GOOD INFORMATION. BETTER PEACE OF MIND.Español · Always free. No signup required.

Cincinnati, OH

Zolas Cafe

3539 Reading Rd

Last inspected Jan 10, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

Read Reviews on Google

Approved - Minor Violations

Get the next inspection, free.

We'll email you when Zolas Cafe has a new health inspection. No spam, one-click unsubscribe.

No account needed. Unsubscribe at any time.

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

Jan 10, 2026

Approved - Minor Violations

5 recorded violations

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. ID label all 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 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(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, Pastrami etc.) and prepared TCS foods (I.e. Macaroni, cooked beef, greens, 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 3.2(C)(1)(a)Contamination

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Ready-to-eat food was not protected from cross-contamination by raw animal food. Observed whole raw eggs stored above Beer and cooked foods. Store all raw foods on bottom shelf beneath cooked and RTF

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 4.2(J)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

4.2(J) - Sanitizing solutions - Testing Devices

Inspector’s notes

There is no test kit available for measuring the concentration of the sanitizer.

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, Jan 10, 2026 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Aug 22, 2025

Approved - Minor Violations

7 recorded violations

notedCode 2.4(C)(18)Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

2.4(C)(18) - I. Employee Health - Written Procedures for Cleaning Up Vomiting and Diarrheal Events

Inspector’s notes

No/inadequate written procedures for response to vomiting/diarrheal events. Written procedure provided

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 3.4(K)(3)Other

Official wording

3.4(K)(3) - Reduced oxygen packaging without a variance

Inspector’s notes

A food facility is packaging fresh, slacked, or thawed fish using a reduced oxygen packaging method. PRIOR to thawing frozen fish in shrink wrap either poke hole in cryovac wrapper or remove from wrapper completely. Corrected on-site

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)(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. open Deli meats etc.) and prepared TCS foods (I.e. cooked greens, 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 - Time/Temperature Controlled for Safety Food - Hot Holding

Inspector’s notes

TCS foods were being hot held at temperatures <135° F Observed Mac n cheese, greens etc. on steam table held below 120 degrees F--Reheated to 165 degrees F 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 3.3(I)(1)Food temperature

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Reheated TCS food was not heated to 165°F. All foods on steam table were reheated to 165 degrees F 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 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. Information provided at time of inspection

In plain English

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

More about other finding
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. Implement and maintain Employee Health Policy. Provided copies of Policy to staff. Manager to assure all employees sign policy and maintain on file

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, Aug 22, 2025 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Jul 23, 2025

Not In Compliance

11 recorded violations

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. (Bar)

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)(1)(3)Equipment and utensils

Official wording

4.8(E)(1)(3) - 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. Discontinue storing boxes of disposable food containers directly on floor

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 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. ID Label all 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 2.4(C)(18)Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

2.4(C)(18) - I. Employee Health - Written Procedures for Cleaning Up Vomiting and Diarrheal Events

Inspector’s notes

No/inadequate written procedures for response to vomiting/diarrheal events.

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 3.4(K)(3)Other

Official wording

3.4(K)(3) - Reduced oxygen packaging without a variance

Inspector’s notes

A food facility is packaging fresh, slacked, or thawed fish using a reduced oxygen packaging method. PRIOR to thawing frozen ROP fish either poke hole in cryovac wrapper or remove from package completely

In plain English

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

More about other finding
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. All three hand sinks and bar hand 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 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. Open Turkey, roast beef etc.) and prepared TCS foods (I.e. rice, greens potatoes 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 - Time/Temperature Controlled for Safety Food - Hot Holding

Inspector’s notes

TCS foods were being hot held at temperatures <135° F Observed cooked potatoes, greens etc on steam well temping between 74 and 127 degrees F--Reheated to 165. Maintain all hot TCS Foods at a minimum of 135 degrees F

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 3.3(I)(1)Food temperature

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Reheated TCS food was not heated to 165°F or roasts were not properly reheated. Observed cooked greens and potatoes on steam table at 74-127 degrees F. All TCS Foods must be reheated to a minimum of 165 degrees F prior to placing on steam well.

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 3.5(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.

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 3.2(C)(1)(a)Contamination

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Ready-to-eat food was not protected from cross-contamination by raw animal food. Observed whole raw eggs stored above cooked food (sandwich block cooler and true cooler in rear). Observed raw chicken and raw fish/shrimp stored above cooked food and open Deli meats --Store all raw TCS Foods beneath cooked and RTF

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 23, 2025 · Original Source

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

Dec 9, 2024

Approved - Minor Violations

11 recorded violations

notedCode 3.4(K)(3)Other

Official wording

3.4(K)(3) - Reduced oxygen packaging without a variance

Inspector’s notes

A food facility is packaging fresh, slacked, or thawed fish using a reduced oxygen packaging method. PRIOR to thawing frozen ROP fish either remove from Vacuum package or cut hole in package

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)(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. Observed corn and open Ham with no DISCARD DATE. PIC to assure all open packages of processed foods (i.e. Deli meats etc.) and prepared TCS foods (i.e. cooked Ham 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 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(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 mold on Ice Machine 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 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 require employee(s) to report certain diseases, symptoms or high risk situations as specified by law. Implement and maintain Employee Health Policy

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 7.1(A)Chemicals

Official wording

7.1(A) - X. Chemical - Poisonous/toxic material

Inspector’s notes

Poisonous/toxic materials are stored in a manner that could contaminate food, equipment, utensils, linens, or single-service or single-use articles. Discontinue storing chemicals atop Ice Machine (Bleach)

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 2.4(C)(16)Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

2.4(C)(16) - I. Employee Health - PIC Duties

Inspector’s notes

No/inadequate written procedures for response to vomiting/diarrheal events.

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 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 box in front hand sink and scouring pads in hand sink by coolers. Use hand sink for hand washing only

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 - TCS - hot and cold holding

Inspector’s notes

TCS foods were being held at temperatures >41° F. Salsa held above load limit at sandwich block cooler. Keep cooler doors closed. Maintain cold TCS Foods at 41 degrees F or below

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)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 whole raw eggs stored above RTF. Store all raw TCS foods beneath cooked and RTF

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(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(B)Other

Official wording

4.4(B) - Cutting surfaces.

Inspector’s notes

Cutting surface(s) unable to be effectively cleaned and sanitized.

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, Dec 9, 2024 · Original Source

ROUTINE - CRITICAL CONTROL POINT

Jul 29, 2024

Approved - Minor Violations

11 recorded violations

notedCode 2.4(A)(2)Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

2.4(A)(2) - IV. Demonstration of Knowledge - Person in charge - assignment of responsibility

Inspector’s notes

No manager has level 2 certification 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
notedCode 2.4(C)(16)Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

2.4(C)(16) - I. Employee Health - PIC Duties

Inspector’s notes

No/inadequate written procedures for response to vomiting/diarrheal events.

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 3.4(K)(3)Other

Official wording

3.4(K)(3) - Reduced oxygen packaging without a variance

Inspector’s notes

A food facility is packaging fresh, slacked, or thawed fish using a reduced oxygen packaging method. PRIOR to thawing ROP fish either cut hole in cryovac wrapper or remove from wrapper completely

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)(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.

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)(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 cooked potatoes and greens held at 117 degrees F . Reheated to 165. 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 3.5(E)Food source and labeling

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

The consumer was not properly advised of the risk of consuming raw or undercooked animal foods.

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 4.1(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 4.4(B)Other

Official wording

4.4(B) - Cutting surfaces.

Inspector’s notes

Cutting surface(s) unable to be effectively cleaned and sanitized.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
notedCode 4.8(F)Other

Official wording

4.8(F) - Storage

Inspector’s notes

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

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)(b)Food temperature

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

TCS foods were being held at temperatures >41° F. Foods in sandwich block held at 56 degrees F. (Chef states foods were prepared this a.m.. Discontinue placing hot foods in cooler.Maintain cold TCS Foods at 41 degrees F

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

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

More restaurants nearby