Caribou Cafe
Last inspected: Oct 21, 2025
52
Score
Inspectors have visited Caribou Cafe six times, with records going back to 2023. The latest inspection on file is from Oct 21, 2025. High risk indicates the latest inspection turned up problems worth knowing about.
The trend has been favorable: violation counts have eased from around 13 violations to closer to seven violations per visit over the last few inspections.
Looking across the full record, “physical facilities installed, maintained, & clean” is the recurring theme, flagged four times.
By comparison, the average Philadelphia facility scores 72, putting Caribou Cafe on the weaker side. This restaurant has more on its record than most do.
6
Inspections
2
Critical latest
0
Major latest
7
Minor latest
Inspection History
Oct 21, 2025
Routine
2 critical violations. 7 minor violations. 2 corrected on site.
View 9 violations
Hands clean & properly washed
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Hot water was turned off in the kitchen prep area due to a serious leak. **Person in charge fixed the pipe and turned the hot water on during the time of inspection.
46.132
Food separated & protected
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Raw eggs observed over shell fish. Raw eggs were moved to a low location during the time of inspection.
46.281
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: Containers in the chest freezer, and cold prep observed not labeled with the name of its contents. New Violation.
46.422
Single-use & single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: -Dishes and glasses observed not properly inverted with the food surface faced down to prevent contamination. -Unwrapped straws observed on the bar. New Violation.
46.692
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed, & used
Inspector notes: All sinks and dishwasher observed not sealed to the adjoining walls. New Violation.
46.652
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: Three basin sink faucet observed leaking. New Violation.
46.822
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: -Dusty vent observed in the restroom. -Caulk around restroom sinks observed in poor repair. -Damaged and missing wall tile observed in restroom #1 New Violation.
46.981(b)(i)
Physical facilities installed, maintained, & clean
Inspector notes: Brooms and dustpans observed on the floor and not properly elevated when not in use. New Violation.
46.981(e)(m)
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: Hood filters have an accumulation of static dust and grease. New Violation.
46.544(e)
52
Apr 1, 2024
Reinspection
1 critical violation. 5 minor violations. 1 corrected on site.
View 6 violations
Proper hot holding temperature
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Water in the container holding the serving utensils temped at 65 degrees instead of 135 degrees. Person in charge placed the proper heated water in the containers.
46.385(a)(1)
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: Moist wiping cloths observed lying on the counter and not stored in sanitizing solution.
46.304
Single-use & single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: Dishes were not properly inverted with the food surface faced down. New Violation.
46.774
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed, & used
Inspector notes: - Non-NSF chest freezers were observed in the basement storage area. - Prep sink observed being used as a utility sink. - Broken cold prep lid observed in Kitchen prep. - No garbage disposal observed on the hand washing sink.
46.671
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained, & used; test strips
Inspector notes: Food facility lacks sanitizer test strips to monitor sanitizer concentration.
46.634
Physical facilities installed, maintained, & clean
Inspector notes: Mop observed in the bucket and not properly hanging to dry when not in use. New Violation.
46.981(f)
67
Nov 14, 2023
Reinspection
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: Food utensils were observed being stored in stagnant water between uses.
46.302
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed, & used
Inspector notes: - The lower door of the prep refrigerator across from the grill would not fully close/seal. - Plastic crates were observed being used for elevation in the basement walk-in cooler. - Non-NSF chest freezers were observed in the basement storage area. - The floors of the upstairs walk-in cooler and downstairs walk-in cooler; were in poor repair.
46.671
Non-food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: - The floor of the basement walk-in cooler was soiled. - Observed grease accumulations on the outside surfaces of cooking equipment. - Static dust and grease accumulations observed on pipes and fire-suppression lines by cooking equipment. - Fan shield in the walk-in cooler was soiled.
46.714
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: A leak was observed coming from the 3-compartment sink faucet.
46.825(b)-(e)
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: Static dust accumulations observed on the vents in the public/employee toilet rooms. New Violation.
46.981(b)(i)
Physical facilities installed, maintained, & clean
Inspector notes: Brooms and dustpan was observed being stored on the floor between uses; not hung on a utility rack as required.
46.981(e)(m)
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: A light was observed burnt out in the ventilation hood.
46.943
70
Oct 13, 2023
Reinspection
3 critical violations. 2 major violations. 13 minor violations. 4 corrected on site.
View 18 violations
Adequate handwashing facilities supplied & accessible
Inspector notes: No sign or poster posted at the handwash sink in the bar area to remind food employees to wash their hands. New Violation.
46.941(a)-(e)
Food in good condition, safe, & unadulterated
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: A container of seafood crepes were observed with mold growths on them. Crepes were discarded at the time of inspection.
46.201
Proper cooling time & temperature
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: 5 gallon buckets of tomato soup and onion soup, were not cooled from 135 degrees F to 70 degrees F in 2 hours and/or from 135 degrees F to 41 degrees F within 6 hours, after preparation. Soups prepared on 10/12 were observed at 49 and 57 degrees F in the walk-in cooler. Soups were discarded during the inspection.
46.384(a)(b)
Certification by accredited program, compliance with Code, or correct responses
Inspector notes: The Person in Charge did not demonstrate adequate knowledge of the Philadelphia Food Code. Knowledge of reheating and proper cooling was not demonstrated. New Violation.
46.102
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Black residue observed on the interior of the soda gun nozzle at the bar. Soda gun nozzle was removed and properly washed, rinsed and sanitized during the inspection.
46.711(a)
Management awareness; policy present
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Food facility does not have a Health Awareness Reporting Procedure for food employees. Copy of employee management policy was emailed with the report.
46.111(a)
Approved thawing methods used
Inspector notes: Ground beef observed being thawed using an unapproved method. Food observed thawing at room temperature on the chest freezer in the basement area.
46.383
Thermometer provided & accurate
Inspector notes: Food temperature measuring devices for ensuring proper food temperatures are not calibrated and/or functioning properly. New Violation.
46.561
Insects, rodents & animals not present; no unauthorized persons
Inspector notes: Visible physical evidence of rodent activity (droppings) observed in the kitchen and basement storage areas.
46.981(k)(l)
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: Food is not stored at least 6 inches above the floor in the walk-in cooler.
46.321
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: Moist wiping cloths observed lying on prep surfaces and not stored in sanitizing solution.
46.304
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: Food utensils were observed being stored in stagnant water between uses. New Violation.
46.302
Single-use & single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: Facility observed reusing 5-gallon buckets to store facility made soups and prepped vegetables. New Violation.
46.692
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. New Violation.
46.672
Non-food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: - Mouse droppings were observed on the lower shelves of the prep tables in the kitchen area and storage shelves in the basement area. - The floor of the basement walk-in cooler was soiled. - Observed grease accumulations on the outside surfaces of cooking equipment. - Static dust and grease accumulations observed on pipes and fire-suppression lines by cooking equipment. - Fan shield in the walk-in cooler was soiled.
46.714
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: A leak was observed coming from the 3-compartment sink faucet.
46.825(b)-(e)
Physical facilities installed, maintained, & clean
Inspector notes: Brooms and dustpan was observed being stored on the floor between uses; not hung on a utility rack as required.
46.981(e)(m)
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: A light was observed burnt out in the ventilation hood. New Violation.
46.943
27
Sep 18, 2023
Routine
1 critical violation. 9 minor violations. 1 corrected on site.
View 10 violations
Adequate handwashing facilities supplied & accessible
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: No sign or poster posted at the handwash sink in the bar area to remind food employees to wash their hands. Handwashing reminder sign was provided during the inspection.
46.941(a)-(e)
Approved thawing methods used
Inspector notes: Ground beef observed being thawed using an unapproved method. Food observed thawing at room temperature on the chest freezer in the basement area. New Violation.
46.383
Insects, rodents & animals not present; no unauthorized persons
Inspector notes: - Visible physical evidence of rodent activity (droppings) observed in the kitchen and basement storage areas. - Dead mice observed in the basement storage area. New Violation.
46.981(k)(l)
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: Food is not stored at least 6 inches above the floor in the walk-in cooler. New Violation.
46.321
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: Moist wiping cloths observed lying on prep surfaces and not stored in sanitizing solution. New Violation.
46.304
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed, & used
Inspector notes: Raw wood surfaces were observed in the basement area. New Violation.
46.522
Non-food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: - Mouse droppings were observed on the lower shelves of the prep tables in the kitchen area and storage shelves in the basement area. - The floor of the basement walk-in cooler was soiled. - Observed grease accumulations on the outside surfaces of cooking equipment. - Static dust and grease accumulations observed on pipes and fire-suppression lines by cooking equipment. - Fan shield in the walk-in cooler was soiled. New Violation.
46.714
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: A leak was observed coming from the 3-compartment sink faucet. New Violation.
46.825(b)-(e)
Physical facilities installed, maintained, & clean
Inspector notes: - The floor and walls around the mop sink area was not smooth and easily cleanable. - Floor next to the 3-compartment sink at the bar was in poor repair. New Violation.
46.921
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: An accumulation of static dust and grease were observed on the ventilation hood surfaces. New Violation.
46.981(d)
55
May 9, 2023
Routine
3 critical violations. 1 major violation. 8 minor violations. 3 corrected on site.
View 12 violations
Adequate handwashing facilities supplied & accessible
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: - No sign or poster posted at the handwash sink in the kitchen area to remind food employees to wash their hands. - An employee was observed using the handsink to fill containers of water. Facility was reminded that the handsink is to only be used for handwashing,
46.825(a)
Proper cold holding temperature
Inspector notes: Soups (47 degrees F), salad (47 degrees F), pastries (47 degrees F), tomatoes (47 degrees F), beans (50 degrees F), was held between 47-50 degrees F rather than 41 degrees F or below as required in the kitchen walk-in cooler. The ambient temperature of the walk-in cooler was 48 degrees F. Food items were discarded during the inspection. Items prepped that afternoon were relocated to the basement walk-in cooler to rapidly cool. Temperature log indicated that the walk-in cooler was 39 degrees F earlier in the day. Walk-in temperature was adjusted during the inspection. Use of the walk-in cooler was discontinued until the temperature was 41 degrees F or below. New Violation.
46.385(a)(2)
Toxic substances properly identified, stored & used
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Working containers in the bar area, used for storing chemicals taken from bulk supplies, were not marked with the common name of the chemical. The spray bottle was labeled during the inspection.
46.1002
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Black residue, pink slime observed on the interior of the ice machine on the white panel. Cleaning procedures were initiated during the inspection.
46.711(a)
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: Food is not stored at least 6 inches above the floor in the walk-in coolers. New Violation.
46.321
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: Utensils were observed being stored in a stainless steel container of stagnant water. New Violation.
46.302
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried & handled
Inspector notes: Clean food equipment being stored wet, and not in a manner to allow air drying... wet nesting. New Violation.
46.771
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed, & used
Inspector notes: - Plastic crates were observed being used for elevation in the basement walk-in cooler. - Non-NSF chest freezers were observed in the basement storage area. - The floors of the upstairs walk-in cooler and downstairs walk-in cooler; were in poor repair. New Violation.
46.671
Non-food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: - The floor of the basement walk-in cooler was soiled. - Observed grease accumulations on the outside surfaces of cooking equipment. - Static dust and grease accumulations observed on pipes and fire-suppression lines by cooking equipment. New Violation.
46.714
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: - A leak was observed coming from the 3-compartment sink faucet. - The prep sink was in poor repair at the time of inspection. New Violation.
46.825(b)-(e)
Physical facilities installed, maintained, & clean
Inspector notes: Brooms and dustpans were observed stored on the floor between uses; not hung on a utility rack as required. New Violation.
46.981(e)(m)
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: Lights in the ventilation hood and walk-in cooler are not shielded from breakage. New Violation.
46.922(a)
39
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Caribou Cafe last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Caribou Cafe on file is from Oct 21, 2025. The public record contains six inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Caribou Cafe?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained, & clean” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Caribou Cafe.
Has Caribou Cafe's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Caribou Cafe have averaged around seven violations per visit, down from roughly 13 earlier in the record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Caribou Cafe 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.
How often is Caribou Cafe inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Caribou Cafe is inspected around two times per year on average.
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