Health Department Shuts Down Pittsburgh Restaurant

PITTSBURGH, PA — The Allegheny County Health Department has ordered the closure of the Ormsby Avenue Cafe, on Ormsby Avenue in Mt. Oliver, for numerous health code violations.

An inspection Thursday found exposed rat bait in the basement. Fruit flies too numerous to count were observed in the bar area.

The restaurant owner failed to report to the health department a second-floor fire that occurred in March. There is residual smoke, odor and water damage, and dust from demolition work is coming into the dining area through openings in the ceiling.

There is no hot water at the bar, kitchen handwashing station and sink and male and female restrooms. In fact, there is no hot water in the entire eatery.

Additionally, a mold-like substance was found on various food products in the preparation cooler in the kitchen. Raw ground meat was being stored directly on top of ready-to-eat in a kitchen refrigeration unit.

Soiled and dirty kitchen utensils from the previous night were sitting in a sink with stagnant water. Dirty wiping cloths were observed throughout the kitchen.

The "closed" placard is posted at an establishment when an imminent health hazard is identified at a restaurant or if it has been operating without proper permits. It is unlawful to operate a food facility with a "closed" placard.

See the entire inspection report here.