What is Sweetwater Tavern's health inspection score?

Sweetwater Tavern has a SafeDine safety score of 28 out of 100 (Grade C). This score is calculated from official government health inspection data, factoring in violation severity, recency, and trends.

When was Sweetwater Tavern last inspected?

Sweetwater Tavern was last inspected on April 9, 2026. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does Sweetwater Tavern have?

Sweetwater Tavern has 54 total violations across 10 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is Sweetwater Tavern safe to eat at?

Sweetwater Tavern has a safety score of 28/100, which suggests room for improvement. Review the detailed inspection history on SafeDine for more information.

Official Health Record

Sweetwater Tavern

Name: Sweetwater Tavern
Address: 400 E Congress, Detroit, 48226
Rating: 28

400 E Congress, Detroit

Last Inspected: 4/9/2026

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0Poor

Downtown

Ranked #842 of 1000 in Downtown

Declining

8 inspections

Last: Apr 9, 2026

high confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

25%

Clean Rate

6.8

Avg Violations

2 months ago

Last Inspected

Top Concerns

Most common issues from recent inspections

Temperature controlHigh Priority

Food not kept at safe temperatures — risk of bacterial growth

Cross-contaminationHigh Priority

Raw and cooked foods not properly separated

Handwashing

Employees not properly washing hands — contamination risk

Pest issuesHigh Priority

Evidence of pests found during inspection

11x

Sanitation

Equipment or surfaces not properly cleaned/sanitized

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-109

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-0 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-22 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-4 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Inspection Timeline

-25 pts

Latest

100% weight

2nd

60% weight

3rd

30% weight

Real-time Score: 0/100 — This score includes today's freshness penalty and may differ slightly from the displayed score (28/100) which is computed during our regular data sync.

How scoring works: Every restaurant starts at 100 points. Points are deducted for violations found during inspections.

Recent inspections are weighted more heavily. High priority violations (direct health hazards) have the greatest impact.

Location

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400 E Congress, Detroit, MI 48226

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Violation Timeline

Jul 2022

1 inspections

Jul

Jan 2023

1 inspections

4 high priority

3 intermediate

6 basic

Jul 2023

1 inspections

4 high priority

2 intermediate

1 basic

Jul

Oct 2023

1 inspections

Jul 2024

1 inspections

4 high priority

2 intermediate

1 basic

Jul

Jan 2025

1 inspections

2 high priority

1 intermediate

3 basic

Oct 2025

1 inspections

3 high priority

3 intermediate

Oct

Apr 2026

1 inspections

6 high priority

6 intermediate

3 basic

Inspection History

8 records on file

6 Routine Inspection2 Complaint

Apr 26

Routine Inspection InspectionLatest

6 High6 Med3 Basic

15 total6 risk factors

0/100inspection score

−96 pts

High Priority (6)

−60 pts

3-501.14(A) Cooked POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD (TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD) shall be cooled: (1) Within 2 hours, from 135ºF to 70ºF; and (P) (2) Within 4 hours, from 70ºF to 41ºF or less (P) (B) POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD (TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD) prepared from ingredients at ambient temperature shall be cooled within 4 hours to 41F or less. (P) (C) POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD (TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD) received in compliance wiRisk Factor−10
3-304.15(A) SINGLE-USE gloves shall be used for one task only and discarded when damaged, soiled, or when interruptions occur in the operation. (P) (B) Slash-resistant and cloth gloves shall be used in direct contact only with FOOD that is subsequently cooked. Gloves used with ready-to-eat foods shall be smooth, durable and non-absorbant. Risk Factor−10
3-501.16Except during preparation, cooking, or cooling, or when time is used as the public health control POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD (TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD) shall be maintained: (A) 135ºF or above, except that roasts properly cooked and cooled may be held at a temperature of 130ºF; or (P) (B) At 41ºF or less (P) Risk Factor−10
5-202.12(A) A handwashing sink shall be equipped to provide water at a temperature of at least 38°C (100°F) through a mixing valve or combination faucet. (Pf) (B) A steam mixing valve may not be used at a handwashing sink. (C) A self-closing, slow-closing, or metering faucet shall provide a flow of water for at least 15 seconds without the need to reactivate the faucet. (D) An automatic handwashing facility shall be installed in accordance with manufacturer's instructions. Risk Factor−10
3-302.11(A) FOOD shall be protected from cross contamination by: (1) Except as specified in (1)(c) below, separating raw animal FOODS during storage, preparation, holding, and display from: (a) Raw READY-TO-EAT FOOD including other raw animal FOOD such as FISH for sushi or MOLLUSCAN SHELLFISH, or other raw READY-TO-EAT FOOD such as fruits and vegetables,(P) and (b) Cooked READY-TO-EAT FOOD; (P) (c) Frozen, commercially processed and packaged raw animal FOOD may be stored or displayed Risk Factor−10
4-501.114A chemical SANITIZER used in a SANITIZING solution for a manual or mechanical operation shall meet these limits or as otherwise approved: (P) Chlorine ppm pH<10 pH<8 25 120 F 120 F 50 100 F 75 F 100 55 F 55 F Iodine a concentration of between 12.5 and 25 ppm and minimum temp of 75 F and pH of 5 or less or meets manufacturer's specifiRisk Factor−10

Intermediate (6)

−30 pts

2-103.11The PERSON IN CHARGE shall ensure that employees, practices and policies are in compliance with the code. (Pf) −5
4-302.14A test kit or other device that accurately measures the concentration in mg/L of SANITIZING solutions shall be provided. (Pf) −5
3-501.15(A) Cooling shall be accomplished in accordance with the time and temperature criteria specified under § 3-501.14 by using one or more of the following methods based on the type of FOOD being cooled: (1) Placing the FOOD in shallow pans; (Pf) (2) Separating the FOOD into smaller or thinner portions; (Pf) (3) Using rapid cooling EQUIPMENT; (Pf) (4) Stirring the FOOD in a container placed in an ice water bath; (Pf) (5) Using containers that facilitate heat transfer; (Pf) (6) Ad−5
4-501.116Concentration of the SANITIZING solution shall be accurately determined by using a test kit or other device. (Pf) −5
5-205.11(A) A HANDWASHING SINK shall be maintained so that it is accessible at all times for EMPLOYEE use and used for no other purpose. (Pf) (B) An automatic handwashing facility shall be used in accordance with manufacturer's instructions. (Pf) −5
4-302.12(A) FOOD TEMPERATURE MEASURING DEVICES shall be provided and readily accessible for use in ensuring attainment and maintenance of FOOD temperatures as specified under Chapter 3. (Pf) (B) A TEMPERATURE MEASURING DEVICE with a suitable small-diameter probe that is designed to measure the temperature of thin masses shall be provided and readily accessible to accurately measure the temperature in thin FOODS such as MEAT patties and FISH filets. (Pf) −5

Basic (3)

−6 pts

6-202.15Outer openings of a FOOD ESTABLISHMENT shall be protected against the entry of insects and rodents. Unless otherwise allowed by law. −2
6-501.12(A) PHYSICAL FACILITIES shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean. (B) Except spill cleanup, cleaning shall be done during periods when the least amount of FOOD is exposed such as after closing. −2
6-501.111The presence of insects, rodents, and other pests shall be controlled to minimize their presence on the PREMISES. by: (A) Routinely inspecting incoming shipments of FOOD and supplies; (B) Routinely inspecting the PREMISES for evidence of pests; (C) Using methods, if pests are found, such as trapping devices or other means of pest control as specified.(Pf) (D) Eliminating harborage conditions. −2

Base deductions−96 pts

Risk factor bonus (6× +5)−30 pts

Oct 25

Routine Inspection Inspection

3 High3 Med

6 total3 risk factors

40/100inspection score

−45 pts

High Priority (3)

−30 pts

7-201.11POISONOUS OR TOXIC MATERIAL shall be stored so they can not contaminate FOOD, EQUIPMENT, UTENSILS, LINENS, AND SINGLE-SERVICE AND SINGLE-USE ARTICLES by: (A) Separating the POISONOUS OR TOXIC MATERIAL by spacing or partitioning; (P) and (B) Locating the POISONOUS OR TOXIC MATERIAL in an area that is not above FOOD, EQUIPMENT, UTENSILS, LINENS, AND SINGLE-SERVICE AND SINGLE-USE ARTICLES. This paragraph does not apply to EQUIPMENT and UTENSIL cleaners and sanitizers that are stored in WAREWRisk Factor−10
3-501.16Except during preparation, cooking, or cooling, or when time is used as the public health control POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD (TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD) shall be maintained: (A) 135ºF or above, except that roasts properly cooked and cooled may be held at a temperature of 130ºF; or (P) (B) At 41ºF or less (P) Risk Factor−10
3-501.14(A) Cooked POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD (TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD) shall be cooled: (1) Within 2 hours, from 135ºF to 70ºF; and (P) (2) Within 4 hours, from 70ºF to 41ºF or less (P) (B) POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD (TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD) prepared from ingredients at ambient temperature shall be cooled within 4 hours to 41F or less. (P) (C) POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD (TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD) received in compliance wiRisk Factor−10

Intermediate (3)

−15 pts

3-501.15(A) Cooling shall be accomplished in accordance with the time and temperature criteria specified under § 3-501.14 by using one or more of the following methods based on the type of FOOD being cooled: (1) Placing the FOOD in shallow pans; (Pf) (2) Separating the FOOD into smaller or thinner portions; (Pf) (3) Using rapid cooling EQUIPMENT; (Pf) (4) Stirring the FOOD in a container placed in an ice water bath; (Pf) (5) Using containers that facilitate heat transfer; (Pf) (6) Ad−5
4-601.11(A) EQUIPMENT FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES and UTENSILS shall be clean to sight and touch. (Pf) (B) The FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES of cooking EQUIPMENT and pans shall be kept free of encrusted grease deposits and other soil accumulations. (C) NonFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES of EQUIPMENT shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, FOOD residue, and other debris. −5
5-205.11(A) A HANDWASHING SINK shall be maintained so that it is accessible at all times for EMPLOYEE use and used for no other purpose. (Pf) (B) An automatic handwashing facility shall be used in accordance with manufacturer's instructions. (Pf) −5

Base deductions−45 pts

Risk factor bonus (3× +5)−15 pts

Jan 25

Routine Inspection Inspection

2 High1 Med3 Basic

6 total2 risk factors

59/100inspection score

−31 pts

High Priority (2)

−20 pts

7-201.11POISONOUS OR TOXIC MATERIAL shall be stored so they can not contaminate FOOD, EQUIPMENT, UTENSILS, LINENS, AND SINGLE-SERVICE AND SINGLE-USE ARTICLES by: (A) Separating the POISONOUS OR TOXIC MATERIAL by spacing or partitioning; (P) and (B) Locating the POISONOUS OR TOXIC MATERIAL in an area that is not above FOOD, EQUIPMENT, UTENSILS, LINENS, AND SINGLE-SERVICE AND SINGLE-USE ARTICLES. This paragraph does not apply to EQUIPMENT and UTENSIL cleaners and sanitizers that are stored in WAREWRisk Factor−10
4-501.114A chemical SANITIZER used in a SANITIZING solution for a manual or mechanical operation shall meet these limits or as otherwise approved: (P) Chlorine ppm pH<10 pH<8 25 120 F 120 F 50 100 F 75 F 100 55 F 55 F Iodine a concentration of between 12.5 and 25 ppm and minimum temp of 75 F and pH of 5 or less or meets manufacturer's specifiRisk Factor−10

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

4-302.14A test kit or other device that accurately measures the concentration in mg/L of SANITIZING solutions shall be provided. (Pf) −5

Basic (3)

−6 pts

6-501.12(A) PHYSICAL FACILITIES shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean. (B) Except spill cleanup, cleaning shall be done during periods when the least amount of FOOD is exposed such as after closing. −2
5-501.17A toilet room used by females shall be provided with a covered receptacle for sanitary napkins. −2
6-301.14A sign or poster that notifies FOOD EMPLOYEES to wash their hands shall be provided at all HANDWASHING SINKS used by FOOD EMPLOYEES and shall be clearly visible to FOOD EMPLOYEES. −2

Base deductions−31 pts

Risk factor bonus (2× +5)−10 pts

Jul 24

Routine Inspection Inspection

4 High2 Med1 Basic

7 total4 risk factors

28/100inspection score

−52 pts

High Priority (4)

−40 pts

3-101.11FOOD shall be safe, unADULTERATED and honestly presented. (P) Risk Factor−10
3-303.11After use as a medium for cooling the exterior surfaces of FOOD, or cooling coils and tubes of EQUIPMENT, ice may not be used as FOOD. (P) Risk Factor−10
4-501.114A chemical SANITIZER used in a SANITIZING solution for a manual or mechanical operation shall meet these limits or as otherwise approved: (P) Chlorine ppm pH<10 pH<8 25 120 F 120 F 50 100 F 75 F 100 55 F 55 F Iodine a concentration of between 12.5 and 25 ppm and minimum temp of 75 F and pH of 5 or less or meets manufacturer's specifiRisk Factor−10
7-201.11POISONOUS OR TOXIC MATERIAL shall be stored so they can not contaminate FOOD, EQUIPMENT, UTENSILS, LINENS, AND SINGLE-SERVICE AND SINGLE-USE ARTICLES by: (A) Separating the POISONOUS OR TOXIC MATERIAL by spacing or partitioning; (P) and (B) Locating the POISONOUS OR TOXIC MATERIAL in an area that is not above FOOD, EQUIPMENT, UTENSILS, LINENS, AND SINGLE-SERVICE AND SINGLE-USE ARTICLES. This paragraph does not apply to EQUIPMENT and UTENSIL cleaners and sanitizers that are stored in WAREWRisk Factor−10

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

7-202.11(A) Only those POISONOUS OR TOXIC MATERIALS that are required for the operation and maintenance of a FOOD ESTABLISHMENT, such as for the cleaning and SANITIZING of EQUIPMENT and UTENSILS and the control of insects and rodents, shall be allowed in a FOOD ESTABLISHMENT. (Pf) (B) Paragraph (A) of this section does not apply to PACKAGED POISONOUS OR TOXIC MATERIALS that are for retail sale.−5
5-205.11(A) A HANDWASHING SINK shall be maintained so that it is accessible at all times for EMPLOYEE use and used for no other purpose. (Pf) (B) An automatic handwashing facility shall be used in accordance with manufacturer's instructions. (Pf) −5

Basic (1)

−2 pts

6-501.12(A) PHYSICAL FACILITIES shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean. (B) Except spill cleanup, cleaning shall be done during periods when the least amount of FOOD is exposed such as after closing. −2

Base deductions−52 pts

Risk factor bonus (4× +5)−20 pts

Oct 23

Complaint InspectionClean

No violations

100/100inspection score

Jul 23

Routine Inspection Inspection

4 High2 Med1 Basic

7 total4 risk factors

28/100inspection score

−52 pts

High Priority (4)

−40 pts

4-501.114A chemical SANITIZER used in a SANITIZING solution for a manual or mechanical operation shall meet these limits or as otherwise approved: (P) Chlorine ppm pH<10 pH<8 25 120 F 120 F 50 100 F 75 F 100 55 F 55 F Iodine a concentration of between 12.5 and 25 ppm and minimum temp of 75 F and pH of 5 or less or meets manufacturer's specifiRisk Factor−10
7-202.12POISONOUS OR TOXIC MATERIALS shall be: (A) Used according to: (1) LAW and this Code, (2) Manufacturer's use directions included in labeling, and, for a pesticide, manufacturer's label instructions that state that use is allowed in a FOOD ESTABLISHMENT, (P) (3) The conditions of certification, if certification is required, for use of the pest control materials, (P) and (4) Additional conditions that may be established by the REGULATORY AUTHORITY; and (B) Applied so that: Risk Factor−10
7-201.11POISONOUS OR TOXIC MATERIAL shall be stored so they can not contaminate FOOD, EQUIPMENT, UTENSILS, LINENS, AND SINGLE-SERVICE AND SINGLE-USE ARTICLES by: (A) Separating the POISONOUS OR TOXIC MATERIAL by spacing or partitioning; (P) and (B) Locating the POISONOUS OR TOXIC MATERIAL in an area that is not above FOOD, EQUIPMENT, UTENSILS, LINENS, AND SINGLE-SERVICE AND SINGLE-USE ARTICLES. This paragraph does not apply to EQUIPMENT and UTENSIL cleaners and sanitizers that are stored in WAREWRisk Factor−10
3-301.11(A) To prevent food contamination FOOD EMPLOYEES shall properly wash their hands. (B) FOOD EMPLOYEES may not contact exposed, READY-TO-EAT FOOD with their bare hands and shall use suitable UTENSILS such as deli tissue, spatulas, tongs, single-use gloves, or dispensing EQUIPMENT. (P) (C) FOOD EMPLOYEES shall minimize bare hand and arm contact with exposed FOOD that is not in a READY-TO-EAT form. (Pf) Risk Factor−10

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

4-302.14A test kit or other device that accurately measures the concentration in mg/L of SANITIZING solutions shall be provided. (Pf) −5
7-102.11Working containers used for storing POISONOUS OR TOXIC MATERIALS such as cleaners and SANITIZERS taken from bulk supplies shall be clearly and individually identified with the common name of the material. (Pf) −5

Basic (1)

−2 pts

3-304.12During pauses in FOOD preparation or dispensing, UTENSILS shall be stored: (A) In the FOOD with their handles above the top of the FOOD and the container; (B) In FOOD that is not POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS with their handles above the top of the FOOD within containers or EQUIPMENT that can be closed, such as bins of sugar, flour, or cinnamon; (C) On a clean portion of the FOOD preparation table or cooking EQUIPMENT (D) In running water, such as dipper well. (E) In a clean, protected locat−2

Base deductions−52 pts

Risk factor bonus (4× +5)−20 pts

Jan 23

Routine Inspection Inspection

4 High3 Med6 Basic

13 total4 risk factors

13/100inspection score

−67 pts

High Priority (4)

−40 pts

3-501.18A FOOD specified in ¶ 3-501.17(A) or (B) shall be discarded if it: (1) Exceeds the temperature and time combination specified in ¶ 3-501.17(A), except time that the product is frozen; (P) (2) Is in a container or PACKAGE that does not bear a date or day; (P) or (3) Is appropriately marked with a date or day that exceeds a temperature and time combination as specified in ¶ 3-501.17(A). (P) Risk Factor−10
3-501.16Except during preparation, cooking, or cooling, or when time is used as the public health control POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD (TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD) shall be maintained: (A) 135ºF or above, except that roasts properly cooked and cooled may be held at a temperature of 130ºF; or (P) (B) At 41ºF or less (P) Risk Factor−10
3-304.15(A) SINGLE-USE gloves shall be used for one task only and discarded when damaged, soiled, or when interruptions occur in the operation. (P) (B) Slash-resistant and cloth gloves shall be used in direct contact only with FOOD that is subsequently cooked. Gloves used with ready-to-eat foods shall be smooth, durable and non-absorbant. Risk Factor−10
2-301.14FOOD EMPLOYEES shall clean their hands and exposed portions of their arms as specified under § 2-301.12 immediately before engaging in FOOD preparation including working with exposed FOOD, clean EQUIPMENT and UTENSILS, and unwrapped SINGLE-SERVICE and SINGLE-USE ARTICLES (P) and: (A) After touching bare human body parts other than clean hands and clean, exposed portions of arms; (P) (B) After using the toilet room; (P) (C) After caring for or handling SERVICE ANIMALS or aquatic animaRisk Factor−10

Intermediate (3)

−15 pts

5-205.11(A) A HANDWASHING SINK shall be maintained so that it is accessible at all times for EMPLOYEE use and used for no other purpose. (Pf) (B) An automatic handwashing facility shall be used in accordance with manufacturer's instructions. (Pf) −5
4-601.11(A) EQUIPMENT FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES and UTENSILS shall be clean to sight and touch. (Pf) (B) The FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES of cooking EQUIPMENT and pans shall be kept free of encrusted grease deposits and other soil accumulations. (C) NonFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES of EQUIPMENT shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, FOOD residue, and other debris. −5
6-301.12Each HANDWASHING SINK or group of adjacent HANDWASHING SINKS shall be provided with: (A) Individual, disposable towels; (Pf) (B) A continuous towel system that supplies the user with a clean towel;(Pf) or (C) A heated-air hand drying device.(Pf) (D) A hand drying device that employs an air-knife system that delivers high velocity pressurized air at ambient temperatures.(Pf) −5

Basic (6)

−12 pts

3-304.12During pauses in FOOD preparation or dispensing, UTENSILS shall be stored: (A) In the FOOD with their handles above the top of the FOOD and the container; (B) In FOOD that is not POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS with their handles above the top of the FOOD within containers or EQUIPMENT that can be closed, such as bins of sugar, flour, or cinnamon; (C) On a clean portion of the FOOD preparation table or cooking EQUIPMENT (D) In running water, such as dipper well. (E) In a clean, protected locat−2
3-302.12Except for containers holding FOOD that can be readily and unmistakably recognized such as dry pasta, working containers holding FOOD or FOOD ingredients that are removed from their original packages for use in the FOOD ESTABLISHMENT, such as cooking oils, flour, herbs, potato flakes, salt, spices, and sugar shall be identified with the common name of the FOOD.−2
5-205.15A PLUMBING SYSTEM shall be: (A) Repaired according to LAW; (P) and (B) Maintained in good repair. −2
6-301.14A sign or poster that notifies FOOD EMPLOYEES to wash their hands shall be provided at all HANDWASHING SINKS used by FOOD EMPLOYEES and shall be clearly visible to FOOD EMPLOYEES. −2
5-501.17A toilet room used by females shall be provided with a covered receptacle for sanitary napkins. −2
6-501.11PHYSICAL FACILITIES shall be maintained in good repair. −2

Base deductions−67 pts

Risk factor bonus (4× +5)−20 pts

Jul 22

Complaint InspectionClean

No violations

100/100inspection score

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Data source: Detroit Health Dept · Official government inspection records

Grading System

85 – 100
Excellent
70 – 84
Good
Below 70
Fair

About SafeDine Scores

Scores are calculated using official government inspection data. High Priority violations (direct health hazards) have the greatest impact, followed by Intermediate and Basic violations. Community reviews can adjust the score by up to 5 points when 3+ reviews are submitted.

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