14 Metro Phoenix Restaurants Scored a 'D' From the County Health Department in March 2016

More than a dozen restaurants in Maricopa County didn't do so well during health inspections last month. We noticed quite a few chain restaurants including Denny's, Domino's, and Sonic made the list — plus an appearance by Smoke Dem Bones Barbecue on Indian School Road in Phoenix. 

Check this list before you consider going through that drive-thru: 

Denny's, Phoenix (2525 West Deer Valley Road) 

"Observed employee put steak kabob on grill with glove hand and then continue to touch utensils in kitchen with same hand. Informed employee that hands needs to be washed after contamination with raw product. Employee washed hands after being told to do so."

Las Islas Del Capitan, Phoenix (2560 West Indian School Road)

"Person in charge was thawing shrimp in standing water. Fish found in the reach in cooler was measured at 57°F. Snail (47°F), octopus (47°F), and calamari (50°F) were found in the make top. Person in charge indicated that she had just recently thawed item at room temperature before placing item in the refrigeration unit/make table."

Sonic Drive-In, Gilbert (987 North Gilbert Road)

"Multiple pieces of equipment in clean storage area with excess old food debris present. Manager removed all items to be properly cleaned."

Einstein Bros. Bagel, Phoenix (4030 East Thunderbird Road Suite E)

"No parasite destruction letter for cold smoked salmon. Provide a parasite destruction letter from seafood provider for cold smoked salmon." 

Domino's Pizza, Scottsdale (6929 North Hayden Road Suite C-5)

"During the time of the inspection observed the employee return from a delivery and put the lid on the pizza sauce that was sitting on the prep table. The employee did not wash her hands. Spoke with the PIC [person-in-charge] about when to wash."

Subway, Phoenix (3131 East Thunderbird Road)

"At self serve soda fountain, soda nozzles with accumulation of dark residue. Soda nozzles were cleaned. Discussed proper washing procedures of soda nozzles with employees."

Erickbertos Mexican Food, Apache Junction (11550 East Apache Trail) 

"Observed an unopened case of shelled eggs above an unopened case of lard in the walk-in cooler at the time of the inspection. Informed person in charge that raw foods must be stored below other items to prevent contamination. Person in charge moved items accordingly."

Smoke Dem Bones, Phoenix (1650 East Indian School Road)

"In reach-in refrigerator milk, ribs, hot dogs, and eggs, were all holding between 48-52*F. PIC did not check temperature when establishment opened. Items were willingly discarded and fridge was turned down; fridge began blowing below 40*F. Make sure TCS foods are kept at 41*F or below."

Tacos El Gordo, Phoenix (3041 West Van Buren Street)

"Snap mouse trap was found next to the reach in cooler and a mouse trap was found below the make table. Person in charge removed traps at time of inspection. No signs of mice activities were observed at time of inspection."

Streets of New York, Phoenix (201 East Jefferson Boulevard Unit 220)

"Observed chicken wings cooling in main make table with internal temperature of 51'F. Person in charge (PIC) states wings were cooked 8 hours prior. Wings were embargoed. TCS food must be cooled from 135'F to 70'F within 2 hours and 70'F to 41'F in the next 4 hours."

Tacos Y Mariscos Sinaloa, Phoenix (2808 West McDowell Road)

"Observed raw beef thawing in a large tub at room temperature in the kitchen area. Person in charge was notified and placed beef in the walk-in cooler at the time of inspection."

68 Degree Sabor Raspados, Phoenix (5930 West McDowell Road Suite 105)

"Establishment had ceviche. Employee was asked how it was made, and I was told just with lime juice. I had employee discard ceviche as they do not have the appropriate permit to do so, and they do not have a consumer advisory. Ceviche was not on menu. Any menu changes must be approved by the department."

Denny's, Mesa (1210 East Main Street)

"Excess trash/old food debris on floors in dining room, prep, and storage areas. Manager stated that all areas would be cleaned. Ensure that physical facility is cleaned as frequently as necessary."

Filiberto's Mexican Food, Mesa (531 East Southern Avenue)

"Blades of puree equipment only rinsed before putting unit away after being used for salsa and beans. Asked employee to wash, rinse, and sanitize all equipment prior to air dry before putting away as clean for next use. Employee re-cleaned equipment properly."