RecordWell Data

Rusty's Backwater Saloon

1715 W RIVER DR W, Stevens Point, WI 54481 · Portage County

49cited violations
7serious tier
4inspections

Establishment

Type
Restaurant (retail food serving meals) (Retail Food - Serving Meals)
Inspected by
Portage County Health & Human Services
License / ID
SYOG-7QRVZW
Status
Permitted
Phone
(715) 341-2490
Official record
Portage County Health & Human Services inspection reports

Other public records for this business

Year by year

YearInspectionsViolationsSerious
2026162
2024181
20232354

Inspections

  1. Feb 4, 2026 Routine · 2 priority, 3 core, 2 repeat
    • Serious Priority Corrected on site

      EQUIPMENT, FOOD CONTACT SURFACES, NONFOOD CONTACT SURFACES, AND UTENSILS SOILED

      Drip plate in interior of ice machine is visibly soiled.

      Correction: Maintain food contact surfaces in a clean condition. Note: Employee cleaned drip plate of ice machine.

      Code 4-601.11(A)

    • Serious Priority Corrected on site

      PROHIBITED ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

      A cat was observed in the bar and kitchen areas.

      Correction: Remove the animal from the premises and keep all prohibited animals out of the premises. Note: Cat was removed from premises.

      Code 6-501.115

    • Not serious Core Corrected on site

      IN-USE UTENSILS, BETWEEN USE STORAGE

      Ice scoop was improperly stored with handle in contact with ice.

      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. Note: Ice scoop was replaced and repositioned to extend handle out of ice.

      Code 3-304.12

    • Not serious Core Repeat

      FLOORS, WALLS, AND CEILINGS

      The wall behind 3-compartment sink and other areas is pitted and no longer smooth and easily cleanable.

      Correction: Provide floors, walls, and ceilings that are designed, constructed, and installed so they are smooth and easily cleanable. .

      Code 6-201.11

    • Not serious Core Repeat

      FLOORS, WALLS, AND CEILINGS

      The kitchen floor is worn in several areas exposing bare concrete.

      Correction: Provide floors, walls, and ceilings that are designed, constructed, and installed so they are smooth and easily cleanable. .

      Code 6-201.11

    • Not serious Core Repeat

      MAINTAINING PREMISES, UNNECESSARY ITEMS AND LITTER

      There are several pieces of equipment that are stored on the exterior of the premises and currently not in use.

      Correction: Remove items that are unnecessary to the operation and maintenance of the food establishment.

      Code 6-501.114

  2. Oct 7, 2024 Routine · 1 priority, 6 core, 3 repeat
    • Serious Priority Corrected on site

      TCS FOOD - COLD HOLDING

      Potato salad and mac salad cold held in True 2-door cooler in kitchen are cold held at 49-50°F. Coleslaw cold held in True 1-door cooler in kitchen are cold held at 47°F.

      Correction: Maintain cold time/temperature control for safety food at or below 41°F. Discard unsafe food items. Note: items were discarded at the time of the inspection. The cooler units were adjusted at the time of the inspection and service was called. Follow-up message from owner stating both units were repaired and maintaining proper temperature.

      Code 3-501.16 (A) (2) AND (B)

    • Not serious Core

      EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS - GOOD REPAIR

      True 1-door cooler had an internal temperature of 43-47F and True 2-door cooler had an internal temperature of 50F at the time of the inspection.

      Correction: Repair equipment to good condition or remove from premise. Note: both units were adjusted at the time of the inspection and service was called for both units. Follow-up message from owner indicated that both units were repaired and maintaining an internal temperature of 41F or below.

      Code 4-501.11 (A)

    • Not serious Core

      NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES - CLEAN

      Non-food contact surfaces of the bottom interior of the Peak Cold freezer in kitchen are soiled.

      Correction: Clean and remove dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris from all non-food contact surfaces of equipment. Note: freezer was cleaned at the time of the inspection.

      Code 4-601.11 (C)

    • Not serious Core Repeat

      GARBAGE/REFUSE - FREQUENCY-REMOVAL

      Multiple bags of aluminum cans were observed piled up behind facility.

      Correction: Remove recyclables from facility on regular basis.

      Code 5-502.11

    • Not serious Core

      FLOORS, WALLS AND CEILINGS - CLEANABILITY

      There are several areas in the kitchen where the walls are pitted and no longer smooth & easily cleanable.

      Correction: Provide floors, walls, and ceilings that are designed, constructed, and installed so they are smooth and easily cleanable.

      Code 6-201.11

    • Not serious Core

      FLOORS, WALLS AND CEILINGS - CLEANABILITY

      The kitchen floor is worn in several areas exposing bare concrete.

      Correction: Refinish floors in kitchen to provide floors, walls, and ceilings that are designed, constructed, and installed so they are smooth and easily cleanable.

      Code 6-201.11

    • Not serious Core Repeat

      HANDWASHING SIGNAGE

      No handwashing signage provided at bar handwashing sink.

      Correction: Provide handwashing signage at all handwashing sinks used by food employees.

      Code 6-301.14

    • Not serious Core Repeat

      MAINTAINING PREMISES, UNNECESSARY ITEMS AND LITTER

      There are several pieces of equipment that are stored exterior of the building and currently not in use.

      Correction: Items that are unnecessary to the operation of the food establishment shall be removed from the premise.

      Code 6-501.114

  3. Jun 15, 2023 Re-inspection · 1 priority foundation, 9 core, 10 repeat
    • Not serious Priority Foundation Repeat

      FOOD CONTACT SURFACES - SOILED

      Bottom interior of the Peakcold Freezer is visibly soiled with food debris.

      Correction: Maintain food contact surfaces in a clean condition.

      Code 4-601.11 (A)

    • Not serious Priority Foundation Repeat

      FOOD CONTACT SURFACES - SOILED

      Ice machine splash guard is visibly soiled.

      Correction: Maintain food contact surfaces in a clean condition.

      Code 4-601.11 (A)

    • Not serious Core Repeat

      PACKAGED AND UNPACKAGED FOOD - COVERED CONTAINERS OR WRAPPING

      Pulled pork meat was observed to be unwrapped or uncovered in the True 2-Door Prep Refrigerator.

      Correction: All foods that are not part of a cooling process shall be covered at all times to prevent cross-contamination. Food shall be discarded if suspected of cross-contamination.

      Code 3-302.11 (A) (4)

    • Not serious Core Repeat

      NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES - CLEAN

      Canopy hood filters are visibly soiled with grease and dust accumulations.

      Correction: Clean and remove dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris from all non-food contact surfaces of equipment.

      Code 4-601.11 (C)

    • Not serious Core Repeat

      GARBAGE/REFUSE - FREQUENCY-REMOVAL

      Multiple bags of aluminum cans were observed in a pile out the back of the establishment.

      Correction: Provide additional receptacles or have garbage service empty receptacles on a more frequent schedule.

      Code 5-502.11

    • Not serious Core Repeat

      TOILET FACILITIES - ENCLOSED

      The men's toilet room is not provided with a tight fitting, self-closing door.

      Correction: Provide a self- closing door mechanism on bathroom door to provide a tight fitting, self closing door.

      Code 6-202.14

    • Not serious Core Repeat

      HANDWASHING SIGNAGE

      No handwashing signage provided at the bar employee handwashing sink.

      Correction: Provide handwashing signage at all handwashing sinks used by food employees.

      Code 6-301.14

    • Not serious Core Repeat

      REPAIRING - PREMISES, STRUCTURES, ATTACHMENTS, AND FIXTURES - METHODS

      Multiple bar stools at the bar and dining area tables have ripped cushions.

      Correction: Maintain the physical facilities so they are in good repair at all times. Repair or replace the damaged bar stool seats.

      Code 6-501.11

    • Not serious Core Repeat

      MAINTAINING PREMISES, UNNECESSARY ITEMS AND LITTER

      Observed excessive amounts of clutter and unnecessary items on the north end of the bar top, north area of the dining area, and on the exterior of the building near the garbage/recycle area.

      Correction: Items that are unnecessary to the operation of the food establishment shall be removed from the premise.

      Code 6-501.114

    • Not serious Core Repeat

      CLEANING, FREQUENCY AND RESTRICTIONS

      The ceiling in the kitchen is visibly soiled with food debris and dust accumulations.

      Correction: Clean the physical facilities at a frequency necessary to keep them clean.

      Code 6-501.12

    • Not serious Core Repeat

      OPERATING WITHOUT A LICENSE - POSTING A RETAIL FOOD LICENSE

      Retail food establishment permit posted expired 30-June-2022.

      Correction: Post retail food establishment permit in a public area.

      Code ATCP 75.06 (1) (b)

  4. May 25, 2023 Routine · 2 priority, 4 priority foundation, 14 core, 7 repeat
    • Serious Priority Corrected on site

      PACKAGED AND UNPACKAGED FOOD - RAW OVER RTE-FOODS

      Raw shell eggs observed stored above beet/onion salad.

      Correction: Reorganize food storage so that ready-to-eat foods are stored above raw animal food and raw vegetables. Discard ready-to-eat foods that show evidence of contamination. NOTE: Owner rearranged items.

      Code 3-302.11 (A) (1)

    • Serious Priority Corrected on site

      PACKAGED AND UNPACKAGED FOOD - RAW OVER RTE-FOODS

      Raw hamburger patties are stored in the True 2-Door Cooler Prep Line over condiment bottles.

      Correction: Reorganize food storage so that ready-to-eat foods are stored above raw animal food and raw vegetables. Discard ready-to-eat foods that show evidence of contamination. NOTE: Owner rearranged the items.

      Code 3-302.11 (A) (1)

    • Serious Priority Corrected on site

      PACKAGED AND UNPACKAGED FOOD - RAW OVER RTE-FOODS

      Raw fish observed thawing on buckets of pickles.

      Correction: Reorganize food storage so that ready-to-eat foods are stored above raw animal food and raw vegetables. Discard ready-to-eat foods that show evidence of contamination. NOTE: Owner rearranged items.

      Code 3-302.11 (A) (1)

    • Serious Priority

      TOXIC SUBSTANCES - CONDITIONS OF USE - APPLIED

      Bleach surface cleaner is being used as a hand cleanser at the bar handwashing sink in place of hand soap.

      Correction: Take measures to protect food, equipment and employees when poisonous or toxic materials are applied.

      Code 7-202.12 (B)

    • Not serious Priority Foundation Repeat Corrected on site

      RTE/TCS FOOD - PROPER DATE MARKING

      Tartar sauce in the Hobart 6-Door Refrigerator is not date marked.

      Correction: Adjust method or procedures so that all ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety food, if required, are provided with date marking or an effective method of identifying when a food item has exceeded 7 days. Discard improperly date marked food or food that has past the 7 day shelf life. NOTE: Owner added proper date marking.

      Code 3-501.17 (A)

    • Not serious Priority Foundation Repeat Corrected on site

      RTE/TCS FOOD - PROPER DATE MARKING

      Coleslaw in the Walk-In Cooler is not date marked.

      Correction: Adjust method or procedures so that all ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety food, if required, are provided with date marking or an effective method of identifying when a food item has exceeded 7 days. Discard improperly date marked food or food that has past the 7 day shelf life. NOTE: Owner added proper date marking

      Code 3-501.17 (A)

    • Not serious Priority Foundation Repeat

      FOOD CONTACT SURFACES - SOILED

      Bottom interior of the Peakcold Freezer is visibly soiled with food debris.

      Correction: Maintain food contact surfaces in a clean condition.

      Code 4-601.11 (A)

    • Not serious Priority Foundation

      FOOD CONTACT SURFACES - SOILED

      Ice machine splash guard is visibly soiled.

      Correction: Maintain food contact surfaces in a clean condition.

      Code 4-601.11 (A)

    • Not serious Priority Foundation

      HANDWASHING CLEANSER AVAILABILITY

      Soap not available at the bar employee handwashing sink.

      Correction: Provide hand soap at handwashing sink to facilitate proper handwashing.

      Code 6-301.11

    • Not serious Priority Foundation

      PROHIBITING ANIMALS - PREMISE

      A dog was observed in the dining area. A dog water bowl was observed behind the bar.

      Correction: Remove the animal from the premises and keep all prohibited animals out of the premises.

      Code 6-501.115 (A)

    • Not serious Core

      PACKAGED AND UNPACKAGED FOOD - COVERED CONTAINERS OR WRAPPING

      Pulled pork meat was observed to be unwrapped or uncovered in the True 2-Door Prep Refrigerator.

      Correction: All foods that are not part of a cooling process shall be covered at all times to prevent cross-contamination. Food shall be discarded if suspected of cross-contamination.

      Code 3-302.11 (A) (4)

    • Not serious Core Corrected on site

      LABELING - FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS LABELED WITH COMMON NAME

      Flour and batter are stored in unlabeled containers.

      Correction: Store all foods that are removed from their original packages in containers labeled with the common name of the food or ingredient. NOTE: Owner labeled the applicable containers.

      Code 3-302.12

    • Not serious Core Corrected on site

      FOOD CONTAMINATION PREVENTED - MISCELLANEOUS CONTAMINATION

      Employee personal food items (sushi rolls) are stored with customer food items in the Walk-In Cooler.

      Correction: Provide a segregated area for employee food items. NOTE: Owner disposed of the employee food items.

      Code 3-307.11

    • Not serious Core Repeat

      WAREWASHING - MECHANICAL HOT WATER - TEMPERATURE MEASURING DEVICES

      An irreversible registering thermometer is not provided for measuring utensil surface temperatures in the hot water mechanical warewashing operation.

      Correction: Provide an irreversible registering thermometer.

      Code 4-302.13 (B)

    • Not serious Core

      NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES - CLEAN

      Canopy hood filters are visibly soiled with grease and dust accumulations.

      Correction: Clean and remove dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris from all non-food contact surfaces of equipment.

      Code 4-601.11 (C)

    • Not serious Core

      UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT AND SINGLE-USE ARTICLES, LINENS - STORING PROHIBITIONS - SELF DRAINING POSITION

      Plastic food storage bins on the wire shelving in the back storage room are not inverted.

      Correction: Clean equipment and utensils shall be stored in a self-draining position to allow for air drying and covered or inverted.

      Code 4-903.11 (B)

    • Not serious Core Repeat

      GARBAGE/REFUSE - FREQUENCY-REMOVAL

      Multiple bags of aluminum cans were observed in a pile out the back of the establishment.

      Correction: Provide additional receptacles or have garbage service empty receptacles on a more frequent schedule.

      Code 5-502.11

    • Not serious Core Repeat

      TOILET FACILITIES - ENCLOSED

      The men's toilet room is not provided with a tight fitting, self-closing door.

      Correction: Provide a self- closing door mechanism on bathroom door to provide a tight fitting, self closing door.

      Code 6-202.14

    • Not serious Core

      HANDWASHING SIGNAGE

      No handwashing signage provided at the bar employee handwashing sink.

      Correction: Provide handwashing signage at all handwashing sinks used by food employees.

      Code 6-301.14

    • Not serious Core

      REPAIRING - PREMISES, STRUCTURES, ATTACHMENTS, AND FIXTURES - METHODS

      Multiple bar stools at the bar and dining area tables have ripped cushions.

      Correction: Maintain the physical facilities so they are in good repair at all times. Repair or replace the damaged bar stool seats.

      Code 6-501.11

    • Not serious Core Repeat

      MAINTAINING PREMISES, UNNECESSARY ITEMS AND LITTER

      Observed excessive amounts of clutter and unnecessary items on the north end of the bar top, north area of the dining area, and on the exterior of the building near the garbage/recycle area.

      Correction: Items that are unnecessary to the operation of the food establishment shall be removed from the premise.

      Code 6-501.114

    • Not serious Core

      CLEANING, FREQUENCY AND RESTRICTIONS

      The ceiling in the kitchen is visibly soiled with food debris and dust accumulations.

      Correction: Clean the physical facilities at a frequency necessary to keep them clean.

      Code 6-501.12

    • Not serious Core

      DRYING MOPS

      Mops observed stored in the mop buckets unable to air dry.

      Correction: Store mops to allow them to air dry without soiling walls, equipment and supplies.

      Code 6-501.16

    • Not serious Core Repeat

      OPERATING WITHOUT A LICENSE - POSTING A RETAIL FOOD LICENSE

      Retail food establishment permit posted expired 30-June-2022.

      Correction: Post retail food establishment permit in a public area.

      Code ATCP 75.06 (1) (b)

Source: Portage County Health & Human Services. History last read Oct 19, 2026. Violation text is the inspector's wording. “Serious” is the source's own top tier. About this data.