Dead Roaches, Moldy Ice Machine: See Recent Alexandria Restaurant Inspections

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Some restaurants in Alexandria recorded violations during recent health department inspections so far in August.

Health inspectors conduct most restaurant, school, child care center and other health inspections in person. However, some visits, such as those for training purposes, can be conducted virtually.
Violations typically focus on factors that can contribute to food contamination. The local health department can also perform a re-inspection to ensure that possible violations have been corrected.

For every observed violation, the inspector provides a specific corrective action that can be completed to rectify the violation. Sometimes these are simple, and violations can be corrected during the course of the inspection. Other violations are addressed later, and an inspector may conduct a follow-up inspection to ensure compliance.

Here are the most recent inspections from Alexandria, according to the Alexandria Health Department. Some restaurants received perfect inspection results, either from follow-up inspections to correct violations or from routine health inspector visits.

Some violations of note were cockroaches at The Chewish Deli, pest harborage conditions at Sharbat Bakery & Cafe and unclean soda nozzles or ice machines at Handover by the Slice, ESP Tea & Coffee, Royal Restaurant and Namaste Jalsa. Health inspectors made recommendations for corrections based on the violation.

Handover by the Slice: 728 King St Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: Aug. 14

Violations:

• There is no Certified Food Protection Manager on duty during hours of operation.
• Surfaces of beverage dispensing nozzles are not being cleaned as required. Observed soda nozzle heavily soiled. Magnetic knife holder observed soiled.
• The following TCS food items were observed above 41°F: mozzarella cheese (58, 48), ham (52), parm cheese (62) in the prep unit.
• The following mechanical refrigeration unit is not currently operating as required to cold hold food at a temperature of 41°F or less. Prep unit at 46.

Bloom Chicken: 4686 King St Alexandria, VA 22302

Last inspection: Aug. 14

Violations:

• During this inspection, no employee was designated as the person in charge of the food establishment.
• No supervisors or managers are certified food protection managers.
• A food employee was observed eating, smoking, or drinking in areas where they may contaminate food, equipment, utensils or other items needing protection.
• The following TCS items were not maintained at the proper temperature: Dumplings (57F).
• Observed an ambient temperature above 45°F in the refrigeration unit holding raw shell eggs, the unit continuously shuts off and needs to be reset.
• There was no temperature measuring device located in the following cold or hot holding equipment: open air unit.
• The location observed using cardboard on shelving and other areas.
• The nonfood-contact surfaces of the following equipment were observed soiled with an accumulation of dust food residue, and/or other debris: fryers, walk in cooler fan guards, lids of white containers in the walk in cooler.
• The following items were observed with an accumulation of build up/ grime/ grease/ dust: floor in the walk in cooler, the floors under equipment/ where floor meets coving, drains and pipes under the main 3 compartment sink and the bar 3 compartment sink.

Goodies Frozen Custard & Treats: 200 Commerce St Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: Aug. 14

Violations: No violations found.

Falafel Inc.: 726 King St. Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: Aug. 14

Violations:

• Employees are not monitoring holding temperatures of time/temperature control for safety foods to ensure that they are properly held hot or cold. Observed TCS foods held out of temperature.
• There is no Certified Food Protection Manager on duty during hours of operation.
• Observed that paper towels were not provided at each handwashing sink.
• Water from the handwashing sink at prep line was measured at a temperature less than 85°F. No hot water.
• The handwashing station at the prep line is being used for purposes other than washing hands. Observed many dirty sauce bottles in sink and food debris.
• Observed the following TCS food items below 41: cut lettuce in the upstairs 1 door low cooler at 63 deg.
• The following mechanical refrigeration unit is not currently operating as required to cold hold food at a temperature of 41°F or less: upstairs 1 door low cooler at 65 deg. This unit is a home mini fridge and not recommended for use for tcs foods.
• The cover of the refuse container located outside the establishment is not a tight fit. There are no lids.
• The 2 waste oil containers are stored on absorbent material in the alley way between buildings.
• Observed multiple wet mops not hanging to dry. The downstairs mop sink is being used to hold dirty dishes.

Los Tios Grille: 2615 Mt. Vernon Ave Alexandria, VA 22301

Last inspection: Aug. 14

Violations: No violations found.

Hunan Cafe: 4678-A S King St. Alexandria, VA 22302

Last inspection: Aug. 14

Violations: No violations found.

Sam's Pizza Café: 428 Hume Ave A Alexandria, VA 22301

Last inspection: Aug. 14

Violations: No violations found.

Jersey Mike's Subs: 360 S Pickett St Alexandria, VA 22304

Last inspection: Aug. 14

Violations: No violations found.

Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen: 3402 Mt. Vernon Ave Alexandria, VA 22305

Last inspection: Aug. 14

Violations:

• The following time/temperature control for safety food was observed improperly cold holding: Cheese 50F, spicy Mayo 51F.
• 1-Door Low Boy/Prep Unit observed with an ambient temperature of 56F.

ESP Tea & Coffee: 1012 King St Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: Aug. 13

Violations:

• Surfaces of ice bins, beverage dispensing nozzles, and enclosed components of equipment are not being cleaned as required. Observed front counter ice machine in need of a cleaning.

Pitango Gelato and Coffee: 115 S Union St Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: Aug. 13

Violations:

• Certified Food Protection Manager This is a priority foundation item There is no Certified Food Protection Manager on duty during hours of operation.
• The concentration of the Quaternary ammonium solution in the sanitizer basin of the 3 compartment sink was measured in excess of 500 ppm.

Casa Tequila Bar & Grill Alexandria: 1701 Duke St. Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: Aug. 13

Violations: No violations found.

The Wharf: 119 King St Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: Aug. 12

Violations: No violations found. This visit was made to conduct a food-borne illness investigation regarding the consumption of raw oysters and to conduct a risk factor inspection. Please note the following:-A full risk factor inspection was conducted in conjunction with this investigation.-Observed batch of mussels with no tag in a prep unit. The main bag of mussels was in the WIC. The PIC made a photocopy of the tag and ensured both had the same tags.

St. Elmo's Coffee Pub: 529 Montgomery St Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: Aug. 12

Violations: No violations found.

Asian Wok Cafe: 828 N. Washington St Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: Aug. 12

Violations: No violations found.

Sora Ethiopian Market, Cafe, & Carryout: 5145 Duke St C Alexandria, VA 22304

Last inspection: Aug. 12

Violations: No violations found.

Vaso's Kitchen: 1225 Powhatan St Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: Aug. 12

Violations: No violations found.

TJ Stones: 608 Montgomery St Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: Aug. 12

Violations: No violations found.

Dunkin Donuts #3050: 3050 Duke St Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: Aug. 11

Violations:

• Observed a hole in the wall near the mop room. The floor tiles near the office are in bad repair. Tiles and coving needs to be fixed across the ice machine.
• Observed light bulbs in the back prep area not shielded or protected from shattering. Observed some light fixtures needing light bulbs as well to increase the lumens/footcandles in that area.

La'Baik: 2309 Mt Vernon Ave Alexandria, VA 22301

Last inspection: Aug. 11

Violations: No violations found.

The Chewish Deli: 807 Pendleton St Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: Aug. 8

Violations:

• The following time/temperature control for safety food was observed improperly cold holding: Open Display Case: White Fish 45F, Cheese 46F, Salmon 45F.
• Observed dead cockroaches in drain and next to ice machine.
• Open display case was observed with an ambient temperature of 50F.
• Recycling containers observed with cracks. Dumpster lids observed with gaps and not fully closing.
• Floor in ware-washing area (under three compartment sink) observed uneven with water pooling.
• The following areas of establishment are in need of a deep clean. Walk-in cooler floor, ware-washing area.

Hola Habibi: 5830 Mt Vernon Dr Alexandria, VA 22303

Last inspection: Aug. 8

Violations: No violations found.

Planet Wine: 2004 Mt. Vernon Ave Alexandria, VA 22301

Last inspection: Aug. 8

Violations: No violations found.

Blazin Craft Burger and Wings: 1033 W. Glebe Rd Alexandria, Virginia 22305

Last inspection: Aug. 7

Violations: No violations found.

Ada's on the River: 3 Pioneer Mill Way Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: Aug. 7

Violations: No violations found.

Salted, Inc.: 1033 W. Glebe Rd Alexandria, Virginia 22305

Last inspection: Aug. 7

Violations:

• Eggs observed stored in water.

International House of Pancakes, #578: 3425 Richmond Hwy A Alexandria, VA 22305

Last inspection: Aug. 7

Violations:

• Observed a container of packaged ham (still partially frozen) thawing in water, on the prep table.
• Observed a sanitizer bucket on the cookline holding towels in a sanitizer solution at 0 ppm.

South Block: 3051 Mount Vernon Ave Alexandria, VA 22305

Last inspection: Aug. 7

Violations: No violations found.

Foster's Grille: 2004 Eisenhower Ave Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: Aug. 7

Violations:

• Observed no written procedures/posters regarding norovirus clean up.
• TCS foods in the WIC were cold holding above 41 F.
• Observed a sanitizer bucket at 200 ppm-chlorine on the cookline.
• The WIC was cold-holding around 43-44 F during the health inspection. TCS foods in the unit were also above 41 F.

Five Guys Burgers & Fries: 3525 A Richmond Hwy Alexandria, VA 22305

Last inspection: Aug. 7
Violations:

• Person in charge was unable to provide documentation or otherwise satisfactorily demonstrate during the inspection, that all food employees and conditional employees are informed of their responsibility to report to management information about their health and activities as it relates to diseases that are transmissible through food. Observed no big 6 food borne illness poster or employee health forms.

Smoking Kow BBQ: 3250 Duke St Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: Aug. 6

Violations: No violations found. This visit was made to provide a food safety training to staff upon request of the PIC/owner.

Feru Bar and Restaurant: 512 S. Van Dorn St- D Alexandria, VA 22304

Last inspection: Aug. 6

Violations: No violations found.

Selam Cafe: 50 S. Pickett St 23 Alexandria, VA 22304

Last inspection: Aug. 6 (pre-opening)

Violations: N oviolations found. This visit was made to conduct a change of ownership, pre-opening health inspection. Please note:-Establishment and other tenants in the strip mall do not have individual bathrooms or mop sinks. The mop sinks and bathrooms are shared with at a common place for the tenants.-Please obtain bleach/chlorine test strips so you can check on the 3 compartment sink sanitizer concentration.-Please obtain your Certified Food Protection Manager Certificate within 30 days. Ensure someone with that certificate is on premises during all hours of operation.-Hot water deficiency letter was signed.

Royal Restaurant: 734 N. St. Asaph St Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: Aug. 6

Violations:

• Bar handwashing sink was missing hand soap.
• The chlorine concentration in the bar dish machine was observed at an inadequate concentration of (0ppm).
• Observed soda gun nozzle dirty with a moldlike substance within.
• The following time/temperature control for safety food was observed cold holding above 41F: 2-door low boy: Cheese 55F, Tomato 46F, Parmesan Cheese Block 53F.
• Bathroom is missing a covered receptable.

Chipotle Mexican Grill #245: 601 King St Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: Aug. 6

Violations: No violations found.

Tsim Yung Chinese Restaurant: 2603 Mt. Vernon Ave Alexandria, VA 22301

Last inspection: Aug. 6

Violations:

• The nonfood-contact surfaces of the following equipment were observed soiled with an accumulation of dust food residue, and/or other debris: Refrigeration units along cook line and 3 compartment sink area.
• Several areas of establishment observed with grime build up.

El Pulgarcito: 3838 Mt. Vernon Ave Alexandria, VA 22305

Last inspection: Aug. 5

Violations: No violations found.

Tropical Smoothie Cafe: 424 S Pickett St Alexandria, VA 22304

Last inspection: Aug. 5

Violations: No violations found.

Augie's Mussel House & Patio: 1106 King St Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: Aug. 5

Violations:

• The following food item(s) for which time rather than temperature is being used as a control was not marked or otherwise identified to indicate the time that is 4 hours past the point in time when the food is removed from temperature control: par cooked french fries.
• Observed raw ribeye in ROP in WIC. Observed no time stamp, only date. Employee stated the product is put in the freezer immediately after ROP. The ones observed in WIC today were just pulled last night at 11pm.
• Food containers for cooling food are arranged so as not to allow for maximum heat transfer. Observed cooling soup on the counter with just a mostly unfrozen ice wand in it.
• Observed improper methods used to thaw food. Observed raw chicken thawing at room temperature on a rack.

Alexandria Bier Garden: 710 King St Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: Aug. 5

Violations: No violations found.

Paisano's Pizza: 2012 Eisenhower Ave Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: Aug. 5

Violations: No violations found. Ensure that spray bottles are properly labeled with the common name of the chemical.-Utensils shall be in water that is above 135 F.

Frankie's Kitchen & Cocktail Bar/Hop Dam: 823 S. Washington St Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: Aug. 5

Violations: No violations found.

Zikrayet Lebanese Restaurant: 2006 Eisenhower Ave Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: Aug. 4

Violations:

• The cookline prep unit had TCS foods above 41 F. This included sliced tomatoes, lettuce, and hummus.
• The cookline prep unit is cold holding at 52 F.

Namaste Jalsa: 1504 King St Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: Aug. 4

Violations:

• Surfaces of ice bins, beverage dispensing nozzles, and enclosed components of equipment are not being cleaned as required.
• The door gaskets of the following unit(s) are (missing, damaged): walk in cooler.
• The caulking at the handwashing station and the dish area was observed damaged and no longer easily cleanable.

Paris Baguette: 4616 Kenmore Ave Alexandria, VA 22304

Last inspection: Aug. 4

Violations: No violations found.

Sharbat Bakery & Cafe: 1640 King St Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: Aug. 4

Violations:

• The Person in Charge was not available at the time of inspection.
• No Certified food protection manager was on site at the time of the inspection. A CFPM MUST BE ONSITE DURING ALL HOURS OF OPERATION. This was discussed prior to your location opening for business. A follow up will occur on or after 8/18/25. If a CFPM is not onsite during the follow up a civil penalty will be issued.
• A sign or poster that notifies food employees to wash their hands is not provided at all handwashing lavatories used by food employees.
• The handwashing station at the hand sink near the ice machine is being used to clean equipment and utensils.
• An individual at the food establishment is applying a pesticide without a current VDACS Pesticide Applicator certification and/or is applying a pesticide in violation of the manufacturer's label.
• Harborage conditions exist. The drains under the 3 compartment sink was observed with excessive build up and debris.
• Employees observed working in the food service area without proper hair restraints.
• The food-contact surfaces of the following storage items are not approved for use with food: storage containers for food are not food grade storage container.

Chadwicks: 203 Strand St Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: Aug. 1

Violations:

• Observed the following tcs food items above 41°F: chowder (48°F) in the WIC, raw chicken (54°F) and cut tomatoes (50°F) in the salad prep unit.
• The following food item(s) for which time rather than temperature is being used as a control was not marked or otherwise identified to indicate the time that is 4 hours past the point in time when the food is removed from temperature control: cooked sausage, cooked potatoes, cooked onions, hot sauces.
• The following methods used for cooling were not adequate to facilitate cooling of the product from 135°F to within 6 hours: large bucket of chowder observed in walk in cooler with no ice wand or stirring utensil.
• Dispensing and/or in-use utensils improperly stored between use as follows: ice cream scoop and spoon in standing water with food debris.

Lady Camellia: 229 Strand St Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: Aug. 1

Violations: No violations found.

Fontaine Café and Creperie: 119 S. Royal St Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: Aug. 1

Violations:

• The food contact surfaces on the deli slicer was heavily soiled with food debris. Slicer was not used today.

Cameron Cafe: 4911 Brenman Park Dr Alexandria, VA 22304

Last inspection: Aug. 1

Violations:

• Observed yogurt parfait, ham and cheese croissant, and spinach and cheese croissant cold holding above 41 F.