Manhattan, NY — Dos Toros, a Mexican restaurant located at 137 4th Avenue in Manhattan, received a score of 31 during a New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) inspection conducted on March 2, 2026. The score places the restaurant in Grade C territory, a significant decline from its previous Grade A ratings.
The inspection data was released by DOHMH on March 5, 2026.
What Inspectors Found
During the inspection, DOHMH inspectors identified one critical violation related to hand washing facilities. Specifically, the restaurant was cited under violation code 05D for not having a hand washing facility in or adjacent to the toilet room or within 25 feet of a food preparation, food service, or ware washing area.
The citation further noted that the hand washing facility was not accessible, was obstructed, or was being used for non-hand washing purposes. Inspectors also documented issues with hot and cold running water availability or inadequate water pressure, along with the absence of soap or an acceptable hand-drying device.
No non-critical violations were recorded during this inspection.
Food Safety Context
Hand washing is considered one of the most fundamental safeguards in food safety. Under NYC Health Code Article 81, food service establishments are required to maintain properly equipped and accessible hand washing stations in proximity to food preparation areas and restrooms. The FDA Food Code similarly mandates that hand washing facilities be convenient, accessible, and properly supplied at all times during operation.
The absence of functional hand washing facilities near food preparation zones is classified as a critical violation because it directly increases the risk of foodborne illness transmission. Proper hand hygiene among food handlers is one of the primary defenses against the spread of pathogens such as norovirus, Salmonella, and E. coli.
A single critical violation related to hand washing access can result in a substantial point deduction during a DOHMH inspection, which is reflected in the restaurant's score of 31 — enough on its own to push an establishment into Grade C range.
Inspection History
The March 2026 result represents a notable departure from Dos Toros' prior inspection record at this location:
- 2024-11-18: Score 11 (Grade A)
- 2023-07-13: Score 7 (Grade A)
The restaurant had maintained Grade A scores in its two most recent inspections, with scores well within the 0-13 point range. The jump from a score of 11 to a score of 31 reflects the severity weight that DOHMH assigns to critical violations involving basic sanitation infrastructure.
Under DOHMH procedures, a restaurant that receives a Grade C on an initial inspection has the opportunity to request a re-inspection. The restaurant may also contest the grade through an administrative tribunal hearing at the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH). Until a final grade is adjudicated, the restaurant may post a "Grade Pending" card.
Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades
New York City's restaurant grading system, administered by DOHMH, assigns letter grades based on the total number of violation points recorded during an inspection:
- Grade A: 0-13 points
- Grade B: 14-27 points
- Grade C: 28 or more points
Lower scores indicate fewer or less severe violations. Critical violations carry higher point values than general (non-critical) violations, reflecting their greater potential impact on public health.
Restaurants are inspected on an unannounced basis, typically in cycles that include an initial inspection and, if needed, a re-inspection. All inspection results are public record and are available through the DOHMH restaurant inspection database.
Consumers can view the most current inspection results for Dos Toros and any other New York City restaurant by visiting the DOHMH website or by checking the letter grade card posted at the establishment's entrance.
More About This Restaurant
View the full inspection history for Dos Toros including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.