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Cincinnati, OH

Elephant Walk

170 W Mcmillan St

Last inspected Sep 24, 2025 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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Approved - Violations Abated
ImprovingThe latest inspection recorded fewer violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

6 inspections

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Sep 24, 2025

Approved - Violations Abated

1 recorded violation

notedCode 3.4(F)(1)(b)Food temperature

Official wording

3.4(F)(1)(b) - VI. Time/Temperature Controlled Safety Food - Time/Temperature Controlled for Safety Food - Cold Holding

Inspector’s notes

TCS foods were being held at temperatures >41° F. Observed that the food in the compartment cooler in the kitchen line holding temperatures greater than 41°F. TCS food items are inside the cooler. Both the ambient thermometer inside the unit and a probe thermometer measurement of food items read approximately 57°F. The Person in Charge (PIC) stated the morning prep cook leaves cooler doors open during stocking as the reason why temperature is high. The PIC monitored the cooler after the inspection and later provided picture confirmation that the temperature dropped below 41°F. The PIC instructed the prep cook to avoid leaving cooler doors open during stocking to prevent future occurrences.

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 Cincinnati Health Department, Sep 24, 2025 · Original Source

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

Sep 23, 2025

Not In Compliance

7 recorded violations

notedCode 6.4(A)Facility maintenance

Official wording

6.4(A) - Repairing

Inspector’s notes

The physical facilities were not maintained in good repair. Observed a baseboard strip behind the kitchen line is separating from the wall creating a gap. Area must be thoroughly cleaned and the baseboard replaced or repaired to maintain a cleanable and sanitary surface.

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues
notedCode 4.5(A)(2)(3)Food temperature

Official wording

4.5(A)(2)(3) - Food-Contact Surfaces of Cooking Equipment and Pans and Nonfood-Contact Surfaces Equipment

Inspector’s notes

The food contact surfaces of cooking equipment and pans and Nonfood contact surfaces of equipment are to be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris. 1. Observed soiled coolers in the kitchen. Must be cleaned. 2. Observed soiled magnetic knife holder. Must be cleaned. 3. Dust pan is soiled. Must be cleaned.

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 6.4(K)Pests

Official wording

6.4(K) - Controlling Pests

Inspector’s notes

The presence of insects, rodents, and other pests is not being adequately controlled or minimized. Observed gnats around a container of unpeeled onions in the kitchen area. The presence of insects shall be controlled to minimize their presence on the premises. Ensure proper pest control measures are implemented and monitor food storage areas .

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
notedCode 3.4(F)(1)(b)Food temperature

Official wording

3.4(F)(1)(b) - VI. Time/Temperature Controlled Safety Food - Time/Temperature Controlled for Safety Food - Cold Holding

Inspector’s notes

TCS foods were being held at temperatures >41° F. Time/temperature controlled for safety (TCS) foods were observed in the multiple-compartment cooler at temperatures greater than 41°F. Both the ambient thermometer and food temperatures were reading approximately 57°F. The person in charge (PIC) was instructed to discard all food items that had been held in the cooler overnight.

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 6.4(B)(1)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

6.4(B)(1) - Cleaning- Frequency and Restrictions

Inspector’s notes

The physical facilities are not cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean. 1. Observed grease accumulation behind the fryer. Must be cleaned. 2. Observed trash and food debris underneath counters in the kitchen. Must be cleaned.

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 6.1(I)(1)Facility maintenance

Official wording

6.1(I)(1) - Light bulbs - protective shielding

Inspector’s notes

Light bulbs were not shielded or shatter-resistant in required areas. Observed unshielded light fixture in the kitchen food prep area. Light bulbs shall be shielded or shatter-resistant to protect food and equipment from contamination in the event of breakage. Provide proper light shielding.

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues
notedCode 4.4(A)(2)Equipment and utensils

Official wording

4.4(A)(2) - Equipment - Good Repair and Proper Adjustment

Inspector’s notes

Equipment components were not intact, tight or properly adjusted. 1. Observed damaged gaskets on two different refrigeration units. Torn and worn gasket material can compromise temperature control and is difficult to clean. Gaskets must be replaced to ensure proper sealing. 2. Observed damaged lids for container stored in the cooler. Must be replaced to make sure damaged or chipped pieces do not fall into the food and so that it is properly covered.

In plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues

Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, Sep 23, 2025 · Original Source

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

May 5, 2025

Approved - Minor Violations

5 recorded violations

notedCode 4.5(A)(2)(3)Food temperature

Official wording

4.5(A)(2)(3) - Food-Contact Surfaces of Cooking Equipment and Pans and Nonfood-Contact Surfaces Equipment

Inspector’s notes

The food contact surfaces of cooking equipment and pans and Nonfood contact surfaces of equipment are to be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris. Observed shelfs holding clean equipment and dishes has dust and other debris on it. Must be cleaned.

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 4.5(D)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

4.5(D) - Nonfood-contact surfaces - cleaning frequency

Inspector’s notes

Nonfood-contact surfaces are not cleaned frequently enough. 1. The hot and cold handles at the hand washing station were observed to be soiled. These must be thoroughly cleaned. 2. Stains noted inside multiple coolers, and food debris is accumulating on the gaskets. These areas must be cleaned promptly. 3. Grease accumulation on the ventilation hood. Must be cleaned more frequently. 4. Observed soiled industrial can opener. Must be cleaned.

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 6.1(F)(1)Facility maintenance

Official wording

6.1(F)(1) - Wall and ceiling - coverings and coatings

Inspector’s notes

Wall and ceiling coverings were not attached so that they are easily cleanable. Observed missing panel for covering ceiling lights. There must be proper shielding or covering of light fixtures to prevent contamination of food

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues
notedCode 3.2(K)Equipment and utensils

Official wording

3.2(K) - In-use utensils - between-use storage

Inspector’s notes

In-use utensils are improperly stored. Observed ice scoops stored on top of ice machine. Must be stored in a clean container. PIC placed the ice scoop in a clean plastic wrap.

In plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues
notedCode 20.0(B)Equipment and utensils

Official wording

20.0(B) - Existing Facilities and Equipment-Requirements for Replacement

Inspector’s notes

Existing equipment/facilities no longer meet requirements and must be replaced. The interior panel of the prep cooler lid is observed to be coming loose. It must be repaired or replaced to ensure proper function and sanitation.

In plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues

Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, May 5, 2025 · Original Source

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

Dec 26, 2024

Approved - Minor Violations

3 recorded violations

notedCode 3.4(F)(1)(b)Food temperature

Official wording

3.4(F)(1)(b) - VI. Time/Temperature Controlled Safety Food - TCS - hot and cold holding

Inspector’s notes

TCS foods were being held at temperatures >41° F. Observed TCS (time/temperature control for safety) food in the small refrigerator near the kitchen line at temperatures above 41°F. PIC removed all food items from the cooler until any needed repairs are completed.

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 4.1(Y)Food temperature

Official wording

4.1(Y) - Temperature Measuring Devices

Inspector’s notes

Temperature measuring devices are missing, not correctly placed, not readable, or of improper design. Observed missing ambient air thermometers in the prep cooler on the kitchen line and the small cooler near the kitchen line. A thermometer must be present to measure temperatures.

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 4.5(A)(2)(3)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

4.5(A)(2)(3) - Equipment, food-contact surfaces, nonfood-contact surfaces, and utensils

Inspector’s notes

Non-food contact surfaces are dirty. 1. Observed food debris around the prep cooler hood. Must be cleaned. 2. Observed food debris accumulation on and around the can opener blade. Must be cleaned.

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 Cincinnati Health Department, Dec 26, 2024 · Original Source

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

Oct 8, 2024

Approved - Minor Violations

4 recorded violations

notedCode 4.5(A)(2)(3)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

4.5(A)(2)(3) - Equipment, food-contact surfaces, nonfood-contact surfaces, and utensils

Inspector’s notes

Non-food contact surfaces are dirty. i. Observed accumulation inside the soda gun drip guard by the bar. Must be cleaned and sanitized regularly. ii. Observed accumulation of debris on and around the blade of the industrial can opener, which may pose a contamination risk. Must be cleaned and sanitized. iii. Observed food debris accumulation around the top of the prep cooler. Must be cleaned.

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 4.5(A)(1)Contamination

Official wording

4.5(A)(1) - VII. Protection from Contamination - Equipment cleanliness

Inspector’s notes

Food-contact surfaces were dirty. Observed small amount of build up of black residue inside the ice machine. Must be emptied and properly cleaned and sanitized.

In plain English

Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.

More about food not protected from contamination
notedCode 4.2(I)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

4.2(I) - Sanitizing solutions

Inspector’s notes

There is no test kit available for measuring the concentration of the sanitizer. Observed missing test kit for quaternary ammonium based sanitizer used in the three sink compartment. PIC does have proper sanitizer test strip for dishwashing machine that is chlorine based. Will only use dish washing machine.

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 4.4(A)(1)Equipment and utensils

Official wording

4.4(A)(1) - Equipment

Inspector’s notes

Equipment and/or components were not maintained in good working order. observed gasket on the small cooler by the buffet area was loose at the top. Must be maintained in good repair and cleanable condition to prevent contamination. A loose or damaged gasket can lead to improper sealing, which may cause temperature fluctuations or allow contaminants to enter, potentially violating food safety regulations related to proper storage and temperature control.

In plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues

Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, Oct 8, 2024 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Nov 6, 2023

Not Abated

8 recorded violations

notedCode 3717-1-02.4(A)(2)Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

"3717-1-02.4(A)(2) - Violation - PIC-Level 2 Certification No manager has level 2 certification in food protection."

Inspector’s notes

"PIC-Level 2 Certification No manager has level 2 certification in food protection."

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues
notedCode 3717-1-07.1(A)Chemicals

Official wording

"3717-1-07.1(A) - Violation - Poisonous/toxic material-storage separation Poisonous/toxic materials are stored in a manner that could contaminate food, equipment, utensils, linens, or single-service or single-use articles."

Inspector’s notes

"OBSERVATION: Insecticide was stored above clean containers and utensils on shelf in dishwashing area. CORRECTIVE ACTION: Operator removed chemical from facility."

In plain English

Cleaning products, pesticides, or other chemicals were stored or labeled in a way that could let them get into food. This is serious because chemical contamination can make people sick quickly.

More about chemicals stored or used unsafely
notedCode 3717-1-02.3(C)Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

"3717-1-02.3(C) - Violation - Hair restraints, effectiveness Food employee(s) did not have their hair effectively restrained."

Inspector’s notes

"Employees were not wearing hair coverings during food preparation."

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 3717-1-04.4(A)(2)Equipment and utensils

Official wording

"3717-1-04.4(A)(2) - Violation - Equipment,good repair, doors, seals Equipment components were not intact, tight or properly adjusted. "

Inspector’s notes

"1. Exposed insulation on small under the counter reach-in-cooler. Replace panel/cover. 2. Missing door on small under the counter reach-in-cooler on cookline. Repair a work in progress. 3. Three panels of hood filters were missing underneath the ventilation hood. Replace. 4. Blown lights underneath ventilation hood. Replace."

In plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues
notedCode 3717-1-04.4(B)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

"3717-1-04.4(B) - Violation - Cutting surfaces. Cutting surface(s) unable to be effectively cleaned and sanitized."

Inspector’s notes

"Deep cuts/scoring on cutting boards observed on the cookline."

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 3717-1-03.2(C)(1)(a)Contamination

Official wording

"3717-1-03.2(C)(1)(a) - Violation - Preventing Contamination by Separation, Packaging, and Segregation Ready-to-eat food was not protected from cross-contamination by raw animal food."

Inspector’s notes

"OBSERVATION: A tray of raw shell eggs were stored directly on cooked potatoes in the kitchen reach-in-cooler. CORRECTIVE ACTION: Operator moved eggs."

In plain English

Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.

More about food not protected from contamination
notedCode 3717-1-04.0(A)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

"3717-1-04.0(A) - Violation - Multiuse Utensils Contact Surfaces, Materials Material characteristics of utensils and or food contact surfaces do not meet standards."

Inspector’s notes

"Cracked food storage containers and lids observed on the dish shelf in the kitchen. Replace containers when they are no longer smooth and easily cleanable."

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 3717-1-05.3(C)Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

"3717-1-05.3(C) - Violation - Drainage system-prohibited direct connections A direct connection exists between the sewage system and a drain originating from equipment in which food, portable equipment, or utensils are placed."

Inspector’s notes

"OBSERVATION: 1. Drain pipe of the ice machine was below the rim of the floor drain. 2. Ice bin drain tubes were inside the drain at the fountain drink machine. CORRECTIVE ACTION: Operator will install air gaps as required."

In plain English

The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.

More about water, plumbing, or sewage problems

Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, Nov 6, 2023 · Original Source

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