Manhattan, NY — Cauldron Chicken, a chicken-focused restaurant at 190 Bleecker Street in Manhattan, received a Grade B following a New York City health inspection conducted April 7, 2026. Inspectors recorded a score of 23, placing the restaurant in the upper portion of the B range and within four points of the Grade C threshold. Inspection data was released by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) on April 9, 2026.
What Inspectors Found
Inspectors documented one critical violation during the April visit. The citation, classified under Code 02G, identified that cold time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food items were held above 41°F. Proper cold holding temperatures are required to inhibit the growth of pathogens that can cause foodborne illness. The violation was the sole finding recorded during this inspection, with no non-critical violations noted.
Cold holding violations are among the most commonly cited issues in New York City restaurant inspections and carry significant food safety implications when left unaddressed.
Food Safety Context
NYC Health Code Article 81 governs food service establishment standards across the five boroughs, and the FDA Food Code, which informs local regulations, specifies that TCS foods must be maintained at or below 41°F to prevent bacterial growth. Foods held above that threshold for extended periods can support the proliferation of organisms such as Listeria, Salmonella, and Staphylococcus aureus.
A score of 23 falls in the upper portion of the B grade band. While the restaurant was not closed as a result of this inspection, a score at this level reflects a meaningful number of documented deficiencies. The DOHMH uses a points-based system in which lower scores indicate fewer or less severe violations.
Inspection History
The April 2026 inspection is part of a longer compliance record at this location. Prior inspections include:
- January 20, 2026: Score 62
- March 6, 2024: Score 32
- April 23, 2024: Score 7 (Grade A)
The January 2026 score of 62 is notably high, falling well above the Grade C cutoff, though the disposition of that inspection — including whether a closure or re-inspection followed — is not reflected in the data provided. The April 2024 Grade A result indicates the location has previously demonstrated strong compliance.
Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades
New York City's restaurant grading system converts inspection scores into letter grades posted publicly at each establishment. The current grade definitions are:
- A: Score of 0–13 (fewest violations or lowest severity)
- B: Score of 14–27
- C: Score of 28 or higher
Restaurants that receive a B or C on an initial inspection may request a re-inspection, at which point a new grade is issued. Grades must be displayed in a visible location at the entrance to the establishment.
Consumers can look up the full inspection history for any permitted food service establishment in New York City through the DOHMH's online restaurant inspection database at nyc.gov/health.
More About This Restaurant
View the full inspection history for Cauldron Chicken including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.