Brooklyn, NY — Lowlands Bar / Long Shadow Coffee, a dual-concept American establishment at 543 3rd Avenue in Brooklyn, received a score of 35 during a health inspection conducted on February 25, 2026, placing it in Grade C territory. The result marks a significant departure from the restaurant's previously consistent Grade A record.
The inspection data was released by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) on February 27, 2026.
What Inspectors Found
During the February 25 inspection, DOHMH inspectors documented one non-critical violation at the establishment:
Non-food contact surfaces or equipment were found to be made of unacceptable material, not kept clean, or not properly sealed, raised, spaced, or movable to allow accessibility for cleaning on all sides, above, and underneath the unit. This violation falls under DOHMH code 10F.
While the inspection record lists no critical violations and only one non-critical violation, the establishment received a total score of 35 points. Under NYC's restaurant grading system, any score of 28 or above results in a Grade C designation. The action noted on the inspection report indicates that violations were cited in the identified areas.
It is worth noting that the score of 35 derived from a single documented non-critical violation suggests that the condition cited may have been observed across multiple areas or pieces of equipment within the establishment, as individual violation codes can carry varying point values depending on their scope and severity as assessed by the inspector.
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. The inspection criteria are also informed by the FDA Food Code, which provides federal guidance on food safety practices.
The violation documented at Lowlands Bar / Long Shadow Coffee relates to the condition and maintenance of non-food contact surfaces. While these surfaces do not come into direct contact with food products, the FDA Food Code and NYC Health Code both require that all equipment and surfaces within a food establishment be constructed of approved materials, maintained in good repair, and accessible for routine cleaning. Improperly maintained non-food contact surfaces can harbor pests, accumulate debris, and contribute to unsanitary conditions in food preparation and service areas.
Under NYC Health Code Article 81, establishments are required to maintain all equipment and facilities in a condition that supports safe food handling and overall sanitary operations.
Inspection History
The Grade C result represents a notable shift for Lowlands Bar / Long Shadow Coffee, which had maintained strong inspection scores in prior years:
- October 12, 2024: Score 12 (Grade A)
- February 27, 2023: Score 12 (Grade A)
- September 17, 2022: Score 0
The establishment had earned a perfect score of zero violation points during its September 2022 inspection and maintained Grade A status through its two subsequent inspections. The jump from a score of 12 to a score of 35 represents the first time the establishment has scored outside Grade A range in its available inspection history.
Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades
New York City assigns letter grades to restaurants based on the total violation points recorded during inspections:
- Grade A: 0 to 13 points
- Grade B: 14 to 27 points
- Grade C: 28 or more points
Restaurants that receive a Grade B or C on an initial inspection may request a re-inspection. If the establishment scores a Grade A on the re-inspection, the Grade A card is posted. If the score remains in the B or C range, the restaurant may choose to post the letter grade or a "Grade Pending" card while contesting the result through an administrative hearing at the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH).
Grade cards must be posted at the entrance of the establishment where they are visible to the public.
Public Resources
Residents and visitors can look up inspection results for any New York City restaurant through the DOHMH's publicly searchable database. Inspection records, including violation details and scores, are public information and are updated regularly as new inspection data becomes available.
Consumers with questions about restaurant inspection grades or food safety concerns can contact 311 or visit the NYC DOHMH website for additional information about the city's restaurant grading program.
More About This Restaurant
View the full inspection history for Lowlands Bar / Long Shadow Coffee including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.