New York, NY — Six restaurants across Queens received Grade B inspection scores on March 6, 2026, according to records from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. The establishments, spanning Latin American, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, and Mexican cuisines, recorded scores ranging from 16 to 20 points, with a group average of 18.5. Under NYC's restaurant grading system, a Grade B indicates that violations were documented but do not pose an immediate public health hazard.
The Inspections
The highest scores of the day — each at 20 points — were recorded at three establishments.
Arepas Burger, a Latin American restaurant at 81-05 Northern Boulevard, was cited for a critical violation: evidence of mice or live mice in the establishment's food or non-food areas. Under NYC Health Code Article 81, the presence of rodents in any area of a food service establishment constitutes one of the more serious violations inspectors can document, as it directly relates to food safety and contamination risk.
Fortune Sushi, a Japanese restaurant located at 181-24 Union Turnpike, also scored 20 points. Inspectors cited the establishment for non-food contact surfaces or equipment made of unacceptable material, not kept clean, or not properly sealed. A second violation noted that sanitized equipment or utensils, including in-use food dispensing utensils, were improperly used or stored. These violations relate to the sanitary handling and maintenance of kitchen equipment — a foundational requirement under the FDA Food Code.
Yangjichon, a Korean restaurant at 35-14 Farrington Street in Flushing, rounded out the trio of 20-point scores. The establishment was cited for garbage receptacles that were not pest or water resistant, lacked tight-fitting lids, or were not covered except while in active use. Improper waste management can attract pests and create unsanitary conditions in food preparation areas.
Moving down the scale, Iykyk Chinese Restaurant at 35-28 Farrington Street — just steps from Yangjichon on the same block — received a score of 18 points. Inspectors documented that anti-siphonage or back-flow prevention devices were not provided where required, and that equipment or floors were not properly drained. Back-flow prevention is a plumbing safety requirement designed to keep contaminated water from entering the clean water supply used in food preparation.
Chipotle Mexican Grill #3742 at 136-61 Roosevelt Avenue scored 17 points. The national chain location was cited for failing to provide single-service articles and for reusing or not properly protecting single-service items from contamination during transport or storage. Single-service items — such as disposable cups, utensils, and containers — must be used only once and stored in sanitary conditions per NYC Health Code requirements.
The lowest score among the group belonged to Yu Xiang Yuan Restaurant at 37-11 Main Street, which received 16 points. Inspectors noted the establishment was not free of harborage or conditions conducive to rodents, insects, or other pests. Additionally, the required food allergy information poster was not conspicuously posted where food is prepared or processed by food workers. The allergy poster requirement, mandated under Local Law 17, ensures that kitchen staff have visible guidance on handling allergen-related requests from diners.
Common Patterns
Several patterns emerge from the March 6 inspection results in Queens. Pest-related violations were the most prominent theme, with three of the six restaurants — Arepas Burger, Yangjichon, and Yu Xiang Yuan Restaurant — cited for either direct evidence of pests or conditions that could attract them. This is consistent with citywide data showing that pest-related violations remain among the most frequently documented findings across all five boroughs.
The geographic concentration is also notable. Four of the six restaurants are located in the Flushing area, with Yangjichon and Iykyk Chinese Restaurant operating on the same block of Farrington Street. Flushing's dense concentration of food establishments makes it one of the most actively inspected neighborhoods in Queens.
The cuisine diversity — Latin American, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, and Mexican — reflects the broad range of dining options in Queens, often cited as the most culinarily diverse borough in New York City. Notably, equipment and sanitation violations appeared across multiple cuisine types, suggesting these are operational challenges rather than cuisine-specific issues.
What This Means for Diners
A Grade B score means a restaurant has been cited for violations that require correction but do not represent an immediate threat to public health. Restaurants receiving a Grade B on an initial inspection may choose to have their results reviewed by the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings. During this adjudication period, the restaurant displays a "Grade Pending" card rather than the letter grade.
Diners can look up the full inspection history of any restaurant in New York City through the Department of Health's online restaurant inspection portal. Each inspection report includes specific violation codes, point values, and the date of the inspection. The NYC 311 app also allows users to search restaurant grades by name or address.
Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades
New York City's restaurant grading system, established in 2010, assigns letter grades based on the total number of violation points recorded during an inspection. A score of 0 to 13 points earns a Grade A, indicating the fewest violations. A score of 14 to 27 points results in a Grade B, while a score of 28 points or more results in a Grade C.
Violations are weighted by severity. Critical violations — those most likely to contribute to foodborne illness, such as the presence of rodents or improper food temperature control — carry higher point values. General violations, such as missing signage or minor maintenance issues, carry fewer points. Restaurants are inspected on an unannounced basis, and all inspection results are public record.
Restaurants that wish to contest their scores may request a hearing. Until the hearing is resolved, the establishment posts a "Grade Pending" notice. Diners seeking detailed inspection histories can visit the NYC Department of Health website or access records through the city's open data portal at data.cityofnewyork.us.