Brooklyn, NY — Knapp St Pizza Ii, located at 261 Avenue X in Brooklyn, received a score of 47 during a health inspection conducted on March 12, 2026, according to data released by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) on March 18, 2026. The score places the restaurant in Grade C territory, with inspectors documenting three critical violations and no non-critical violations during the visit.
What Inspectors Found
All three violations cited during the inspection were classified as critical, meaning they are considered most likely to contribute to foodborne illness.
The first violation involved cold time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food items held above 41°F. Under food safety standards, perishable items such as dairy, prepared foods, and cut produce must be maintained at or below 41°F to limit bacterial growth. Inspectors found cold TCS items stored above the required temperature threshold.
The second violation documented hot TCS food items not held at or above 140°F. Foods that have been cooked and are being held for service must remain at 140°F or higher to prevent the rapid multiplication of harmful bacteria in the temperature danger zone between 41°F and 140°F.
The third citation involved hand washing facilities. Inspectors noted issues with hand washing access — either the facility was not present where required, was obstructed, lacked hot and cold running water at adequate pressure, or was missing soap or an acceptable hand-drying device. Proper hand hygiene is one of the most fundamental measures in preventing the transmission of foodborne pathogens.
Food Safety Context
NYC Health Code Article 81 establishes the regulatory framework for food service establishments in New York City. Temperature control is among the most heavily emphasized areas in both the city code and the FDA Food Code, which serves as a model for local jurisdictions nationwide.
The FDA Food Code identifies the temperature range between 41°F and 140°F as the "danger zone" where bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria can double in number in as little as 20 minutes under certain conditions. Both of the temperature-related violations found at Knapp St Pizza Ii fall within this category of risk.
Hand washing requirements are codified in Article 81 and reinforced by the FDA Food Code, which mandates that hand washing sinks be conveniently located, stocked with soap and drying devices, and used exclusively for hand washing. The absence or inaccessibility of proper hand washing facilities is consistently flagged as a critical concern by public health authorities.
Inspection History
Knapp St Pizza Ii's inspection record over the past three years shows fluctuating scores:
- March 12, 2026: Score 47 (Grade C range)
- October 21, 2025: Score 19 (Grade Z)
- June 30, 2025: Score 21
- January 16, 2025: Score 18 (Grade B)
- January 2, 2025: Score 53
- July 15, 2024: Score 40 (Grade C)
- February 1, 2024: Score 23
- March 6, 2023: Score 2 (Grade A)
- February 8, 2023: Score 32
The restaurant achieved its best recorded result in March 2023 with a score of 2, earning a Grade A. However, scores have trended upward since then, with two inspections now resulting in scores above 40 points. The current score of 47 is the restaurant's second-highest on record, following the 53-point result from January 2025.
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
Lower scores indicate fewer or less severe violations. A score of 47 falls well into Grade C territory. Restaurants that receive a Grade B or C on an initial inspection may request a re-inspection, and have the option to post a "Grade Pending" card while awaiting adjudication through the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH).
Consumers can look up any restaurant's inspection history through the DOHMH restaurant inspection database, which is publicly available online. The data used in this report reflects the most recent information published by the agency as of March 18, 2026.
More About This Restaurant
View the full inspection history for Knapp St Pizza Ii including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.