Brooklyn, NY — Brooklyn Ball Factory, a Japanese restaurant located at 95 Montrose Avenue in Williamsburg, received a score of 38 during a New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) inspection conducted on March 3, 2026. The score places the establishment in Grade C territory, marking a significant departure from the restaurant's previously strong inspection record.

The inspection data was released by DOHMH on March 5, 2026.

What Inspectors Found

Inspectors documented two critical violations during the March 3 inspection. No non-critical violations were recorded.

The first critical violation, cited under code 04L, noted evidence of mice or live mice in the establishment's food or non-food areas. The presence of rodent activity in a food service establishment represents one of the more serious conditions inspectors can identify, as mice can contaminate food, preparation surfaces, and storage areas with pathogens including Salmonella and Hantavirus.

The second critical violation, cited under code 06C, documented that food, supplies, or equipment were not adequately protected from potential sources of contamination during storage, preparation, transportation, display, or service. This violation also noted that condiments were not provided in single-service containers or dispensed directly by the vendor, creating additional contamination risks.

Food Safety Context

Both violations identified during this inspection fall under provisions of NYC Health Code Article 81, which governs food service establishment operations in New York City. The regulations align with the FDA Food Code, which establishes science-based guidance for reducing the risk of foodborne illness.

Evidence of rodent activity is classified as a critical violation because of the direct public health risk it presents. Mice can carry and transmit a range of harmful bacteria and viruses through their droppings, urine, and contact with food preparation surfaces. The FDA Food Code requires that food establishments take effective measures to exclude pests from areas where food is stored, prepared, and served.

The food protection violation cited under code 06C addresses the requirement that all food items and supplies be shielded from environmental contamination throughout the handling process. Improper storage and unprotected condiments can expose food to airborne contaminants, cross-contamination from raw products, and contact with unsanitary surfaces.

Together, these two violations resulted in a combined score of 38, which exceeds the 28-point threshold for a Grade C designation.

Inspection History

The March 2026 score of 38 represents a notable shift for Brooklyn Ball Factory, which had maintained relatively strong inspection results in recent years. The restaurant's inspection history with DOHMH includes the following:

  • November 18, 2024: Score of 9, Grade A
  • May 2, 2024: Score of 53
  • January 23, 2023: Score of 9, Grade A
  • October 17, 2022: Score of 24

The restaurant earned Grade A scores in both its January 2023 and November 2024 inspections, each with a score of 9. However, the May 2024 inspection resulted in a score of 53, indicating the establishment has experienced periodic compliance challenges. The October 2022 inspection produced a score of 24, which fell within the Grade B range.

The current score of 38 is the restaurant's second-highest on record, though it remains below the 53 recorded in May 2024.

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 documented during an inspection. Each violation carries a specific point value, with critical violations typically carrying higher point values than non-critical ones.

The grading thresholds are as follows:

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

A score of 38 places Brooklyn Ball Factory in the Grade C category. Restaurants that receive a Grade B or C on an initial inspection may request a re-inspection or an adjudicatory hearing through the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings.

Consumers can look up inspection results for any New York City restaurant through the DOHMH public database, available online at the NYC Open Data portal. Inspection scores, violation details, and grade histories are public record and updated on a regular basis.

For questions about NYC restaurant inspections or to file a complaint, residents can contact 311 or visit the NYC DOHMH website.

More About This Restaurant

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