Diners may want to read the violation details before deciding to visit.

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