Manhattan, NY — Eim Khao Mun Kai, a Thai restaurant at 129 2nd Avenue in Manhattan's East Village, was closed by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) following an inspection on February 27, 2026. The establishment received a score of 40 points, well above the 28-point threshold for a Grade C rating. This marks the second time the restaurant has been closed by health inspectors in just over one week.

The closure was ordered after inspectors documented violations at the location, with those requiring immediate action addressed at the time of the inspection.

What Inspectors Found

During the February 27 inspection, inspectors cited one non-critical violation at the establishment:

  • Code 08A: The establishment was found not free of harborage or conditions conducive to rodents, insects, or other pests.

This violation indicates that inspectors identified environmental conditions within the restaurant that could attract or sustain pest activity. Such conditions may include gaps in walls or floors, improper food storage, accumulated debris, or other structural or sanitary issues that create environments where pests can harbor or breed.

While the inspection report lists no critical violations and only one non-critical violation, the restaurant's score of 40 points indicates that the full scope of conditions documented during the inspection contributed to the overall assessment. Scores reflect the totality of findings during an inspection visit, and a score of 40 represents conditions significantly exceeding the threshold for the lowest passing grade.

Food Safety Context

NYC Health Code Article 81 establishes the regulatory framework for food service establishments in New York City. Under these regulations, DOHMH inspectors have the authority to close a restaurant when conditions present an imminent threat to public health or when an establishment fails to meet minimum sanitary standards.

Pest-related violations are among the most commonly cited issues in New York City restaurant inspections. The FDA Food Code, which informs local regulations, requires that food establishments be designed, maintained, and operated to prevent the entry and harborage of pests. Conditions conducive to pest activity can compromise food safety, as rodents and insects are known vectors for foodborne pathogens including Salmonella, E. coli, and other harmful organisms.

When a restaurant is closed by DOHMH, the establishment must address all cited violations and pass a re-inspection before being permitted to reopen to the public. The closure remains in effect until inspectors verify that conditions meet regulatory standards.

Inspection History

Eim Khao Mun Kai's recent inspection record shows a pattern of repeated closures within a short timeframe:

  • Feb 27, 2026: Score 40, closed by DOHMH
  • Feb 19, 2026: Score 41 (Grade N), closed by DOHMH

The restaurant was first closed on February 19, 2026, after receiving a score of 41 points during an inspection that resulted in a Grade N designation. A Grade N indicates that a grade has not yet been assigned, typically because the restaurant is in the adjudication process or awaiting a re-inspection. Just eight days later, on February 27, the establishment was closed again after receiving a score of 40 during a follow-up inspection.

Two closures within such a brief period suggest that conditions at the establishment had not been sufficiently remediated between inspection visits. Restaurants that are repeatedly closed face increased scrutiny from DOHMH and may be subject to additional enforcement actions.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City's restaurant grading system, administered by DOHMH, assigns letter grades based on inspection scores. Lower scores indicate fewer violations and better compliance with health regulations:

  • Grade A: 0–13 points (highest compliance)
  • Grade B: 14–27 points
  • Grade C: 28 or more points (lowest grade)

Eim Khao Mun Kai's score of 40 falls in the Grade C range. Restaurants that score 28 or above may request an adjudicatory hearing through the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH) before a grade is posted. During this process, a "Grade Pending" card is displayed.

Consumers can look up any restaurant's inspection history through the DOHMH website or the NYC Open Data portal. Inspection records, including scores, violations, and enforcement actions, are public information updated regularly as new data becomes available.

This article is based on inspection data released by DOHMH on March 3, 2026, reflecting an inspection conducted on February 27, 2026. Conditions at the restaurant may have changed since the inspection date. For the most current information, residents are encouraged to consult the DOHMH restaurant inspection database directly.

More About This Restaurant

View the full inspection history for Eim Khao Mun Kai including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.