Manhattan, NY — I Love Bibimbap, a Korean restaurant located at 1049 Saint Nicholas Avenue, was closed by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) on March 11, 2026, following a routine inspection that documented critical food safety violations. The establishment received a score of 63 points, corresponding to a Grade C, with inspectors citing sewage contamination in food preparation areas as the primary concern requiring immediate action.
The closure was enacted under the authority granted to DOHMH when inspectors identify conditions that present an imminent health hazard to the public. The restaurant's violations requiring immediate corrective action were addressed before the establishment could be considered for reopening.
What Inspectors Found
During the March 11 inspection, DOHMH inspectors documented three violations, two of which were classified as critical under NYC Health Code Article 81. The most serious violation involved sewage or liquid waste contamination in areas where food is prepared, stored, or where employees and patrons are present. This violation represents a direct threat to public health, as exposure to sewage can transmit numerous pathogens including E. coli, Salmonella, Hepatitis A, and norovirus.
Inspectors also identified that food contact surfaces were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized after each use and following any activity when contamination may have occurred. Food contact surfaces include cutting boards, utensils, prep tables, and any equipment that directly touches food intended for consumption. The FDA Food Code requires that these surfaces be cleaned and sanitized at specific intervals to prevent cross-contamination and bacterial growth.
Additionally, inspectors noted improper thawing procedures, classified as a non-critical violation. Proper thawing methods are essential to prevent food from remaining in the temperature danger zone (41°F to 135°F) where bacteria multiply rapidly. Acceptable thawing methods include refrigeration at 41°F or below, submerging under running water at 70°F or below, or as part of the cooking process.
Food Safety Context
The violations documented at I Love Bibimbap represent significant departures from established food safety standards. NYC Health Code Article 81 requires food service establishments to maintain sanitary conditions and prevent contamination at all stages of food handling. Sewage contamination in food preparation areas violates multiple sections of this code and creates conditions that can lead to immediate illness among diners.
The requirement for proper sanitization of food contact surfaces is grounded in decades of food safety research. According to the FDA Food Code, food contact surfaces must be washed, rinsed, and sanitized after each use, when changing from raw to ready-to-eat foods, and at minimum every four hours during continuous use. Sanitization can be achieved through hot water (at least 171°F), chemical sanitizers at approved concentrations, or other approved methods.
Sewage contamination presents particular risks because it can introduce multiple disease-causing organisms simultaneously. Even brief exposure can result in gastrointestinal illness, and in vulnerable populations such as children, elderly individuals, or those with compromised immune systems, such illnesses can be severe.
Inspection History
I Love Bibimbap's inspection record shows a recent decline in food safety compliance:
- March 11, 2026: Score 63 (Grade C), Closed by DOHMH
- October 31, 2024: Score 13 (Grade A)
- August 1, 2023: Score 23
The establishment maintained Grade A status as recently as October 2024 with a score of 13 points, demonstrating that the operation was capable of meeting food safety standards. The current score of 63 points represents a substantial departure from that baseline performance. Data from this inspection was released by DOHMH on March 13, 2026, two days after the inspection occurred.
Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades
New York City's restaurant grading system is based on points assigned for violations, with fewer points indicating better compliance:
- Grade A: 0-13 points
- Grade B: 14-27 points
- Grade C: 28 or more points
Critical violations carry higher point values than non-critical violations. Establishments may be closed immediately when inspectors identify conditions that pose an imminent health hazard, regardless of the total score. A closure requires that all violations necessitating immediate action be corrected before the establishment can reopen.
Restaurants have the right to request a re-inspection after addressing violations. If an establishment receives a Grade B or C, it may post that grade or opt for a "Grade Pending" card while awaiting re-inspection.
What Happens Next
Before I Love Bibimbap can reopen, the establishment must correct all violations that required immediate action and request a re-inspection from DOHMH. During the re-inspection, inspectors will verify that the sewage contamination has been eliminated, proper sanitation procedures for food contact surfaces have been implemented, and all other cited violations have been addressed.
The restaurant may also be subject to additional monitoring or enforcement actions depending on the severity of the violations and the establishment's compliance history. DOHMH maintains public records of all inspection results, which can be accessed through the city's online restaurant inspection database.
For consumers seeking information about restaurant inspection results in New York City, DOHMH provides a searchable database at nyc.gov that includes current grades, inspection dates, and detailed violation information. The agency conducts unannounced inspections of food service establishments at least once per year, with additional inspections based on complaint history and compliance record.
Diners with questions about food safety or who wish to report potential health code violations can contact DOHMH's complaint line at 311.
More About This Restaurant
View the full inspection history for I Love Bibimbap including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.