12 Steps Down

831 Christian St Bsmt 831 S. 9Th, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Bar / Pub
Last inspected: May 8, 2026
70
Score
Medium Risk

The health department has logged three inspections at 12 Steps Down, the earliest from 2023. The newest entry in the record is dated May 8, 2026. When a facility lands in medium risk territory, it usually means a mixed inspection result.

The trend has not been favorable: recent inspections average around seven violations each, up from closer to four violations before.

“Non-food contact surfaces clean” comes up most often, recorded two times in the inspection record.

That falls roughly in the middle of the pack for Philadelphia restaurants. On the whole, the file is mixed but not concerning.

3
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
7
Minor latest
Inspection History
May 8, 2026
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: Moist wiping cloths observed lying on counter and not stored in sanitizing solution. New Violation.
46.304
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: Ice dispensing utensil in the ice bin observed in direct contact with ice and not having handle stored above the top of the ice. New Violation.
46.302
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried & handled
Inspector notes: Spoons observed not properly inverted so that the food surface is faced down. New Violation.
46.774
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed, & used
Inspector notes: Kickplates observed missing in front of two reach in refrigerators. New Violation.
46.544(a)-(d)
Non-food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: -Ice build-up was observed in one chest freezer located in the food preparation area. -Fan guard in the reach in refrigerator observed with residue and dust in the kitchen prep area. New Violation.
46.714
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: Handwashing sink in the restroom observed not properly sealed to the wall. New Violation.
46.981(b)(i)
Physical facilities installed, maintained, & clean
Inspector notes: General floor cleaning was needed under equipment in the bar area due to debris. New Violation.
46.981(a)(b)(c)(g)(n)
70
Sep 13, 2024
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed, & used
Inspector notes: The handwashing sink located in the restroom area was not properly sealed to the adjoining wall. New Violation.
46.652
Non-food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: Ice build-up was observed in one chest freezer located in the food preparation area. New Violation.
46.714
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: The air vents located in both restrooms were in need of cleaning due to dust accumulation. New Violation.
46.981(b)(i)
Physical facilities installed, maintained, & clean
Inspector notes: Damaged floors were observed in several areas. New Violation.
46.921
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: Several hood filters were observed with an accumulation of grease/dust. New Violation.
46.544(e)
78
Sep 29, 2023
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed, & used
Inspector notes: The following observations were noted: -Raw wood being used for elevation in the rear storage area and walk-in cooler. -Plastic crates being used for elevation in the walk-in cooler. -Cardboard was being used to line the interior surface of one refrigerator located in the food preparation area. New Violation.
46.522
Physical facilities installed, maintained, & clean
Inspector notes: Wall cleaning was needed in the food preparation area due to grease build-up. New Violation.
46.901
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: The hood filters were observed with an accumulation of grease. New Violation.
46.544(e)
86

Frequently Asked Questions

When was 12 Steps Down last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at 12 Steps Down on file is from May 8, 2026. The public record contains three inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at 12 Steps Down?

Across the inspection record, “non-food contact surfaces clean” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at 12 Steps Down.

Has 12 Steps Down's inspection record improved over time?

No. Recent inspections at 12 Steps Down have averaged around seven violations per visit, up from roughly four earlier in the record.

What does a medium risk rating mean?

A medium risk rating at 12 Steps Down means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.

How often is 12 Steps Down inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, 12 Steps Down is inspected roughly once per year on average.