Bronx, NY — Hibachi Grill Concourse, a Chinese restaurant located at 216 East 161st Street in the Bronx, received a score of 28 during a health inspection conducted on March 2, 2026, placing it in Grade C territory. The score represents the restaurant's lowest grade since October 2023 and continues a pattern of fluctuating inspection results over the past three years.

The inspection data was released by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) on March 5, 2026.

What Inspectors Found

During the March 2 inspection, DOHMH inspectors cited one non-critical violation at the establishment:

A required hand washing sign was not posted near or above a hand washing sink (violation code 09E). While categorized as a non-critical violation, proper hand hygiene signage is a fundamental component of food safety protocols, as it serves as a constant reminder for food service workers to wash their hands at appropriate intervals.

It should be noted that the restaurant's score of 28 reflects the cumulative point assessment from the inspection. Under the NYC restaurant grading system, points are assigned based on the nature and severity of conditions observed, and a score of 28 places the establishment at the threshold of Grade C designation.

Food Safety Context

Hand washing is widely recognized as one of the most effective measures for preventing the spread of foodborne illness. The FDA Food Code identifies proper hand hygiene as a critical control point in food service operations, and NYC Health Code Article 81 requires food service establishments to maintain visible hand washing signage as part of their operational compliance.

The requirement for posted hand washing signs exists to reinforce proper hygiene practices among all food handlers. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, inadequate hand washing by food service workers is a contributing factor in a significant percentage of foodborne illness outbreaks in restaurant settings.

While the single violation cited in this inspection may appear minor in isolation, the resulting score of 28 indicates the overall conditions observed during the inspection warranted Grade C classification under the city's scoring methodology.

Inspection History

A review of Hibachi Grill Concourse's inspection record reveals a pattern of variable scores over the past several years:

  • March 2, 2026: Score 28 (Grade C)
  • October 15, 2025: Score 25 (Grade Z)
  • April 2, 2025: Score 46
  • August 23, 2024: Score 25 (Grade B)
  • May 8, 2024: Score 60
  • October 16, 2023: Score 12 (Grade A)
  • July 21, 2023: Score 28

The restaurant's history shows significant fluctuation, ranging from a Grade A score of 12 in October 2023 to a high of 60 in May 2024. The most recent inspection score of 28 is consistent with several of its prior results but represents a decline from the Grade A it achieved in late 2023. The Grade Z recorded in October 2025 indicates the restaurant was awaiting a re-inspection or adjudication hearing at that time.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City's restaurant grading system, administered by DOHMH, assigns letter grades based on inspection scores:

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

Restaurants that receive a Grade B or C on an initial inspection have the opportunity to request a re-inspection. They may also contest their scores through an adjudication process at the city's Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings. Until the matter is resolved, restaurants may display a "Grade Pending" card.

A Grade C does not necessarily result in closure. Restaurants are permitted to continue operating while they address cited violations and pursue re-inspection. Closures are typically reserved for conditions that pose an imminent health hazard to the public.

Consumers can look up any restaurant's inspection history through the DOHMH public database or by visiting the NYC Open Data portal. Inspection results for Hibachi Grill Concourse and all other New York City food service establishments are available as public records.

More About This Restaurant

View the full inspection history for Hibachi Grill Concourse including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.