Staten Island, NY — Doc Hennigans, an American restaurant located at 1144 Forest Avenue, received a Grade C rating after a New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) inspection conducted on March 11, 2026. The establishment scored 29 points, placing it just above the threshold for the lowest passing grade under the city's restaurant grading system.
Inspectors documented two non-critical violations during the visit, which was part of the routine inspection cycle mandated under NYC Health Code Article 81. The data from this inspection was released to the public on March 13, 2026.
What Inspectors Found
Health inspectors cited the restaurant for violation code 08A, which identifies conditions conducive to pest activity. According to inspection records, the establishment was not free of harborage or conditions that could attract or sustain rodents, insects, or other pests. This violation category addresses environmental factors that create opportunities for pest infestation, including structural gaps, improper storage, inadequate cleaning, or other conditions that provide food, water, or shelter for pests.
The second violation, code 10F, involved non-food contact surfaces and equipment. Inspectors documented that certain equipment was made of unacceptable material, not properly maintained in a clean condition, or not designed or positioned to allow adequate cleaning access. This category includes items such as shelving, storage containers, tables, and other surfaces that do not directly contact food but can harbor bacteria or contribute to unsanitary conditions if not properly maintained.
Under NYC's inspection protocol, both violations were classified as non-critical, meaning they did not pose an immediate risk to public health. However, the cumulative point total resulted in a Grade C designation.
Food Safety Context
NYC Health Code Article 81 establishes comprehensive standards for food service establishment operations, including requirements for pest control and equipment maintenance. These regulations align with FDA Food Code guidelines that require food establishments to maintain conditions that prevent pest entry and harborage.
The pest-related violation falls under integrated pest management (IPM) requirements, which mandate that restaurants eliminate conditions attracting pests rather than relying solely on pesticide application. Common issues in this category include gaps around pipes, inadequate door seals, improper waste storage, or moisture accumulation.
Equipment standards under Article 81 require that all surfaces in food establishments be smooth, easily cleanable, and constructed of approved materials. Equipment must be installed and maintained to allow thorough cleaning of all surfaces, preventing accumulation of food particles, grease, or moisture that could support bacterial growth.
Inspection History
Doc Hennigans' inspection record shows varying performance over the past several years:
- June 5, 2024: Score 13 (Grade A)
- January 5, 2023: Score 18 (Grade B)
- May 17, 2022: Score 27
The current score of 29 represents the establishment's highest point total in the available inspection history and marks a decline from its Grade A performance in June 2024. The restaurant had maintained scores below the Grade C threshold in all previous recorded inspections.
Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades
New York City's letter grading system translates inspection point totals into easily understood ratings:
- Grade A: 0-13 points
- Grade B: 14-27 points
- Grade C: 28 points or higher
Points are assessed based on the type and severity of violations found during inspections. Critical violations, which pose immediate health risks, carry higher point values than non-critical violations. Restaurants must post their current grade card in a location visible to customers.
Establishments scoring 28 points or higher receive a Grade C but are not automatically closed unless critical violations create imminent health hazards. Restaurants have the right to request re-inspection, and improved conditions can result in a better grade.
Public Information Resources
New York City residents can access current restaurant inspection data through the DOHMH website at nyc.gov/health/foodservice. The database provides searchable records for all inspected food service establishments, including violation details, scores, and grade histories.
Consumers with questions about food safety or who wish to report concerns about restaurant conditions can contact 311 or file reports through the NYC 311 mobile application.
More About This Restaurant
View the full inspection history for Doc Hennigans including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.