Manhattan, NY — Cork & Kale At Even Hotel, an American restaurant located at 321 West 35th Street in Midtown Manhattan, received a score of 31 during a New York City health inspection conducted on February 27, 2026. The score places the establishment in Grade C territory, marking the restaurant's lowest inspection result in its recorded history.

The inspection data was released by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) on March 2, 2026.

What Inspectors Found

During the February 27 inspection, DOHMH inspectors documented one non-critical violation related to pesticide handling and storage practices.

Specifically, the restaurant was cited under violation code 08C for pesticide not being properly labeled or being used by an unlicensed individual. The citation also noted that pesticide or other toxic chemicals were improperly used or stored, and that an unprotected or unlocked bait station was in use on the premises.

While the violation is classified as non-critical, improper handling of pesticides in a food service environment presents potential risks to both staff and patrons. Pesticide products used in food establishments must be clearly labeled, applied only by licensed pest control professionals, and stored in designated areas away from food preparation and storage zones. Bait stations must be tamper-resistant and properly secured to prevent accidental exposure.

The inspection action recorded by DOHMH states that violations were cited in the noted area. No closure was ordered as a result of this inspection.

Food Safety Context

NYC Health Code Article 81 establishes comprehensive requirements for food service establishments, including strict protocols for the use and storage of pesticides and toxic chemicals. Under these regulations, only licensed pest control operators may apply pesticides in food establishments, and all products must be properly labeled and stored separately from food, utensils, and food preparation surfaces.

The FDA Food Code similarly addresses pest management in food service environments, requiring that poisonous or toxic materials be stored so they cannot contaminate food, equipment, or single-service articles. Bait stations used for pest control must be tamper-resistant and designed to prevent access by children, pets, and non-target animals.

The score of 31 places Cork & Kale At Even Hotel above the 28-point threshold for a Grade C designation, the lowest letter grade assigned by DOHMH. Restaurants receiving a Grade C are required to post the grade card and may request an adjudicatory hearing or re-inspection.

Inspection History

Cork & Kale At Even Hotel's recorded inspection history shows a pattern of fluctuating scores over the past several years:

  • July 19, 2022: Score of 0
  • September 19, 2022: Score of 13 (Grade A)
  • December 20, 2023: Score of 22
  • August 26, 2024: Score of 17 (Grade B)
  • February 27, 2026: Score of 31 (Grade C)

The restaurant earned a perfect score of zero in its July 2022 inspection and maintained a Grade A score of 13 two months later. However, subsequent inspections have shown a gradual increase in violation points, rising from 22 in December 2023 to 17 in August 2024, and now to the current score of 31. The February 2026 result represents a significant departure from the restaurant's earlier performance.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City's restaurant grading system, administered by DOHMH, assigns letter grades based on the total violation points recorded during an inspection:

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

Each violation carries a predetermined point value based on its severity and the condition observed. Critical violations, which pose an immediate risk to public health, carry higher point values than general (non-critical) violations. A restaurant's total score reflects the cumulative points from all violations documented during a single inspection.

Restaurants that receive a Grade B or C may request a re-inspection. Grade cards must be posted in a conspicuous location near the entrance of the establishment.

Consumers can view the full inspection history for any NYC restaurant through the DOHMH restaurant inspection database, available online. The data used in this report reflects publicly available records released by the agency.

More About This Restaurant

View the full inspection history for Cork & Kale At Even Hotel including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.