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Cincinnati, OH

The Oak Tavern

3089 Madison Rd

Last inspected Oct 27, 2025 · 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

5 inspections

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

Oct 27, 2025

Approved - Minor Violations

3 recorded violations

notedCode 5.1(S)(2)Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

5.1(S)(2) - Plumbing System- Maintained in Good Repair

Inspector’s notes

Plumbing system is not maintained in good repair. Base of faucet at prep sink is dripping--repair

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 6.1(A)Facility maintenance

Official wording

6.1(A) - Floors, walls, and ceilings

Inspector’s notes

The floors coverings, walls coverings, or ceilings are not designed, constructed, and installed so they are smooth and easily cleanable. Poured flooring, chipped paint on walls--repair

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. Replace door gasket on all coolers/freezer in kitchen

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 27, 2025 · Original Source

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

May 19, 2025

Approved - Minor Violations

4 recorded violations

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. Discontinue propping exterior doors open, unless an air curtain or screen is installed

In plain English

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

More about other finding
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 dust build up on walls and ceiling in kitchen--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(T)Contamination

Official wording

3.2(T) - Food Preparation - Preventing Contamination from the Premises

Inspector’s notes

Food is not protected from environmental sources of contamination during preparation. Provide a barrier between three compartment sink and prep sink

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)(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. replace torn door gaskets on small freezer and coolers. Repair/replace damaged chemical shelf in dish area

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 19, 2025 · Original Source

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

Dec 3, 2024

Approved - Minor Violations

11 recorded violations

notedCode 6.1(M)(1)Other

Official wording

6.1(M)(1) - Facilities

Inspector’s notes

Outer openings of a food facility were not protected against the entry of insects and rodents. Assure all basement drains are tightly sealed

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 - Poisonous/toxic material

Inspector’s notes

Working containers of poisonous/toxic materials are not labeled. ID label chemical spray bottles

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 3.4(H)(1)Food temperature

Official wording

3.4(H)(1) - VI. Time/Temperature Controlled Safety Food - Ready-to-eat, TCS - disposition

Inspector’s notes

Ready-to-eat, TCS food was not discarded by the date mark, or was undated and not discarded or was not discarded when the date mark exceeded the required time/temperature combination. Expired Ham--Discarded. PIC to assure all TCS Foods are disposed of as per Ohio Food Code. All open processed foods (i.e. Deli meats etc) and Prepared TCS foods (i.e. Dressings, cooked chicken etc) held > 24 hours must have a DISCARD DATE. Best practice is to document both open/prep and use by dates on each item. Most foods have a shelf life of the day a food is opened or prepped plus six days.

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(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 3701-21-22Other

Official wording

3701-21-22 - Food Choking

Inspector’s notes

Facility did not have accessible instructions for removing food of a choking victim.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
notedCode 4.5(B)(1)(e)Contamination

Official wording

4.5(B)(1)(e) - VII. Protection from Contamination - Cleaning frequency

Inspector’s notes

Food-contact surfaces or utensils not cleaned when they were contaminated. Observed pink yeast and mold on Ice Maschine shield. Drain, clean and sanitize Ice Machine

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

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 4.4(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. Floor on inside of Beer cooler (ground level) is rusted

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(A)Facility maintenance

Official wording

6.1(A) - Facilities: Floors, walls, and ceilings

Inspector’s notes

The floors coverings, walls coverings, or ceilings are not designed, constructed, and installed so they are smooth and easily cleanable. Chipped paint on walls in kitchen

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 6.4(B)(1)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

6.4(B)(1) - Facilities: Cleaning: Frequency

Inspector’s notes

The physical facilities are not cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean. Stair treads are soiled, Grease build up on floor and walls behind grills, Dust on walls above three comp sink--Clean. Remove any unused, unnecessary items

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)(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. Dust build up on ceiling in walk in cooler, Grease build up on exterior of fryer and shelving--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

Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, Dec 3, 2024 · Original Source

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

Jun 27, 2024

Approved - Minor Violations

10 recorded violations

notedCode 6.4(B)(1)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

6.4(B)(1) - Facilities: Cleaning: Frequency

Inspector’s notes

The physical facilities are not cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean. Dust build up on walls above Prep sink--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 3.4(G)(4)Food temperature

Official wording

3.4(G)(4) - VI. Time/Temperature Controlled Safety Food - Ready-to-eat, TCS - date marking

Inspector’s notes

Date marking was not done in a consistent manner according to the code. PIC to assure all open processed foods (i.e Deli meats etc) and prepared TCS foods (i.e HB eggs, cooked chicken etc) held > 24 hours have a DISCARD DATE. Best practice is to document both open/prep and use by dates on each item

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 3.4(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. Observed Chili held at 105 degrees F--Reheated to 165 degrees F. Maintain hot TCS foods at 135 degrees F or above

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. Observed mold on pop gun nozzle at Bar. Maintain food contact surfaces clean daily

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(A)Facility maintenance

Official wording

6.1(A) - Facilities: Floors, walls, and ceilings

Inspector’s notes

The floors coverings, walls coverings, or ceilings are not designed, constructed, and installed so they are smooth and easily cleanable. Chipped paint on walls in stairwells

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(T)Other

Official wording

3.2(T) - Food preparation

Inspector’s notes

Food is not protected from environmental sources of contamination during preparation. Provide a barrier between Food Prep sink and three comp sink

In plain English

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

More about other finding
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. Interior of microwave and hand sink are soiled--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 3.3(H)(1)Food temperature

Official wording

3.3(H)(1) - VI. Time/Temperature Controlled Safety Food - Reheating For Hot Holding

Inspector’s notes

Reheated TCS food was not heated to 165F

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.

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(K)Equipment and utensils

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

In-use utensils are improperly stored. Discontinue storing in-use knives between cooler lids--store in clean dry location

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 27, 2024 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Oct 11, 2023

Not Abated

13 recorded violations

notedCode 3717-1-04.5(B)(1)(e)Contamination

Official wording

"3717-1-04.5(B)(1)(e) - Violation - Cleaning frequency-miscellaneous Food-contact surfaces or utensils not cleaned when they were contaminated."

Inspector’s notes

"OBSERVATION: Cleaning frequency-miscellaneous Food-contact surfaces or utensils not cleaned when they were contaminated. Observed mold on Ice Machine shield CORRECTIVE ACTION: Drain clean and sanitize Ice Machine"

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 3717-1-03.2(C)(2)Contamination

Official wording

"3717-1-03.2(C)(2) - Violation - Protection from Contamination-Food Storage Food is stored unwrapped or in uncovered containers."

Inspector’s notes

"OBSERVATION: Protection from Contamination-Food Storage Food is stored unwrapped or in uncovered containers. Uncovered foods on rolling carts CORRECTIVE ACTION: May place a clean tray atop cooling foods on rolling carts"

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 3717-1-06.0(A)(1)(a)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

"3717-1-06.0(A)(1)(a) - Violation - Facilities-floors, walls, ceilings Indoor floor, wall, or ceiling surfaces are not smooth, durable, and easily cleanable in areas where FSO or RFE activities are conducted."

Inspector’s notes

"Facilities-floors, walls, ceilings Indoor floor, wall, or ceiling surfaces are not smooth, durable, and easily cleanable in areas where FSO or RFE activities are conducted. Chipped paint, damaged plaster and Particulate board throughout kitchen. Repair wall to provide a smooth cleanable surface. FRP board is one option"

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 3717-1-04.8(F)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

"3717-1-04.8(F) - Violation - Storage-prohibitions. Cleaned and sanitized equipment, utensils, laundered linens, or single-service or single-use articles were stored in a prohibited area."

Inspector’s notes

"Storage-prohibitions. Cleaned and sanitized equipment, utensils, laundered linens, or single-service or single-use articles were stored in a prohibited area. Discontinue storing boxes of cups etc directly on floor"

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(T)Contamination

Official wording

"3717-1-03.2(T) - Violation - Food preparation-preventing contamination Food is not protected from environmental sources of contamination during preparation."

Inspector’s notes

"Food preparation-preventing contamination Food is not protected from environmental sources of contamination during preparation. Provide a barrier between hand sink, prep sink and three compartment sinks"

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 3717-1-06.4(L)Pests

Official wording

"3717-1-06.4(L) - Violation - Facilities: Removing pests: The operator failed to remove dead pest(s) in a timely manner. "

Inspector’s notes

"Facilities: Removing pests: The operator failed to remove dead pest(s) in a timely manner. Observed several dead roaches on glue traps"

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 3717-1-06.4(B)(1)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

"3717-1-06.4(B)(1) - Violation - Facilities: Cleaning: Frequency The physical facilities are not cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean."

Inspector’s notes

"Facilities: Cleaning: Frequency The physical facilities are not cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean. Floors, walls and perimeter of floors throughout facility are soiled, including stair wells--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 3717-1-05.4(P)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

"3717-1-05.4(P) - Violation - Refuse/recyclables/returnables-unnecessary items Storage area and enclosure for refuse/recyclables/returnables is not clean or free of unnecessary items."

Inspector’s notes

"Refuse/recyclables/returnables-unnecessary items Storage area and enclosure for refuse/recyclables/returnables is not clean or free of unnecessary items. Clean patio area in rear -maintain clean and free of clutter"

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 3717-1-05.1(S)(2)Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

"3717-1-05.1(S)(2) - Violation - Plumbing system-maintained in good repair Plumbing system is not maintained in good repair."

Inspector’s notes

"Plumbing system-maintained in good repair Plumbing system is not maintained in good repair. Pipe beneath three compartment sink at bar is leaking--Repair"

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 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

"Equipment,good repair, doors, seals Equipment components were not intact, tight or properly adjusted. Replace door gasket on small cooler"

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 3717-1-03.2(Q)Contamination

Official wording

"3717-1-03.2(Q) - Violation - Food Storage-preventing contamination form the premises Food items are not protected from contamination during storage."

Inspector’s notes

"Food Storage-preventing contamination form the premises Food items are not protected from contamination during storage. Discontinue storing boxes of food directly on floor inside walk-in"

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 3717-1-06.1(M)(3)Pests

Official wording

"3717-1-06.1(M)(3) - Violation - Facilities-windows, doors protected Windows or doors were not protected against insects and rodents."

Inspector’s notes

"Facilities-windows, doors protected Windows or doors were not protected against insects and rodents. Discontinue propping exter ior doors open"

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 3717-1-03.4(G)(4)Food source and labeling

Official wording

"3717-1-03.4(G)(4) - Violation - RTE TCS, date marking Date marking was not done in a consistent manner according to the code."

Inspector’s notes

"OBSERVATION: RTE TCS, date marking Date marking was not done in a consistent manner according to the code. CORRECTIVE ACTION: PIC to assure all open processed foods (i.e. Deli meats etc.) and prepared TCS foods (i.e cooked Chicken, cut vegetables, etc) held > 24 hours has a DISCARD DATE. Best practice is to document both open/prep and use by dates on each item"

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, Oct 11, 2023 · Original Source

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