Bugs, dirty ice & food buildup: Worst Charlotte restaurant inspections in August
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Inspectors cited four Mecklenburg eateries with low 'B' scores in August 2025.
- Violations included pests, microbial growth, and improper food handling practices.
- Two of the four restaurants improved to 'A' grades after quick reinspections.
Mecklenburg County health inspectors found multiple violations at restaurants in August, including flying pests in kitchens, microbial growth in an ice machine and food prepared without gloves.
No restaurants in Mecklenburg County got a “C” grade in August, but there were four eateries that received low “B” grades (scores of at least 80% but lower than 90%).
Here’s a roundup of the restaurants that received some of the lowest ratings in August.
Sabi Asian Bistro (130 Harbour Place Dr. in Davidson)
Sabi Asian Bistro had an inspection on Wednesday, Aug. 13 and got a score of 83.5%.
- An inspector found “slight microbial growth” inside or an ice machine flap, county documents show.
- The restaurant was also dinged after an inspector noticed food debris on kitchen equipment and employees preparing food without gloves.
- The restaurant scored 93% upon reinspection on Wednesday, Aug. 20.
El Taco Veloz (6701 N. Tryon St. in Charlotte)
El Taco Veloz had an inspection on Wednesday, Aug. 6 and got a score of 84%.
- According to county documents, an inspector found “flying pests” throughout the facility and food buildup on ceiling tiles near the cook line.
- Rusted shelving was also found in the dry storage area, along with a shelf near a mop sink being held up by bricks.
- The restaurant scored 94% upon reinspection on Monday, Aug. 11.
Showmars (3225 Eastway Dr. in Charlotte)
Showmars had an inspection on Wednesday, Aug. 20 and got a score of 84%.
- Inspectors cited the restaurant after finding two flying insects in the kitchen area, county documents show.
- Other citations included containers stored as clean with food residue, large bins of dry ingredients not labeled and rust buildup on shelves of walk-in cooler.
- The restaurant has not been reinspected as of publication, county documents show.
Desano Pizza Waverly (7315 Waverly Walk Ave. in Charlotte)
Desano Pizza Waverly had an inspection on Thursday, Aug. 21 and got a score of 84%.
- An inspector found a fly strip over a prep table and employees not wearing hair restraints while preparing food, county documents show.
- The restaurant was also dinged after an inspector noticed several wet wiping cloths on counter surfaces.
- The restaurant has not been reinspected as of publication, county documents show.
