Manhattan, NY — Fillmore Delicatessen, a sandwich and salad shop at 1668 3rd Avenue on the Upper East Side, received a score of 29 on its most recent health inspection, placing it in Grade C territory. The inspection, conducted on February 17, 2026, documented a non-critical violation related to improper pesticide use or storage at the establishment.
The inspection results were released by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) on February 20, 2026.
What Inspectors Found
During the February 17 inspection, DOHMH inspectors cited Fillmore Delicatessen for one non-critical violation under code 08C. The violation noted that a pesticide was not properly labeled or was being used by an unlicensed individual. Inspectors also documented that pesticide or another toxic chemical was improperly used or stored, and that an unprotected or unlocked bait station was in use at the establishment.
Under NYC regulations, pest management in food service establishments must be conducted by licensed professionals using properly labeled products. Bait stations are required to be tamper-resistant and secured to prevent accidental contact with food, equipment, or people.
The score of 29 placed the restaurant one point above the Grade C threshold of 28 points.
Food Safety Context
NYC Health Code Article 81 establishes the regulatory framework for food service establishments operating in the city. The code requires that all pesticides used in food establishments be applied by licensed pest control operators and that all chemical products be properly labeled and stored away from food preparation and storage areas.
The FDA Food Code similarly addresses integrated pest management in food service settings. It requires that toxic materials, including pesticides, be stored in designated areas separate from food, equipment, utensils, and single-service articles. Bait stations must be tamper-resistant and designed to prevent contamination of food-contact surfaces.
Improper pesticide handling in a food establishment raises concerns because residues from unlabeled or misapplied products can potentially contaminate food preparation surfaces and stored ingredients. Licensed applicators are trained to use products in concentrations and methods appropriate for food service environments.
Inspection History
Fillmore Delicatessen's inspection record over the past several years shows fluctuating scores:
- Feb 17, 2026: Score 29 (Grade C)
- Jan 6, 2026: Score 26
- Aug 28, 2024: Score 11 (Grade A)
- Feb 2, 2024: Score 15
- Nov 18, 2022: Score 15 (Grade B)
- Apr 25, 2022: Score 4
The restaurant earned a Grade A with a score of 11 in August 2024, its best result in the available record. However, scores have trended upward in recent inspections, with the January 2026 inspection recording a 26 — just below the Grade C threshold — followed by the current score of 29. The trajectory represents a notable shift from the establishment's 2024 performance.
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:
- A: 0–13 points
- B: 14–27 points
- C: 28 or more points
Restaurants that receive a B or C grade on an initial inspection may request a re-inspection. The grade posted at the restaurant reflects the better score between the initial and re-inspection cycles. Establishments also have the option to contest their scores through an administrative tribunal hearing at the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH).
Grade cards must be posted at the front entrance of the restaurant where they are visible to the public, as required by NYC Health Code Article 81.
Public Resources
Consumers can look up the full inspection history of any New York City restaurant through the DOHMH restaurant inspection database, which is publicly accessible online. The database includes detailed violation descriptions, scores, and grade histories for all inspected food service establishments in the five boroughs.
Fillmore Delicatessen's complete inspection record, including any future re-inspection results, is available through this public database as well as on NYCRestaurantInspections.com.
More About This Restaurant
View the full inspection history for Fillmore Delicatessen including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.