Queens, NY — King Kew Garden, a Chinese restaurant at 116-49 Queens Boulevard in Forest Hills, received a Grade B score of 27 following a health inspection conducted on March 2, 2026. The score places the restaurant at the very top of the Grade B range, just one point below the Grade C threshold of 28.

The inspection data was released by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) on March 6, 2026.

What Inspectors Found

Inspectors documented one critical violation during the inspection:

Cold TCS (Time/Temperature Control for Safety) food items were found held above 41°F. This violation, cited under DOHMH code 02G, also covers smoked or processed fish held above 38°F, intact raw eggs held above 45°F, and reduced oxygen packaged TCS foods held above required temperatures outside of active preparation.

TCS foods include items such as meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, cooked vegetables, and other perishable items that require strict temperature control to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. When these foods are held above safe temperatures, the risk of bacterial growth — including pathogens such as Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli — increases significantly.

No non-critical violations were recorded during this inspection.

Food Safety Context

Cold holding temperature requirements are established under both NYC Health Code Article 81 and the FDA Food Code. These regulations require that cold TCS foods be maintained at 41°F or below to limit the growth of foodborne pathogens. The temperature threshold exists because bacteria multiply rapidly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F.

Cold holding violations are among the most commonly cited critical violations in New York City restaurant inspections. They can result from equipment malfunctions, improper food storage practices, or overloading refrigeration units beyond their capacity.

A score of 27 represents the highest possible point total within the Grade B range, indicating that the severity and weight of the violations documented brought the restaurant to the edge of the Grade C category.

Inspection History

King Kew Garden's recent inspection history shows a pattern of fluctuating scores:

  • Nov 14, 2024: Score 27 (Grade B)
  • May 9, 2024: Score 10
  • May 16, 2023: Score 13 (Grade A)

The March 2026 score of 27 matches the restaurant's previous inspection result from November 2024, which also resulted in a Grade B. Prior to that, the restaurant had earned lower scores of 10 and 13, both within Grade A range. The back-to-back scores of 27 represent a notable shift from the restaurant's earlier performance.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City's restaurant grading system, administered by DOHMH, assigns letter grades based on the total violation points found during an inspection:

  • A: 0-13 points — Minimal violations identified
  • B: 14-27 points — Moderate violations identified
  • C: 28 or more points — Significant violations identified

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 and can choose to post the letter grade or a "Grade Pending" sign while awaiting the outcome.

All New York City restaurant inspection results are public record and available through the DOHMH online database. Consumers can review inspection histories, specific violations, and grading outcomes for any inspected establishment in the city.

For more information about restaurant grades or to look up inspection results, visit the NYC DOHMH restaurant inspection portal or call 311.

More About This Restaurant

View the full inspection history for King Kew Garden including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.