Brooklyn, NY — Art Collective Cafe, a coffee and tea establishment at 97A 7th Avenue in Brooklyn, was closed by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) following an inspection conducted on April 1, 2026. The inspection resulted in a score of 40, placing the establishment well into Grade C territory and prompting an immediate closure action by the agency.

The closure marks a continued decline in inspection performance for the Park Slope café, which had previously held a Grade A as recently as 2023.

What Inspectors Found

During the April 1 inspection, DOHMH inspectors documented two non-critical violations at the establishment. No critical violations were recorded.

The first violation, cited under code 10F, identified that non-food contact surfaces or equipment were made of unacceptable material, were not kept clean, or were not properly sealed, raised, spaced, or movable to allow accessibility for cleaning on all sides, above, and underneath the unit. This type of violation indicates that surfaces in the establishment — while not those that directly contact food — were not maintained to the sanitary standards required by the city.

The second violation, cited under code 08A, noted that the establishment was not free of harborage or conditions conducive to rodents, insects, or other pests. This violation does not necessarily indicate that live pests were observed during the inspection, but rather that environmental conditions existed that could attract or sustain pest activity. Such conditions may include gaps in walls or flooring, accumulated debris, improper waste storage, or other structural or sanitation deficiencies.

Despite only two violations being documented, the combined point total of 40 was sufficient to trigger the closure action. Violations cited during the inspection requiring immediate action were addressed, according to the DOHMH record.

Food Safety Context

Under NYC Health Code Article 81, all food service establishments are subject to unannounced inspections by DOHMH. Each violation observed carries a designated point value, and the total score determines the establishment's letter grade. Establishments that accumulate high scores or present conditions deemed an imminent threat to public health may be closed immediately by inspectors.

Pest-related violations are among the most commonly cited issues across New York City's approximately 27,000 restaurants. The FDA Food Code emphasizes that food establishments must be designed, constructed, and maintained to prevent the entry and harborage of pests. Conditions conducive to pest activity — even in the absence of live pest sightings — are treated seriously because they represent a breakdown in the environmental controls necessary to maintain food safety.

Equipment and surface cleanliness violations, while classified as non-critical, can contribute to broader sanitation concerns. When equipment cannot be easily accessed for cleaning due to improper spacing, sealing, or material composition, it creates areas where food residue, moisture, and debris can accumulate undetected.

Establishments that are closed by DOHMH may request a re-inspection once the cited conditions have been corrected. Upon passing a subsequent inspection, the establishment may reopen.

Inspection History

Art Collective Cafe's inspection record over the past several years shows a pattern of fluctuating scores:

  • April 1, 2026: Score 40, Closed by DOHMH
  • February 7, 2025: Score 21 (Grade B)
  • October 30, 2024: Score 24
  • August 7, 2023: Score 12 (Grade A)
  • May 16, 2023: Score 28

The café earned a Grade A in August 2023 with a score of 12, indicating strong compliance at that time. However, subsequent inspections in late 2023 and 2024 showed rising scores, with the establishment receiving a Grade B in February 2025. The April 2026 inspection represents the highest score on record for the location and the first documented closure.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City assigns letter grades to restaurants based on inspection scores under the following scale:

  • Grade A: 0–13 points (strong compliance with health regulations)
  • Grade B: 14–27 points (moderate violations documented)
  • Grade C: 28 or more points (significant violations documented)

Art Collective Cafe's score of 40 falls into the Grade C range. Restaurants that score in the C range during an initial inspection are typically offered a re-inspection opportunity to improve their score before a grade card is posted.

Public Information and Resources

This inspection data is public record, released by DOHMH on April 3, 2026, two days after the inspection was conducted. Consumers can look up the inspection history of any New York City restaurant through the DOHMH restaurant inspection database or by checking the letter grade card posted at the establishment's entrance.

Residents with food safety concerns about any NYC restaurant may contact 311 or file a complaint online through the city's 311 portal. All complaints are reviewed and may result in an unannounced inspection by DOHMH.

More About This Restaurant

View the full inspection history for Art Collective Cafe including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.