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Cincinnati, OH

Sleepy Bee Cafe

8 E 4th St

Last inspected Sep 2, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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Approved - Violations Abated

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

The full inspection history

9 inspections

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Sep 2, 2026

Approved - Violations Abated

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, Sep 2, 2026 · Original Source

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

Sep 1, 2026

Not In Compliance

2 recorded violations

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. 1. Observed the walk-in refrigeration unit is reaching temperature of 50° F. Food item temp checked read 46° F. Person in charge stated that the temperature fluctuation was the result of door not being properly close. Temperature went down after closing all the way. 2. Observed dairy cooler ambient air thermometer reading 52° F. Person in charge moved all TCS items until proper temperature of <41° F is reached.

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 Food-Contact Surfaces and Utensils: Clean to Sight and Touch

Inspector’s notes

Food-contact surfaces were not clean to the sight and touch. Observed worn stickers and adhesive residue left one clean containers. Food-contact surfaces must be thoroughly cleaned to remove labels, glue, and residue to ensure they are smooth, easily cleanable, and free of 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 1, 2026 · Original Source

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

Apr 22, 2026

Approved - Minor Violations

2 recorded violations

notedCode 3.4(I)(1)Food temperature

Official wording

3.4(I)(1) - VI. Time/Temperature Controlled Safety Food - Time as a public health control

Inspector’s notes

Written procedures for time as a public health control improper or unavailable. Observed batter containers stored in an ice bath; however, the ice level only covered the bottom portion of the containers, which is insufficient for proper cold holding. The person in charge (PIC) relocated the batter to a refrigeration unit. The PIC stated the batter is held using time as a public health control (4-hour limit), but no approved written procedure was available. The PIC will submit a written procedure to CHD for review and approval.

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 Food-Contact Surfaces and Utensils: Clean to Sight and Touch

Inspector’s notes

Food-contact surfaces were not clean to the sight and touch. Observed a severely rusted screw inside the ice machine. The person in charge (PIC) discarded the ice and stated the rusted screw will be removed. The affected area will also be cleaned to eliminate any rust 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, Apr 22, 2026 · Original Source

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

Jan 14, 2026

Approved - Minor Violations

6 recorded violations

notedCode 3.2(Q)Contamination

Official wording

3.2(Q) - Food Storage: Preventing Contamination from the Premises

Inspector’s notes

Food items are not protected from contamination during storage. Observed boxed food items stored on walk in freezer flooring.

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 4.8(A)(1)Equipment and utensils

Official wording

4.8(A)(1) - Equipment and Utensils - Air-Drying

Inspector’s notes

Equipment and utensils are not being air dried or allowed to drain adequately after sanitizing. Observed various knives stored in soiled, wet container. PIC indicated equipment would be stored appropriately going forward.

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 6.2(C)Handwashing

Official wording

6.2(C) - III. Preventing Contamination by Hands - Handwashing Sinks - Hand Drying Provision

Inspector’s notes

Handwashing lavatory had no, unapproved, or inoperable hand drying provision.

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 4.5(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 walk in cooler compressor fan covers and various ceiling tiles/vents throughout kitchen soiled with moderate debris and dust accumulation. Increase cleaning frequency and maintain clean to site and touch.

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 6.2(B)Handwashing

Official wording

6.2(B) - III. Preventing Contamination by Hands - Handwashing Cleanser - Availability

Inspector’s notes

Each handwashing lavatory did not have a supply of hand cleanser.

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(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 various containers of milk and heavy cream held at 50F+ in dairy/condiment cooler. PIC voluntarily discarded all TCS product and indicated cooler would not be used to hold TCS foods going forward.

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, Jan 14, 2026 · Original Source

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

Jul 14, 2025

Approved - Minor Violations

7 recorded violations

notedCode 3.2(Y)Contamination

Official wording

3.2(Y) - Miscellaneous Sources of Contamination

Inspector’s notes

Miscellaneous sources of contamination observed. Observed food employee's cell phone, in use and stored on cutting board, during active food handling.

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(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 various equipment surfaces soiled with residues and/or food debris. Increase cleaning frequency and maintain clean to sight and touch.

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 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.

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

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Observed various wet wiping cloths 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 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. Observed: 1. Various ceiling panels/vents with moderate accumulation of dust/residues in kitchen/rear storage areas. 2. Structural column, rear prep/production area, soiled with moderate accumulation of dust/residues. PIC indicated areas would be thoroughly cleaned. Maintain clean to sight and touch.

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 3.2(Q)Contamination

Official wording

3.2(Q) - Food Storage: Preventing Contamination from the Premises

Inspector’s notes

Food items are not protected from contamination during storage. Observed boxed bulk bananas stored on facility flooring.

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(K)Equipment and utensils

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Observed in-use utensils improperly stored (kitchen cook line).

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, Jul 14, 2025 · Original Source

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

Jan 21, 2025

Approved - Minor Violations

3 recorded violations

notedCode 4.4(N)Contamination

Official wording

4.4(N) - VII. Protection from Contamination - Warewashing Equipment

Inspector’s notes

A chemical sanitizer was unregistered, improperly used, or improperly produced. Observed mechanical dish machine produce 0ppm chlorine sanitizer solution. PIC placed on-site call to service technician for diagnostics/necessary repairs. Discontinue usage of equipment until operating to manufacture's specifications. Supplemental warewashing to be used interimly. Requested previous 60 days of service invoices, for equipment, to be provided to Inspector.

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 4.4(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 server milk/non-dairy cooler holding at 63F+. PIC voluntarily discarded all TCS products within cooler. Discontinue usage of equipment (for holding TCS food items) until necessary repairs have been completed and equipment is operating to manufacturer's specifications. PIC to provide service invoice to Inspector upon receipt.

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 4.8(E)(1)Equipment and utensils

Official wording

4.8(E)(1) - Equipment, utensils, linens, single-service articles, and single-use articles - storage

Inspector’s notes

Cleaned equipment or utensils, laundered linens, or single-service or single-use articles are not stored in a clean, dry location, protected from contamination. Observed various pieces of equipment/utensils, designated as clean, stored in containers soiled with debris/residues. PIC to ensure all cleaned equipment/utensils are stored in clean containers.

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, Jan 21, 2025 · Original Source

COMPLAINT - COMPLAINT

Jul 29, 2024

CLOS-NO - No Violations Found

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, Jul 29, 2024 · Original Source

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

Jul 29, 2024

Approved - Minor Violations

6 recorded violations

notedCode 6.2(C)Handwashing

Official wording

6.2(C) - III. Preventing Contamination by Hands - Facilities

Inspector’s notes

Handwashing lavatory had no, unapproved, or inoperable hand drying provision.

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 4.8(E)(3)Equipment and utensils

Official wording

4.8(E)(3) - Equipment, utensils, linens, single-service articles, and single-use articles - storage

Inspector’s notes

Single-service and single-use articles were not stored in the original protective package or were stored by means that did not protect them from contamination.

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 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. Observed various RTE, TCS foods prepared within facility with no discard date. PIC date marked 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 6.2(B)Handwashing

Official wording

6.2(B) - III. Preventing Contamination by Hands - Facilities

Inspector’s notes

Each handwashing lavatory did not have a supply of hand cleanser.

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 6.4(F)Other

Official wording

6.4(F) - Facilities: Mops: Drying

Inspector’s notes

After use, mops are not placed in a position that allows them to air-dry without soiling walls, equipment, or supplies.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
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: 1. FOH server fridge holding at 50F. Provide necessary repairs. 2. Mechanical dish machine sanitizer system produce 0ppm chlorine solution. PIC placed service request during inspection. 3-comp sink manual ware washing/sanitizing to be performed intermily.

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, Jul 29, 2024 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Dec 14, 2023

Not Abated

5 recorded violations

notedCode 3717-1-03.2(M)(5)Contamination

Official wording

"3717-1-03.2(M)(5) - Violation - Wiping cloth-use limitations Container of wiping cloth solution is stored on the floor or in a manner that allows for contamination of food, utensils, equipment, linens and single use articles."

Inspector’s notes

"Wiping cloth-use limitations Container of wiping cloth solution is stored on the floor or in a manner that allows for contamination of food, utensils, equipment, linens and single use articles."

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 3717-1-04.8(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

"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. Observed equipment/utensils, designated as clean, stored in containers soiled with food debris and residues."

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

Official wording

"3717-1-04.4(A)(1) - Violation - Equipment-good repair and proper adjustment. Equipment and/or components were not maintained in good working order."

Inspector’s notes

"Equipment-good repair and proper adjustment. Equipment and/or components were not maintained in good working order. Observed low boy ""protein cooler"" holding at 48F+. Discontinue usage of equipment until necessary repairs are completed. PIC to ensure equipment is holding <=41F prior to next usage."

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 3717-1-06.4(A)Facility maintenance

Official wording

"3717-1-06.4(A) - Violation - Facilities: Maintenance: Good repair The physical facilities were not maintained in good repair."

Inspector’s notes

"Facilities: Maintenance: Good repair The physical facilities were not maintained in good repair. Observed flooring surface in disrepair throughout kitchen. PIC indicated repairs/resurfacing to be completed in February 2024.,"

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 3717-1-03.4(F)(1)(b)Food temperature

Official wording

"3717-1-03.4(F)(1)(b) - Violation - TCS-cold holding TCS foods were being held at temperatures >41° F."

Inspector’s notes

"OBSERVATION: TCS-cold holding TCS foods were being held at temperatures >41° F. Observed TCS foods held in ""protein low boy"" at 48-53F. CORRECTIVE ACTION: PIC voluntarily discarded all product. Discontinue usage of equipment until necessary repairs are completed. PIC to provide copy of service invoice to Inspector upon receipt."

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, Dec 14, 2023 · Original Source

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