What is Motor City Kitchen's health inspection score?

Motor City Kitchen has a SafeDine safety score of 60 out of 100 (Grade C). This score is calculated from official government health inspection data, factoring in violation severity, recency, and trends.

When was Motor City Kitchen last inspected?

Motor City Kitchen was last inspected on February 25, 2025. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does Motor City Kitchen have?

Motor City Kitchen has 40 total violations across 7 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is Motor City Kitchen safe to eat at?

Motor City Kitchen has a safety score of 60/100, which suggests room for improvement. Review the detailed inspection history on SafeDine for more information.

What type of cuisine does Motor City Kitchen serve?

Motor City Kitchen serves American cuisine. Visit their SafeDine page for safety scores, inspection history, and more details.

Official Health Record

Motor City Kitchen

Name: Motor City Kitchen
Address: 525 LAFAYETTE W, Detroit, 48226
Rating: 60

525 LAFAYETTE W, Detroit

Data may be outdated — inspected 2/25/2025

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0Fair

American•Downtown

Ranked #510 of 1000 in DowntownBetter than 17% of american restaurants

Declining

9 inspections

Last: Feb 25, 2025

low confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

22%

Clean Rate

4.4

Avg Violations

14 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

Handwashing

Employees not properly washing hands — contamination risk

Cross-contaminationHigh Priority

Raw and cooked foods not properly separated

Sanitation

Equipment or surfaces not properly cleaned/sanitized

Pest issues

Evidence of pests found during inspection

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-40

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-0 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-10 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-3 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Freshness Penalty

-12 pts

Score reduced due to stale inspection data

Inspection Timeline

-16 pts

Latest

100% weight

100

2nd

60% weight

3rd

30% weight

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

525 LAFAYETTE W, Detroit, MI 48226

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Violation Timeline

May 2021

1 inspections

1 high priority

3 intermediate

3 basic

May

Dec 2021

1 inspections

2 high priority

2 intermediate

1 basic

Jul 2022

1 inspections

4 high priority

2 intermediate

1 basic

Jul

May 2023

1 inspections

Jun 2023

1 inspections

1 intermediate

3 basic

Jun

Jan 2024

1 inspections

1 high priority

4 intermediate

1 basic

Jul 2024

1 inspections

1 high priority

3 intermediate

Jul

Feb 2025

2 inspections

1 high priority

3 intermediate

3 basic

Inspection History

9 records on file

7 Routine Inspection1 Attempt inspection1 Closed - attempt ins

Feb 25

Routine Inspection InspectionLatest

1 High3 Med3 Basic

7 total1 risk factor

64/100inspection score

−31 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

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

Intermediate (3)

−15 pts

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
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
3-501.17(A) READY-TO-EAT, POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD (TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD) prepared and held refrigerated for more than 24 hours in a FOOD ESTABLISHMENT shall be clearly marked at the time of preparation to indicate the date or day by which the FOOD shall be consumed. (Pf) (B) A container of refrigerated, commercially prepared READY-TO-EAT POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD (TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD) shall be clearly marked, at the time the original container is opened−5

Basic (3)

−6 pts

4-602.11(A) Equipment FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES and UTENSILS shall be cleaned: (1) Except as specified in ¶ (B) of this section, before each use with a different type of raw animal FOOD such as beef, FISH, lamb, pork, or POULTRY; (P) (2) Each time there is a change from working with raw FOODS to working with READY-TO-EAT FOODS; (P) (3) Between uses with raw fruits and vegetables and with POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD (TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD); (P) (4) Before using−2
4-501.11EQUIPMENT shall be maintained in a state of repair and condition that meets the requirements of the code. −2
4-602.13NonFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES of EQUIPMENT shall be cleaned at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil residues. −2

Base deductions−31 pts

Risk factor bonus (1× +5)−5 pts

Feb 25

Attempt inspection InspectionClean

No violations

100/100inspection score

Jul 24

Routine Inspection Inspection

1 High3 Med

4 total1 risk factor

70/100inspection score

−25 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

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

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

Base deductions−25 pts

Risk factor bonus (1× +5)−5 pts

Jan 24

Routine Inspection Inspection

1 High4 Med1 Basic

6 total1 risk factor

63/100inspection score

−32 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 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 WARRisk Factor−10

Intermediate (4)

−20 pts

3-202.15FOOD packages shall be in good condition and protect the integrity of the contents so that the FOOD is not exposed to ADULTERATION or potential contaminants. (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
3-501.17(A) READY-TO-EAT, POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD (TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD) prepared and held refrigerated for more than 24 hours in a FOOD ESTABLISHMENT shall be clearly marked at the time of preparation to indicate the date or day by which the FOOD shall be consumed. (Pf) (B) A container of refrigerated, commercially prepared READY-TO-EAT POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD (TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD) shall be clearly marked, at the time the original container is opened−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 (1)

−2 pts

4-602.13NonFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES of EQUIPMENT shall be cleaned at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil residues. −2

Base deductions−32 pts

Risk factor bonus (1× +5)−5 pts

Jun 23

Routine Inspection Inspection

1 Med3 Basic

4 total

89/100inspection score

−11 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

3-501.17(A) READY-TO-EAT, POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD (TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD) prepared and held refrigerated for more than 24 hours in a FOOD ESTABLISHMENT shall be clearly marked at the time of preparation to indicate the date or day by which the FOOD shall be consumed. (Pf) (B) A container of refrigerated, commercially prepared READY-TO-EAT POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD (TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD) shall be clearly marked, at the time the original container is opened−5

Basic (3)

−6 pts

4-602.13NonFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES of EQUIPMENT shall be cleaned at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil residues. −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
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−11 pts

May 23

Closed - attempt ins InspectionClean

No violations

100/100inspection score

Jul 22

Routine Inspection Inspection

4 High2 Med1 Basic

7 total4 risk factors

28/100inspection score

−52 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
3-101.11FOOD shall be safe, unADULTERATED and honestly presented. (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
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 WARRisk Factor−10

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

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
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

4-501.11EQUIPMENT shall be maintained in a state of repair and condition that meets the requirements of the code. −2

Base deductions−52 pts

Risk factor bonus (4× +5)−20 pts

Dec 21

Routine Inspection Inspection

2 High2 Med1 Basic

5 total2 risk factors

58/100inspection score

−32 pts

High Priority (2)

−20 pts

3-101.11FOOD shall be safe, unADULTERATED and honestly presented. (P) Risk Factor−10
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

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

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
3-501.17(A) READY-TO-EAT, POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD (TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD) prepared and held refrigerated for more than 24 hours in a FOOD ESTABLISHMENT shall be clearly marked at the time of preparation to indicate the date or day by which the FOOD shall be consumed. (Pf) (B) A container of refrigerated, commercially prepared READY-TO-EAT POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD (TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD) shall be clearly marked, at the time the original container is opened−5

Basic (1)

−2 pts

5-205.15A PLUMBING SYSTEM shall be: (A) Repaired according to LAW; (P) and (B) Maintained in good repair. −2

Base deductions−32 pts

Risk factor bonus (2× +5)−10 pts

May 21

Routine Inspection Inspection

1 High3 Med3 Basic

7 total1 risk factor

64/100inspection score

−31 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 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 WARRisk 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
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

Basic (3)

−6 pts

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. −2
6-501.18PLUMBING FIXTURES such as HANDWASHING SINKS, toilets, and urinals shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean. −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

Base deductions−31 pts

Risk factor bonus (1× +5)−5 pts

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Community Safety Reports

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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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