Brooklyn, NY — Earthbar, a juice bar and smoothie shop located at 194 Joralemon Street in Brooklyn Heights, was closed by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) following an inspection conducted on April 22, 2026. Inspectors recorded a score of 33 points, placing the establishment in C-grade territory under the city's restaurant grading system. One critical violation was cited during the inspection, and the DOHMH indicated that violations requiring immediate action were addressed on-site.

The inspection data was released by DOHMH on April 28, 2026, six days after the closure action was taken.

What Inspectors Found

During the April 22 inspection, DOHMH inspectors documented one critical violation at Earthbar under Code 05D, which relates to hand washing facility requirements.

Specifically, inspectors noted the absence of an adequate 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 violation further indicated that the hand washing facility was either not accessible, obstructed, or being used for purposes other than hand washing, and that hot and cold running water, soap, or an acceptable hand-drying device was not available.

Hand washing access is among the most foundational requirements in food service environments. In a juice and smoothie operation — where employees handle fresh produce, cut fruit, and open ingredients directly — proper hand hygiene is a primary control point for preventing contamination. No non-critical violations were recorded during this inspection.

Food Safety Context

Under NYC Health Code Article 81, all food service establishments operating in New York City are required to maintain accessible, functional hand washing facilities stocked with soap and an appropriate drying method. This requirement is reinforced by the FDA Food Code, which classifies inadequate hand washing access as a critical violation due to its direct link to foodborne illness risk.

Hand washing violations in Code 05D are considered critical because they represent a potential pathway for the transfer of pathogens — including norovirus, Salmonella, and E. coli — from food handlers to customers. In juice and smoothie bars, where produce is rarely cooked and may be consumed immediately after preparation, the risk associated with compromised hand hygiene is particularly relevant.

When a DOHMH inspection results in a closure order, the establishment must demonstrate that the conditions leading to the closure have been corrected before reopening is permitted. The DOHMH noted that violations requiring immediate action were addressed at the time of the inspection, which is a standard part of the enforcement process. Closure does not necessarily indicate prolonged shutdown — many establishments reopen within hours or days once compliance is confirmed.

Inspection History

Earthbar's most recent inspection history shows a pattern of elevated scores prior to this closure:

  • January 27, 2026: Score 38 (Grade N)
  • April 22, 2026: Score 33, closed by DOHMH

The January 2026 inspection resulted in a score of 38 points, which falls within the range that triggers a Grade N (Not Yet Graded) designation. Under NYC's grading system, a Grade N is issued when an initial inspection results in a score of 14 or higher, and the establishment is given the opportunity for a re-inspection before a letter grade is posted. The April inspection represents a subsequent visit in that cycle, and the resulting closure indicates ongoing compliance concerns.

Two consecutive inspection cycles with scores above 28 points — the threshold for a C grade — suggests the establishment has faced persistent challenges meeting DOHMH standards.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City's restaurant grading system, administered by DOHMH, assigns letter grades based on the score accumulated during an unannounced inspection. Points are added for each violation found, with critical violations carrying higher point values. The grading scale is as follows:

  • A: Score of 0 to 13 points — meets or exceeds food safety standards
  • B: Score of 14 to 27 points — some violations noted; re-inspection required before grade is posted
  • C: Score of 28 points or higher — significant violations present; lowest posted grade

Establishments that score 14 or above during an initial inspection receive a Grade N placard while awaiting a re-inspection. If the re-inspection also results in a score of 14 or above, the letter grade corresponding to the lower (better) of the two scores is posted publicly.

Closure orders are issued independently of the grading cycle when inspectors identify conditions that pose an immediate public health risk or when a required corrective action cannot be completed during the inspection.

Inspection records for all NYC food service establishments, including Earthbar, are publicly available through the DOHMH's online restaurant inspection database. Consumers can search inspection histories, view violation details, and check current grade status at any time.

More About This Restaurant

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