Your health and safety should always come first when dining out. While most restaurants follow strict hygiene standards, there are certain types of establishments where the risks are simply higher. Here are six types of restaurants you may want to avoid, and why.
1. Restaurants with Low Hygiene Ratings
If a restaurant displays a low hygiene score or fails a health inspection, do not ignore it. These scores are public for a reason. Poor hygiene can lead to food poisoning, contamination, and other health risks.
What to do: Check online for health inspection scores before visiting. If you see a low rating, choose another place.
2. Buffet Restaurants with Poor Food Rotation
Buffets can be a great value, but they also pose risks. Food that sits out for hours at improper temperatures can develop harmful bacteria. If you see food that looks dry, discolored, or has been sitting out for a long time, it is best to avoid it.
What to do: Visit buffets during peak hours when food is freshest. Look for busy establishments where food is replenished frequently.
3. Fast Food Chains with a History of Violations
Some fast food chains have been cited repeatedly for food safety violations, including improper storage, cross-contamination, and pest issues. While most locations are fine, chains with a history of violations may have systemic problems.
What to do: Research the chain’s history and read recent reviews. If you see a pattern of complaints, choose a different option.
4. Seafood Restaurants in Landlocked Areas with Questionable Sourcing
Fresh seafood should smell like the ocean, not fishy or ammonia-like. Restaurants in landlocked areas that serve seafood may rely on frozen or poorly sourced products. If the seafood smells off or looks discolored, send it back.
What to do: Choose seafood restaurants that are transparent about their sourcing. Look for “wild-caught” and “sustainable” labels.
5. Restaurants with Unclear or Missing Allergen Information
If a restaurant cannot clearly tell you what is in their food or whether it contains common allergens, it is a red flag. This may indicate a lack of training, poor ingredient tracking, or cross-contamination risks.
What to do: Choose restaurants that provide clear allergen information on their menu or online. If they cannot answer your questions, eat elsewhere.
6. “Gourmet” or “Artisan” Restaurants with No Real Kitchen
Some food trucks, pop-ups, or delivery-only restaurants operate without a proper kitchen. They may rely on pre-packaged, reheated, or low-quality ingredients. Without a visible kitchen, you cannot be sure of the food safety standards.
What to do: Look for restaurants with a visible, clean kitchen. Read reviews and check for permits and certifications.
How to Stay Safe When Dining Out
- Check health inspection scores online before visiting.
- Read recent reviews for any red flags about food quality or service.
- Ask questions about how food is prepared and sourced.
- Trust your senses – if food looks, smells, or tastes off, send it back.
- Choose busy restaurants – high turnover usually means fresher food.
A Gentle Reminder
You don’t need to avoid eating out entirely. But being aware of the risks and knowing what to look for can help you make safer, smarter choices. Your health is worth the extra attention.
If you’re curious about other things to avoid, you might be surprised by these 30 Fake Foods You’re Probably Eating Every Week or learn a thing or two with this advice on DON’T Buy Steak Again Until You Watch This.
