Manhattan, NY — Gong Cha, a bubble tea and juice bar located at 75 West 38th Street in Midtown Manhattan, received a Grade C following a New York City health inspection conducted on March 24, 2026. Inspectors assigned the establishment a score of 28, placing it at the threshold of the city's lowest passing grade category. Inspection data was released by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) on March 26, 2026.

The restaurant, which serves juice, smoothies, and fruit salads, was cited for one non-critical violation during the inspection.

What Inspectors Found

Inspectors documented one violation during the March 24 visit:

  • Code 10G: Dishwashing and ware-washing practices were found to be deficient. Specifically, the cleaning and sanitizing of tableware — including dishes, utensils, and equipment — did not meet required standards.

While classified as non-critical, ware-washing deficiencies are taken seriously under food safety guidelines. Proper sanitization of food-contact surfaces is a foundational component of safe food service operations. Equipment that is inadequately cleaned can harbor bacteria and contribute to cross-contamination risks.

No critical violations — those involving issues with direct potential to cause foodborne illness, such as improper food temperatures, pest activity, or food from unapproved sources — were cited 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 effective procedures for cleaning and sanitizing equipment and utensils used in food preparation and service. The FDA Food Code similarly identifies proper ware-washing as a key control measure in preventing contamination of ready-to-eat foods.

Ware-washing deficiencies can include inadequate water temperature during washing or rinsing cycles, improper use or concentration of sanitizing agents, or failure to allow adequate contact time for chemical sanitizers. DOHMH inspectors assess these practices as part of a broader evaluation of an establishment's sanitation procedures.

A score of 28 places Gong Cha just at the boundary of the Grade C range. Establishments have the option to request a re-inspection, at which point a new score and grade may be issued if conditions have been corrected.

Inspection History

Gong Cha's inspection record at this location reflects generally strong performance in recent years, with the March 2026 result representing a notable departure from its recent trend:

  • April 6, 2026: Score 12 (Grade A)
  • March 12, 2025: Score 7 (Grade A)
  • February 20, 2024: Score 10 (Grade A)
  • April 24, 2023: Score 30
  • November 15, 2022: Score 13 (Grade A)
  • August 23, 2022: Score 0
  • March 23, 2022: Score 7 (Grade A)

The April 6, 2026 inspection — conducted approximately two weeks after the March 24 visit — resulted in a score of 12 and a Grade A, suggesting that any deficiencies identified in March were addressed prior to or during the follow-up inspection. The April 2023 cycle similarly recorded a score of 30, indicating that occasional elevated scores have occurred at this location before.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City requires that letter grades be posted publicly at restaurant entrances following inspections. Grades are assigned based on the point score received:

  • Grade A: Score of 0–13 points
  • Grade B: Score of 14–27 points
  • Grade C: Score of 28 or more points

Lower scores indicate fewer or less severe violations. Establishments that score above 13 on an initial inspection may request a re-inspection before a grade is officially assigned and posted. The grade displayed at any given time may reflect either an initial or re-inspection result.

Restaurant inspection records for all NYC establishments are publicly available through the DOHMH restaurant inspection results database. Consumers can look up current grades, violation history, and inspection dates at any time through the city's open data portal.

More About This Restaurant

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