Roaches in kitchens. Dead bugs on walls. Upstate restaurants with worst October inspections
South Carolina health inspectors found multiple violations at restaurants in the Upstate in October, from dead insects on walls, roaches in kitchens and dirty cutting boards. The state each month releases grades and inspection reports for food establishments across Upstate counties.
Here are the restaurants that received some of the lowest ratings in October.
Arden’s Burgers and Grill at 3319 N Main St. in Anderson
Arden’s Burgers and Grill had an inspection on Oct. 29 and got a C grade.
An inspector observed dead insects on walls. Also observed were the back and front doors propped open, giving pests a chance to get inside.
A black substance was seen inside the ice machine. Beef was seen stored on a cardboard box on the floor. An accumulation of grease, grime and food buildup was seen on surfaces like door handles, light switches and shelving.
A required followup inspection has not yet been held.
Mexican Deli at 3131 N Main St. in Anderson
Mexican Deli had an inspection on Oct. 11 and got a C grade.
An inspector observed roaches in the kitchen near the stove. Also observed were dead roaches throughout the kitchen.
Dishes and utensils were seen unclean to sight and touch. Certain foods were seen not kept at proper holding temperatures. Dust, food debris and grime were seen on kitchen shelving and inside the walk-in cooler. The restroom door did not fully close.
The restaurant had a required followup inspection on Nov. 1 and got an A grade.
Blockhouse Restaurant at 1619 Augusta Road in Greenville
Blockhouse Restaurant had an inspection on Oct. 24 and got a B grade.
An inspector observed multiple employee drink containers stored on food contact surfaces and above food prep areas.
Restaurant seen not keeping proper records of shell stock sales. An accumulation of biofilm was seen in the ice machine. Certain foods were seen not kept at proper holding temperatures. Fish was seen thawing improperly.
The restaurant had a required followup inspection on Nov. 1 and got an A grade.
Pete’s of Simpsonville at 811 Main Street in Greenville
Pete’s of Simpsonville had an inspection on Oct. 29 and got a B grade.
An inspector observed tobacco products and employee drinks in the food prep area.
Hot dogs and bags of potatoes were seen thawing at room temperature. Numerous cats and cat food were seen by the restaurant. A container used to store sugar was seen heavily soiled. The floors were seen heavily soiled with grease and food debris.
A required followup inspection has not yet been held.
Osaka Express at 518 College Ave. in Pickens
Osaka Express had an inspection on Oct. 16 and got a C grade.
An inspector observed an employee wash dishes, then cut chicken without washing hands.
Knives and utensils with food debris on them were seen stored as clean. Fish was seen thawing at room temperature. The screen door at the back of the kitchen was seen in poor repair. An accumulation of grime was seen on shelving.
The restaurant had a required followup inspection on Oct. 29 and got an A grade.
Shuckin Shack Oyster Bar at 221 W Main St. in Pickens
Shuckin Shack Oyster Bar had an inspection on Oct. 30 and got a C grade.
An inspector observed that the date when the last shell stock was served or sold was not being recorded.
Cutting boards, the food prep sink and food containers were seen encrusted with food. Equipment was seen unclean to sight and touch. Raw oysters and shrimp were seen not cooked to proper temperatures. Certain foods were seen not kept at proper holding temperatures.
Leaks were seen from several plumbing drains under sinks. An accumulation of food and grease was seen on floors and walls.
A required followup inspection has not yet been held.
Tacos & Tequila at 409 W Main St. in Pickens
Tacos & Tequila had an inspection on Oct. 15 and got a C grade.
An inspector observed an employee not washing hands after changing tasks.
A 5 gallon container of rice was seen not allowed to cool properly. Cooked meats and sauces were seen held past the seven-day expiration date. Dry goods were seen not protected from contamination while stored with other foods. Coolers, tables, sinks and cooking equipment were seen unclean to sight and touch. Dust, food splatter and cobwebs were seen on floors, walls and ceiling.
The restaurant had a required followup inspection on Oct. 25 and got an A grade.
This story was originally published November 9, 2024 at 6:00 AM.
