LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Usually on Dirty Dining, we walk into restaurants, camera rolling, to get answers about bad health inspections.
But when a restaurant is tucked inside a hotel, casino security won't let us do that.
We asked Hash House A Go Go at the Plaza to let us in, but they wouldn't. And they didn't want to answer any questions on camera.
Plaza's marquee says, "Always a good gamble." But you might be gambling with your health by eating there.
For the second time in recent weeks, a Plaza hotel restaurant is on Dirty Dining. First it was McDonald's and now -- Hash House A Go Go.
Hash House A Go Go at the Plaza was shut down for an imminent health hazard on Oct. 24. The multi-generational cockroach infestation was so pervasive that inspectors personally counted more than 50 German roaches on the hot line and in the back prep area.
Pest control records indicate an ongoing presence of cockroaches, as well as many holes that needed to be sealed and excessive grease build-up throughout the facility that needed to be cleaned up.
Owner Jim Nyberg said over the phone that he was not happy about the inspection and that it's not the bar of excellence they strive to put forth.
He says restaurant leadership was aware of the roach issue but clearly didn't do enough about it.
He's satisfied that everything is now corrected due to increased treatments, cleaning and repairs.
They've also stepped up employee training after inspectors documented violations for improper handwashing, meats at unsafe temperatures, and fruits and vegetables including avocados and asparagus that were not being washed before being prepped.
Nyberg added that guest safety and service are the most important aspects of their business and that they have and will continue to work with the Health District and employees to be in full compliance.
He said they have an outside consultant coming in to do surprise inspections, adding, "We're all human, but I can assure you that you won't see this happen again."
Hash House A Go Go was back to a zero-demerit A grade on Oct. 25.
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The highest demerits went to a food truck - Tacos La Chata, which was shut down due to two imminent health hazards, but also got 37 demerits on Oct. 23.
The hazards were no water and inadequate refrigeration.
Despite having no water for handwashing, the person in charge was preparing tacos with bare hands, claiming not to have any disposable gloves on the truck.
Tacos La Chata was also selling food that had been made in someone's house, including refried beans, all salsas, and cooked rice.
Tacos La Chata was re-inspected Nov. 6 and received a zero demerit A grade. We reached the owner by phone but he declined comment due to a language barrier.
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The restaurant with the highest demerits was Flour & Barley at the LINQ. It got a 32-demerit C grade on Oct. 22.
Food at the pizza station and chicken on the cook top had been held beyond the four-hour time limit.
There was expired pesto sauce that was more than two-and-a-half weeks old and expired Bolognese that was 11 days old.
Plus, lots of food in the temperature danger zone and small flies throughout the facility.
Flour & Barley was back to a zero-demerit A grade on Nov. 4.
They declined our request for an on-camera interview. Instead, they sent a written statement saying:
At Flour & Barley - Brick Oven Pizza, the quality of our service is of the utmost priority. As of Monday, November 4, we have received an A grade with zero demerits from the Southern Nevada Health District since our first inspection on October 22. The restaurant remained open throughout the resolution process, and we look forward to continuing to serve our guests with the highest quality food and hospitality.
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Repeat offender Sea Salt Oyster Bar on Bermuda and Silverado Ranch is back on Dirty Dining for the second time this year.
It was shut down Oct. 22 for a sewage leak -- not in the restaurant, but just outside.
Inspectors found sewage flowing from the grease interceptor outside the facility and overflowing on the street, running down the gutter toward Bermuda.
Sea Salt Oyster Bar was back to a zero-demerit A grade on Oct. 23.
The owner said the issue was due to a broken pump, which they worked quickly to fix as soon as they realized there was a problem.
He added that he's "had it with the Health District in Vegas" because they "won't listen to reason or explanations" and they "think they know everything."
Click here to see the health report for Hash House A Go Go at The Plaza.
Click here to see the health report for Tacos La Chata.
Click here to see the health report for Flour & Barley at The Linq.
Click here to see the health report for Sea Salt Oyster Bar.
