Mandy
Recent food safety inspections across the Kansas City metro, including Missouri and Kansas, revealed a range of concerning violations—from mouse droppings to hovering insects, expired food, and improper temperature controls.
In Kansas City, Health departments regularly inspect restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, and other food establishments, making these reports publicly accessible.
In Missouri, the Kansas City Health Department enforces local food codes, while in Kansas, the Kansas Department of Agriculture oversees inspections.
Generally, fewer violations indicate better compliance, and most businesses correct problems promptly.
Restaurants With the Most Significant Violations
Warehouse on Broadway
3951 Broadway Blvd. — 14 critical violations (Nov. 5)
During a routine inspection at this Westport music venue, inspectors discovered mouse droppings along a kitchen wall.
Three bar areas lacked adequate hand-washing sinks, and one stand was operating without a valid food permit.
A follow-up inspection is still pending.
KC Thai
12250 W. 135th St., Overland Park — 14 priority violations (Nov. 3)
Inspectors found nearly three-week-old pork ribs stored in the cooler, along with 15 containers retaining outdated stickers.
A Nov. 13 reinspection shows two violations still unresolved.
Conroy’s
5285 W. 95th St., Overland Park — 12 priority violations (Nov. 4)
At this Irish pub near Nall, the inspector documented 15 winged insects hovering over a prep table used for baked potatoes.
The employee restroom had no soap, and soup and gravy remained warm a full day after cooking, indicating unsafe cooling practices.
A follow-up inspection is yet to take place.
KC India Mart
8542 W. 133rd St., Overland Park — 8 priority violations (Nov. 5)
This Indian grocery store failed an administrative follow-up when inspectors recorded a dessert cooler at nearly 60°F, far above safe temperatures. Roughly 10% of dishes labeled as clean still had visible debris.
Another inspection is scheduled.
Zaina in Crown Center
2450 Grand Blvd. — 7 critical violations (Nov. 4)
Inspectors noted significant build-up on walls and ceilings, and food boxes stored directly on the freezer floor, violating food-safety protocols.
A Nov. 10 follow-up confirmed all issues were corrected.
Baba’s Pantry
1019 E. 63rd St. — 7 critical violations (Nov. 6)
At this popular Middle Eastern eatery, multiple expired ready-to-eat items were found in the display case. The back kitchen door was left open without a screen, creating pest risks.
A follow-up inspection has not yet been completed.
Sandbox at Powerplay
509 NW Barry Road — 7 critical violations (Nov. 6)
Inspectors observed water dripping from walk-in cooler fans onto a container of eggs, along with heavy grease build-up on kitchen equipment.
A reinspection has not yet occurred.
Carniceria y Tortilleria San Antonio
830 Kansas Ave., Kansas City, Kansas — 7 priority violations (Nov. 5)
This combined restaurant and meat market lacked soap at the butcher station hand-washing sink, and a package of cooked beef tongue was one week past its use-by date.
A follow-up inspection was not required.
Outback Steakhouse
9501 Quivira Drive, Overland Park — 7 priority violations (Nov. 4)
(Details available in inspection records; issues required correction following the initial visit.)
Conclusion
Food safety inspections highlight ongoing challenges for many Kansas City-area restaurants, with issues ranging from expired food and sanitation lapses to temperature violations and pest activity.
While some establishments corrected problems immediately, others await follow-ups to verify compliance. Public inspection reports continue to play a crucial role in transparency and community health.
FAQs
1. Who performs restaurant inspections in the Kansas City region?
In Missouri, the Kansas City Health Department handles inspections. In Kansas, the Kansas Department of Agriculture oversees the process.
2. Are most violations fixed quickly?
Yes. Most establishments correct violations during the initial inspection or shortly afterward, though some require follow-ups.
3. Where can the public view these inspection reports?
Reports are available online through Kansas City Health Department portals and the Kansas Department of Agriculture website.