Queens, NY — Barrio Slice, an American restaurant located at 178-23 Jamaica Avenue in Jamaica, Queens, received a score of 28 on a New York City health inspection conducted on March 3, 2026, placing it in Grade C territory. Inspectors documented a critical violation involving improper hot food holding temperatures.

The inspection data was released by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) on March 5, 2026.

What Inspectors Found

During the March 3 inspection, DOHMH inspectors cited Barrio Slice for two violations, one critical and one non-critical.

The critical violation, coded 02B, documented that hot time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food items were not being held at or above 140 °F. TCS foods include items such as cooked meats, dairy products, and prepared dishes that require specific temperature controls to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. When these foods fall below the 140 °F threshold, they enter what food safety professionals refer to as the "danger zone" — the temperature range between 41 °F and 140 °F where bacterial growth can accelerate rapidly.

Inspectors also noted a non-critical violation, coded 10F, related to non-food contact surfaces or equipment. The citation indicated that such surfaces 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. While classified as non-critical, equipment cleanliness and maintenance contribute to the overall sanitary condition of a food establishment.

Food Safety Context

NYC Health Code Article 81 establishes the regulatory framework governing food service establishments in New York City. Under these regulations, all restaurants are subject to unannounced inspections by DOHMH, and operators are required to maintain proper food handling, storage, and temperature control practices at all times.

The FDA Food Code specifies that hot TCS foods must be maintained at 140 °F or above to limit the potential for bacterial growth. Common pathogens such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Clostridium perfringens can multiply in foods held at improper temperatures, potentially leading to foodborne illness. The temperature requirement is one of the most fundamental food safety standards enforced during routine inspections.

Restaurants in New York City receive letter grades based on their inspection scores, with lower scores indicating fewer violations. A score of 28 falls at the threshold of the Grade C range, which begins at 28 points.

Inspection History

The March 3 inspection was not the first recent visit by DOHMH inspectors to Barrio Slice. The restaurant's recent inspection record includes:

  • Feb. 11, 2026: Score 78 (Grade N)

The prior inspection on February 11, 2026, resulted in a significantly higher score of 78 with a Grade N designation. A Grade N, or "Not Yet Graded," indicates that the restaurant had not yet received a posted letter grade for that inspection cycle. A score of 78 would typically place a restaurant well into Grade C territory and may trigger an adjudication hearing or re-inspection.

The reduction from a score of 78 to 28 between the February and March inspections represents a notable improvement, though the current score still places the establishment in the Grade C range.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City's restaurant grading system assigns letter grades based on the total violation points recorded during an inspection:

  • A: 0–13 points
  • B: 14–27 points
  • C: 28 or more points

Restaurants that receive a B or C grade on an initial inspection have the option to post the grade or wait for a re-inspection. The grading system, administered by DOHMH, is designed to provide consumers with a clear and accessible indicator of a restaurant's compliance with food safety regulations.

Barrio Slice's score of 28 places it at the minimum threshold for a Grade C designation. Consumers can look up the full inspection history of any NYC restaurant through the DOHMH restaurant inspection database, which is publicly accessible online. Additional information about food safety standards and the city's grading system is available through the NYC Department of Health website at nyc.gov/health.

More About This Restaurant

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