Manhattan, NY — Bear Donut, located at 40 West 31st Street, received a Grade B health rating following a New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene inspection conducted March 9, 2026. The establishment scored 26 points, placing it near the upper limit of the Grade B range and one point below the Grade C threshold.

What Inspectors Found

The inspection identified one non-critical violation related to pest management. Inspectors documented that the establishment was not free of harborage or conditions conducive to rodents, insects, or other pests, citing violation code 08A under NYC Health Code Article 81.

This violation indicates that conditions existed at the time of inspection that could attract or support pest activity. Such conditions may include gaps in walls or floors, inadequate sealing around pipes or equipment, accumulation of debris, or other environmental factors that provide shelter or access points for pests.

The inspection resulted in violations being cited, but the establishment was not ordered to close. No critical violations—those posing immediate public health risks—were recorded during the inspection.

Food Safety Context

Under NYC Health Code Article 81, food service establishments must maintain facilities free from conditions that support pest activity. The FDA Food Code similarly requires that physical facilities be maintained to prevent pest entry and harborage.

A score of 26 points places Bear Donut in the higher end of the Grade B range (14-27 points). Establishments scoring 28 points or higher receive a Grade C. The proximity of this score to the Grade C threshold indicates multiple or more serious violations were identified during the inspection.

Grade B establishments are required to post their grade card in a location visible to the public. The establishment may request a re-inspection to attempt to achieve a higher grade.

Inspection History

Bear Donut's inspection record shows fluctuating scores over the past three years:

  • November 18, 2024: Score 13 (Grade A)
  • June 20, 2024: Score 15
  • April 19, 2023: Inspection conducted
  • March 7, 2023: Score 24 (Grade B)
  • February 17, 2023: Score 29

The establishment had achieved a Grade A rating in its most recent inspection prior to this one, conducted in November 2024. The March 2026 inspection represents a decline from that Grade A status.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City assigns letter grades to food service establishments based on points accumulated during inspections:

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

Lower scores indicate fewer violations and better compliance with health code standards. Each violation carries a point value based on its severity and public health risk.

Public Health Information

The inspection data referenced in this report was released by DOHMH on March 11, 2026, two days after the inspection was conducted. Restaurant inspection results are public records available through the NYC Health Department's website.

Consumers seeking information about food service establishments in New York City can access current inspection results, violation histories, and grade information at nyc.gov/health/restaurants or through the city's ABCEats mobile application.

More About This Restaurant

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