Downtown Santa Ana has been invaded over the past few years by eateries that cater to hipsters and yuppies – not to the local populace. These establishments are pricey but we have found that their food safety and hygiene record is not always what you would hope for.
Unfortunately our Board of Supervisors voted a few years ago to not allow letter grade ratings of our local eateries. So we are supposed to go online and look for ourselves, but hardly anyone ever does that.
Here are our latest findings for the year 2013, as reported by the Orange County Health Agency, into what is going on in Downtown Santa Ana’s hip restaurants and bars. Major Violations (in red) pose the highest risk of causing food poisoning (or foodborne illness. Major violations are sometimes resolved during the inspection or a reinspection may be scheduled to verify compliance. Minor Violations (in blue) pose less risk of causing food poisoning (or foodborne illness), and do not warrant immediate verification of compliance.
The Little Sparrow, located at 300 N. Main St., in Santa Ana:
FOLLOW-UP INSPECTION  |
09/17/2013 |
| Unsanitary Equipment/Utensil/Linen/Plumbing | |
| Failure to Comply w/HACCP or TPHC plan not on-site | |
| ROUTINE INSPECTION |
09/10/2013 |
| Lack of/Unsanitary/Condition Walls/Floors/Ceilings | |
| Failure to Comply w/HACCP or TPHC plan not on-site | |
| Inappropriate Sanitizer Level/ Lack of Test Strips | |
| Improper Food Storage/Receiving | |
| Unsanitary Equipment/Utensil/Linen/Plumbing | |
| Improper Holding Temperatures of PHF | |
| Lack of Food Protection Manager Certificate | |
| REINSPECTION SCHEDULED | |
| ROUTINE INSPECTION |
05/13/2013 |
| Lack of/Improper Handwashing/Handwashing Sup. | |
| Inappropriate Sanitizer Level/ Lack of Test Strips | |
| Improper Holding Temperatures of PHF | |
| Uncleanliness of Premises/Trash Storage | |
| Improper Food Storage/Receiving | |
| Unsanitary Equipment/Utensil/Linen/Plumbing | |
| Lack of/Unsanitary/Condition Walls/Floors/Ceilings | |
| CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP |
05/02/2013 |
The Playground, located at 220 E. 4th St., in Santa Ana:
| ROUTINE INSPECTION |
08/28/2013 |
| Uncleanliness of Premises/Trash Storage | |
| Inadequate Hygiene (Hair/Clothing/Eating/Drinking) | |
| Failure to Comply w/HACCP or TPHC plan not on-site | |
| Lack of/Unsanitary/Condition Walls/Floors/Ceilings | |
| Improper Food Storage/Receiving | |
| Unapproved Pesticides/Chemicals/Labeling | |
| Inappropriate Sanitizer Level/ Lack of Test Strips | |
| Unsanitary Equipment/Utensil/Linen/Plumbing | |
| Improper Holding Temperatures of PHF | |
| Lack of/Improper Handwashing/Handwashing Sup. | |
| Inoperable/Lack of Food Thermometer | |
| ROUTINE INSPECTION |
03/28/2013 |
| Uncleanliness of Premises/Trash Storage | |
| Inadequate Hygiene (Hair/Clothing/Eating/Drinking) | |
| Lack of/Improper Handwashing/Handwashing Sup. | |
| Improper Food Storage/Receiving | |
| Unsanitary Equipment/Utensil/Linen/Plumbing | |
| Lack of/Unsanitary/Condition Walls/Floors/Ceilings | |
| Inappropriate Sanitizer Level/ Lack of Test Strips | |
The Memphis at the Santora, located at 207 N. Broadway, in Santa Ana
| Service | Date |
| ROUTINE INSPECTION |
10/29/2013 |
| Lack of/Improper Handwashing/Handwashing Sup. | |
| Lack of/Unsanitary/Condition Walls/Floors/Ceilings | |
| Unsanitary Equipment/Utensil/Linen/Plumbing | |
| Uncleanliness of Premises/Trash Storage | |
| Improper Holding Temperatures of PHF | |
| Lack of Food Protection Manager Certificate | |
| FOOD FOLLOW-UP- 2ND+ INSPECTION/OTHER |
07/08/2013 |
| Unsanitary Equipment/Utensil/Linen/Plumbing | |
| Lack of/Unsanitary/Condition Walls/Floors/Ceilings | |
| FOLLOW-UP INSPECTION |
06/28/2013 |
| The violation(s) rechecked were observed corrected | |
| ROUTINE INSPECTION |
06/27/2013 |
| Unsanitary Utensil/Equipment Condition | |
| Improper Holding Temp of PHF (60F-120F), (50F-59F) | |
| Lack of/Unsanitary/Condition Walls/Floors/Ceilings | |
| Evidence of Vermin Activity/Presence of Animals/Insects | |
| Unsanitary Equipment/Utensil/Linen/Plumbing | |
| Improper Holding Temperatures of PHF | |
| REINSPECTION SCHEDULED | |
| ROUTINE INSPECTION |
02/25/2013 |
The Crosby, located at 400 N. Broadway, in Santa Ana:
| HEALTH PERMIT REINSTATEMENT |
11/29/2013 |
| FOOD OT FOLLOW-UP (type ot)/OTHER |
11/29/2013 |
| Water Temp (100F-119F)/Wash Temp <100F/Cross Con | |
| HEALTH PERMIT SUSPENSION |
11/27/2013 |
| REASON FOR PERMIT SUSPENSION/CLOSURE INSUFFICIENT HOT WATER | |
| ROUTINE INSPECTION |
11/27/2013 |
| Improper Cooling Practices | |
| Hot Water (<= 99F) not Avail Throughout Facility | |
| Uncleanliness of Premises/Trash Storage | |
| Lack of/Unsanitary/Condition Walls/Floors/Ceilings | |
| Improper Food Storage/Receiving | |
| Improper Holding Temperatures of PHF | |
| Lack of Food Protection Manager Certificate | |
| Evidence of Vermin Activity/Presence of Animals/Insects | |
| Inappropriate Sanitizer Level/ Lack of Test Strips | |
| Unsanitary Equipment/Utensil/Linen/Plumbing | |
| FOLLOW-UP INSPECTION |
07/24/2013 |
| Lack of/Unsanitary/Condition Walls/Floors/Ceilings | |
| Lack of Food Protection Manager Certificate | |
| Improper Food Storage/Receiving | |
| ROUTINE INSPECTION |
07/18/2013 |
| Lack of Food Protection Manager Certificate | |
| Uncleanliness of Premises/Trash Storage | |
| Change Room Improper Use/Lack of | |
| Improper Holding Temperatures of PHF | |
| Unsanitary Equipment/Utensil/Linen/Plumbing | |
| Improper Food Storage/Receiving | |
| Lack of/Unsanitary/Condition Walls/Floors/Ceilings | |
| REINSPECTION SCHEDULED | |
| FOOD FOLLOW-UP- 2ND+ INSPECTION/OTHER |
03/20/2013 |
| Lack of/Unsanitary/Condition Walls/Floors/Ceilings | |
| FOLLOW-UP INSPECTION |
03/14/2013 |
| Lack of/Improper Handwashing/Handwashing Sup. | |
| Lack of/Unsanitary/Condition Walls/Floors/Ceilings | |
| Inoperable/Lack of Food Thermometer | |
| Improper Food Storage/Receiving | |
| Unsanitary Equipment/Utensil/Linen/Plumbing | |
| REINSPECTION SCHEDULED | |
| ROUTINE INSPECTION |
02/28/2013 |
| Improper Cooling Practices | |
| Lack of/Unsanitary/Condition Walls/Floors/Ceilings | |
| Lack of/Improper Handwashing/Handwashing Sup. | |
| Unsanitary Equipment/Utensil/Linen/Plumbing | |
| Improper Food Storage/Receiving | |
| Inoperable/Lack of Food Thermometer | |
| Improper Holding Temperatures of PHF | |
| REINSPECTION SCHEDULED | |
The Grilled Cheese Spot, located at 318 W. 5th St., in Santa Ana:
| ROUTINE INSPECTION |
09/12/2013 |
| Signs/Labels/Menu Board/Trans Fat-Missing/Incorrect/Lack of Food Handler Card | |
| Lack of/Unsanitary/Condition Walls/Floors/Ceilings | |
| Inappropriate Sanitizer Level/ Lack of Test Strips | |
| Unsanitary Equipment/Utensil/Linen/Plumbing | |
| Lack of Food Protection Manager Certificate | |
| FOLLOW-UP INSPECTION |
05/28/2013 |
| Lack of Food Protection Manager Certificate | |
| Signs/Labels/Menu Board/Trans Fat-Missing/Incorrect/Lack of Food Handler Card | |
| Unsanitary Equipment/Utensil/Linen/Plumbing | |
| Inappropriate Sanitizer Level/ Lack of Test Strips | |
| ROUTINE INSPECTION |
05/20/2013 |
| Lack of Food Protection Manager Certificate | |
| Signs/Labels/Menu Board/Trans Fat-Missing/Incorrect/Lack of Food Handler Card | |
| Inappropriate Sanitizer Level/ Lack of Test Strips | |
| Improper Holding Temperatures of PHF | |
| Unsanitary Equipment/Utensil/Linen/Plumbing | |
| Improper Food Storage/Receiving | |
| Lack of/Improper Handwashing/Handwashing Sup. | |
| Water Temp (100F-119F)/Wash Temp <100F/Cross Con | |
| REINSPECTION SCHEDULED | |
The Gypsy Den, located at 125 N. Broadway, in Santa Ana:
| ROUTINE INSPECTION |
08/29/2013 |
| Lack of/Improper Handwashing | |
| Uncleanliness of Premises/Trash Storage | |
| Change Room Improper Use/Lack of | |
| Unsanitary Equipment/Utensil/Linen/Plumbing | |
| Improper Food Storage/Receiving | |
| Improper Holding Temperatures of PHF | |
| Lack of/ImproperJanitorial Facilities or Liq Waste | |
| Lack of/Unsanitary/Condition Walls/Floors/Ceilings | |
| COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION, INITIAL |
07/25/2013 |
| FOOD FOLLOW-UP- 2ND+ INSPECTION/OTHER |
05/14/2013 |
| Unsanitary Equipment/Utensil/Linen/Plumbing | |
| Lack of/Unsanitary/Condition Walls/Floors/Ceilings | |
| Lack of Food Protection Manager Certificate | |
| FOLLOW-UP INSPECTION |
04/30/2013 |
| Improper Holding Temperatures of PHF | |
| Improper Food Storage/Receiving | |
| Unsanitary Equipment/Utensil/Linen/Plumbing | |
| Restroom in Disrepair/Unclean/Improp. Use/Supplies | |
| Change Room Improper Use/Lack of | |
| Uncleanliness of Premises/Trash Storage | |
| Lack of/Unsanitary/Condition Walls/Floors/Ceilings | |
| Lack of Food Protection Manager Certificate | |
| REINSPECTION SCHEDULED | |
| ROUTINE INSPECTION |
04/23/2013 |
| Restroom in Disrepair/Unclean/Improp. Use/Supplies | |
| Unapproved Pesticides/Chemicals/Labeling | |
| Lack of/Unsanitary/Condition Walls/Floors/Ceilings | |
| Facility not Fully Enclosed/Open Door/Air Curtain | |
| Uncleanliness of Premises/Trash Storage | |
| Unsanitary Equipment/Utensil/Linen/Plumbing | |
| Improper Food Storage/Receiving | |
| Change Room Improper Use/Lack of | |
| Inappropriate Sanitizer Level/ Lack of Test Strips | |
| Improper Holding Temperatures of PHF | |
| Lack of Food Protection Manager Certificate | |
| REINSPECTION SCHEDULED | |
| COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION, INITIAL |
|
Chapter One, the Modern Local, located at
| ROUTINE INSPECTION |
12/04/2013 |
| Improper Holding Temp of PHF (60F-120F), (50F-59F) | |
| Change Room Improper Use/Lack of | |
| Inadequate Hygiene (Hair/Clothing/Eating/Drinking) | |
| Lack of Food Protection Manager Certificate | |
| Improper Holding Temperatures of PHF | |
| Unsanitary Equipment/Utensil/Linen/Plumbing | |
| Lack of/Unsanitary/Condition Walls/Floors/Ceilings | |
| ROUTINE INSPECTION |
07/22/2013 |
| Improper Holding Temperatures of PHF | |
| Unsanitary Equipment/Utensil/Linen/Plumbing | |
| Inoperable/Lack of Food Thermometer | |
| Improper Food Storage/Receiving | |
| Lack of/Unsanitary/Condition Walls/Floors/Ceilings | |
| ROUTINE INSPECTION |
02/28/2013 |
| Improper Food Storage/Receiving | |
| Lack of Food Protection Manager Certificate | |
| Lack of/Unsanitary/Condition Walls/Floors/Ceilings | |
| Unsanitary Equipment/Utensil/Linen/Plumbing | |
| Uncleanliness of Premises/Trash Storage | |
| Improper Holding Temperatures of PHF | |
The Proof Bar, located at 215 N. Broadway, in Santa Ana:
| Service | Date |
| FOLLOW-UP INSPECTION |
11/26/2013 |
| Lack of Food Protection Manager Certificate | |
| Lack of/Improper Handwashing/Handwashing Sup. | |
| Lack of/Unsanitary/Condition Walls/Floors/Ceilings | |
| ROUTINE INSPECTION |
11/20/2013 |
| Unsanitary Equipment/Utensil/Linen/Plumbing | |
| Facility not Fully Enclosed/Open Door/Air Curtain | |
| Lack of/Unsanitary/Condition Walls/Floors/Ceilings | |
| Lack of/Improper Handwashing/Handwashing Sup. | |
| Lack of Food Protection Manager Certificate | |
| Uncleanliness of Premises/Trash Storage | |
| REINSPECTION SCHEDULED | |
| FOOD FOLLOW-UP- 2ND+ INSPECTION/OTHER |
10/02/2013 |
| The violation(s) rechecked were observed corrected | |
| FOOD FOLLOW-UP- 2ND+ INSPECTION/OTHER |
09/12/2013 |
| Unpermitted Remodel or Failure to Submit Plans | |
| REINSPECTION SCHEDULED | |
| FOLLOW-UP INSPECTION |
08/07/2013 |
| Unpermitted Remodel or Failure to Submit Plans | |
| REINSPECTION SCHEDULED | |
| ROUTINE INSPECTION |
06/19/2013 |
| Lack of Food Protection Manager Certificate | |
| Unpermitted Remodel or Failure to Submit Plans | |
| Lack of/Improper Handwashing/Handwashing Sup. | |
| Unsanitary Equipment/Utensil/Linen/Plumbing | |
| Restroom in Disrepair/Unclean/Improp. Use/Supplies | |
| FOOD FOLLOW-UP- 2ND+ INSPECTION/OTHER |
01/24/2013 |
| Previous inspection report violation(s) corrected | |
| FOLLOW-UP INSPECTION |
01/17/2013 |
| Lack of/Improper Handwashing/Handwashing Sup. | |
| Restroom in Disrepair/Unclean/Improp. Use/Supplies | |
| Unsanitary Equipment/Utensil/Linen/Plumbing | |
| REINSPECTION SCHEDULED | |
| ROUTINE INSPECTION |
01/09/2013 |
| Lack of/Unsanitary/Condition Walls/Floors/Ceilings | |
| Unsanitary Equipment/Utensil/Linen/Plumbing | |
| Restroom in Disrepair/Unclean/Improp. Use/Supplies | |
| Lack of/Improper Handwashing/Handwashing Sup. | |
| REINSPECTION SCHEDULED | |
The Copper Door, located at 225 1/2 N. Broadway, in Santa Ana
| ROUTINE INSPECTION |
09/25/2013 |
| Lack of/Improper Handwashing/Handwashing Sup. | |
| Lack of Food Protection Manager Certificate | |
| Signs/Labels/Menu Board/Trans Fat-Missing/Incorrect/Lack of Food Handler Card | |
| Lack of/Unsanitary/Condition Walls/Floors/Ceilings | |
| Unsanitary Equipment/Utensil/Linen/Plumbing | |
| FOOD FOLLOW-UP- 2ND+ INSPECTION/OTHER |
05/28/2013 |
| Lack of/Unsanitary/Condition Walls/Floors/Ceilings | |
| FOLLOW-UP INSPECTION |
05/21/2013 |
| Inoperable/Lack of Food Thermometer | |
| Inappropriate Sanitizer Level/ Lack of Test Strips | |
| Unsanitary Equipment/Utensil/Linen/Plumbing | |
| Lack of/Improper Handwashing/Handwashing Sup. | |
| Lack of/Unsanitary/Condition Walls/Floors/Ceilings | |
| REINSPECTION SCHEDULED | |
| ROUTINE INSPECTION |
05/02/2013 |
| Inappropriate Sanitizer Level/ Lack of Test Strips | |
| Inoperable/Lack of Food Thermometer | |
| Restroom in Disrepair/Unclean/Improp. Use/Supplies | |
| Lack of/Improper Handwashing/Handwashing Sup. | |
| Unsanitary Equipment/Utensil/Linen/Plumbing | |
| Lack of/Unsanitary/Condition Walls/Floors/Ceilings | |
| REINSPECTION SCHEDULED | |
| CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP |
05/02/2013 |
The Velvet Lounge, located at 416 W. 4th St., in Santa Ana:
| ROUTINE INSPECTION |
08/27/2013 |
| Lack of/Unsanitary/Condition Walls/Floors/Ceilings | |
| Unapproved Pesticides/Chemicals/Labeling | |
| Unsanitary Equipment/Utensil/Linen/Plumbing | |
| Improper Food Storage/Receiving | |
| Improper Holding Temperatures of PHF | |
| Inappropriate Sanitizer Level/ Lack of Test Strips | |
| Facility not Fully Enclosed/Open Door/Air Curtain | |
| Lack of/Improper Handwashing/Handwashing Sup. | |
| Uncleanliness of Premises/Trash Storage | |
| ROUTINE INSPECTION |
04/26/2013 |
| Uncleanliness of Premises/Trash Storage | |
| Lack of/Improper Handwashing/Handwashing Sup. | |
| Restroom in Disrepair/Unclean/Improp. Use/Supplies | |
| Unsanitary Equipment/Utensil/Linen/Plumbing | |
| Improper Food Storage/Receiving | |
| Lack of/Unsanitary/Condition Walls/Floors/Ceilings | |
such a scrooge you are.
Hey it is the public’s right to know about these health violations. I don’t want anyone to get sick eating at these joints.
Well then you’ll also want the public to know that these restaurants received health violations in 2013;
Adalbertos Mexican Food
Albertos
Alvaros Mexican Food
Antojitos Clemente
Britos Taqueria & Restaurant
Cafe Calacas
Colima Mexican Restaurant
Dulceria Rodas
El Amanecer Cafe
Festival Hall/Diegos
Golden Gate Chinese Fast Food
Izalco Restaurant
La Reyna De Michoacan
Mariscos La Sirena
McDonald’s
Mil Jugos
Norm’s
Pop’s Cafe
etc, etc, etc, ie. pretty much every restaurant in Santa Ana, including Downtown, at some point in 2013.
Source; same as yours.
The difference is that the hipster restaurants are charging an arm and a leg for their food – and their executive chef’s are supposed to know better. They ought to be ashamed of themselves.
Hipsters go to all kinds of restaurants. In fact, it’s well-known that they like to seek out excellent, hole-in-the-wall, mom-n-pop restaurants delivering cuisine of various ethnicities.
Good for them. It is too bad the restaurants they own are such pigsties.
Well then so are all those restaurants I listed.
Sigh. Must I repeat myself? The difference is that the hipster joints OVERCHARGE for their food and drinks and their executive chefs are supposed to know better. But obviously they don’t.
Thank you, Art! Great way to keep the public aware. I have been in downtown SanTana since July and I must admit I am disappointed. My plan was to observe the growth of the area and possibly invest in a small gastropub. I plan to do three more months of research, but I suspect I will take my business elsewhere.
Everything from the smell of unkept drains at the Chapter 1 to flat-out being ignored TWICE at the Memphis counter, the “hipster joints” over promise and under deliver. You are correct that when you charge over $8 for a beer and over $10 for a sandwich, you would expect that the hipsters chefs were at least wearing something to cover up their beards. (How dare they make a cool hipster look uncool when they cook?) We don’t have this beard problem at Gallo Giro because Mexicans don’t have beards. Look at the reports and it is uncanny how many hipster joints have beard violations and very similar hygiene violations!
I’m starting to go eat in Fullerton. Can I get an update on the inspections there, Art? hahaha
Thanks again and Happy New Year
PS I love how the guilty comment as anonymous and then point the finger at other restaurants that are supposed to be inferior to theirs. Are you really saying that Dulceria Rodas should be held to the same standard as the hipster joints? It says a lot about who they really are…. the same as everyone else.