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Cincinnati, OH

Sidewinder Coffee

4181 Hamilton Av

Last inspected Sep 1, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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Approved - Minor Violations

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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 1, 2026

Approved - Minor Violations

3 recorded violations

notedCode 3.2(M)(2)(a)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

3.2(M)(2)(a) - Wiping cloths - use limitation

Inspector’s notes

Wet wiping cloth was not maintained in a sanitizer solution between uses.

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(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. Observed build up on racks in prep area. They 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 3.5(C)(2)(e)Food source and labeling

Official wording

3.5(C)(2)(e) - Food Labeling - Allergens

Inspector’s notes

A food label did not include the name of the food source of each major food allergen contained in a food unless the food source is already part of the common or usual name of the respective ingredient. Observed unlabeled cheese sticks in grab and go cooler. Cheese sticks were moved to be behind the counter. +COS

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

Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, Sep 1, 2026 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Sep 24, 2025

Approved - Minor Violations

4 recorded violations

notedCode 3.2(D)Other

Official wording

3.2(D) - Food Storage Containers - Identified with Common Name of Food

Inspector’s notes

Working containers of food are not properly labeled. Unlabeled bulk container of white chocolate and Carmel bottle.

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
notedCode 7.0(B)Chemicals

Official wording

7.0(B) - X. Chemical - Working Containers - Common Name

Inspector’s notes

Working containers of poisonous/toxic materials are not labeled. Unlabeled dish soap. Must labele all chemicals.

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 2.3(A)Contamination

Official wording

2.3(A) - II. Good Hygienic Practices - Food Contamination Prevention - Eating, Drinking, or Using Tobacco Products

Inspector’s notes

Employees were eating, drinking or using tobacco in non-designated areas. Open cup of employee's drink in food prep. Area. Corrected on site.

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 3.2(C)(1)(H)Contamination

Official wording

3.2(C)(1)(H) - VII. Protection from Contamination - Packaged and Unpackaged Food - Separation, Packaging, and Segregation

Inspector’s notes

Food is stored unwrapped or in uncovered containers. Uncovered containers of chocolate and white chocolate powder. Keep all food covered to prevent contamination.

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

Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, Sep 24, 2025 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Apr 25, 2025

Approved - Minor Violations

5 recorded violations

notedCode 5.1(L)(1)Handwashing

Official wording

5.1(L)(1) - III. Preventing Contamination by Hands - Handwashing Sinks - Location and Placement

Inspector’s notes

Handwashing facility is not located to allow convenient use by employees.

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 5.1(O)(1)Handwashing

Official wording

5.1(O)(1) - III. Preventing Contamination by Hands - Using a handwashing sink - Operation and Maintenance

Inspector’s notes

Access to handwashing facility blocked. Hand washing sink blocked by tray and drainer. Keep hand washing sink available for hand washing at all time. REPEAT VIOLATION.

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 3.2(M)(2)(a)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

3.2(M)(2)(a) - Wiping cloths - use limitation

Inspector’s notes

Wet wiping cloth was not maintained in a sanitizer solution between uses. Wet wiping clothes to clean steam nozzle and food contact surfaces was not maintained in sanitizer solution. Keep wet wiping clothes in sanitizer solution after each use to keep bacterial growth in control.

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 6.4(A)Facility maintenance

Official wording

6.4(A) - Repairing

Inspector’s notes

The physical facilities were not maintained in good repair. No splash guard on hand sink in food prep. area. Install splash guard top prevent splashing during hand washing on food and food contact surfaces stored close to hand sink.

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(Y)Contamination

Official wording

3.2(Y) - Miscellaneous Sources of Contamination

Inspector’s notes

Miscellaneous sources of contamination observed. Food and food contact surfaces stored behind and side of hand washing sink. Keep it away from hand sink to prevent contamination. Corrected on site.

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

Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, Apr 25, 2025 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Oct 31, 2024

Approved - Minor Violations

8 recorded violations

notedCode 5.1(O)(1)Handwashing

Official wording

5.1(O)(1) - III. Preventing Contamination by Hands - Using a handwashing facility

Inspector’s notes

Access to handwashing facility blocked. Hand sink blocked by dish drying rack. Keep hand sink available for hand washing at all time. REPEAT VIOLATION. Corrected on site.

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 3.2(D)Other

Official wording

3.2(D) - Food Storage containers

Inspector’s notes

Working containers of food are not properly labeled. Unlabeled white chocolate powder big container on bottom shelf of rack.

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
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. No sanitizer test strips available for Quaternary Ammonia to check conc. of sainitizer. Provide test strips.

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 5.1(O)(2)Handwashing

Official wording

5.1(O)(2) - III. Preventing Contamination by Hands - Using handwashing facility

Inspector’s notes

Handwashing facility is being used for purposes other than handwashing. Obsered drying rack and other food related items on and around the hand sink. Keep hand washing sink available for hand washing at all time. REPEAT VIOLATION. Corrected on site.

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 4.4(P)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

4.4(P) - Warewashing equipment

Inspector’s notes

Sanitizer concentration is not being monitored. No sanitizer in sanitizer solution used to clean espresso 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 4.8(G)(1)Other

Official wording

4.8(G)(1) - Kitchenware and tableware

Inspector’s notes

Single-service or single-use articles or cleaned and sanitized utensils were not handled, displayed, and dispensed so that contamination of food-and lip-contact surfaces is prevented. Clean silverware stored handle down in caddy.

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
notedCode 5.1(G)Handwashing

Official wording

5.1(G) - III. Preventing Contamination by Hands - Handwashing facilities

Inspector’s notes

This food facility does not have the required number of conveniently located handwashing sinks. Hand washin facility installed in the corner of counter not easy to use, and all 6 inspection blocked with drying rack or food related items. Keep hand sink always available for hand washing or change location so it wont be block and used for other purpose.

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 3.2(M)(2)(a)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

3.2(M)(2)(a) - Wiping cloths

Inspector’s notes

Wet wiping cloth was not maintained in a sanitizer solution between uses. Wet wiping cloths on table and was not maintained in sanitizer solution. Corrected on site.

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, Oct 31, 2024 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Jun 15, 2024

Approved - Minor Violations

9 recorded violations

notedCode 3.5(C)Food source and labeling

Official wording

3.5(C) - Food labels

Inspector’s notes

Food is not properly labeled. No ingredients information on self serve scones on front counter.

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
notedCode 4.8(G)(1)Other

Official wording

4.8(G)(1) - Kitchenware and tableware

Inspector’s notes

Single-service or single-use articles or cleaned and sanitized utensils were not handled, displayed, and dispensed so that contamination of food-and lip-contact surfaces is prevented. Spatulas stored handles down in containers. Store all utensils and silverware handles up to prevent contamination.

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
notedCode 3.4(F)(1)(a)Food temperature

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

TCS foods were being hot held at temperatures <135° F or a roast <130° F. Chicken noodle soup held on temp.112 F. Corrected on site.

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)(1)Contamination

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Food-contact surfaces were dirty. 1 Slicer spikes soiled with old meat residues in the front. 2 Scoop store in soiled container. Clean container regularly to preven contamination. Both corrected on site.

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 3.2(Y)Contamination

Official wording

3.2(Y) - Miscellaneous sources of contamination

Inspector’s notes

Miscellaneous sources of contamination observed. Sanitizer made in soiled and greasy bucket in and out side. Use clean container for sanitizer solution to prevent contamination of food contact surfaces when wipe. Corrected on site.

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 4.5(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. Top surface of line cooler soiled with dust and dirt.

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 5.1(O)(1)Handwashing

Official wording

5.1(O)(1) - III. Preventing Contamination by Hands - Using a handwashing facility

Inspector’s notes

Access to handwashing facility blocked. Hand washing sink was completely blocked by tray and other items. Keep hand sink available at all time for hand washing.

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 3.4(G)(1)Food temperature

Official wording

3.4(G)(1) - VI. Time/Temperature Controlled Safety Food - Ready-to-eat, TCS - date marking

Inspector’s notes

Refrigerated, ready-to-eat, TCS food that is prepared in the food facility and held refrigerated for more than 24 hours is not properly date marked. Deli meat in cold case in the front date marked for 8 days. Date mark for maximum 7 days. Count day one when food opened or prepared. Corrected on site.

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 3.2(M)(2)(a)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

3.2(M)(2)(a) - Wiping cloths

Inspector’s notes

Wet wiping cloth was not maintained in a sanitizer solution between uses. Wet wiping cloth stored in solution in which there was no sanitizer measured on test strips. Keep wet wiping cloths in sanitizer solution. Corrected on site.

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, Jun 15, 2024 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Nov 8, 2023

Not Abated

5 recorded violations

notedCode 3717-1-04.8(E)(1)Contamination

Official wording

"3717-1-04.8(E)(1) - Violation - Equipment, linens, single-service items-storage. Cleaned equipment or utensils, laundered linens, or single-service or single-use articles are not stored in a clean, dry location, protected from contamination."

Inspector’s notes

"Clean utensils stored in soiled container. Cleaned equipment or utensils, laundered linens, or single-service or single-use articles are not stored in a clean, dry location, protected from contamination."

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 3717-1-02.3(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

"Two food employees did not have their hair effectively restrained."

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 3717-1-03.2(D)Food source and labeling

Official wording

"3717-1-03.2(D) - Violation - Food Storage containers-common name ID Working containers of food are not properly labeled."

Inspector’s notes

"Unlabeled white chocolate mocha working and bulk containers and spice containers. Working containers of food are not properly labeled."

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
notedCode 3717-1-04.1(K)(2)Food temperature

Official wording

"3717-1-04.1(K)(2) - Violation - Food Thermometers-Calibration Food temperature measuring devices were not accurate to ±2° F in the intended range of use."

Inspector’s notes

"Food thermometer need calibration. Food temperature measuring devices were not accurate to ±2° F in the intended range of use."

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 3717-1-02.3(A)Contamination

Official wording

"3717-1-02.3(A) - Violation - Food contamination-eating Employees were eating, drinking or using tobacco in non-designated areas."

Inspector’s notes

"Open cup of employee's drink. Employees were eating, drinking or using tobacco in non-designated areas."

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

Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, Nov 8, 2023 · Original Source

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