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Restaurant · Wake County, NC

Scratch Kitchen Taproom Cary

160 E Cedar St

Last inspected Jun 17, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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Score 98

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More issues recentlyThe latest inspection recorded more violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

7 inspections

1 - Inspection

Jun 17, 2026

Score 98

Official score: 98 · Understand this area’s scale

5 recorded violations

notedCode 2-401.11 (A) Except when drinking from a closed beverage containerEmployee health and hygiene

Official wording

Proper eating; tasting; drinking or tobacco use

Inspector’s notes

2-401.11 (A) Except when drinking from a closed beverage container; employees shall eat; drink; or use any form of tobacco only in designated areas where the contamination of exposed food; clean equipment and utensils; and other items needing protection can not result. Observed two employee drinks stored on a preparation surface. Drinks were relocated during inspection.

In plain English

This covers things like hair restraints, jewelry, clean clothing, eating or drinking in food prep areas, touching ready-to-eat food with bare hands, or not having a sick-employee policy.

More about employee hygiene or health policy issues
notedCode 6-301.11Handwashing

Official wording

Handwashing sinks supplied & accessible

Inspector’s notes

6-301.11; Priority Foundation; The hand soap dispenser at the hand sink next to the grill line was not dispensing soap. Soap shall be always available for employees to clean their hands. CDI-A independent soap dispenser was provided. CDI inspection by unjamming dispenser.

In plain English

Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.

More about handwashing problems
notedCode —Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized

Inspector’s notes

4-601.11 (A) EQUIPMENT FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES and UTENSILS shall be clean to sight and touch. Pf both dicer and slicer on clean equipment rack were not clean to sight and touch. Blade for both pieces of equipment had food debris. CDI by placing both pieces of equipment inside wash compartment of 3 comp sink. Note this is a repeat violation if violation reoccurs full point deduction is possible.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 3-501.15 Quickly cool foods. Use methods such as open/vented shallow pansFood temperature

Official wording

Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control

Inspector’s notes

3-501.15 Quickly cool foods. Use methods such as open/vented shallow pans; large ice baths and active stirring. Cold air must flow around product to remove the heat. -Pf Observed mushrooms cooling inside a closed container at 70+ degrees. Observed chicken and rice cooling ambiently below 135F. Ensure once food fall sbe;woer 135F that active cooling inside a cold environment occurs so food will reach 70F then 41F within the correct parameters. .

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
notedCode 3-501.13 (E ) Reduced oxygen packaged fishFood temperature

Official wording

Approved thawing methods used

Inspector’s notes

3-501.13 (E ) Reduced oxygen packaged fish; required to be kept frozen until time of use per labeling; shall be removed from the reduced oxygen environment prior to thawing under refrigeration or upon completion of thawing using running water. Observed large batch of salmon fillets in ROP thawed with pakcages still in tack. CDI by quickly cutting packages and placing in walk in cooler.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature

Official record from Wake County Environmental Services, Jun 17, 2026 · Original Source

1 - Inspection

Jan 22, 2026

Score 98.5

Official score: 98.5 · Understand this area’s scale

1 recorded violation

notedCode 4-601.11(A)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized

Inspector’s notes

4-601.11(A); Priority Foundation; Two stacks of plates stored on the make line for service had food splash on them. Equipment food contact surfaces and utensils shall be clean to sight and touch. Ensure plates for service are clean. CDI-Stacks were returned to dish pit for service.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

Official record from Wake County Environmental Services, Jan 22, 2026 · Original Source

1 - Inspection

Aug 19, 2025

Score 97

Official score: 97 · Understand this area’s scale

4 recorded violations

notedCode 3-501.14 Cooling (P) Cooked rice and potato saladFood temperature

Official wording

Proper cooling time & temperatures

Inspector’s notes

3-501.14 Cooling (P) Cooked rice and potato salad; both of which were cooked and cooled from yesterday (8/18/25); observed between 44-45 F in the walk in cooler. Foods shall be cooled within 2 hours from 135F to 70F and to 41 F within a total of 6 hours. Corrected During Inspection - PIC immediately discarded these items.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
notedCode 3-501.15 Cooling Methods (Pf) RiceFood temperature

Official wording

Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control

Inspector’s notes

3-501.15 Cooling Methods (Pf) Rice; potato salad; pulled pork; and cheese sauce were observed cooling in covered; stacked containers that does not allow adequate air flow to product for rapid cooling. Pimento cheese was observed cooling in large; deep; covered container inside walk in cooler. Quickly cool foods using methods such as open/vented shallow pans; large ice baths and active stirring. Cold air must flow around product to facilitate heat transfer. Corrected During Inspection - Cheese sauce and pimento cheese were transferred into smaller containers to continue the cooling process. Pulled pork was removed and placed on sheet pans and onto speed rack in walk in cooler for rapid cooling. Rice and potato salad were immediately discarded.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
notedCode —Food temperature

Official wording

Approved thawing methods used

Inspector’s notes

3-501.13 Thawing (Pf) Frozen lump crab was observed thawing in prep sink in standing water. Foods in the process of thawing shall be under cold running water or placed under refrigeration to thaw. Corrected During Inspection - PIC turned cold running water on to flow over product for remaining thawing process.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
notedCode 6-501.11 Repairing - PremisesCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Physical facilities installed; maintained & clean

Inspector’s notes

6-501.11 Repairing - Premises; Structures; Attachments; and Fixtures - Methods (C) Air vent condensation observed slowly dripping onto prep table at expo line.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

Official record from Wake County Environmental Services, Aug 19, 2025 · Original Source

1 - Inspection

Nov 4, 2024

Score 98

Official score: 98 · Understand this area’s scale

2 recorded violations

notedCode 3-501.15 PFFood temperature

Official wording

Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control

Inspector’s notes

3-501.15 PF; Melon and cole slaw made today were stored in large; deep pans with tight lids for cooling. Quickly cool foods. Use methods such as open/vented shallow pans; large ice baths and active stirring. Cold air must flow around product to remove the heat. Foods may remain uncovered as long as it is protected from splash while cooling. CDI-Foods were moved to shallow pans in the walk in cooler; to allow rapid cooling. Educational materials on cooling provided to PIC via email. .

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
majorCode 6-501.111 Controlling Pests (Pf)Pests

Official wording

Insects & rodents not present; no unauthorized animals

Inspector’s notes

6-501.111 Controlling Pests (Pf); Flies were in the grill line and back room of kitchen. The kitchen must be maintained free of pests. Contact pest control company for recommendations for controlling pests in the kitchen. PIC stated next service is scheduled for next week. EC will return in 10 days to verify pests are under control.

In plain English

The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.

More about signs of rodents or insects

Official record from Wake County Environmental Services, Nov 4, 2024 · Original Source

1 - Inspection

Jun 3, 2024

Score 93.5

Official score: 93.5 · Understand this area’s scale

7 recorded violations

criticalCode 2-301.14Handwashing

Official wording

Hands clean & properly washed

Inspector’s notes

2-301.14; Priority; Hands were not washed as needed by multiple employees when changing gloves; including after handling raw chicken; and after handling soiled dishes; and before handling clean dishes. Hands shall be washed: After touching body parts; after using the toilet room; after handling animals; after coughing; sneezing; using a handkerchief or disposable tissue; using tobacco; eating; or drinking; during food preparation; as often as necessary to remove soil and contamination and to prevent cross contamination when changing tasks; when switching between working with raw and ready to eat foods; before donning gloves for working with food; and after engaging in any other activity that contaminates hands. CDI-Hands were washed. Reviewed hand washing requirements with PIC; and provided educational materials in Spanish and English to PIC via email.

In plain English

Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.

More about handwashing problems
majorCode 6-301.11Handwashing

Official wording

Handwashing sinks supplied & accessible

Inspector’s notes

6-301.11; Priority Foundation; The hand soap dispenser at the hand sink next to the grill line was not dispensing soap. Soap shall be always available for employees to clean their hands. CDI-A independent soap dispenser was provided.

In plain English

Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.

More about handwashing problems
criticalCode 3-501.14Food temperature

Official wording

Proper cooling time & temperatures

Inspector’s notes

3-501.14; Priority; Foods cooked early this morning (4:30 am) and yesterday evening (pulled pork; rice; potato salad) were holding 51F today at 2:30 pm. TCS (Time/Temperature Control for Safety) foods shall cool rapidly from 135F to 70F within 2 hours; and from 70F to 41F within 4 hours; for a total of 6 hours cooling time. CDI-Foods that did not cool fast enough were voluntarily discarded. Reviewed cooling time requirements with PIC; and provided educational materials on cooling in Spanish and English to PIC via email.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
majorCode 3-501.17Food source and labeling

Official wording

Proper date marking & disposition

Inspector’s notes

3-501.17; Priority Foundation; Foods in different containers; but part of the same batch made the same day; had different preparation dates on the labels. Foods shall be labeled with the correct date of preparation; and be discarded within 7 days of that date. If incorrect date is on the label; food will not be discarded within the proper time frame. CDI-Food was allowed to be correctly date marked; as it was made yesterday and today. Educational materials on date marking in Spanish and English was provided via email to PIC.

In plain English

Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.

More about food source, dating, or labeling problems
majorCode 3-501.15Food temperature

Official wording

Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control

Inspector’s notes

3-501.15; Priority Foundation; Foods to be cooled were stacked on top of other cooling food items; in large; deep pans with tight lids. TCS foods shall be cooled using one or more of the following methods: Dividing food into smaller portions; placing food in pans 2inches or less; using rapid cooling equipment; stirring food in an ice bath; using metal containers; adding ice as an ingredient; or other effective methods. Food shall be left uncovered; or loosely covered; if it can be protected from contamination. CDI-Educational materials provided on cooling methods.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
minorCode 6-501.111Pests

Official wording

Insects & rodents not present; no unauthorized animals

Inspector’s notes

6-501.111; Core; There were a few flies in the dining room and kitchen. The premises shall be maintained free of insects and other pests. Recommend fans or blowers at entrances to prevent flies from coming into facility.

In plain English

The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.

More about signs of rodents or insects
minorCode 4-501.11Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Equipment; food & non-food contact surfaces approved; cleanable; properly designed; constructed & used

Inspector’s notes

4-501.11; Core; Shelving throughout the facility is beginning to rust; especially in the dish drying and storage area. Equipment shall be maintained in good repair. Repaint/replace rusting shelving.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

Official record from Wake County Environmental Services, Jun 3, 2024 · Original Source

1 - Inspection

Feb 27, 2024

Score 100

Official score: 100 · Understand this area’s scale

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Wake County Environmental Services, Feb 27, 2024 · Original Source

1 - Inspection

Oct 6, 2023

Score 96.5

Official score: 96.5 · Understand this area’s scale

4 recorded violations

criticalCode 3-501.16 (A)(2) and (B)Food temperature

Official wording

Proper cold holding temperatures

Inspector’s notes

3-501.16 (A)(2) and (B); Priority; Multiple TCS foods were holding above 41F in several units (see above list). TCS foods shall be cold held at 41F or below. CDI-Melon was just cut; and was moved to the walk in cooler to chill. Items in the ice bath were just put out for lunch service; and were moved to a cooler; where they will be stored from now on. The breading station was missing its lid; which was replaced. Ice was placed into food safe bags; and put on top of the food. This unit was allowed to be placed on temporary Time as a Public Health Control; until the unit can be serviced today or tomorrow. EC will check back next week to verify repair.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
majorCode 3-501.15Food temperature

Official wording

Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control

Inspector’s notes

3-501.15; Priority Foundation; Cut melon was placed into large; deep pans with tight lids for cooling. Foods shall be rapidly chilled using one or more of the following methods: Dividing food into smaller portions; placing food in pans 2inches or less; using rapid cooling equipment; stirring food in an ice bath; using metal containers; adding ice as an ingredient; or other effective methods. Food shall be left uncovered; or loosely covered; if it can be protected from contamination. CDI-Educational materials provided on cooling to PIC. Foods were spread out onto baking trays to cool; and were cooling at 0.12 degrees/minute.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
minorCode 3-304.14Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Wiping cloths: properly used & stored

Inspector’s notes

3-304.14; Core; Wet wiping cloths were stored on the prep counter in between uses. Wet wiping cloths shall be stored in a sanitizing solution in between uses. CDI-A sanitizer bucket was provided to the prep area; and cloths were submerged in the solution.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
minorCode 4-602.13Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Non-food contact surfaces clean

Inspector’s notes

4-602.13; Core; The sprayer at the dish machine had some residue on the handle. Non food contact surfaces of equipment shall be maintained clean. Clean the handle of the sprayer.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

Official record from Wake County Environmental Services, Oct 6, 2023 · Original Source

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