Bronx, NY — M Lounge Restaurant, a Latin American establishment at 2362 Jerome Avenue in the Bronx, received a Grade B with a score of 19 following a health inspection conducted on February 28, 2026. Inspectors documented one critical violation related to evidence of mice on the premises.

What Inspectors Found

During the February 28 inspection, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) inspectors cited M Lounge Restaurant for a single critical violation under code 04L: evidence of mice or live mice in the establishment's food or non-food areas.

While the restaurant received only one violation during this cycle, the nature of the finding — pest activity involving mice — is classified as a critical violation under New York City's restaurant inspection framework. Critical violations are those that directly contribute to foodborne illness risk and require prompt corrective action by the establishment.

The score of 19 places M Lounge Restaurant in the Grade B range, a notable shift from its prior inspection performance.

Food Safety Context

Under NYC Health Code Article 81, all food service establishments must maintain conditions that prevent pest harborage and activity. Evidence of rodent presence is among the most commonly cited critical violations across the city's restaurant inspection program.

The FDA Food Code similarly requires that food establishments implement integrated pest management practices to eliminate conditions that attract or sustain rodents. Mice can contaminate food preparation surfaces, stored ingredients, and equipment, creating potential vectors for pathogens including Salmonella and Hantavirus.

DOHMH conducts unannounced inspections of the city's approximately 27,000 restaurants on a regular cycle. Establishments that receive a Grade B are required to post the grade card in a conspicuous location visible to the public.

Inspection History

M Lounge Restaurant's prior inspection record shows the establishment had maintained stronger scores in recent years:

  • Sep 13, 2025: Score 7 (Grade A)
  • Apr 14, 2023: Score 10 (Grade A)
  • Mar 21, 2023: Score 31 (Grade pending/re-inspection)

The February 2026 result represents the restaurant's first Grade B designation following two consecutive Grade A inspections. The March 2023 score of 31 had placed the restaurant in the Grade C range at that time, though the subsequent April 2023 re-inspection brought the score down to a Grade A.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City assigns letter grades based on the total violation points recorded during an inspection:

  • Grade A: 0–13 points
  • Grade B: 14–27 points
  • Grade C: 28 or more points

Lower scores indicate fewer or less severe violations. Restaurants that receive a B or C on an initial inspection may opt for a re-inspection to improve their score.

This inspection data was released by DOHMH on March 4, 2026. Consumers can verify current restaurant grades and full inspection details through the DOHMH restaurant inspection database, available online at the NYC Open Data portal. Conditions documented during an inspection reflect a point-in-time assessment, and establishments may address cited violations following the inspection date.

More About This Restaurant

View the full inspection history for M Lounge Restaurant including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.