Queens, NY — Griddle Cafe & Deli, located at 30-18 Hunters Point Avenue in Long Island City, received a score of 39 during a New York City health inspection conducted on March 13, 2026. The score places the restaurant in Grade C territory, marking a significant decline from its prior Grade A status.

The inspection identified one critical violation related to hand washing access — a fundamental requirement under New York City food safety regulations.

What Inspectors Found

During the March 13 inspection, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) inspectors cited Griddle Cafe & Deli under violation code 05D for the absence of a hand washing facility in or adjacent to the toilet room, or within 25 feet of food preparation, food service, or ware washing areas. The citation also noted that the hand washing facility was not accessible, was obstructed, or was being used for non-hand washing purposes. Additionally, inspectors documented issues with hot and cold running water availability, water pressure, and the provision of soap or acceptable hand-drying devices.

Although only one violation was recorded during this inspection, the severity of the finding — classified as critical — contributed to the restaurant's score of 39, well above the 28-point threshold for a Grade C designation.

Food Safety Context

Hand washing is considered one of the most essential practices in preventing foodborne illness. NYC Health Code Article 81 requires that food service establishments maintain properly equipped and accessible hand washing stations near food preparation and service areas, as well as adjacent to restrooms. The FDA Food Code similarly mandates that hand washing facilities be convenient, well-supplied, and used exclusively for hand washing purposes.

When hand washing stations are inaccessible, obstructed, or lack basic supplies such as soap, hot water, or drying devices, the risk of cross-contamination increases. Foodborne pathogens including Norovirus, E. coli, and Salmonella can be transmitted when food handlers are unable to properly wash their hands between tasks, after using the restroom, or after handling raw ingredients.

The critical designation assigned to this violation reflects the direct relationship between hand hygiene and consumer safety. Under DOHMH scoring guidelines, critical violations carry higher point values because they represent conditions most likely to contribute to foodborne illness.

Inspection History

Griddle Cafe & Deli's March 2026 score of 39 represents a departure from a mostly consistent record. The restaurant's recent inspection history shows:

  • December 2, 2024: Score 11 (Grade A)
  • June 28, 2024: Score 17
  • February 16, 2023: Score 12 (Grade A)
  • April 18, 2022: Score 0 (Grade A)
  • February 25, 2022: Score 35

The restaurant had maintained Grade A scores across three of its last five inspections, with a perfect score of zero recorded in April 2022. However, the current score of 39 is the highest the establishment has received in the available inspection record, exceeding even its February 2022 score of 35.

Under DOHMH procedures, restaurants that receive a score of 28 or higher during an initial inspection are typically scheduled for a re-inspection, during which the establishment has an opportunity to correct cited violations and potentially achieve a lower score.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City assigns letter grades to restaurants based on inspection scores under the following scale:

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

Lower scores indicate fewer or less severe violations. Restaurants that receive a Grade B or C on an initial inspection may request a re-inspection or contest the grade through an administrative tribunal hearing.

Inspection data for Griddle Cafe & Deli was released by DOHMH on March 16, 2026, three days after the inspection was conducted. Consumers can verify current inspection results and grades for any New York City restaurant through the DOHMH restaurant inspection database, available online through the NYC Open Data portal or the ABCEats mobile application.

More About This Restaurant

View the full inspection history for Griddle Cafe & Deli including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.