Bronx, NY — Lee's Deli, a sandwich and salad establishment at 214 East 188th Street in the Bronx, received a score of 33 during a New York City health inspection conducted on February 13, 2026. The score places the restaurant in Grade C territory, with inspectors documenting two critical violations including evidence of mice on the premises and improper cold food storage temperatures.
Lee's Deli restaurant inspection" width="400" height="225" loading="eager" decoding="async" class="article-featured-image">The inspection data was released by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) on February 20, 2026.
What Inspectors Found
The most serious finding during the inspection was evidence of mice or live mice identified in the establishment's food or non-food areas. The presence of rodents in a food service establishment represents a significant food safety concern, as mice can contaminate food, preparation surfaces, and packaging with pathogens including Salmonella and Hantavirus.
Inspectors also cited the deli for holding cold time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food items above 41°F. Under food safety regulations, perishable items such as deli meats, prepared salads, and dairy products must be maintained at or below 41°F to inhibit bacterial growth. When cold foods are stored above required temperatures, the risk of foodborne illness increases as bacteria can multiply rapidly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F.
A third violation, classified as non-critical, was recorded for issues related to anti-siphonage or back-flow prevention devices not being provided where required, along with improper drainage or liquid waste disposal concerns. While non-critical, drainage and plumbing issues can contribute to unsanitary conditions if left unaddressed.
Food Safety Context
NYC Health Code Article 81 establishes the regulatory framework governing food service establishments in New York City. Under these regulations, inspectors evaluate restaurants across a range of categories including food temperature control, pest activity, personal hygiene, and facility maintenance. Each violation carries a point value, with critical violations generally carrying higher point values than non-critical ones.
The FDA Food Code, which informs local regulations nationwide, emphasizes the importance of cold holding temperatures as a critical control point in preventing foodborne illness. TCS foods held above proper temperatures for extended periods can support the growth of pathogens including Listeria monocytogenes, E. coli, and Clostridium perfringens.
Rodent activity is among the most commonly cited critical violations in New York City restaurants. The DOHMH conducts both routine and complaint-based inspections to monitor compliance, and establishments with pest activity are expected to engage licensed pest control services and eliminate conditions that attract or harbor rodents.
Inspection History
The February 2026 inspection represents a notable change from Lee's Deli's recent track record. The restaurant's prior inspection history shows:
- Feb 10, 2026: Score 33
- Oct 30, 2024: Score 13 (Grade A)
- Aug 15, 2023: Score 13 (Grade A)
- Jul 31, 2023: Score 32
The deli had maintained consecutive Grade A scores in its two most recent full inspection cycles prior to February 2026, earning scores of 13 in both October 2024 and August 2023. However, the current score mirrors a similar result from July 2023, when the restaurant also scored 32 points before improving to Grade A status in a subsequent inspection.
It should be noted that DOHMH records show an inspection on February 10, 2026 — just three days before the February 13 inspection — also resulting in a score of 33. This pattern may indicate an initial inspection followed by a re-inspection, which is consistent with standard DOHMH inspection procedures.
Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades
New York City assigns letter grades to restaurants based on inspection scores:
- Grade A: 0–13 points
- Grade B: 14–27 points
- Grade C: 28 or more points
A score of 33 falls in the Grade C range. Restaurants that receive a Grade B or C on an initial inspection may request an adjudicatory hearing with the DOHMH's Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH) and may be re-inspected during this process.
Consumers can look up the latest inspection results for any New York City restaurant through the DOHMH's publicly available restaurant inspection database. Lee's Deli's full inspection history, including detailed violation descriptions, is accessible through this resource. Additional food safety information is available through the NYC 311 service and the DOHMH website.
More About This Restaurant
View the full inspection history for Lee's Deli including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.