MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) – Whenever you go out to eat, knowing which kitchen is clean and what food is safe can mean the difference between a second helping or sending something back.
These scores are meant to help inform Memphis and Shelby County residents about what places pass and which ones need to clean up.
The Tennessee Department of Health posts scores regularly and updates them frequently. Click the link to learn more.
New Spots
Hive – Recently opened a new location in East Memphis off Erin Drive.
Top scoresBrightmore East Memphis (Bar) | 6420 Quince Rd Memphis, TN 38119Catering Pantry | 1740 International Pl. Memphis, TN 38197Chick-Fil-A #80676 | 920 Madison Ave. Memphis, TN 38163MIFA – Highland Meadows | 3517 Andy Way Ln. Memphis, TN 38128Nothing Bundt Cakes | 1329 W Polar Ave. Suite 104 Collierville, TN 38017Note: 15 schools or daycares made top scores this week. Improvements
2 Star JR – Improved from a 64 to an 88
Low Scores
Waffle and Pancake House – 83 | 420 S Germantown Pkwy Suite 112 Memphis, TN 38018
Observed open turkey bacon stored in container with avocado and mayoSeparate to avoid cross contaminationRaw burger meat stored over hashbrownsRaw chicken stored next to chopped onionsDeep grooves observed on cutting boardsRaw eggs sitting on counter next to grill were reading 78 °FSeveral items inside the prep cooler reading above 41 °FThermometers missing from walk-in cooler and prep coolerFood debris present inside microwaveIce buildup present inside freezerDumpster doors left open
Pho House – 83 | 1278 Jefferson Ave. Memphis, TN 38104
Meat observed stored by veggiesVery worn cutting board observed with deep groovesMeat sitting in a bucket of water inside the three compartment sinkSoiled blue wiping cloth on floor and prep counterServing bowls observed on the floor underneath the three compartment sinkObserved pool chemical test strips; Chlorine test strips are neededStained ceiling tiles inside the women’s restroomSide door and drain plug missing from dumpsterBrown heavy discoloration observed on ceiling tiles in food prep areaGrease and dust buildup present on ventahoodCurrent permit is expired; PIC or owner has 24 hours to make a payment
Inspector’s note: Permit paid during inspection.
El Porton Mexican Restaurant – 82 | 2095 Merchants Row Germantown, TN 38138
Kitchen manager unaware of illness policyDish washing machine reading 0 ppm ChlorineBlack specks located inside white ice machine dispenserMultiple flies observed inside kitchen areaMultiple uncovered tortilla bowls without lids or coversMultiple random wiping cloths store on prep stations and between grillsBowls and plates not stored invertedWater at hand sink next to dishwasher does not reach above 91 °FCeiling tiles have excessive dust and brown damage
Courtside Grill – 82 | 221 S B.B. King Blvd. Memphis, TN 38103
Mold-like substance present inside the walk-in cooler Dish washing machine is not dispensing sanitizerIce machine has buildup present inside itConsumer advisory not present on the menu for ribeye steaksHanging thermometer missing from inside reach-in coolerTongs stored on oven railingHand sink in front area does not have hot water
Lopez Grill – 82 | 5653 Stage Rd. Memphis, TN 38134
Raw steak being stored above raw shrimp inside the walk-in coolerBlack substance present inside the ice chute Prepared and raw animal products inside the walk-in cooler are out of the original packaging are not date markedUnlabeled food containers present throughout the kitchenUncovered food present in most of the cooling unitsCooks are wearing the wiping cloths. Must be stored in sanitizer bucket when not in useSingle-use tin cans being used to store food inside the walk-in cooler
Inspector’s note: The permit is paid. The bar permit is expired. A payment must be made within 48 hours to avoid excessive late fees and or closure.
Captain JJ Fish & Chicken – 82 | 4300 Summer Ave. Memphis, TN 38122
Observed employee handle raw chicken with gloves on, change gloves but did not wash hands on before putting on new glovesObserved raw chicken stored above raw shrimpObserved missing thermometers in all coolers and freezers except one freezerObserved unlabeled food and sauce containersObserved wiping cloths stored on a food storage rackIce scoop observed laying on top of the ice bin Rusty shelves observed in prep coolerTrash containers used to store seasoningsFood buildup present in the bottom of the prep cooler and walk-in freezerDamaged walls and ceilings observed inside the restroomNo lid for unisex restroom trash canGrease buildup present on the ventahoodNo “no smoking” sign present at entrance
Smoky City Bar-Be-Que – 80 | 1023 Jackson Ave. Memphis, TN 38107
Hamburger buns observed stored on top of package of raw beefRaw beef stored above cooked porkRaw chicken wings in three compartment sink reading 77 °F Raw chicken wings observed thawing in three compartment sink without running waterNo internal thermometers observed in the coolers or freezersUnlabeled food containers and sauce bottles observedEmployee observed not wearing hair restraintCutting boards observed being stored on the groundBuildup observed on food containers and sauce bottlesNo chlorine test strips availableBuildup observed on exterior of all kitchen equipmentNo covered lid observed for women’s restroom trash canBuildup observed on the floors and wallsExcess items not being used observed being stored throughout the restaurantPermit is expired and must be paid within 48 hours
Hugstables Sports Bar & Grill – 76 | 813 Jackson Ave. Memphis, TN 38017
Employee observed handling raw hamburger meat, grab a wiping cloth out of a bucket dump grease and not change gloves or wash hands afterwardsRaw chicken observed stored over raw beefSmoked sausages and fries stored next to raw No date marking system observed taking place for foods being held more than 24 hoursObserved missing thermometers inside of the deep freezer, hot point freezer, hot point cooler, Dukers freezer, and blue air freezer Unlabeled food containers observedUncovered food in the cooler areaPlastic sauce cup used as a scoop inside the coleslaw stored inside the coleslaw containerSingle-use lids box stored on the groundEmployee observed using gloves to handle raw meat and not changing gloves afterwardsSignificant buildup present on food containersSignificant buildup present on fryer basketsNo sanitizer test strips availableObserved grease buildup on exterior of all kitchen equipmentObserved stained walls and buildup on the floorsGrease buildup present on the ventahoodPermit is expired and must be paid within 48 hours
Inspector’s note: employee health, demonstration of knowledge, date marking, and food storage fact sheets emailed.
Local Lime – 75 | 7605 W Farmington Blvd. Suite 1 Germantown, TN 38138
Hand sink blocked by picture Observed like substances stored on the white gram of ice dispenserLeftover food observed stored for multiple days prior in the walk-in coolerMultiple toxins improperly stored and not labeled throughout the kitchen over knives and gloves used to prepare itemsCorrective action: moved all chemicals and label them, stored in a designated spotMultiple flies present in the lobby area and inside kitchen prep areaPlates must be stored inverted on top prep station rackAll internal components of coolers and freezers need deep cleaningTest strips are not available for both dish washing machine and three compartment sinkNo hot water available in the restroomCeiling have large dust accumulationFloors need to be swept and cleanedUnderside of all equipment needs cleaning
Dos Culturas – 68 | 1452 National St. Memphis, TN 38122
Observed multiple priority violations regarding proper date marking, food contact surface sanitization, proper storage of raw animal products, and the hand sink accessibilityHand sink was blocked near the prep coolerPaper towel dispenser observed to be on the other side of the kitchenRaw chicken observed being stored next to cooked foodsRaw chicken observed stored above beverages and cooked foodsObserved No dishes or food contact surfaces were properly sanitizedPerson in charge (PIC) was unfamiliar with the 3 compartment sink set up and how dishes are supposed to be sanitizedPIC was educated on proper chlorine sanitizingPrep table cutting board observed with deep grooves and stains Multiple cooked and prepared foods observed being held for longer than 24 hours without date markings. Observed foods cooked from 8/30/26 and 8/19/26 still being heldMissing internal thermometers inside the fresh food cooler and the cold drinks coolerUnlabeled food containers observedWatermelons, a box of bananas, and bag of onions stored on the groundWiping cloths stored on the counterIce scoop stored laying on top of the ice machineBowl was being used to scoop cooked rice inside the rice containerClean bowls not properly invertedDirty dishes observed being stored on the groundNo sanitizer test strips availableTo-go trays observed stored on the groundBuildup observed at the bottom of the fresh foods coolerFood buildup present on the floorsEmployee phone observed stored on the prep cooler cutting boardNo “no smoking” sign posted on the entrance
Inspector’s note: employee health policy, food storage, date marking, and ware washing fact sheets provided.
The Half Shell – 65 | 688 S Mendenhall Rd. Memphis, TN 38117
Multiple priority violations observed regarding a lack of knowledgePerson in charge (PIC) was unable to provide shell stock tagsPIC stated that the fresh oysters were from a new vendorBoth cutting boards attached to prep cooler have deep grooves and needs replacementContainers of rice pilaf liquid vegetable broth improperly cooling inside container with lid in beer walk-in coolerRice pilaf temperature reading at 169 °FMultiple food items on service line observed in temperature danger zoneOyster Rockefeller temperature reading 54°F Unlabeled chemical bottles in pan on/beside the prep coolerWalk-in cooler needs to be serviced and must be able to hold at 41 °FGaps observed in the top and bottom of the back doorBag of pasta observed open on dry storage rackMultiple wiping cloths stored throughout the kitchenInterior of coolers and freezers are dirtyBeer cooler door is ripped at the bottomFloor tiles are missing and floors are stainedWalls and ceilings are heavily stained throughout the kitchenMultiple air vents are stained with rust and dust accumulationsEmployee cell phone observed stored in food prep area
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