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Cincinnati, OH

The Hitching Post

4535 Kellogg Av

Last inspected Sep 9, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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Approved - Minor Violations

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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

9 inspections

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

Sep 9, 2026

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. 1. Observed a buildup of food debris and grease on the sides and internal compartments of the fryers. Ensure the fryers are cleaned more frequently and maintained clean. 2. Observed a buildup of food debris on the tray carts in the walk-in cooler. Ensure the tray carts are cleaned more frequently and maintained clean.

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(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. Observed several food items stored uncovered in the walk-in cooler. Ensure food items are stored wrapped or in a covered container. PIC wrapped all food items in the walk-in cooler.

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 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 a buildup of food debris and grease on the floors underneath the fryers. Ensure the floor underneath the fryers is cleaned more frequently and maintained clean.

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 food items stored on the floor in the dry storage area and in the walk-in freezer. Ensure all food items are stored at least six inches above the floor.

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 3701-21-22Other

Official wording

3701-21-22 - Food Choking Standards

Inspector’s notes

Facility did not have accessible instructions for removing food of a choking victim accessible to the public as well as food employees. Observed the instructions for removing food of a choking victim where not accessible to customers. Ensure the instructions for removing food of a choking victim are accessible to customers. PIC posted the instructions in an area accessible to customers.

In plain English

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

More about other finding

Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, Sep 9, 2026 · Original Source

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

Apr 2, 2026

Approved - Minor Violations

1 recorded violation

notedCode 6.1(M)Other

Official wording

6.1(M) - Outer Openings - Protected

Inspector’s notes

Outer openings of a food facility were not protected against the entry of insects and rodents. Observed the weather stripping on the back exterior door of the kitchen was not in good repair. Ensure all outer openings are protected from the entry of pests by repairing weather striping PIC has ordered a new exterior door and is waiting for instillation.

In plain English

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

More about other finding

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

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

Mar 20, 2026

Not In Compliance

9 recorded violations

notedCode 3.5(D)(6)Other

Official wording

3.5(D)(6) - Other Forms of Information

Inspector’s notes

The license holder did not notify customers of the presence of major allergens as an ingredient in unpackaged food items served or sold to the customer. Observed no notification for customers informing them of major allergens use as ingredients. Ensure customers are notified of major allergens that are used as ingredients.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
notedCode 6.1(M)Other

Official wording

6.1(M) - Outer Openings - Protected

Inspector’s notes

Outer openings of a food facility were not protected against the entry of insects and rodents. Observed the weather stripping on the back exterior door of the kitchen is not in good repair. Ensure all outer openings are protected from the entry of pests by repairing weather stripping.

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(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 a container of pasta and sauce that was not date marked in the reach in cooler. Ensure all containers of ready-to-eat, TCS food is date marked.

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 - use limitation

Inspector’s notes

Wet wiping cloth was not maintained in a sanitizer solution between uses. Observed wiping clothes stored in a sanitizer solution that did not register on chlorine test strips. Ensure sanitizer solutions are at proper concentrations.

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 several containers of food being stored on the floor. Ensure all food is stored at least six inches off the floor.

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 a fan in the kitchen that is soiled with dust. Ensure the fan is cleaned more frequently.

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(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. Observed a working container of flour without a label stating its contents. Ensure all food that is not easily recognizable and is removed from its original container are labeled with the common name of the food.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
notedCode 3.3(D)(6)Food temperature

Official wording

3.3(D)(6) - VI. Time/Temperature Controlled Safety Food - Non-Continuous Cooking of Raw Animal Foods

Inspector’s notes

Non-continuously cooked raw animal foods not prepared according to proper, approved written procedures. Observed that there was no approved written procedure for partial cooking of raw animal food. Ensure a written procedure for partial cooking of raw animal food is approved by the licensor and is maintained on the premises. Contact Millie Olds, Senior REHS, for further guidance. 513-564-1776, Millie.olds@cincinnati-oh.gov

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(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. Observed a working container of livers left uncovered in the walk-in cooler. Ensure all food is stored covered.

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, Mar 20, 2026 · Original Source

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

Dec 16, 2025

Approved - Minor Violations

3 recorded violations

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. Observed food uncovered in walk in fridge and reach in cooler. Operator covered items. +COS

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 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. Cover light bulbs to prevent physical contamination.

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. Ventilation system was not in good repair. Operator set up emergency technical help to repair system.

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, Dec 16, 2025 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Aug 1, 2025

Approved - Minor Violations

2 recorded violations

notedCode 5.1(B)(1)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

5.1(B)(1) - Approved System and Cleanable Fixtures

Inspector’s notes

Plumbing system is not designed, constructed, and installed according to the Ohio building code. Observed hand sink reinstalled and new utility sink installed without plumbing permits.

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. Ice build up on freezer ceiling observed.

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, Aug 1, 2025 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Jul 25, 2025

Not In Compliance

3 recorded violations

notedCode 5.1(B)(1)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

5.1(B)(1) - Approved System and Cleanable Fixtures

Inspector’s notes

Plumbing system is not designed, constructed, and installed according to the Ohio building code. Observed no permits for utility sink and change of hand sink.

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 ice build up on freezer ceiling.

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 5.3(C)Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

5.3(C) - Backflow Prevention

Inspector’s notes

An indirect connection as specified by the Ohio Plumbing Code was not provided between the sewage system and a drain originating from equipment in which food, portable equipment, or utensils are placed. Observed no air gap for culinary sink. Discussed with PIC difference between air break and air gap. PIC said air gap could be provided.

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, Jul 25, 2025 · Original Source

COMPLAINT - COMPLAINT

Jun 24, 2025

Approved - Minor Violations

1 recorded violation

notedCode 2.1(B)Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

2.1(B) - I. Employee Health - Management and Personnel - Employee Health

Inspector’s notes

Person-in-charge did not report to licensor that a food employee was diagnosed with a communicable disease that can be transferred by food. Communicable disease was reported to licensor.

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

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

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Jun 10, 2025

Not In Compliance

4 recorded violations

notedCode 5.1(B)(1)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

5.1(B)(1) - Approved System and Cleanable Fixtures

Inspector’s notes

Plumbing system is not designed, constructed, and installed according to the Ohio building code. Observed hand sink reinstalled and new utility sink installed without plumbing permits.

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 ice build up on freezer ceiling.

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 5.3(C)Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

5.3(C) - Backflow Prevention

Inspector’s notes

An indirect connection as specified by the Ohio Plumbing Code was not provided between the sewage system and a drain originating from equipment in which food, portable equipment, or utensils are placed. Observed no air gap for culinary sink.

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
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. Observed no air gapped culinary sink.

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, Jun 10, 2025 · Original Source

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

May 7, 2025

Not In Compliance

8 recorded violations

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. Facility has changed ownership and does not have air gapped culinary sink or installed utility sink.

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 6.1(M)Other

Official wording

6.1(M) - Outer Openings - Protected

Inspector’s notes

Outer openings of a food facility were not protected against the entry of insects and rodents. Observed gap around back door and door was not self closing into kitchen. Per owner, facility plans on replacing door.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
notedCode 6.1(L)Other

Official wording

6.1(L) - Toilet rooms - enclosed

Inspector’s notes

A toilet room wasn't completely enclosed or lacks a self-closing door. Toilet room opening into kitchen was not self closing.

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(I)Other

Official wording

5.1(I) - Service Sink- Number

Inspector’s notes

One service sink or one curbed cleaning facility equipped with a floor drain is not provided or conveniently located. Observed no installed utility sink. Owner had purchased sink to be installed.

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 - Numbers and Capacities

Inspector’s notes

The food facility had an insufficient number of hand washing sinks necessary for their convenient use or a number fewer than what is mandated by the Ohio plumbing code. Observed removed handwashing sink in kitchen. Facility provided soap to sink next to three compartment sink to be used as handwashing sink until sinks are 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
notedCode 3.5(E)Food source and labeling

Official wording

3.5(E) - VII. Consumer Advisory - Consumer Advisory

Inspector’s notes

The consumer was not properly advised of the risk of consuming raw or undercooked animal foods. Observed no disclosure statement on menu. Disclosure statement was provided. +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
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 ice build up on freezer ceiling.

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 6.3(C)(1)Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

6.3(C)(1) - Employee Accommodation-Designated Areas

Inspector’s notes

Areas designated for employees to eat, drink, and use tobacco are located so that food, equipment, linens, and single-service and single-use articles are not protected from contamination. Observed employee beverages on prep tables and employee phone directly on top of wax paper. Employee beverages were voluntarily discarded, employee phone was moved, and wax paper was voluntarily discarded. +COS

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

Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, May 7, 2025 · Original Source

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