Lexington restaurant inspections: Roasted chicken place closed by health department
One Lexington restaurant was closed temporarily in February by the health department for lack of water.
It has reopened after applying for a permit of reinstatement from the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department.
The Gallinero Grill Chicken, 1804 Alexandria Dr. #103, was closed after an inspection on Feb. 5, 2025.
The inspector noted that the restaurant did not have running water, so food equipment and utensils were not sanitized properly.
The inspector also found food items held past the expiration date, among other issues.
Restaurants are closed when the health department finds an imminent risk to public health such as insect or rodent infestation, lack of running water or sewage contamination.
The restaurant was allowed to reopen Feb. 14 water service was re-established. The Gallinero scored 100 on the inspection.
What happens when a restaurant is closed
When the health department closes a restaurant, a red sign is placed on the door to notify potential customers that food service has been halted. But the health department does not publicize that restaurants have been closed.
Restaurants must correct the issues pass re-inspection before they can re-open.
Establishments that score below 60 on an inspection are also immediately closed.
How Lexington health department inspections work
Restaurants and food service establishments are required to post their most recent scores at the front door; scores in green boxes indicate passage and scores in red indicate failure.
Inspection scores are available online at the Lexington health department’s web site.
The health department inspects every local food service establishment at least every six months; some restaurants are placed on enhanced regulatory enforcement and receive additional inspections. Restaurants are also inspected if the health department receives credible complaints.
In March, the Herald-Leader published an updated list of the 148 restaurants and food service providers that are under enhanced regulatory enforcement, formerly called probation, by the health department.
Any restaurant that scores 80 or below on an inspection is placed on enhanced enforcement.
This story was originally published March 19, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
