Manhattan, NY — Cooper Town Diner at 339 1st Avenue received a Grade C health rating after inspectors documented violations during a March 10, 2026 inspection. The American restaurant scored 65 points, placing it in the lowest rating category under New York City's restaurant grading system.

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) released the inspection data on March 12, 2026, two days after the on-site evaluation. The restaurant remains open to the public with violations cited for correction.

What Inspectors Found

During the March 10 inspection, DOHMH inspectors documented one non-critical violation related to pesticide handling and storage. The violation cited under code 08C identified that pesticide was not properly labeled or used by an unlicensed individual, toxic chemicals were improperly used or stored, and an unprotected, unlocked bait station was in use at the establishment.

This violation falls under NYC Health Code Article 81 regulations governing the safe use and storage of pesticides and toxic substances in food service establishments. The FDA Food Code requires that all pesticides used in food establishments be properly labeled, stored in secure locations away from food and food-contact surfaces, and applied only by licensed applicators or according to manufacturer instructions.

Food Safety Context

Proper pesticide management in restaurants is regulated to prevent contamination of food, food preparation surfaces, and utensils. NYC Health Code Article 81 Section 81.19 requires that toxic materials, including pesticides and cleaning agents, be stored separately from food items and used according to manufacturer specifications.

Unlocked or unprotected bait stations pose particular risks in food service environments, as they allow potential access by pests outside the controlled treatment area and may create contamination pathways if not properly secured. The FDA Food Code specifies that rodenticides and insecticides must be applied in a manner that protects food, equipment, and utensils from contamination.

While this violation was classified as non-critical, meaning it does not pose an immediate public health hazard, the 65-point total score reflects accumulated risk factors identified during the inspection process. The NYC restaurant grading system assigns points based on various health and safety criteria, with higher scores indicating more numerous or serious violations.

Inspection History

Cooper Town Diner's March 2026 inspection represents a notable change from the establishment's recent track record. Prior inspection records show:

  • January 9, 2025: Score 12 (Grade A)
  • November 21, 2023: Score 2 (Grade A)
  • August 9, 2022: Score 12 (Grade A)

The restaurant maintained Grade A ratings in all three previous inspections dating back to August 2022, with scores ranging from 2 to 12 points. The current 65-point score represents a significant increase from the establishment's historical performance.

Under NYC regulations, restaurants receiving Grade C ratings must post the grade card in a location visible to the public, typically near the entrance. Establishments have the right to request a re-inspection to achieve a better grade after correcting cited violations.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City's restaurant grading system assigns letter grades based on inspection scores:

  • Grade A: 0-13 points (fewest violations)
  • Grade B: 14-27 points (moderate violations)
  • Grade C: 28 or more points (most violations)

Lower scores indicate fewer health code violations. Inspections evaluate food handling practices, facility maintenance, pest control measures, and employee hygiene procedures. The DOHMH conducts unannounced inspections of all food service establishments at least once per year, with additional inspections triggered by complaints or follow-up requirements.

Restaurant operators can access detailed violation information and correction requirements through the DOHMH Food Service Establishment portal. Consumers can review inspection records for any NYC restaurant through the city's online restaurant grading database at nyc.gov/health/restaurants.

The March 10 inspection data reflects conditions documented during the on-site evaluation. Establishments cited for violations are required to correct identified issues and may face re-inspection to verify compliance with health code standards.

More About This Restaurant

View the full inspection history for Cooper Town Diner including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.