A routine inspection by the Philadelphia Department of Health has resulted in significant health code violations for Penny Gardens Tavern, a well-known neighborhood bar located at 3089 Holme Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19136. Conducted on September 17, 2025, the inspection revealed multiple areas of non-compliance, raising concerns about food safety and sanitation practices.
During the inspection, officials found that the establishment was serving unpackaged foods without a certified food safety manager present on-site. The tavern’s ServSafe certificate had expired just 30 days prior to the inspection, and the individual responsible for food safety arrived approximately ten minutes after the inspection commenced. This delay raised questions about the establishment’s commitment to adhering to health regulations.
The inspection report highlighted several critical violations, including the presence of old residue on soda guns and holders, as well as the use of raw wood shelves within the walk-in cooler. Additionally, the galvanized exhaust hood in the preparation area was not operational. Other issues noted were missing cove bases, water stains, loose ceiling tiles in the kitchen, and gaps around pipes. Furthermore, debris was discovered under unused equipment, and damaged wall surfaces were present in the back storage area.
Another major sanitation violation stemmed from poor storage practices, as a mop was found stored in a mop bucket rather than hung to air dry. These findings prompted the department to mandate that the tavern address all violations within 30 days to avoid further action.
Compliance and Follow-Up Actions
The tavern is required to undertake immediate corrective measures, which include cleaning and sanitizing the establishment thoroughly. Residue buildup on kitchen and service equipment must be removed, and all structural issues, such as gaps, cracks, and leaks, need to be resolved to meet health and safety standards.
Failure to rectify the violations may lead to the revocation of the tavern’s health license. Should this occur, reinstatement will only be possible upon payment of a new license fee. Compliance will be verified during a follow-up inspection, which will examine whether the tavern has made necessary improvements.
For more detailed information regarding the inspection findings, the official report is available on the Philadelphia Department of Health’s website.
