Brooklyn, NY — Banhmigos, a sandwich shop at 643 Vanderbilt Avenue in Prospect Heights, received a score of 26 during a New York City health inspection conducted on March 10, 2026. The score places the restaurant at the upper boundary of the Grade B range, just one point below the Grade C threshold of 28.

The inspection identified one critical violation and no non-critical violations. The data was released by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) on March 13, 2026.

What Inspectors Found

Inspectors cited Banhmigos for a single critical violation related to improper cold food storage temperatures. Specifically, cold time-and-temperature-controlled-for-safety (TCS) food items were found held above 41°F, the maximum temperature permitted under NYC health regulations.

This violation falls under DOHMH code 02G, which also covers smoked or processed fish held above 38°F, intact raw eggs held above 45°F, and reduced oxygen packaged TCS foods held above required temperatures outside of active preparation.

While only one violation was documented, the 26-point score indicates the condition was assessed as a significant food safety concern. Under the DOHMH scoring system, critical violations related to temperature control carry substantial point values, reflecting the elevated risk of bacterial growth and foodborne illness when cold foods are not maintained at proper temperatures.

Food Safety Context

Temperature control is one of the most fundamental requirements in food safety regulation. The FDA Food Code identifies the range between 41°F and 135°F as the "danger zone," where bacteria such as Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli can multiply rapidly. Cold TCS foods — including meats, dairy products, cut vegetables, and prepared sandwiches — must be held at 41°F or below to minimize this risk.

NYC Health Code Article 81 establishes the regulatory framework for food service establishments in New York City, and temperature violations are among the most commonly cited conditions during routine inspections. The requirement applies at all times except during active preparation, meaning food that is being assembled or cooked may temporarily be outside the required range.

Inspection History

Banhmigos has been inspected multiple times in recent years, with scores that have fluctuated:

  • April 21, 2025: Score not recorded
  • November 4, 2024: Score 17 (Grade B)
  • August 28, 2024: Score 40 (Grade C)
  • June 13, 2024: Score 36

The restaurant received a Grade C score of 40 in August 2024, indicating a prior period of more significant violations. The November 2024 inspection showed improvement with a score of 17. The current score of 26 represents an increase from that previous result, moving the restaurant closer to Grade C territory once again.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City assigns letter grades to restaurants based on inspection scores:

  • A: 0–13 points (minimal violations)
  • B: 14–27 points (moderate violations)
  • C: 28 or more points (significant violations)

A score of 26 falls at the top of the Grade B range. Restaurants that receive a B or C grade are entitled to a re-inspection, during which they may achieve a lower score and an improved grade.

Inspection results for all NYC restaurants, including Banhmigos, are publicly available through the DOHMH restaurant inspection database. Consumers can review detailed violation histories and scores at the NYC Open Data portal or by searching the DOHMH restaurant grades website.

More About This Restaurant

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