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Cincinnati, OH

Zip's Cafe

1036 Delta Av

Last inspected Jul 7, 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

8 inspections

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

Jul 7, 2026

Approved - Minor Violations

7 recorded violations

notedCode 3.2(M)(5)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

3.2(M)(5) - Wiping cloths - use limitation

Inspector’s notes

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. Observed the wiping cloth solution was stored on the floor of the kitchen. Ensure the wiping cloth solution is stored off of the floor. PIC moved the wiping cloth solution so that it was not on the floor. +COS

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 a buildup of residue inside of the soda gun receptical. Ensure the soda gun receptacle 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 3.4(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 pots of chili that were prepared on 7/6 that were not properly date marked. Ensure refrigerated, ready-to-eat, TCS food that is prepared in the food facility and held refrigerated for more than 24 hours is properly date marked. PIC date marked all of the chili. +COS

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)(b)Contamination

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

The food facility is not preventing cross contamination between different types of raw animal products. Observed ground beef stored above bacon in the walk-in cooler. Ensure raw animal products are stored according to the cooking temperatures with the highest cooking temperatures on the bottom. PIC moved the bacon so that it was above the ground beef. +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 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 wet wiping clothes that were stored in a sanitizer solution that was below the proper concentration. Ensure wet wiping cloths are stored in a sanitizer solution that is at the proper concentration. PIC refilled the buckets with sanitizer solution that was at the proper concentration. +COS

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(Q)(2)(4)Food temperature

Official wording

4.4(Q)(2)(4) - Temperature Measuring Devices and Food Monitoring Devices - Calibration

Inspector’s notes

Utensils, temperature measuring, or pressure measuring devices were not kept in good repair and/or calibration. Observed an ambient air thermometer in the reach-in prep cooler that was broken. Ensure the reach-in prep cooler is supplied with a functional ambient air thermometer.

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 2.3(D)Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

2.3(D) - Hair restraints, effectiveness

Inspector’s notes

Food employee(s) did not have their hair effectively restrained by wearing a hair covering.

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, Jul 7, 2026 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Nov 24, 2025

Approved - Minor Violations

1 recorded violation

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. Leak in plumbing under three compartment sink. Repair leak.

In plain English

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

More about water, plumbing, or sewage problems

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

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

Nov 18, 2025

Not In Compliance

4 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. Leak in plumbing under three compartment sink. Repair leak.

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 2.1(A)Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

License holder did not ensure food employee(s) report certain diseases, symptoms or high risk situations as obligated by law including providing necessary additional information. Operator could not provide employee reporting policy. Employees must read and sign document that states that they will report certain diseases, symptoms or high risk situations as obligated by law including providing necessary additional information.

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 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. Ice well in bar area had black build up. Ice matchine in the dry storage area had hard water build up. Clean ice machines more frequently to prevent build up.

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(F)Other

Official wording

4.8(F) - Storage - Excluded Locations

Inspector’s notes

Cleaned and sanitized equipment, utensils, laundered linens, or single-service or single-use articles were stored in a prohibited area. Clean dishes were stored under plumbing next to three compartment sinks. Find alternative storage for these items.

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, Nov 18, 2025 · Original Source

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

Jun 4, 2025

Approved - Minor Violations

2 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. Door to ice machine room does not have mesh that is prevents insect entry.

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(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. Observed items stored on white surface on top of handwashing sink in server area. Handwashing sink was unblocked. +COS

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

Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, Jun 4, 2025 · Original Source

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

Nov 21, 2024

Approved - Minor Violations

3 recorded violations

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. Observed lemons and ice in handwashing sink. PIC removed lemons and ice from handwashing sink. Discussed that handwashing sinks can only be used for handwashing.

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(C)(1)Contamination

Official wording

3.2(C)(1) - VII. Protection from Contamination - Preventing Contamination by Separation, Packaging, and Segregation

Inspector’s notes

Ready-to-eat food was not protected from cross-contamination by raw animal food. Observed bits of raw beef in cheese for burgers. Cheese was voluntarily discarded by operator.

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(J)(2)Other

Official wording

6.4(J)(2) - Facilities: Lockers: Employee use

Inspector’s notes

Lockers or other suitable facilities are not being utilized for the orderly storage of employee clothing and other possessions. Observed employee items in non-designated areas.

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, Nov 21, 2024 · Original Source

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

Jul 17, 2024

Approved - Minor Violations

2 recorded violations

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. Items were removed from handwashing sink.

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 2.3(A)Contamination

Official wording

2.3(A) - II. Good Hygienic Practices - Food contamination

Inspector’s notes

Employees were eating, drinking or using tobacco in non-designated areas. Observed open lidded beverages in non-designated areas. One beverage was removed and one beverage had a lid put on it.

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, Jul 17, 2024 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Feb 2, 2024

Not Abated

2 recorded violations

notedCode 3717-1-05.1(G)Handwashing

Official wording

"3717-1-05.1(G) - Violation - Handwashing facilities-number, location This food facility does not have the required number of conveniently located handwashing sinks."

Inspector’s notes

"Handwashing facilities-number, location This food facility does not have the required number of conveniently located handwashing sink to front food dispensing area. Per PIC, hand washing sink is being installed on Monday."

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 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

"Hair restraints, effectiveness Food employee did not have their hair effectively restrained by wearing a hair covering (servers making chili)."

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, Feb 2, 2024 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Sep 28, 2023

Not Abated

3 recorded violations

notedCode 3717-1-05.1(L)(2)Handwashing

Official wording

"3717-1-05.1(L)(2) - Violation - Handwashing facilities Handwashing facility is not located in, or immediately adjacent to, toilet rooms."

Inspector’s notes

"Observed no handwashing sink convenient to front server area where food prep cooler is located and chili is served. A convenient handwashing sink (installed in an approved area with proper permitting) or discontinuing food activities requiring hand washing in that area is needed."

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 3717-1-06.3(C)(2)Contamination

Official wording

"3717-1-06.3(C)(2) - Violation - Facilities: Employee accommodations: Location Lockers or other suitable facilities are located in an area area where contamination of food, equipment, utensils, linens, or single-service or single-use articles can occur."

Inspector’s notes

"Facilities: Employee accommodations: Location Lockers or other suitable facilities are located in an area where contamination of food, equipment, utensils, linens, or single-service or single-use articles can occur. Observed employee items stored in dry storage area and phone with plates in kitchen."

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

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

"Observed no Ohio manager certified in food protection."

In plain English

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

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues

Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, Sep 28, 2023 · Original Source

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