Inspection Report

32nd Street Cafe
3251 Ridge Ave
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19132
« Back
Related Reports
32nd Street Cafe
3251 Ridge Ave
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19132
Inspection Date: 02/26/2025

35 Juices present is the front prep area including lemonade, iced tea, and fruit punch were not labeled with the nutritional and ingredient information.
45 Observed aluminum lined shelves in the prep area where the seasonings are stored.
45 -Non NSF/ANSI chest freezer and reach-in refrigerator observed in use in the basement. -Observed non food grade containers in use for food storage in the reach-in units and chest freezer in the basement and in the cold prep unit in the prep area.
45 Cutting boards observed with deep scratches and scoring not allowing for effective cleaning and sanitizing.
47 -Ice accumulation observed in the reach-in refrigerator in the basement. -Residue and debris observed on the interior of the cold prep unit (sandwhich preparation refrigerator), under the deep fryer, and the under counter (under the grill) drawer cold units. -Observed grease accumulation and debris beneath the flat top grill in the front prep area. ** Advised to thoroughly clean the interior and exterior of the cold holding units to prevent contamination of the foods stored inside.
51 No lid on trash can receptacle observed in restroom area.
53 Observed brooms and dustpans stored on the floor in the warewashing area instead of elevated to promote floor cleaning.
32nd Street Cafe
3251 Ridge Ave
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19132
Inspection Date: 01/15/2025

1 No person shall operate a food establishment that handles, prepares or serves non-prepackaged potentially hazardous food who does not have present and in the employ of the food establishment at all hours of operation at least one (1) person with a valid Food Establishment Personnel Food Safety Certificate issued by the Department. ** FSC applications received by the Office of Food Protection for other employees (E.S. & R.J.), nothing present for James Nesmith.
6 A food employee was observed rinsing their hands at the three basin sink rather than the designated handwash sink. Corrective Action: After rinsing their hands at the three basin sink, they washed their hands at the handwash sink.
8 Soap dispenser was mounted over the food prep sink instead of the handwash sink. ** Advised to move the soap dispenser to above the handwash sink.
8 -Two whisks observed stored in the handwash sink in the warewashing area and not accessible for employee usage at all times. -The handwash sink in the front prep area was obstructed by a bucket of prep potatoes and not accessible at all times for employee use. ** The whisks were removed and the potatoes were discarded.
13 -Observed uncovered cabbage in a reach-in refrigerator in the basement. ** Advised to provide coverings / protection for all foods to prevent contamination. Food employee covered the cabbage. -Observed raw salmon stored directly above vegetables and ready to eat foods in the reach-in refrigerator in the basement. ** Advised to stored all raw food products beneath cooked or ready to eat foods. Food employee reorganized the refrigeration unit to prevent contamination.
14 Observed a sanitizer bucket stored in the food prep sink in the warewashing area. ** Advised that the food prep sink's only intents is to wash/clean food prior to preparation and is a food contact surface. The food prep sink needs to be washed, rinsed, and sanitized at least every four hours. Nothing should be stored in the food prep sink besides foods.
23 Eggs are served raw or undercooked to the customer's request; however, a written consumer advisory (on the menu, table tent, or placard) is not provided to the consumer. ** New menus with the consumer advisory have been ordered by the facility.
26 Observed insecticides (Zevo) not labeled by the manufacturer for food facility usage, in the front prep area. ** Advised to discontinue usage of unapproved insecticides and to remove them from the facility.
26 Personal items (car keys, lock, first aid kit and a light bulb) stored in the front prep area above the cold prep unit, and were not stored to prevent the contamination of food, equipment or utensils. Corrective Action: The personal care items were relocated.
26 Chemicals (Zevo insecticide) were stored above or on the same shelf with food, equipment, and/or single service articles in the front prep area. ** Advised to store all chemicals below food, equipment, and single service articles. The insecticide was discarded.
35 Juices present is the front prep area including lemonade, iced tea, and fruit punch were not labeled with the nutritional and ingredient information.
36 Visible physical evidence of rodent activity (mouse droppings) observed in the basement area.
45 Observed aluminum lined shelves in the prep area where the seasonings are stored.
45 -Non NSF/ANSI chest freezer and reach-in refrigerator observed in use in the basement. -Observed non food grade containers in use for food storage in the reach-in units and chest freezer in the basement and in the cold prep unit in the prep area.
45 Cutting boards observed with deep scratches and scoring not allowing for effective cleaning and sanitizing.
46 Handwashing amenity (soap) observed present at the warewashing sink.
47 -Ice accumulation observed in the reach-in refrigerator in the basement. -Residue and debris observed on the interior of the cold prep unit (sandwhich preparation refrigerator), under the deep fryer, and the under counter (under the grill) drawer cold units. -Observed grease accumulation and debris beneath the flat top grill in the front prep area. ** Advised to thoroughly clean the interior and exterior of the cold holding units to prevent contamination of the foods stored inside.
51 No lid on trash can receptacle observed in restroom area.
51 Bathroom door observed not self closing.
52 Observed trash stored on the ground surrounding the waste dumpsters outside the facility instead of stored inside the dumpsters.
53 -Grease accumulation observed on the floor behind the cooking equipment's in the food prep-serving area. -Mouse droppings observed on the floor in the water heater room and on the ledge beside the staircase leading to the basement.
53 Observed brooms and dustpans stored on the floor in the warewashing area instead of elevated to promote floor cleaning.
53 Observed a mop stored in a mop bucket instead of elevated to promote air drying.
54 Galvanized hood filters observed.
63 Person in Charge of premises has not posted the appropriate warning signs regarding the dangers of consuming alcoholic beverages during pregnancy. ** Warning signs have been ordered by the facility.
32nd Street Cafe
3251 Ridge Ave
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19132
Inspection Date: 12/16/2024

8 Handwashing amenities (soap and paper towels) observed present at the food prep sink.
23 Eggs are served raw or undercooked to the customer's request; however, a written consumer advisory (on the menu, table tent, or placard) is not provided to the consumer. ** New menus with the consumer advisory have been ordered for the facility.
37 Observed sugar containers stored on the counter not covered or protected from contamination.
39 Observed a wiping cloth torn and not in good repair.
43 Observed single use food containers stored un-inverted and not stored to prevent contamination.
45 Observed aluminum lined shelves in the prep area where the seasonings are stored.
45 -Non NSF/ANSI chest freezer and reach-in refrigerator observed in use in the basement. -Observed non food grade containers in use for food storage in the reach-in units and chest freezer in the basement and in the cold prep unit in the prep area.
45 Cutting boards observed with deep scratches and scoring not allowing for effective cleaning and sanitizing.
46 Handwashing amenities (soap and paper towels) observed present at the warewashing sink.
47 -Ice accumulation observed in the reach-in refrigerator in the basement. -Residue and debris observed on the interior of the cold prep unit, under the deep fryer, and the under counter (under the grill) drawer cold units.
49 Food prep sink observed without an indirect drain connection. ** Provide an indirect drain connection at the food prep sink.
51 No lid on trash can receptacle observed in restroom area.
51 Bathroom door observed not self closing.
52 Waste receptacle not present at the small handwash sink in the food prep area.
53 Grease accumulation observed on the floor behind the cooking equipment's in the food prep-serving area.
53 Observed holes where the drain pipe in the mop room and a utility line in the basement storage area not sealed.
63 Person in Charge of premises has not posted the appropriate warning signs regarding the dangers of consuming alcoholic beverages during pregnancy. ** Warning signs have been ordered for the facility.
32nd Street Cafe
3251 Ridge Ave
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19132
Inspection Date: 12/13/2024

23 Eggs are served raw or undercooked to the customer's request; however, a written consumer advisory (on the menu, table tent, or placard) is not provided to the consumer.
36 Live mouse observed running behind the flat top grill and the warewashing area in the prep area. Obtain Pest Management Service to resolve the vermin activity prior to the re-inspection.
45 Observed aluminum lined shelves in the prep area where the seasonings are stored.
45 -Non NSF/ANSI chest freezer and reach-in refrigerator observed in use in the basement. -Observed non food grade containers in use for food storage in the reach-in units and chest freezer in the basement and in the cold prep unit in the prep area.
51 No lid on trash can receptacle observed in restroom area.
51 Bathroom door observed not self closing.
53 Grease accumulation observed on the floor behind the cooking equipment's in the food prep-serving area.
63 Person in Charge of premises has not posted the appropriate warning signs regarding the dangers of consuming alcoholic beverages during pregnancy.
32nd Street Cafe
3251 Ridge Ave
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19132
Inspection Date: 12/11/2024

1 No person shall operate a food establishment that handles, prepares or serves non-prepackaged potentially hazardous food who does not have present and in the employ of the food establishment at all hours of operation at least one (1) person with a valid Food Establishment Personnel Food Safety Certificate issued by the Department. ** Photograph of the FSC application was observed for Earlena Simpson and Reginald Jones. Office of Food Protection, Central Office has not received FSC applications for Reginald Jones or Earlena Simpson. Please call 215-685-7495 for questions about Philadelphia Food Safety Certificate applications.
8 No sign or poster posted at the handwash sink in the warewashing area to remind food employees to wash their hands.
11 Dented canned item observed in the basement reach-in refrigerator. ** The can was segregated.
13 Organization observed in the reach-in refrigerator in the basement: -Vegetables and ready-to-eat foods -Raw lamb -Vegetables -Ready-to eat foods Correct organization of food storage in units to prevent contamination: -Ready to eat foods -Raw fish -Raw pork -Raw whole beef -Raw ground beef -Raw chicken and eggs ** PIC reorganized the refrigerator to reflect the correct organization to protect foods from contamination.
20 -Ambient air of the lower part of the cold prep unit in the prep area was measured at 47.3 degrees F. -Scrapple was held at 48.0 degrees F in the upper part of the cold prep unit.
21 Observed foods prepared in the facility (cooked rice and cabbage prepared in the facility, stored in the reach-in refrigerator in the basement) without date markings of when the foods were opened or prepared.
23 Eggs are served raw or undercooked to the customer's request; however, a written consumer advisory (on the menu, table tent, or placard) is not provided to the consumer.
34 No thermometer observed in the cold prep unit in the prep area.
36 -Visible physical evidence of rodent activity (mouse droppings) observed in the food prep, bar, and basement areas. -Live roach (nymph) activity observed in the basement in the mop room. -Small flies observed in the bar area.
45 -Non NSF/ANSI chest freezer and reach-in refrigerator observed in use in the basement. -Observed non food grade containers in use for food storage in the reach-in units and chest freezer in the basement and in the cold prep unit in the prep area.
45 Observed aluminum lined shelves in the prep area where the seasonings are stored.
47 -Ice accumulation observed in the reach-in refrigerator in the basement. -Residue observed on the interior bottom of the cold prep unit in the prep area.
51 No lid on trash can receptacle observed in restroom area.
51 Bathroom door observed not self closing.
53 Observed brooms and dustpans stored on the floor in the mop room instead of elevated to promote floor cleaning.
53 -Debris observed behind the reach-in refrigerators and freezer in the basement. Mouse droppings observed on the floor in the following locations: -in the corner of the bar area beside the sink. -in the water heater room. -at the bottom of the cellar door stairs. -on the stairs that lead to the storm cellar door. -on the ledge above the stairs that lead to the basement. (the mouse droppings on the ledge were cleaned during the inspection)
32nd Street Cafe
3251 Ridge Ave
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19132
Inspection Date: 12/09/2024

1 No person shall operate a food establishment that handles, prepares or serves non-prepackaged potentially hazardous food who does not have present and in the employ of the food establishment at all hours of operation at least one (1) person with a valid Food Establishment Personnel Food Safety Certificate issued by the Department. -The FSC was re-emailed to the person in charge.
1 The food facility operator shall be the Person in Charge or shall designate a Person in Charge and shall ensure that a Person in Charge is present at the food facility during all hours of operation.
1 The Person in Charge did not demonstrate adequate knowledge of the Philadelphia Food Code.
6 Food employee observed donning single use gloves without a prior hand wash. Corrective Action: The food employee washed his hands upon the sanitarian's direction.
8 The handwash sink in the warewashing area was blocked by a cutting board and bowl and not accessible at all times for employee use. -The sink was unobstructed.
9 Food facility Person in Charge not able to provide documentation that cakes are from an approved source.
13 Organization observed in the reach-in refrigerator in the basement: -Cartons of milk -Raw fish & raw shell eggs -Potatoes prepared in the facility -Vegetables Correct organization of food storage in units to prevent contamination: -Ready to eat foods -Raw fish -Raw pork -Raw whole beef -Raw ground beef -Raw chicken and eggs
15 Observed raw shell eggs stored in the cold prep unit beside the flat top grill with damaged shells.
20 Observed eggs stored on the counter in the prep area held at 68.0 degrees F rather than 41 degrees F or below as required.
21 Observed foods prepared in the facility (cooked chicken, commercially open cheeses, cooked vegetables and potatoes, and repackaged cakes) without date markings of when the foods were opened or prepared.
33 Meat being thawed using an unapproved method. Food observed thawing at room temperature in the food prep sink.
35 Observed powder and water juices without labels.
36 -Visible physical evidence of rodent activity (mouse droppings) observed in the food prep, bar, and basement areas. -Live roach (adult and nymph) activity observed in the basement on glue traps.
43 Observed single use food containers stored un-inverted and not stored to prevent contamination.
45 -Non NSF/ANSI chest freezer and reach-in refrigerator observed in use in the basement. -Observed non food grade containers and bags in use for food storage in the reach-in units and chest freezer in the basement and in the cold prep unit in the prep area.
46 Three compartment sink observed without the wash, rinse, and sanitize labels.
47 -Mouse droppings observed on shelving with seasonings in the food prep area. -Ice accumulation observed in the reach-in refrigerator in the basement. -Residue observed on the interior bottom of the cold prep unit in the prep area.
51 No lid on trash can receptacle observed in restroom area.
51 Bathroom door observed not self closing.
52 Observed the dumpsters the facility utilizes for waste removal unable to be closed due to overflowing waste.
53 -Soiled glue traps observed in the basement. -Debris and grease observed on the floor in the prep area. -Debris observed behind the reach-in refrigerators and freezer in the basement. -Odor observed in the mop room. Mouse droppings observed on the floor in the following locations: -behind the trashcan opposite to the three compartment sink -in the corner beside the cold prep unit in the prep area -behind the refrigerator in the bar area -in the corner and along the perimeter of the floor in the basement -in the water heater room -at the bottom of the cellar door stairs -on the stairs that lead to the storm cellar door -on the ledge above the stairs that lead to the basement
53 Observed brooms and dustpans stored on the floor beside the warewashing station instead of elevated to promote floor cleaning.
53 Observed a mop stored in a mop bucket instead of elevated to promote air drying.
32nd Street Cafe
3251 Ridge Ave
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19132
Inspection Date: 10/16/2024

1 No person shall operate a food establishment that handles, prepares or serves non-prepackaged potentially hazardous food who does not have present and in the employ of the food establishment at all hours of operation at least one (1) person with a valid Food Establishment Personnel Food Safety Certificate issued by the Department. Corrective Action: The FSC was emailed to the person in charge.
8 Both handwash sinks in the food prep area was blocked by containers and not accessible at all times for employee use. Corrective Action: The containers were removed.
9 Food facility Person in Charge not able to provide documentation that cakes are from an approved source.
11 Dented canned item observed in basement dry storage area. Corrective Action: The can was segregated.
13 -Observed uncovered food in the reach-in refrigerator in the basement. -Observed raw shell eggs stored above RTE foods in the reach-in refrigerator in the basement.
21 Observed foods stored in the cold prep unit in the prep area without date markings. Corrective Action: The containers were marked with date markings.
26 Observed insecticides not labeled by the manufacturer for food facility usage, in the warewashing area.
35 Observed powder and water juices without labels.
36 -Visible physical evidence of rodent (mouse droppings) and insect (large and small flies) activity observed in the food prep, bar, and basement areas. -Live roach (adult and nymph) activity observed in the basement.
45 -Non NSF/ANSI chest freezer and reach-in refrigerator observed in use in the basement.
46 Food facility lacks chlorine sanitizer test strips to monitor sanitizer concentration.
46 Three compartment sink observed without the wash, rinse, and sanitize labels.
47 -Mouse droppings observed on shelving with seasonings in the food prep area. -Severe ice accumulation observed in the reach-in refrigerator in the basement. -Debris observed on the interior bottom of the reach-in freezer in the basement. -Standing water observed on the interior bottom of the reach-in refrigerator in the basement.
51 Bathroom door observed not self closing.
51 No lid on trash can receptacle observed in restroom area.
53 -Standing water observed on the floor in the mop room. -Glue trap in the basement observed with live roaches. -Debris and grease observed on the floor in the prep area. -Debris observed behind the reach-in refrigerators and freezer in the basement. Mouse droppings observed on the floor in the following locations: -behind the trashcan opposite to the three compartment sink -in the corner beside the cold prep unit in the prep area -behind the refrigerator in the bar area -in the mop room in the basement -in the corner and middle of the floor in the basement -in the water heater room -at the bottom of the cellar door stairs
32nd Street Cafe
3251 Ridge Ave
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19132
Inspection Date: 01/24/2024

1 The food facility operator shall be the Person in Charge or shall designate a Person in Charge and shall ensure that a Person in Charge is present at the food facility during all hours of operation.
36 Mouse droppings observed beneath bar, storage rack and in the basement area.
47 Clean interior of cold prep unit in food prep area
51 No lid on trash can receptacle observed in restroom area
53 Cleaning needed to remove debris and grimes observed on floor corners and perimeters of prep, bar and basement area.
53 Brooms and dustpan observed on floors while not in use and not properly stored and hanged off the floors to prevent vermin harborage.
53 Mops observed in bucket not hanging or properly stored while not in use, to allow for proper air drying
32nd Street Cafe
3251 Ridge Ave
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19132
Inspection Date: 10/16/2023

1 No person shall operate a food establishment that handles, prepares or serves non-prepackaged potentially hazardous food who does not have present and in the employ of the food establishment at all hours of operation at least one (1) person with a valid Food Establishment Personnel Food Safety Certificate issued by the Department. - Food manager present did not have city issued FSC - Certified personnel became present at the end of the inspection
8 The handwash sink in the food prep area was blocked by soiled dishes and not accessible at all times for employee use.
8 Old food residue, dishes and utensils observed in the handwash sink.
13 Fish observed thawing over 3 basin sink
14 Food prep sink observed soiled
21 Several prepare food items observed in cold holding units without date markings of preparation/opening
35 Label with general name of previously cooked food items not observed on side items stored in lower level reach-in refrigeration units
35 Working bulk food ingredient storage containers are not labeled with the common name of the food.
36 Fruit flies observed in and around potatoes Mouse droppings observed beneath bar, storage rack and in storage room
43 Food containers for take out are not stored inverted to prevent contamination
46 Food facility lacks sanitizer test strips to monitor sanitizer concentration.
46 - Warewashing sink should not be used for food prep - Warewashing sink observed soiled
47 Clean interior of cold prep unit in food prep area
49 Leak observed from the top of handsink
51 No lidded trashcan observed in restroom
53 Maintenance tools (such as brooms, mops, vacuum cleaners and similar items) shall be stored so that they do not contaminate food, equipment, utensils, linens and single-service and single-use articles, and in an orderly manner that facilitates cleaning the area used for storing the maintenance tools.
53 After use, mops shall be placed in a position that allows them to air-dry without soiling walls, equipment or supplies.
53 Cleaning required - broken glass and mouse droppings beneath bar area - food debris and grease floor surface beneath warewashing station and cooking equipment - debris steps - mouse droppings in hot water heater/storage room - mouse droppings flor beneath dry storage area located in basement
54 Hood filters have an accumulation of static dust and grease.
32nd Street Cafe
3251 Ridge Ave
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19132
Inspection Date: 06/05/2023

1 No person shall operate a food establishment that handles, prepares or serves non-prepackaged potentially hazardous food who does not have present and in the employ of the food establishment at all hours of operation at least one (1) person with a valid Food Establishment Personnel Food Safety Certificate issued by the Department. - Food manager present did not have city issued FSC - Certified personnel became present at the end of the inspection
8 Chicken observed thawing in handsink immediate handwashing not available -removed
8 No paper towel at handsink in warewashing area -provided
9 Eggs not in original packaging and receipt not provided
13 Ice used for consumption observed being used as coolant Chicken observed thawing in handsink -removed
21 Several prepare food items (crabs, egg rols, chicken) observed in cold holding units without date markings of preparation/opening
35 Label with general name of previously cooked food items not observed on side items stored in lower level reach-in refrigeration units
36 Live flies observed in lower level food storage area
37 Food observed not properly covered in cold prep unit causing drying and discoloration of uncooked food items
47 -Clean exterior of ice machine C-lean interior of cold prep unit in food prep area
52 Trash observed overflowing/ lid not closed causing fly attraction
54 Deep fryer does not fit under exhaust hood
32nd Street Cafe
3251 Ridge Ave
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19132
Inspection Date: 08/22/2022

39 Moist wiping cloths observed lying on prep table and not stored in sanitizing solution.
42 Preset tableware is not covered, wrapped inverted or otherwise protected from contamination.
43 Single-use disposable dishes observed not inverted or covered to prevent contamination.
45 Cutting boards observed with deep scratches and scoring not allowing for effective cleaning and sanitizing.
47 -Cleaning needed on countertops and prep table to remove food debris observed during the inspection. -Ice accumulation observed inside chest freezer in the basement area.
47 Grease & soil accumulation observed underneath cooking equipment and on floors behind cooking stoves.
53 Cleaning needed on corner floors of basement and storage areas to remove debris observed in utility sink in the basement area.
53 Broom and dustpan observed not hanging off the floors to prevent vermin harborage.
53 Mop observed inside mop bucket in utility room not hanging or properly stored to allow for proper air drying.
71 The facility has failed to install physical barriers such as sneeze guards or partitions at cash registers, host stands, or food pickup areas where maintaining physical distance of at least 6 feet is difficult.
32nd Street Cafe
3251 Ridge Ave
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19132
Inspection Date: 06/22/2022

1 No person shall operate a food establishment that handles, prepares or serves non-prepackaged potentially hazardous food who does not have present and in the employ of the food establishment at all hours of operation at least one (1) person with a valid Food Establishment Personnel Food Safety Certificate issued by the Department. Email city of Philadelphia food safety certificate application to establishment.
8 No sign or poster posted at the handwash sink in the prep area to remind food employees to wash their hands. PIC states that the placard keeps falling off but they have been adviced to get stickers instead.
36 Visible physical evidence of rodent (mice) / insect (flies and roaches) activity observed in the prep and basement area.
39 Moist wiping cloths observed lying on prep table and not stored in sanitizing solution.
42 Preset tableware is not covered, wrapped inverted or otherwise protected from contamination.
43 Single-use disposable dishes observed not inverted or covered to prevent contamination.
45 Cutting boards observed with deep scratches and scoring not allowing for effective cleaning and sanitizing.
47 -Cleaning needed on countertops and prep table to remove food debris observed during the inspection. -Bottom shelves of reach-in refrigerator unit observed with debris spills and soiled that needs to be cleaned up
47 Grease & soil accumulation observed underneath cooking equipment and on floors behind cooking stoves.
53 Cleaning needed on floors and corner floors of prep, retail, basement and storage areas to remove dirt, debris and droppings observed in floor corners underneath cupboard and storage shelves.
53 Broom and dustpan observed not hanging off the floors to prevent vermin harborage.
53 Mop observed inside mop bucket in utility room not hanging or properly stored to allow for proper air drying.
70 The facility has failed to require employees and customers to mask while on site except only: - As necessary for the employee to eat or drink during break times (the employee should be seated at least 6 feet from others when taking off mask) - While customers are eating and drinking while seated at a table
71 The facility has failed to install physical barriers such as sneeze guards or partitions at cash registers, host stands, or food pickup areas where maintaining physical distance of at least 6 feet is difficult.
32nd Street Cafe
3251 Ridge Ave
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19132
Inspection Date:  

 
 Inspections