Brooklyn, NY — Island Grill, a Caribbean restaurant located at 5501 Glenwood Road in Brooklyn, was closed by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) following an inspection conducted on April 2, 2026. Inspectors assigned the establishment a score of 42, placing it in the C range under the city's grading system. The restaurant has since reopened, recording a score of 2 on a follow-up inspection dated April 10, 2026.

The closure inspection data was released publicly by DOHMH on April 7, 2026.

What Inspectors Found

During the April 2 inspection, inspectors documented two non-critical violations. No critical violations were cited.

The first violation, Code 10F, cited non-food contact surfaces or equipment made of unacceptable material, not kept clean, or not properly sealed, raised, spaced, or positioned to allow accessibility for cleaning on all sides, above, and underneath the unit. This type of violation typically involves shelving, storage racks, equipment exteriors, or structural surfaces that accumulate grime or cannot be adequately cleaned due to their construction or placement.

The second violation, Code 08A, noted that the establishment was not free of harborage or conditions conducive to rodents, insects, or other pests. This violation does not necessarily indicate an observed pest presence, but rather that conditions existed within the premises that could attract or shelter pests. Such conditions can include gaps in walls or flooring, clutter, improper food or refuse storage, or other structural or sanitation issues.

Although both violations were classified as non-critical, the cumulative point total of 42 exceeded the threshold for closure action. DOHMH noted that violations requiring immediate action were addressed at the time of inspection.

Food Safety Context

New York City's restaurant inspection program operates under NYC Health Code Article 81, which establishes sanitation requirements for all food service establishments. Inspections are unannounced and conducted by trained DOHMH sanitarians who assess food handling, storage, temperature control, equipment conditions, facility maintenance, and pest prevention.

The FDA Food Code, which serves as a reference standard for jurisdictions including New York City, identifies pest harborage conditions as a significant concern in food service environments. Pests such as rodents and insects can contaminate food, food-contact surfaces, and preparation areas. Facilities are expected to maintain physical barriers, implement integrated pest management practices, and address any structural vulnerabilities that could enable pest entry or nesting.

Non-food contact surface violations, while not directly tied to food handling, are addressed under the Food Code's broader requirements for facility cleanliness and maintenance. Surfaces that cannot be adequately cleaned can harbor bacteria, mold, and debris over time, contributing to unsanitary conditions.

When a restaurant's score during an inspection reaches a level that triggers closure, DOHMH requires the establishment to correct all conditions before reopening. A reinspection must confirm compliance before the restaurant is permitted to resume service.

Inspection History

Island Grill's recent inspection record, prior to the April 2026 closure, reflected consistent performance in the A range over several years:

  • April 10, 2026: Score 2 (Grade Z) — Reopened following closure
  • April 2, 2026: Score 42 — Closed by DOHMH
  • July 11, 2024: Score 13 (Grade A)
  • March 21, 2023: Score 11 (Grade A)
  • February 9, 2022: Score 13 (Grade A)

The three inspections conducted between 2022 and 2024 each resulted in Grade A scores, all falling at or below the 13-point threshold. The April 2026 closure represented a significant departure from that prior record. The subsequent reinspection on April 10, 2026, produced a score of 2, well within Grade A territory, indicating that the cited conditions were corrected.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City posts letter grades in restaurant windows based on inspection scores. The grading scale is as follows:

  • A: Score of 0 to 13 points
  • B: Score of 14 to 27 points
  • C: Score of 28 points or more

A "Grade Z" designation is assigned when a restaurant reopens following a closure and is awaiting its next scheduled inspection to receive a letter grade. It does not reflect a score in a specific grading tier.

Grades must be posted publicly and are searchable through the DOHMH online database. Consumers can look up any permitted food service establishment in the five boroughs at the NYC Restaurant Inspection Results portal on the city's official website.

Island Grill is located at 5501 Glenwood Road, Brooklyn, NY 11234. Inspection records for this and other city restaurants are available through the DOHMH open data portal.

More About This Restaurant

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