Brooklyn, NY — Brooklyn Bread, located at 347 7th Avenue in Park Slope, received a score of 36 during a New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) inspection conducted on February 20, 2026. The score places the establishment in Grade C territory, driven by a critical violation related to hand washing facilities.
The inspection data was released by DOHMH on February 23, 2026.
What Inspectors Found
During the inspection, DOHMH inspectors documented one critical violation at the establishment. The violation, cited under code 05D, identified that no hand washing facility was available in or adjacent to the toilet room, or within 25 feet of a food preparation, food service, or ware washing area. Inspectors further noted that the hand washing facility was not accessible, was obstructed, or was being used for non-hand washing purposes. The citation also documented the absence of hot and cold running water or water at inadequate pressure, along with no soap or acceptable hand-drying device.
No non-critical violations were recorded during this inspection cycle.
Food Safety Context
Hand washing facilities are a foundational requirement of food safety regulation at both the local and federal level. NYC Health Code Article 81 mandates that food service establishments maintain accessible, properly equipped hand washing stations in proximity to food preparation and service areas. These stations must provide hot and cold running water, soap, and an acceptable means of drying hands.
The FDA Food Code similarly requires that hand washing sinks be conveniently located, maintained in good repair, and kept accessible at all times during food handling operations. Hand washing is considered the single most effective method for preventing the spread of foodborne illness in restaurant settings, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
When hand washing facilities are unavailable, obstructed, or lack essential supplies such as soap and running water, the risk of cross-contamination increases. Food handlers who cannot properly wash their hands may transfer bacteria and other pathogens to food, preparation surfaces, and serving equipment.
The violation cited at Brooklyn Bread is classified as critical, meaning it represents a condition that, if not corrected, could directly contribute to a foodborne illness or environmental health hazard.
Inspection History
Brooklyn Bread's recent inspection record shows a pattern of similar scoring:
- December 20, 2025: Score 36 (Grade N)
- February 20, 2026: Score 36 (Grade C range)
The December 2025 inspection resulted in a Grade N designation, which indicates the restaurant was in the process of being graded at that time. The February 2026 inspection produced an identical score of 36. Under the NYC restaurant grading system, a score of 28 or higher falls into Grade C range.
The consistent score across both inspections suggests the conditions cited during the earlier inspection may not have been fully resolved prior to the follow-up visit.
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. Lower scores indicate fewer or less severe violations:
- Grade A: 0–13 points
- Grade B: 14–27 points
- Grade C: 28 or more points
Restaurants that receive a Grade B or C on an initial inspection have the opportunity to request a re-inspection. The grade posted publicly reflects the better of the two scores. Restaurants may also contest their grades through an administrative tribunal process.
A Grade C indicates that significant violations were identified during the inspection. However, it is important to note that inspection scores represent conditions observed on a specific date and time, and may not reflect the establishment's current status.
Public Resources
Consumers can look up the full inspection history for Brooklyn Bread and any other New York City restaurant through the DOHMH restaurant inspection database, which is publicly accessible online. The database provides detailed violation descriptions, scores, and grade histories for all inspected food service establishments in the five boroughs.
Residents who wish to report a food safety concern at any restaurant can contact 311 or file a complaint through the NYC 311 website or mobile app.
More About This Restaurant
View the full inspection history for Brooklyn Bread including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.