New York, NY — Three Brooklyn restaurants received Grade B scores during health inspections conducted on March 12, 2026, with violations averaging 18.3 points. The establishments included two coffee shops and one sandwich chain location, all cited for equipment maintenance and sanitation issues under NYC Health Code Article 81.
The Inspections
La Colombe / Bdc Cafe at 338 Wythe Avenue received a score of 19 points, placing it in Grade B territory. Inspectors documented non-food contact surface violations, noting equipment made of unacceptable material or not properly maintained. The coffee and tea establishment, located in Brooklyn's Wythe Avenue corridor, was cited for surfaces not kept clean or properly sealed according to NYC Health Code requirements.
Jersey Mike's #34068 at 300 7th Avenue also scored 19 points with multiple critical violations recorded. Inspectors found the food preparation area contaminated by sewage or liquid waste, a serious violation under FDA Food Code standards. Additional citations included non-food contact surfaces made of unacceptable material and improper maintenance. The sandwich shop's grade is currently listed as pending while the establishment addresses the documented issues.
Coffee Spot Cafe at 1617 Jerome Avenue recorded the lowest score of the three at 17 points, but still fell within Grade B range. The Russian cuisine establishment received critical violations for food contact surfaces not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized after each use. Inspectors also cited non-food contact equipment maintenance issues, noting surfaces not properly sealed or maintained according to health code standards.
Common Patterns
All three establishments share a common violation pattern: improper equipment maintenance and surface sanitation. Non-food contact surface violations appeared at each location, indicating a widespread issue with equipment upkeep across different cuisine types and neighborhoods.
Two of the three restaurants—La Colombe / Bdc Cafe and Coffee Spot Cafe—serve coffee as a primary offering, suggesting potential equipment maintenance challenges specific to coffee preparation environments. Food contact surface sanitation violations appeared at two locations, while sewage contamination was documented at the sandwich establishment.
The geographic distribution spans multiple Brooklyn neighborhoods, with no single area showing concentration. Violation scores clustered tightly between 17-19 points, indicating moderate but correctable health code compliance issues rather than severe public health hazards.
What This Means for Diners
Grade B scores indicate violations that require correction but do not pose immediate danger to public health. Restaurants scoring between 14-27 points must address documented issues and can request re-inspection to improve their grade.
New York City requires restaurants to post their letter grades prominently at entrances, allowing diners to make informed decisions. The grading system reflects conditions on the specific inspection date—restaurants can and do improve scores through corrective action.
Diners can verify current grades and review detailed inspection reports at NYC.gov or through the NYC Health Mobile Inspection Results app. Each facility page on NYCRestaurantInspections.com provides complete violation history and links to official health department records.
Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades
The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene uses a point-based system to assign letter grades. Grade A indicates 0-13 violation points, Grade B represents 14-27 points, and Grade C denotes 28 or more points. Lower scores indicate better compliance with health code standards.
Inspectors assess food handling, temperature control, personal hygiene, vermin control, and facility maintenance during unannounced visits. Critical violations—those most likely to cause foodborne illness—carry heavier point values than general violations.
Restaurants have the right to post a "Grade Pending" card while awaiting re-inspection or administrative tribunal results. Establishments can improve grades by correcting violations and requesting follow-up inspections within the regulatory timeframe established by Article 81.
For complete inspection reports and violation details, visit the individual facility pages linked above or access official records through the NYC Department of Health website.