Repeat ProblemsSerious findings or closures appear in two or more of the last three inspections. Review the dated records below.
Quick Answers
When was Merchants Cafe last inspected?
The most recent inspection on record was on Oct 1, 2026. The result listed by Public Health – Seattle & King County was “Unsatisfactory” (official score 15).
Were any violations recorded at the last inspection?
Yes: 2 violations recorded, including 1 marked critical. Each one is listed below with the official wording.
How many inspections are on record?
5 inspections on record, from Jun 28, 2024 to Oct 1, 2026.
Has Merchants Cafe ever been closed by the health department?
No closure appears in the 5 inspection records we hold for this business. The earliest is dated Jun 28, 2024.
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
Compliance with valid permit; operating and risk control plans, and required written procedures
In Plain English
A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.
PIC present, demonstrates knowledge and performs duties to maintain AMC; certified manager on staff unless exempt
In Plain English
Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.
PIC present, demonstrates knowledge and performs duties to maintain AMC; certified manager on staff unless exempt
In Plain English
Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.
Compliance with valid permit; operating and risk control plans, and required written procedures
In Plain English
A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.
Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
Proper consumer advisory posted for raw or undercooked foods
In Plain English
Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.
PIC present, demonstrates knowledge and performs duties to maintain AMC; certified manager on staff unless exempt
In Plain English
Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.