Queens, NY — Cafe Coco, a coffee and tea establishment located at 21-52 44 Drive in Long Island City, received a score of 29 during a New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) inspection conducted on February 18, 2026. The score places the restaurant in Grade C territory, the lowest grade in the city's letter grading system.
The inspection identified a non-critical violation related to plumbing and drainage issues at the establishment. Violations were cited, and the inspection data was released by DOHMH on February 20, 2026.
What Inspectors Found
During the February 18 inspection, DOHMH inspectors documented one non-critical violation at Cafe Coco:
Plumbing and drainage deficiencies (Code 10B): Inspectors cited the establishment for issues related to anti-siphonage or back-flow prevention devices not being provided where required. The violation also noted that equipment or floors were not properly drained, and that condensation or liquid waste was being improperly disposed of. This category of violation addresses the proper functioning of sewage disposal systems and drainage infrastructure within the establishment.
While the violation is classified as non-critical, plumbing and drainage issues can affect overall sanitary conditions in a food service environment. Back-flow prevention devices are essential components that prevent contaminated water from flowing backward into the clean water supply, a safeguard that protects both food preparation areas and drinking water.
It should be noted that while the inspection score of 29 falls in the Grade C range, the single non-critical violation documented does not alone account for the full point total. Inspection scores reflect the totality of conditions observed during the visit, and individual violation codes carry specific point values based on their severity and nature.
Food Safety Context
NYC Health Code Article 81 establishes the regulatory framework for food service establishments in New York City. The code sets standards for plumbing, drainage, and waste disposal that all restaurants and food service businesses must meet. Proper drainage and back-flow prevention are foundational requirements under both the city health code and the FDA Food Code, which serves as a model for food safety regulations nationwide.
Back-flow prevention devices are required wherever there is a potential cross-connection between potable water supplies and non-potable sources. The FDA Food Code specifies that plumbing systems must be designed and maintained to prevent contamination of food, equipment, and utensils. When these systems are not functioning properly, the risk of unsanitary conditions increases.
The DOHMH conducts unannounced inspections of all food service establishments in New York City. When violations are cited, restaurants are given the opportunity to correct the issues. The grading system is designed to provide transparency and encourage compliance with health and safety standards.
Inspection History
No prior inspection history is available for Cafe Coco in the DOHMH public database. This February 18, 2026 inspection represents the first recorded inspection for this establishment at this location.
The absence of prior inspection records may indicate that the business is relatively new, recently changed ownership, or is appearing in the public database for the first time.
Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades
New York City assigns letter grades to restaurants based on the total violation points recorded during an inspection. The grading scale is as follows:
- Grade A: 0–13 points — Represents the highest level of compliance with health and safety standards
- Grade B: 14–27 points — Indicates moderate violations were found during inspection
- Grade C: 28 or more points — Indicates more significant violations were documented
Cafe Coco's score of 29 places it just above the Grade C threshold. Restaurants receiving a Grade B or C may request a re-inspection or adjudication hearing through the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH).
Restaurants are required to post their current letter grade in a location visible to the public. Consumers can look up any restaurant's inspection history, scores, and grades through the DOHMH restaurant inspection database, which is updated regularly as new inspection data becomes available.
For more information about restaurant inspections in Queens and across New York City, residents can visit the DOHMH website or access inspection records through the NYC Open Data portal.
More About This Restaurant
View the full inspection history for Cafe Coco including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.