Manhattan, NY — Go Cups, a juice and smoothie establishment located at 1838 2nd Avenue in Manhattan's Upper East Side, received a failing C grade after scoring 30 points during a health department inspection conducted on March 5, 2026. The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) released the inspection data on March 11, 2026.

The inspection resulted in violations being cited, with inspectors documenting one non-critical violation related to plumbing and sanitation systems. The establishment was allowed to remain open following the inspection.

What Inspectors Found

Health inspectors identified a violation of code 10B, which addresses anti-siphonage and back-flow prevention requirements. The inspection documented that equipment or floor areas were not properly drained, and condensation or liquid waste was improperly disposed of. This violation falls under NYC Health Code Article 81, which establishes minimum standards for food service establishment operations.

Anti-siphonage devices prevent contaminated water from flowing backward into clean water supplies, a critical safeguard in food service operations. Proper drainage systems ensure that wastewater, condensation, and other liquids are disposed of in a manner that prevents contamination of food preparation areas and prevents conditions conducive to pest harborage.

Food Safety Context

The documented violation relates to fundamental sanitation infrastructure requirements outlined in both NYC Health Code Article 81 and the FDA Food Code. Proper plumbing and drainage systems serve multiple food safety functions: they prevent cross-contamination between clean and potentially contaminated water supplies, eliminate standing water that can harbor bacteria, and ensure that waste materials are removed from food preparation environments.

Back-flow prevention devices are required wherever there is a risk of contamination entering the potable water supply. In juice bars and smoothie operations, where fresh produce is washed and blended beverages are prepared, maintaining the integrity of water systems is particularly important.

Improper disposal of condensation and liquid waste can create conditions that promote bacterial growth and attract pests. The FDA Food Code requires that all plumbing systems be properly installed and maintained to prevent such conditions.

Inspection History

Go Cups has been inspected multiple times by the DOHMH:

  • March 5, 2026: Score 30 (Grade C)
  • November 13, 2024: Score 8 (Grade A)
  • April 11, 2024: Score 27 (no grade recorded)
  • October 27, 2022: Score 9 (Grade A)

The current score of 30 points represents a significant increase from the establishment's November 2024 inspection, when it scored 8 points and received an A grade. The April 2024 inspection resulted in a score of 27 points, just below the C grade threshold.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City's restaurant grading system assigns letter grades based on inspection point totals:

  • Grade A: 0-13 points (good)
  • Grade B: 14-27 points (fair)
  • Grade C: 28 or more points (needs improvement)

Lower scores indicate fewer violations. Establishments scoring 28 points or higher receive a C grade and must post this grade publicly. The current inspection placed Go Cups 2 points above the C grade threshold.

Public Health Information

Restaurant inspection data is public record and updated regularly by the DOHMH. Consumers can access current inspection results for any New York City food service establishment through the city's online restaurant inspection database.

Establishments that receive violation citations are subject to re-inspection to verify compliance with health code requirements. The DOHMH conducts unannounced inspections of all food service establishments at least once per year, with additional inspections triggered by complaints or follow-up requirements.

For more information about New York City's restaurant inspection program and food safety standards, visit the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene website at nyc.gov/health.

More About This Restaurant

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