Manhattan, NY — Lindens, an American restaurant at 2 Renwick Street in Manhattan, received a score of 19 during a New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) inspection conducted on February 25, 2026. The score places the establishment in the Grade B range, with three non-critical violations documented. The inspection data was released by DOHMH on March 2, 2026.
The result represents a notable improvement over the restaurant's two most recent inspections in late 2025, which recorded scores of 41 and 42, but a decline from prior years when Lindens consistently earned Grade A marks.
What Inspectors Found
Inspectors cited Lindens for three non-critical violations during the February 25 inspection. No critical violations were recorded.
The first violation noted that the restaurant's current letter grade or Grade Pending card was not posted as required. NYC regulations mandate that restaurants prominently display their most recent grade card at or near the entrance so that it is visible to the public before entering.
The second violation identified deficiencies in dishwashing and ware washing procedures. Inspectors found that the cleaning and sanitizing of tableware — including dishes, utensils, and equipment — did not meet required standards. Proper sanitization of food-contact surfaces is a fundamental component of restaurant food safety operations.
The third violation documented that the establishment was not free of harborage or conditions conducive to rodents, insects, or other pests. This citation indicates that inspectors observed structural conditions or environmental factors that could attract or shelter pests, though no specific pest activity was necessarily observed at the time of inspection.
Food Safety Context
Restaurant inspections in New York City are governed by NYC Health Code Article 81 and align with standards established in the FDA Food Code. These regulations set requirements for food handling, facility maintenance, pest management, and sanitation practices.
Dishwashing and sanitization violations, while classified as non-critical, are significant because improperly cleaned utensils and equipment can serve as vectors for bacterial contamination. The FDA Food Code specifies temperature and chemical concentration requirements for effective sanitization of food-contact surfaces.
Conditions conducive to pests are addressed under integrated pest management standards, which require establishments to eliminate entry points, harborage areas, and attractants that could support pest populations.
Inspection History
Lindens' recent inspection record shows a pattern of fluctuation:
- Feb 25, 2026: Score 19 (Grade B)
- Nov 12, 2025: Score 42 (Grade Z)
- Oct 2, 2025: Score 41
- Jun 3, 2024: Score 9 (Grade A)
- Feb 3, 2023: Score 7 (Grade A)
The restaurant had maintained strong Grade A scores in 2023 and 2024 before receiving elevated scores of 41 and 42 during two consecutive inspections in late 2025. The current score of 19 suggests meaningful progress in addressing previously cited issues, though the restaurant has not yet returned to its earlier Grade A performance.
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
Lower scores indicate fewer violations and reflect stronger compliance with health and safety regulations. Restaurants that receive a Grade B or C may request a re-inspection to attempt to improve their score.
Consumers can look up inspection results for any New York City restaurant through the DOHMH public database or by visiting the NYC Restaurant Inspection Results page online. Inspection scores, violation details, and grade histories are public record and updated regularly as new data becomes available.
More About This Restaurant
View the full inspection history for Lindens including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.