Manhattan, NY — Gotta Getta Bagel, a sandwich and buffet shop located at 263 1st Avenue in Manhattan, was closed by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) following an inspection conducted on March 27, 2026. Inspectors cited two critical violations related to food contamination and improper cold food storage. The closure data was released by DOHMH on March 30, 2026.

The establishment received a score of 89, placing it firmly in C-grade territory under the city's restaurant grading system.

What Inspectors Found

During the March 27 inspection, DOHMH inspectors documented two critical violations at the 1st Avenue location.

The first, cited under Code 04H, found that raw, cooked, or prepared food was adulterated, contaminated, cross-contaminated, or not discarded in accordance with the establishment's Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) plan. HACCP plans are required protocols that food service establishments use to identify, monitor, and control potential food safety hazards throughout preparation and storage.

The second violation, cited under Code 02G, found that cold temperature-controlled for safety (TCS) food items were held above the required 41°F threshold. Proper cold holding temperatures are a foundational requirement in commercial food service. TCS foods held above safe temperatures can allow harmful bacterial growth, creating potential health risks for consumers.

Inspectors noted that violations requiring immediate action were addressed at the time of the inspection, which is standard procedure when DOHMH orders a closure.

Food Safety Context

The violations identified at Gotta Getta Bagel fall under requirements governed by NYC Health Code Article 81, which establishes standards for food handling, storage, and preparation at all licensed food service establishments in New York City. The regulations align with the FDA Food Code, the federal framework that forms the basis for food safety rules across the country.

Code 02G temperature violations are among the most commonly cited critical violations in city restaurant inspections. Regulatory thresholds — 41°F for most TCS foods, 38°F for smoked or processed fish, and 45°F for intact raw eggs — are set to slow or prevent the growth of pathogens such as Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli.

Code 04H contamination violations can encompass a range of conditions, from improper separation of raw and ready-to-eat foods to failure to follow documented food safety plans. When an establishment operates a buffet or mixed food service, as Gotta Getta Bagel does, maintaining proper separation and handling procedures is particularly important given the volume and variety of food items handled.

When two or more critical violations are found, or when conditions pose an immediate public health risk, DOHMH is authorized to order a closure until conditions are corrected and the establishment passes a re-inspection.

Inspection History

Gotta Getta Bagel's recent inspection record reflects a pattern of elevated scores over the past year and a half:

  • November 26, 2024: Score 13 — Grade A
  • October 10, 2024: Score 36
  • October 24, 2025: Score 46
  • December 29, 2025: Score 28 — Grade Z
  • March 27, 2026: Score 89 — Closed by DOHMH

The November 2024 inspection resulted in the establishment's only A grade in recent history, with a score of 13. Subsequent inspections show a significant upward trend in scores. The October 2025 inspection recorded a score of 46, followed by a score of 28 in December 2025 — assigned a Grade Z, which is issued when a restaurant is given the opportunity to request an Administrative Tribunal hearing before a grade is officially posted. The March 2026 inspection resulted in the closure action with a score of 89.

The trajectory from a Grade A in late 2024 to a closure-level score within roughly 16 months is notable. DOHMH records are public and updated regularly as inspections occur and re-inspections are conducted.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City's letter grading system for restaurants is based on the number of points accumulated during an inspection. More points indicate more or more serious violations. The scale works as follows:

  • A: Score of 0 to 13 points — meets or exceeds food safety standards
  • B: Score of 14 to 27 points — some violations identified; re-inspection required
  • C: Score of 28 or more points — significant violations identified
  • Grade Z / Grade Pending: Assigned when a restaurant has scored in B or C range and has requested or is pending an Administrative Tribunal hearing; grade is not posted until the process is complete

A restaurant that is ordered closed must correct all cited violations and pass a re-inspection before it is permitted to reopen. Closure and reopening status is reflected in the DOHMH inspection database as records are updated.

Consumers can check the current status and full inspection history of any NYC restaurant through the DOHMH's NYC Restaurant Inspection Results portal, available at nyc.gov. Inspection records are public and searchable by restaurant name, address, or borough.

More About This Restaurant

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