Queens, NY — Brass Riz & Grill Express, a Creole restaurant located at 227-02/08 Linden Blvd in Queens, was closed by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) following an inspection conducted on June 17, 2026. Inspectors recorded a score of 70, placing the establishment firmly in C-grade range and triggering an immediate closure order. The inspection data was released by DOHMH on June 22, 2026.

During the inspection, violations requiring immediate corrective action were cited, and the establishment was ordered closed until those conditions were addressed.

What Inspectors Found

Inspectors identified three violations during the June 17 visit — two classified as critical and one as non-critical.

The first critical violation, Code 04N, documented the presence of filth flies or food/refuse/sewage-associated flies in the establishment's food and non-food areas. This category includes house flies, blow flies, bottle flies, flesh flies, drain flies, Phorid flies, and fruit flies. Fly activity in a food service environment is considered a direct threat to food safety and public health, as insects can transfer pathogens to exposed food and food-contact surfaces.

The second critical violation, Code 06C, found that food, supplies, or equipment were not adequately protected from potential contamination during storage, preparation, transportation, display, or service. Inspectors also noted that condiments were not stored in single-service containers or dispensed directly by the vendor, as required.

A non-critical violation, Code 10F, was also recorded, noting that non-food contact surfaces or equipment were made of unacceptable materials, not kept clean, or not properly sealed, raised, spaced, or positioned to allow adequate cleaning on all sides, above, and underneath.

Food Safety Context

Under NYC Health Code Article 81, food service establishments operating in New York City are subject to unannounced inspections by DOHMH to assess compliance with food safety standards. The presence of filth flies in a food preparation or storage area is treated as a critical violation because these pests are known vectors for bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria.

The FDA Food Code, which informs New York City's inspection standards, requires that food establishments maintain effective pest control programs and that all food and food-contact surfaces be protected from contamination at all times. Condiment handling requirements exist to prevent cross-contamination between customers.

When inspectors identify violations that pose an immediate public health risk — particularly critical violations involving pests or unprotected food — DOHMH has the authority to order a closure until those conditions are corrected and the establishment passes a re-inspection.

Inspection History

Brass Riz & Grill Express has a mixed compliance record over recent years. The inspection history on file with DOHMH includes the following:

  • March 25, 2026: Score not recorded (inspection type pending)
  • August 15, 2024: Score 34 (Grade C)
  • June 22, 2023: Score 78
  • January 4, 2023: Score 25 (Grade B)
  • December 15, 2022: Score 75
  • January 31, 2022: Score 24 (Grade B)
  • September 3, 2021: Score 39

The pattern shows the establishment has cycled between compliant and non-compliant results over multiple inspection cycles. Scores in the mid-to-high 70s on multiple occasions — in 2023, 2022, and now 2026 — indicate recurring difficulty maintaining consistent compliance. The August 2024 score of 34 also resulted in a C grade. The most recent closure brings the cumulative record into focus as a persistent concern.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City uses a letter grading system based on inspection scores, which are calculated by assigning point values to each violation cited. Lower scores reflect fewer or less severe violations. The grading scale is as follows:

  • Grade A: Score of 0 to 13 points
  • Grade B: Score of 14 to 27 points
  • Grade C: Score of 28 points or higher

A score of 70 falls well above the C-grade threshold. Restaurants that receive a B or C on an initial inspection are typically re-inspected within a set timeframe. Establishments ordered closed must address all conditions requiring immediate action before reopening and must pass a follow-up inspection.

Current inspection records for any NYC restaurant are publicly available through the DOHMH restaurant inspection results portal at the NYC Open Data platform and at nyc.gov/health. Diners can look up any establishment's full inspection history, including violation details, scores, and grade status, before visiting.

More About This Restaurant

View the full inspection history for Brass Riz & Grill Express including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.