Swarming flies, mildew & contamination: Latest worst Myrtle Beach restaurant inspections
In the latest round of health and safety inspections in the Myrtle Beach area, the South Carolina Department of Agriculture found “swarming” flies, mildew in a refrigerator and raw fish stored over ready-to-eat food.
In general, SCDA gives restaurants scoring between 88 and 100 points A grades, restaurants scoring 78-87 points B grades and restaurants scoring 77 points or fewer C grades.
However, the department sometimes lowers grades for restaurants that have consecutive violations, are under enforcement action or are under pending enforcement actions, including imminent health hazards, permit suspensions or permit revocations.
Of the 140 restaurant inspections conducted in Horry and Georgetown County between July 12 and July 18, SCDA gave six restaurants B grades and two restaurants C grades. However, only five of those establishments actually scored below 88 points. Here’s what inspectors found.
6401 N. Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572
Score: 75
In response to a complaint, the SCDA inspected Anchor Bar on July 14. The inspector observed “numerous flies” in the kitchen, fly lights above food and preparation areas and self-closures not attached to the exterior doors, which SCDA considers a risk for pests.
Other violations included roast beef and chicken stored at insufficiently cold temperatures, a soda bag stored on the floor, cups without handles used to scoop products, a sink leaking into a container and a pre-wash sprayer laying on the floor rim. The inspection report also notes spillage in the walk-in refrigerator, a damaged drain and build up on shelves and floors. A follow-up inspection is to be conducted on or before July 24.
Dirty Don’s Oyster Bar and Grill
3090 Deville St., Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Score: 78
At a routine inspection of Dirty Don’s Oyster Bar and Grill on July 17, raw fish was stored over ready-to-eat pasta, dirty utensils were stored over food, a dirty dicer was stored as though clean, a cutting board was “heavily stained” and there were ready-to-eat foods like crab mixture and pulled pork prepared more than a day prior without dates marked for safe consumption.
The inspector also observed raw fish stored at an insufficiently cold temperature, too much sanitizer in the dish washer and accumulations of grime and debris on the preparation table, cooking equipment, floors and walls. A follow-up inspection is to be conducted on or before July 27.
Clearwater Oyster Bar and Grill / Pollo Loco
9717 N. Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572
Score: 79
In response to a complaint, the SCDA inspected Clearwater Oyster Bar and Grill on July 18. There were “flies swarming and sitting on dirty towels,” fruit flies in a handsink, mildew on the condenser covers in a beer walk-in refrigerator, an AC unit dripping water on clean glasses and an insufficiently cool refrigerator with foods like mussels and raw shrimp at temperatures that weren’t cold enough.
Other violations included a sink was “full of dirty rags,” the person in charge wasn’t certified to handle food, a dog was sitting on someone’s lap at a breakfast table, there was insufficient sanitizer in the dish washer and improperly cooled grits.
The inspection report also noted “excessive” trash and debris outside the facility, as well as build up on fryers, gaskets, floors and liquor storage. A follow-up inspection is to be conducted on or before July 28.
9668 N. Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572
Score: 83
At a routine inspection of Renegades Bar and Grill on July 16, the refrigerator and raw meats inside were insufficiently cold, there was no sanitizer in the dish washer and the person in charge wasn’t certified to handle food.
The inspector also observed shelves on the kitchen floor, a leak under the dish washer and the walk-in refrigerator threshold in poor repair. A follow-up inspection is to be conducted on or before July 26.
410 E. Brooks Road, Andrews, SC 29510
Score: 83
After scoring 78 points in a routine inspection on July 9, the Country Corner on Brooks Road was inspected again on July 16. After completing “extensive remodeling” without SCDA approval, the facility had issues with ducts, caulk, outlets and surfaces.
Other violations included foods like raw beef and cheese stored at insufficiently cold temperatures, unlabeled bulk items that could be misidentified like flour and salt, a water line leaking and grease built up on shelves, hood filters and the sides of fryers.
The inspection report also notes issues with sinks, including one that poured water on the floor, one inaccessible for use and one where the hot water was turned off. A subsequent follow-up inspection is to be conducted on or before July 25.