4.5 Star-Rated, Popular NoCo Restaurant Doesn’t Pass Inspection

A routine inspection on September 3 of a longtime, popular restaurant in Fort Collins has earned them another follow up visit from inspectors to try again.

As a reminder, restaurants in Larimer County are no longer rated or graded with feedback like "excellent," "good" or "fair." As of Jan. 1, 2020, they are simply allowed up to 49 points worth of violations to "pass." 50-109 points earn them another try at a "re-inspection," and anything over 110 earns them an immediate "closure."

The vast majority of restaurants as of late have passed with flying colors, but one very well-rated restaurant on Google, with 4.5 stars after more than 500 reviews did not.

Domenic's Bistro and Wine Bar on Harmony Road in Fort Collins earned a "re-inspection required" rating, after inspectors found too many infractions to pass.

From minor, nit-picky things like where staff placed their own personal drinks - and what kind of glass they used to drink out of - to more detailed infractions about cooling practices or how food should be stored, the points added up quickly requiring a re-inspection at a later date.

All establishments have a chance to correct their infractions before being re-inspected and ultimately earning a passing grade.

You can always stay up to date on the county's inspections which are posted in full on their website, allowing you to check out how your own favorites are doing. You can view any inspection after April, 2023 on the Larimer County HealthSpace Portal.