Buckhead steakhouse fails health inspection, report says

Score: 56

Read the full report here.

A well-known Buckhead steakhouse failed its most recent health inspection, according to a recent report.

Hal's "The Steakhouse" on Old Ivy Road received a 56U on Feb. 29.

The popular restaurant has been in the area for more than 20 years, and several customers said they were surprised by the score.

"I think a lot of people go there," said Angie Miller, a customer who ate at the restaurant for Valentine’s Day. "They take clients. It's kind of well-known for business dinners and things like that. So, I’m kind of shocked."

The report says an inspector found live flies in the kitchen, food stored in the same ice used for drinks and "slime" inside the ice machine.

There were also no soap or paper towels at multiple handwashing stations in the restaurant, the report said.

Read the complete health inspection report here.

When entering the restaurant, Channel 2 Action News saw a score of 100A still posted despite the recent inspection.

The restaurant says it disagrees with the inspector’s findings.

"Our facilities have been inspected at least annually for 25 years and we have never received an unsatisfactory score," a Hal's manager told Channel 2 Action News in a statement. "We respectfully disagree with the results of the inspection that occurred on February 29th, 2016 and are taking the appropriate steps to administratively appeal the report."

Customers and neighbors say they have confidence that Hal’s will fully address the concerns in the report.