Cellar (the)
812 W OAKWOOD RD, Oak Creek, WI 53154 · Milwaukee County
Establishment
- Type
- Restaurant (retail food serving meals) (Retail Food - Serving Meals)
- Inspected by
- Oak Creek Health Department
- License / ID
- DCAI-8RJLFG
- Status
- Permitted
- Phone
- (414) 762-9844
- Official record
- Oak Creek Health Department inspection reports
Year by year
| Year | Inspections | Violations | Serious |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 5 | 16 | 5 |
| 2025 | 3 | 9 | 2 |
| 2024 | 2 | 8 | 0 |
| 2023 | 2 | 15 | 0 |
Inspections
-
May 22, 2026 Follow Up · No items found
No violations cited.
-
May 20, 2026 Follow Up · 1 priority, 1 priority foundation, 1 core, 3 repeat
-
Serious
Priority
Repeat
FOOD CONTACT SURFACES - WAREWASHING EQUIPMENT, CHEMICAL, TEMPERATURE, pH, CONCENTRATION AND HARDNESS
The Keystone sanitizer used in the dishwasher is not being used according to EPA registered label use instructions and is at 0 PPM.
Correction: Provide training to employees on proper use and concentration of sanitizer or repair or adjust warewashing equipment to provide proper sanitizer concentration.
Code 4-501.114 (A) - (E)
-
Not serious
Priority Foundation
Repeat
PERSON IN CHARGE - SANITIZATION
The Person in Charge (PIC) is not monitoring proper sanitization techniques in the food establishment. Dishwasher was not dispensing the proper concentration of chlorine.
Correction: The person in charge shall ensure that utensils and equipment are properly sanitized and that proper solution temperatures, chemical concentrations, pH and exposure times are being followed..
Code 2-103.11 (K)
-
Not serious
Core
Repeat
REMOVING DEAD OR TRAPPED BIRDS, INSECTS, RODENTS AND OTHER PESTS
There were dead ants in the sink area just to the right of the dishwasher.
Correction: Remove all dead pests frequently enough to prevent decomposition or attraction of other pests.
Code 6-501.112
-
Serious
Priority
Repeat
-
May 18, 2026 Follow Up · 1 priority, 1 priority foundation, 1 core, 2 repeat
-
Serious
Priority
Repeat
FOOD CONTACT SURFACES - WAREWASHING EQUIPMENT, CHEMICAL, TEMPERATURE, pH, CONCENTRATION AND HARDNESS
The Keystone sanitizer used in the dishwasher is not being used according to EPA registered label use instructions and is at 0 PPM.
Correction: Provide training to employees on proper use and concentration of sanitizer or repair or adjust warewashing equipment to provide proper sanitizer concentration.
Code 4-501.114 (A) - (E)
-
Not serious
Priority Foundation
Repeat
PERSON IN CHARGE - SANITIZATION
The Person in Charge (PIC) is not monitoring proper sanitization techniques in the food establishment. Dishwasher was not dispensing the proper concentration of chlorine.
Correction: The person in charge shall ensure that utensils and equipment are properly sanitized and that proper solution temperatures, chemical concentrations, pH and exposure times are being followed..
Code 2-103.11 (K)
-
Not serious
Core
REMOVING DEAD OR TRAPPED BIRDS, INSECTS, RODENTS AND OTHER PESTS
There were dead ants in the sink area just to the right of the dishwasher.
Correction: Remove all dead pests frequently enough to prevent decomposition or attraction of other pests.
Code 6-501.112
-
Serious
Priority
Repeat
-
May 15, 2026 Re-inspection · 1 priority, 1 priority foundation, 1 core, 3 repeat
-
Serious
Priority
Repeat
FOOD CONTACT SURFACES - WAREWASHING EQUIPMENT, CHEMICAL, TEMPERATURE, pH, CONCENTRATION AND HARDNESS
The Keystone sanitizer used in the dishwasher is not being used according to EPA registered label use instructions and is at 0 PPM.
Correction: Provide training to employees on proper use and concentration of sanitizer or repair or adjust warewashing equipment to provide proper sanitizer concentration.
Code 4-501.114 (A) - (E)
-
Not serious
Priority Foundation
Repeat
PERSON IN CHARGE - SANITIZATION
The Person in Charge (PIC) is not monitoring proper sanitization techniques in the food establishment. Dishwasher was not dispensing the proper concentration of chlorine.
Correction: The person in charge shall ensure that utensils and equipment are properly sanitized and that proper solution temperatures, chemical concentrations, pH and exposure times are being followed..
Code 2-103.11 (K)
-
Not serious
Core
Repeat
FOOD CONTACT SURFACES - ENCRUSTED ACCUMULATIONS
Food−contact surface inside the ice machine on the front lip has an accumulation of pink mold.
Correction: Clean and remove all encrusted pink mold accumulations from food contact surfaces of equipment.
Code 4-601.11 (B)
-
Serious
Priority
Repeat
-
May 13, 2026 Routine · 2 priority, 1 priority foundation, 4 core
-
Serious
Priority
Corrected on site
WHEN TO WASH
Employee observed not washing hands after taking raw steak out of its packaging to place onto the grill. They instead dipped their hands into a bucket with a sanitizer in. Employee was asked to wash his hands at the hand wash sink.
Correction: Employees shall wash their hands after engaging in any activity that may cause their hands to become contaminated.
Code 2-301.14
-
Serious
Priority
FOOD CONTACT SURFACES - WAREWASHING EQUIPMENT, CHEMICAL, TEMPERATURE, pH, CONCENTRATION AND HARDNESS
The Keystone sanitizer used in the dishwasher is not being used according to EPA registered label use instructions and is at 0 PPM.
Correction: Provide training to employees on proper use and concentration of sanitizer or repair or adjust warewashing equipment to provide proper sanitizer concentration.
Code 4-501.114 (A) - (E)
-
Not serious
Priority Foundation
PERSON IN CHARGE - SANITIZATION
The Person in Charge (PIC) is not monitoring proper sanitization techniques in the food establishment. Dishwasher was not dispensing the proper concentration of chlorine.
Correction: The person in charge shall ensure that utensils and equipment are properly sanitized and that proper solution temperatures, chemical concentrations, pH and exposure times are being followed..
Code 2-103.11 (K)
-
Not serious
Core
Corrected on site
IN-USE UTENSILS, BETWEEN USE STORAGE
Knife used on the cook line is stored in a bucket of chlorine sanitizer.
Correction: Store in-use utensils in the food item with handle extended, on a clean surface, running dipper well or in a container of water greater than 135°F. Cook was instructed on why not to store the knife in the sanitizer and he removed it to allow it to dry.
Code 3-304.12
-
Not serious
Core
WIPING CLOTHS - USE LIMITATION - STORED OFF FLOOR
Wiping cloth sanitizer solution is stored on the floor.
Correction: Store wiping cloth sanitizer solution off the floor and in a manner to prevent cross contamination.
Code 3-304.14 (E)
-
Not serious
Core
Corrected on site
FOOD PREPARATION SINK
Food prep with marinating fish was being done in the 3rd compartment of the 4 compartment sink. There is no air gap for the drain pipe, which would be required if using as a food prep sink. Fish was removed and placed into a plastic bin to marinate.
Correction: A food preparation sink shall be provided for significant food preparation or in instances where food preparation is occurring below the flood level rim of a sink compartment such as thawing or vegetable washing.
Code 4-301.16
-
Not serious
Core
FOOD CONTACT SURFACES - ENCRUSTED ACCUMULATIONS
Food−contact surface inside the ice machine on the front lip has an accumulation of pink mold.
Correction: Clean and remove all encrusted pink mold accumulations from food contact surfaces of equipment.
Code 4-601.11 (B)
-
Serious
Priority
Corrected on site
-
Aug 27, 2025 Follow Up · No items found
No violations cited.
-
Aug 25, 2025 Routine · 2 priority, 1 priority foundation, 2 core, 1 repeat
-
Serious
Priority
NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH RTE-FOODS
Employee observed handling ready-to eat foods with their bare hands. Cook/manager was handling fries and wraps with bare hands to serve the food. Discussion with the manager, he stated that they only wear gloves when handling raw meats so they don't have to wash hands every time after handling raw meats.
Correction: Discard contaminated food; employees shall use single-use gloves or other suitable utensils when handling ready-to-eat foods. Discussion was had with the manager on alternatives to not handle RTE foods with bare hands.
Code 3-301.11 (B)
-
Serious
Priority
Corrected on site
TOXIC SUBSTANCES - SANITIZER CRITERIA
Bleach sanitizer used in the bucket to wipe tables and counters had +200ppm of chlorine. Bucket was emptied with 1/2 of it contents and refilled twice to get to about 100ppm of chlorine.
Correction: Sanitizer shall meet the requirements under 40 CFR 180.940 or 40 CFR 180.2020.
Code 7-204.11
-
Not serious
Priority Foundation
DEMONSTRATION OF KNOWLEDGE - CROSS CONTAMINATION, BHC, HANDWASHING, CLEAN FACILITIES
The Person in Charge (PIC) is unable to demonstrate knowledge of the relationship between foodborne illness and bare hand contact with RTE foods.
Correction: The person in charge shall obtain training or training materials in the areas of wearing gloves when handling RTE or barehand contact with RTE foods requirements so they are able to demonstrate knowledge and train employees.
Code 2-102.11 (C) (8)
-
Not serious
Core
Repeat
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS - HAIR RESTRAINTS
Employee noted working in food preparation/cooking area without a hair restraint.
Correction: Provide employees working in food preparation and cooking areas with effective hair restraint (hat, hair net, beard restraint, etc.).
Code 2-402.11
-
Not serious
Core
FOOD CONTACT SURFACES - ENCRUSTED ACCUMULATIONS
Food−contact surfaces of the frying pans used on the stove have encrusted soil accumulations.
Correction: Clean and remove all encrusted grease deposits and encrusted soil accumulations from food contact surfaces of equipment or replace pans.
Code 4-601.11 (B)
-
Serious
Priority
-
Jan 3, 2025 Routine · 4 core
-
Not serious
Core
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS - HAIR RESTRAINTS
Employees noted working in food preparation/cooking area without a hair restraint.
Correction: Provide employees working in food preparation and cooking areas with effective hair restraint (hat, hair net, beard restraint, etc.).
Code 2-402.11
-
Not serious
Core
KITCHENWARE, TABLEWARE AND SINGLE-USE ARTICLES - HANDLED TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION
It was observed that eating utensils (spoons, forks, knifes for guests) are stored where the food or lip contact surface could be contaminated. The food contact surface was stored in the upright position in the storage container so that the person handling them would be contacting the food contact surface.
Correction: Store utensils in a manner to avoid contamination to the food and lip contact surface. Store the eating end in the down position.
Code 4-904.11 (A)
-
Not serious
Core
WALL AND CEILING COVERINGS AND COATINGS
Ceiling tiles are missing in the kitchen.
Correction: Provide ceiling coverings that are smooth, easily cleanable and nonabsorbent.
Code 6-201.16
-
Not serious
Core
CLEANING, FREQUENCY AND RESTRICTIONS
The floor and wall behind the fryers is covered with excessive grease.
Correction: Clean the physical facilities at a frequency necessary to keep them clean.
Code 6-501.12
-
Not serious
Core
-
Mar 28, 2024 Follow Up · 1 priority foundation, 2 core, 3 repeat
-
Not serious
Priority Foundation
Repeat
WAREWASHING - SANITIZING SOLUTION - TESTING DEVICES
A chlorine test kit is not available for checking sanitizer concentrations.
Correction: Provide a test kit or other device for measuring the concentration of sanitizing solutions.
Code 4-302.14
-
Not serious
Core
Repeat
CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER – REQUIREMENT - FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS
There is no approved or current certified food manager for this establishment.
Correction: Provide an approved certified food protection manager in the food establishment within 90 days.
Code 12-201.11 (A) (1)
-
Not serious
Core
Repeat
NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES - CLEAN
The fan at the end of the grill line and above the fryers is very dusty and dirty.
Correction: Clean and remove dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris from all non-food contact surfaces of equipment. Remove fan.
Code 4-601.11 (C)
-
Not serious
Priority Foundation
Repeat
-
Mar 25, 2024 Routine · 2 priority foundation, 3 core, 3 repeat
-
Not serious
Priority Foundation
Repeat
WAREWASHING - SANITIZING SOLUTION - TESTING DEVICES
A chlorine test kit is not available for checking sanitizer concentrations.
Correction: Provide a test kit or other device for measuring the concentration of sanitizing solutions.
Code 4-302.14
-
Not serious
Priority Foundation
HAND DRYING PROVISION
Paper towel dispenser at the 4 compartment/hand wash sink in the kitchen does not dispense paper towels (battery??).
Correction: Provide single-use toweling or other approved devices at employee handwashing sink to facilitate proper handwashing.
Code 6-301.12
-
Not serious
Core
Repeat
CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER – REQUIREMENT - FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS
There is no approved or current certified food manager for this establishment.
Correction: Provide an approved certified food protection manager in the food establishment within 90 days.
Code 12-201.11 (A) (1)
-
Not serious
Core
NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES - CLEAN
The fan at the end of the grill line and above the fryers is very dusty and dirty.
Correction: Clean and remove dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris from all non-food contact surfaces of equipment. Remove fan.
Code 4-601.11 (C)
-
Not serious
Core
Repeat
INSECTS AND RODENTS - OUTER OPENINGS - SOLID, SELF-CLOSING AND TIGHT FITTING DOORS
The exterior door in the kitchen is not tight-fitting as it has a gap at the bottom.
Correction: Provide a self-closing and tight fitting door to prevent the entrance of insects or rodents.
Code 6-202.15 (A) (3)
-
Not serious
Priority Foundation
Repeat
-
Sep 5, 2023 Follow Up · 1 priority foundation, 4 core, 5 repeat
-
Not serious
Priority Foundation
Repeat
WAREWASHING - SANITIZING SOLUTION - TESTING DEVICES
A chlorine and quat test kit is not available for checking sanitizer concentrations.
Correction: Provide a test kit or other device for measuring the concentration of sanitizing solutions.
Code 4-302.14
-
Not serious
Core
Repeat
CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER – REQUIREMENT - FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS
There is no approved or current certified food manager for this establishment.
Correction: Provide an approved certified food protection manager in the food establishment within 90 days.
Code 12-201.11 (A) (1)
-
Not serious
Core
Repeat
NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES - CLEANING FREQUENCY
The fan above the fryer and the air conditioner unit in the kitchen are both dirty with food debris and dust and not cleaned on a frequent basis.
Correction: Clean all equipment on a routine basis to prevent accumulation of soil residues.
Code 4-602.13
-
Not serious
Core
Repeat
SURFACE CHARACTERISTICS - INDOOR AREAS
Various ceiling tiles in the kitchen are moved out of place. An incident 2 days ago with the fire department called had the some of the ceiling tiles moved out of place. Hole in the wall behind the dishwasher for a drain line. Caulking around the glass block windows is in disrepair.
Correction: Repair area or replace with approved materials. Walls, floors and ceilings shall be smooth, durable and easily cleanable. If located in areas subject to moisture they shall also be non-absorbent. Kitchen is scheduled for expansion sometime in the next 6 months.
Code 6-101.11
-
Not serious
Core
Repeat
INSECTS AND RODENTS - OUTER OPENINGS - SOLID, SELF-CLOSING AND TIGHT FITTING DOORS
The exterior door in the kitchen is not tight-fitting at the bottom which could allow pest to enter.
Correction: Provide a self-closing and tight fitting door to prevent the entrance of insects or rodents.
Code 6-202.15 (A) (3)
-
Not serious
Priority Foundation
Repeat
-
Aug 28, 2023 Routine · 2 priority foundation, 8 core, 4 repeat
-
Not serious
Priority Foundation
WAREWASHING - SANITIZING SOLUTION - TESTING DEVICES
A chlorien test kit is not available for checking sanitizer concentrations.
Correction: Provide a test kit or other device for measuring the concentration of sanitizing solutions.
Code 4-302.14
-
Not serious
Priority Foundation
HANDWASHING CLEANSER AVAILABILITY
Soap not available at food employee handwashing sink in the kitchen.
Correction: Provide hand soap at handwashing sink to facilitate proper handwashing.
Code 6-301.11
-
Not serious
Core
CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER – REQUIREMENT - FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS
There is no approved or current certified food manager for this establishment.
Correction: Provide an approved certified food protection manager in the food establishment within 90 days.
Code 12-201.11 (A) (1)
-
Not serious
Core
Repeat
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS - HAIR RESTRAINTS
Employee noted working in food preparation/cooking area without a hair restraint.
Correction: Provide employees working in food preparation and cooking areas with effective hair restraint (hat, hair net, beard restraint, etc.).
Code 2-402.11
-
Not serious
Core
Repeat
LABELING - FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS LABELED WITH COMMON NAME
Spray bottle of what appears to be water is stored in unlabeled container.
Correction: Store all foods that are removed from their original packages in containers labeled with the common name of the food or ingredient.
Code 3-302.12
-
Not serious
Core
NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES - CLEANING FREQUENCY
The fan above the fryer and the air conditioner unit in the kitchen are both dirty with food debris and dust and not cleaned on a frequent basis.
Correction: Clean all equipment on a routine basis to prevent accumulation of soil residues.
Code 4-602.13
-
Not serious
Core
KITCHENWARE, TABLEWARE AND SINGLE-USE ARTICLES - HANDLED TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION
It was observed that eating utensils (spoons, forks, and knifes) are stored or displayed in kitchen where the food or lip contact surface could be contaminated. The working end was stored up and the handle end was at the bottom of the container.
Correction: Store utensils in a manner to avoid contamination to the food and lip contact surface.
Code 4-904.11 (A)
-
Not serious
Core
Repeat
SURFACE CHARACTERISTICS - INDOOR AREAS
Various ceiling tiles in the kitchen are moved out of place. An incident 2 days ago with the fire department called had the some of the ceiling tiles moved out of place. Hole in the wall behind the dishwasher for a drain line. Caulking around the glass block windows is in disrepair.
Correction: Repair area or replace with approved materials. Walls, floors and ceilings shall be smooth, durable and easily cleanable. If located in areas subject to moisture they shall also be non-absorbent. Kitchen is scheduled for expansion sometime in the next 6 months.
Code 6-101.11
-
Not serious
Core
INSECTS AND RODENTS - OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED
The front door and the back door to the patio of this restaurant were blocked open, which is allowing flies and a bee to enter.
Correction: Repair this hole or gap so that entrance by insects or rodents into the food establishment is prevented.
Code 6-202.15 (A) (1)
-
Not serious
Core
Repeat
INSECTS AND RODENTS - OUTER OPENINGS - SOLID, SELF-CLOSING AND TIGHT FITTING DOORS
The exterior door in the kitchen is not tight-fitting at the bottom which could allow pest to enter.
Correction: Provide a self-closing and tight fitting door to prevent the entrance of insects or rodents.
Code 6-202.15 (A) (3)
-
Not serious
Priority Foundation
Source: Oak Creek Health Department. History last read Oct 16, 2026. Violation text is the inspector's wording. “Serious” is the source's own top tier. About this data.