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General Food Services · King County, WA

Red Onion Tavern

4210 E Madison St

Last inspected May 19, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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Unsatisfactory
Repeat problemsSerious findings or closures appear in two or more of the last three inspections. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

9 inspections

Return Inspection

May 19, 2026

Unsatisfactory

Official score: 40 · Understand this area’s scale

The health department recorded a closure at this inspection.

5 recorded violations

minorCode 4100Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Warewashing facilities properly installed, maintained, used; sanitizer concentration; test strips available and used

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
minorCode 4400Contamination

Official wording

Plumbing properly sized, installed, and maintained; proper backflow devices, indirect drains, no cross-connections

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
criticalCode 1100Contamination

Official wording

Proper disposition of returned, unsafe, or contaminated food; proper date marking procedures for food at high risk for Listeria

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
criticalCode 2600Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

Compliance with valid permit; operating and risk control plans, and required written procedures

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
criticalCode 0600Handwashing

Official wording

Adequate handwashing facilities

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 Public Health – Seattle & King County, May 19, 2026 · Original Source

Return Inspection

May 6, 2026

Unsatisfactory

Official score: 60 · Understand this area’s scale

10 recorded violations

minorCode 4800Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Physical facilities properly installed, maintained, cleaned; unnecessary persons excluded from establishment

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
minorCode 4100Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Warewashing facilities properly installed, maintained, used; sanitizer concentration; test strips available and used

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
minorCode 4400Contamination

Official wording

Plumbing properly sized, installed, and maintained; proper backflow devices, indirect drains, no cross-connections

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
minorCode 4700Facility maintenance

Official wording

Garbage, refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained

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
minorCode 4200Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Food-contact surfaces maintained, cleaned, sanitized

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
criticalCode 1100Contamination

Official wording

Proper disposition of returned, unsafe, or contaminated food; proper date marking procedures for food at high risk for Listeria

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
criticalCode 2600Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

Compliance with valid permit; operating and risk control plans, and required written procedures

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
criticalCode 0100Facility maintenance

Official wording

PIC present, demonstrates knowledge and performs duties to maintain AMC; certified manager on staff unless exempt

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
criticalCode 0200Other

Official wording

Food Worker Cards current for all food workers; new food workers trained

In plain English

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

More about other finding
criticalCode 0600Handwashing

Official wording

Adequate handwashing facilities

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 Public Health – Seattle & King County, May 6, 2026 · Original Source

Routine Inspection/Field Review

Apr 22, 2026

Unsatisfactory

Official score: 75 · Understand this area’s scale

12 recorded violations

minorCode 4800Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Physical facilities properly installed, maintained, cleaned; unnecessary persons excluded from establishment

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
minorCode 4100Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Warewashing facilities properly installed, maintained, used; sanitizer concentration; test strips available and used

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
minorCode 4700Facility maintenance

Official wording

Garbage, refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained

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
minorCode 3400Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Wiping cloths properly used, stored; sanitizer concentration

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
minorCode 4400Contamination

Official wording

Plumbing properly sized, installed, and maintained; proper backflow devices, indirect drains, no cross-connections

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
minorCode 4200Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Food-contact surfaces maintained, cleaned, sanitized

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
criticalCode 1100Contamination

Official wording

Proper disposition of returned, unsafe, or contaminated food; proper date marking procedures for food at high risk for Listeria

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
criticalCode 0100Facility maintenance

Official wording

PIC present, demonstrates knowledge and performs duties to maintain AMC; certified manager on staff unless exempt

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
criticalCode 2600Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

Compliance with valid permit; operating and risk control plans, and required written procedures

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
criticalCode 2500Chemicals

Official wording

Toxic substances properly identified, stored, used

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
criticalCode 0200Other

Official wording

Food Worker Cards current for all food workers; new food workers trained

In plain English

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

More about other finding
criticalCode 0600Handwashing

Official wording

Adequate handwashing facilities

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 Public Health – Seattle & King County, Apr 22, 2026 · Original Source

Routine Inspection/Field Review

Jun 5, 2025

Unsatisfactory

Official score: 27 · Understand this area’s scale

5 recorded violations

minorCode 5000Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

Posting of permit; mobile establishment name easily visible

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
criticalCode 0200Other

Official wording

Food Worker Cards current for all food workers; new food workers trained

In plain English

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

More about other finding
criticalCode 2600Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

Compliance with valid permit; operating and risk control plans, and required written procedures

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
criticalCode 2200Food temperature

Official wording

Accurate thermometer provided and used to evaluate temperature of TCS foods

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
criticalCode 0100Facility maintenance

Official wording

PIC present, demonstrates knowledge and performs duties to maintain AMC; certified manager on staff unless exempt

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

Official record from Public Health – Seattle & King County, Jun 5, 2025 · Original Source

Return Inspection

Mar 11, 2025

Unsatisfactory

Official score: 35 · Understand this area’s scale

5 recorded violations

criticalCode 0100Facility maintenance

Official wording

PIC present, demonstrates knowledge and performs duties to maintain AMC; certified manager on staff unless exempt

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
criticalCode 2200Food temperature

Official wording

Accurate thermometer provided and used to evaluate temperature of TCS foods

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
criticalCode 2600Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

Compliance with valid permit; operating and risk control plans, and required written procedures

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
criticalCode 0200Other

Official wording

Food Worker Cards current for all food workers; new food workers trained

In plain English

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

More about other finding
criticalCode 1100Contamination

Official wording

Proper disposition of returned, unsafe, or contaminated food; proper date marking procedures for food at high risk for Listeria

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 Public Health – Seattle & King County, Mar 11, 2025 · Original Source

Return Inspection

Oct 24, 2024

Unsatisfactory

Official score: 35 · Understand this area’s scale

5 recorded violations

criticalCode 1100Contamination

Official wording

Proper disposition of returned, unsafe, or contaminated food; proper date marking procedures for food at high risk for Listeria

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
criticalCode 0200Other

Official wording

Food Worker Cards current for all food workers; new food workers trained

In plain English

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

More about other finding
criticalCode 2600Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

Compliance with valid permit; operating and risk control plans, and required written procedures

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
criticalCode 2200Food temperature

Official wording

Accurate thermometer provided and used to evaluate temperature of TCS foods

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
criticalCode 0100Facility maintenance

Official wording

PIC present, demonstrates knowledge and performs duties to maintain AMC; certified manager on staff unless exempt

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

Official record from Public Health – Seattle & King County, Oct 24, 2024 · Original Source

Return Inspection

Oct 1, 2024

Unsatisfactory

Official score: 35 · Understand this area’s scale

5 recorded violations

criticalCode 0100Facility maintenance

Official wording

PIC present, demonstrates knowledge and performs duties to maintain AMC; certified manager on staff unless exempt

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
criticalCode 2200Food temperature

Official wording

Accurate thermometer provided and used to evaluate temperature of TCS foods

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
criticalCode 2600Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

Compliance with valid permit; operating and risk control plans, and required written procedures

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
criticalCode 0200Other

Official wording

Food Worker Cards current for all food workers; new food workers trained

In plain English

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

More about other finding
criticalCode 1100Contamination

Official wording

Proper disposition of returned, unsafe, or contaminated food; proper date marking procedures for food at high risk for Listeria

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 Public Health – Seattle & King County, Oct 1, 2024 · Original Source

Routine Inspection/Field Review

Sep 17, 2024

Unsatisfactory

Official score: 61 · Understand this area’s scale

10 recorded violations

criticalCode 0600Handwashing

Official wording

Adequate handwashing facilities

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
minorCode 4300Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood-contact surfaces maintained and 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
minorCode 4100Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Warewashing facilities properly installed, maintained, used; sanitizer concentration; test strips available and used

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
minorCode 4700Facility maintenance

Official wording

Garbage, refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained

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
minorCode 4200Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Food-contact surfaces maintained, cleaned, sanitized

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
criticalCode 1100Contamination

Official wording

Proper disposition of returned, unsafe, or contaminated food; proper date marking procedures for food at high risk for Listeria

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
criticalCode 2600Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

Compliance with valid permit; operating and risk control plans, and required written procedures

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
criticalCode 2200Food temperature

Official wording

Accurate thermometer provided and used to evaluate temperature of TCS foods

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
criticalCode 0100Facility maintenance

Official wording

PIC present, demonstrates knowledge and performs duties to maintain AMC; certified manager on staff unless exempt

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
criticalCode 0200Other

Official wording

Food Worker Cards current for all food workers; new food workers trained

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 Public Health – Seattle & King County, Sep 17, 2024 · Original Source

Routine Inspection/Field Review

Feb 12, 2024

Unsatisfactory

Official score: 46 · Understand this area’s scale

9 recorded violations

minorCode 4100Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Warewashing facilities properly installed, maintained, used; sanitizer concentration; test strips available and used

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
minorCode 4300Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood-contact surfaces maintained and 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
minorCode 4700Facility maintenance

Official wording

Garbage, refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained

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
minorCode 3400Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Wiping cloths properly used, stored; sanitizer concentration

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
minorCode 4200Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Food-contact surfaces maintained, cleaned, sanitized

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
minorCode 4000Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Food and nonfood surfaces properly used and constructed; cleanable

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
criticalCode 2200Food temperature

Official wording

Accurate thermometer provided and used to evaluate temperature of TCS foods

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
criticalCode 2600Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

Compliance with valid permit; operating and risk control plans, and required written procedures

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
criticalCode 0200Other

Official wording

Food Worker Cards current for all food workers; new food workers trained

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 Public Health – Seattle & King County, Feb 12, 2024 · Original Source

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