Let's set the scene: You walk into a pristine brunch spot, admire the decor, and then you see a plaque with a number on it. Maybe this number is high, or it could be low, you shrug and feast upon the menu. What you just saw was the San Antonio restaurant health inspection score.

About the scores

The restaurant health inspection scores are given by Metro Health food inspectors that detail the cleanliness of each San Antonio food establishment. Check out the score range:

A score of 100-90 is an "A"
A score between 89-80 is a "B"
A score between 79-70 is a "C"
Anything less than 69 is considered failing

Restaurants are required to post the inspection report to make it visible to all customers. Metro Health also creates score placards but these are optional to display. Food inspectors are sent out each week to locations with scores over a year old.

What causes violations?

Score card violations range in severity depending on how dangerous the infraction is. Some examples of findings that would decrease a restaurant’s score include:

Lack of hot water at sinks
Missing thermometers at fridges + freezers
Unlabeled containers
Cross contamination of foods
Food being stored in the temperature danger zone

Visit Metro Health's website and search your favorite eatery to see its score in detail.

Because lots of health violations are ones that can be easily remedied, restaurants can opt for a reinspection 10 days after the most recent inspection to receive a higher score.

Food establishment concerns

If you have food establishment feedback you'd like to give to the city, fill out this form. Be prepared to give the name of the location, details, and date.