Chattanooga TN, October 16, 2025
News Summary
Several restaurants in Chattanooga have received low scores on health inspections, highlighting serious sanitation issues that could impact public health. Taqueria el Paraiso and Dubs Place both scored a 68, while Crust Pizza received a score of 67. Conga Kitchen managed a score of 79. These results underscore the importance of adhering to health standards. Despite these failures, 41 other eateries achieved perfect inspection scores, demonstrating best practices in food safety.
Health Inspection Failures Lead to Low Scores for Multiple Chattanooga Restaurants
Chattanooga has witnessed a number of its local restaurants receive low health inspection scores, highlighting serious sanitation issues that could affect public health. Notably, Taqueria el Paraiso and Dubs Place both scored a 68, indicating significant violations of health standards. Additionally, Crust Pizza fell below acceptable standards with a failing score of 67, while Conga Kitchen managed to score a 79. These inspections are crucial in maintaining food safety, as they are conducted biannually throughout Hamilton County, Catoosa County, and Walker County using a 100-point grading scale.
Inspections and Findings
Taqueria el Paraiso faced troubling findings during its inspection. The food truck was reported to have flies and cockroaches inside, which raises concerns regarding overall health and food safety. No sanitizer was found in the sink or cleaning buckets, and there were signs of grime and food buildup on surfaces not directly touching food, including behind the stove and inside the microwave. Moreover, a dirty mop bucket was improperly disposed of outside, dishware was stored on the floor, and uncovered produce was placed in the refrigerator alongside other open containers. Alarmingly, an employee’s phone was discovered on a cutting board in the food preparation area, despite prior requests for it to be removed.
Dubs Place, although also scoring a 68, showed improvements in a follow-up inspection, achieving a score of 92. Staff members have reportedly enhanced their handwashing practices and received additional education to ensure better food safety protocols. Improvements noted included the proper storage of raw meat and correct labeling and placement of sanitizers. Vacuum-sealed food is no longer sold at this location.
Crust Pizza suffered multiple violations, including dirty pizza ovens and food debris buildup on pizza oven rollers. The inspection highlighted a dirty filter over the pizza oven along with dented canned goods in dry storage, which are considered unsound. Uncovered food items and insufficient sanitizer levels were also noted, and the walk-in cooler temperatures were found to be out of compliance. Furthermore, there was no hand soap present at the handwashing station.
Conga Kitchen scored a 79 and had issues related to food safety as well. The inspection revealed raw fish stored on the same shelf as chicken, as well as uncovered raw foods. Cooked ground beef was held above the safe temperature of 41°F, and raw beef was thawing at room temperature, which is an unapproved thawing method. Additionally, ready-to-eat foods were found unmarked and held longer than 24 hours, and areas in the kitchen were described as dirty. Notably, utensils were found in the handwashing sink, indicating a misuse of that area.
Perfect Scores
Despite the failures, 41 restaurants in the Tennessee Valley achieved a perfect score of 100 on their inspections. These successful establishments serve as a reminder of the importance of adhering to health standards to ensure the safety and well-being of patrons.
Community members are encouraged to reach out to their local health departments with any inquiries related to restaurants, hotels, pools, or gyms, as these inspections are vital in protecting public health.
FAQ
What was the health inspection score for Taqueria el Paraiso?
Taqueria el Paraiso on Dodds Avenue scored a 68 during its health inspection.
What were some violations found at Dubs Place?
Dubs Place also scored a 68, but a follow-up inspection resulted in a score of 92 with noted improvements in handwashing practices and staff education.
What health score did Crust Pizza receive?
Crust Pizza on Broad Street received a failing score of 67.
What is the grading scale used for health inspections in Chattanooga?
Health inspection protocols are conducted biannually in Hamilton County, Catoosa County, and Walker County, which use a 100-point grading scale.
How many restaurants in the Tennessee Valley received a perfect score?
41 restaurants in the Tennessee Valley received a perfect score of 100 on their inspections.
Summary of Restaurant Health Inspection Scores
| Restaurant Name | Score | Notable Violations |
|---|---|---|
| Taqueria el Paraiso | 68 | Flies, cockroaches, improper storage, employee phone on cutting board |
| Dubs Place | 68 (improved to 92) | Prior violations, followed up with better practices |
| Crust Pizza | 67 | Dirty ovens, uncovered food, improper sanitizer levels |
| Conga Kitchen | 79 | Improper storage, unmarked foods, dirty kitchen areas |
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Additional Resources
- Local 3 News: Mobile Taqueria Fails Inspection
- Times Free Press: Flies, Roaches, Wastewater Leak in Chattanooga Area
- Local 3 News: Pizza Place Fails Inspection
- Wikipedia: Health Inspection
- Times Free Press: Flies in the Kitchen
- Google Search: Restaurant Sanitation Standards
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
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