Brooklyn, NY — Frog, a New American restaurant located at 358 Marcus Garvey Blvd in Brooklyn, was closed by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) following an inspection conducted May 29, 2026. Inspectors recorded a score of 110, placing the establishment in Grade C territory. Violations requiring immediate action were addressed at the time of closure. Inspection data was released by DOHMH on June 3, 2026.

What Inspectors Found

During the May 29 inspection, inspectors cited four violations — two critical and two non-critical.

The first critical violation, Code 05D, documented that the establishment lacked adequate handwashing facilities. Specifically, inspectors noted that handwashing stations were not accessible, were obstructed, or were being used for purposes other than handwashing. This category of violation also covers the absence of hot and cold running water at adequate pressure, as well as missing soap or acceptable hand-drying devices.

The second critical violation, Code 05F, identified insufficient or absent cold holding and hot holding equipment necessary to maintain Time/Temperature Control for Safety Foods (TCS) at required temperatures. Proper temperature control is a fundamental safeguard against the growth of foodborne pathogens in perishable foods.

Inspectors also cited two non-critical violations. Code 08A noted that the establishment was not free of harborage conditions conducive to rodents, insects, or other pests. Code 28-01 documented the existence of a nuisance condition — defined as an unsafe, hazardous, offensive, or annoying condition that the establishment allowed to persist.

Food Safety Context

Handwashing access and temperature control are among the highest-priority requirements under NYC Health Code Article 81, which governs food service establishments across New York City. The FDA Food Code, which New York City's regulations closely reflect, identifies improper temperature control as one of the leading contributing factors to foodborne illness outbreaks.

Code 05D violations are treated as critical because hand hygiene is a primary barrier to cross-contamination between food handlers and the food supply. Inaccessible or obstructed handwashing stations undermine that barrier regardless of other sanitation practices in place.

Code 05F violations are similarly classified as critical because TCS foods — including meat, poultry, dairy, and cooked vegetables — must be held at or below 41°F or at or above 140°F to prevent bacterial growth. Equipment failures or deficiencies in this area can create conditions where pathogens multiply to unsafe levels in a short period.

Pest harborage conditions, while classified as non-critical in this inspection, indicate structural or sanitation deficiencies that can escalate to more serious violations if left unaddressed.

Inspection History

Frog's recent inspection record shows notable variation in scores over the past two years:

  • May 29, 2026: Score 110 (Grade C range), closed by DOHMH
  • November 8, 2025: Score 5 (Grade A)
  • October 25, 2025: Score 27
  • September 25, 2024: Score 27 (Grade B)
  • April 19, 2024: Score 32

The November 2025 Grade A result — recorded just seven months before the May 2026 closure — represents a significant departure from the current score. The October 2025 score of 27, recorded approximately two weeks before the Grade A was issued, suggests that a re-inspection at that time brought the score within Grade A range. The pattern of variability across inspections is part of the public record maintained by DOHMH.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City's restaurant grading system is based on the total point score assigned during an unannounced DOHMH inspection. Each violation carries a point value based on its severity and public health risk. Scores are calculated as follows:

  • Grade A: 0 to 13 points — indicates a high standard of compliance
  • Grade B: 14 to 27 points — indicates moderate violations requiring correction
  • Grade C: 28 or more points — indicates significant violations; establishments may be subject to closure

When an establishment is closed, it must address all violations cited as requiring immediate action before it can reopen. DOHMH conducts a re-inspection to verify compliance prior to allowing the establishment to resume operations.

Frog's current Grade C score of 110 places it well above the closure threshold. The public record will reflect the outcome of any subsequent re-inspection once it is conducted and released by DOHMH.

More About This Restaurant

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