Queens, NY — Blvd, an Eastern European restaurant located at 31-17 Ditmars Boulevard in the Astoria neighborhood of Queens, received a score of 29 following a New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) inspection conducted on February 26, 2026. The score places the establishment in Grade C territory, the lowest letter grade issued under the city's restaurant grading system.

The inspection identified one critical violation and one non-critical violation. The inspection data was released by DOHMH on March 2, 2026.

What Inspectors Found

The critical violation cited during the inspection involved the absence of an approved written standard operating procedure for avoiding contamination by refillable returnable containers (violation code 05H). This type of violation relates to the restaurant's documented protocols for handling containers that are reused, such as bottles or other vessels that customers or suppliers may return for refilling. Without a written procedure in place, there is no verified system to ensure these containers are properly sanitized and handled to prevent cross-contamination of food or beverages.

Inspectors also documented a non-critical violation related to the restaurant's ventilation system (violation code 10D). The citation noted that mechanical or natural ventilation was not provided, was inadequate, was improperly installed, was in disrepair, or failed to prevent and control the excessive buildup of grease, heat, steam condensation, vapors, odors, smoke, or fumes. Ventilation deficiencies can affect both the working environment for staff and the overall sanitary conditions of a food preparation area.

The action taken by DOHMH was to cite the violations found during the inspection. The restaurant was not closed as a result of this inspection.

Food Safety Context

The requirement for written standard operating procedures for refillable containers is established under NYC Health Code Article 81, which governs food service establishments across the five boroughs. These procedures are designed to ensure that any container returned and reused in food service is properly cleaned, sanitized, and inspected before being refilled, reducing the risk of bacterial contamination or the introduction of foreign substances into food products.

The FDA Food Code similarly emphasizes the importance of documented food safety plans and standard operating procedures as a foundation of any food service operation. Written procedures provide accountability and consistency, ensuring that all staff members follow the same contamination prevention protocols regardless of shift or staffing changes.

Ventilation requirements exist to maintain safe air quality in food preparation and cooking areas. Proper ventilation removes airborne grease particles, controls temperature, and prevents the accumulation of moisture that can contribute to mold growth and other sanitary concerns.

Inspection History

This inspection represents the first recorded DOHMH inspection for Blvd available in the public dataset. No prior inspection history was found for this establishment at this location.

Without previous inspection data for comparison, it is not possible to determine whether the violations identified represent ongoing conditions or newly developed issues. Future inspections will establish a compliance record for the restaurant.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City's restaurant grading system, administered by DOHMH, assigns letter grades based on the total number of violation points accumulated during an inspection. Each violation carries a specific point value, with critical violations generally receiving higher point totals than non-critical ones.

The grading scale is as follows:

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

Blvd's score of 29 places the restaurant one point above the Grade C threshold. Restaurants that receive a Grade B or C on an initial inspection may request a re-inspection. If the score improves to Grade A range upon re-inspection, the restaurant receives an A grade. Restaurants that do not improve may have their grade posted or may contest the results through an administrative tribunal process.

Consumers can verify any restaurant's current inspection status and grade through the DOHMH restaurant inspection search portal or by checking the letter grade card posted at the establishment's entrance, as required by city regulations.

More About This Restaurant

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