Queens, NY — Northern 160, a Korean restaurant located at 160-13 Northern Boulevard in Flushing, received a score of 33 during a health inspection conducted on February 28, 2026, according to data released by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) on March 2, 2026. The score places the restaurant in Grade C range, the lowest passing grade in New York City's restaurant grading system.

Inspectors documented two critical violations during the visit, with no non-critical violations recorded.

What Inspectors Found

The most significant violation involved improper cold holding temperatures for time and temperature control for safety (TCS) foods. Inspectors found cold TCS food items held above 41°F, the maximum temperature permitted under NYC Health Code. This violation, coded as 02G, also covers smoked or processed fish held above 38°F, intact raw eggs held above 45°F, and reduced oxygen packaged TCS foods held above required temperatures. The citation noted these conditions existed outside of active necessary preparation.

Cold holding violations are among the most commonly cited critical issues in New York City restaurant inspections. When perishable foods are stored above safe temperatures, bacteria such as Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli can multiply rapidly, reaching levels that may cause foodborne illness.

Inspectors also cited the restaurant for a violation coded as 06D, documenting that food contact surfaces were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized after each use and following any activity when contamination may have occurred. Food contact surfaces include cutting boards, prep tables, utensils, and any equipment that directly touches food during preparation or service.

Food Safety Context

The FDA Food Code requires that cold TCS foods be maintained at 41°F or below at all times except during active preparation. NYC Health Code Article 81 establishes the regulatory framework for food service establishments in New York City and mandates that all food contact surfaces be cleaned and sanitized between uses to prevent cross-contamination.

Proper sanitization of food contact surfaces typically involves a three-step process: washing with detergent, rinsing with clean water, and sanitizing with an approved chemical solution or hot water at the appropriate temperature. Failure to follow this protocol can allow bacteria to transfer between food items, potentially affecting multiple dishes served to customers.

Both violations documented at Northern 160 are classified as critical, meaning they are conditions most likely to contribute to foodborne illness or food contamination.

Inspection History

Northern 160's inspection record shows a pattern of fluctuation over the past several years:

  • Feb 28, 2026: Score 33, violations cited
  • Jun 11, 2025: Score 4 (Grade Z)
  • Jun 9, 2025: Score 13
  • Jun 5, 2025: Score 74, closed by DOHMH
  • Oct 18, 2023: Score 26

The record shows the restaurant was closed by DOHMH in June 2025 after receiving a score of 74, indicating numerous serious violations at that time. Following the closure, the restaurant was re-inspected on June 9, 2025, earning a score of 13, and again on June 11, 2025, receiving a score of 4. The Grade Z designation indicates the restaurant was in the process of being re-graded at that time.

The October 2023 inspection resulted in a score of 26, which fell just below the Grade C threshold. The current score of 33 represents the restaurant's highest score since the June 2025 closure.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City's restaurant grading system, administered by DOHMH, assigns letter grades based on inspection scores:

  • A: 0–13 points (lowest risk)
  • B: 14–27 points (moderate concerns)
  • C: 28 or more points (significant concerns)

A score of 33 places Northern 160 in Grade C range. Restaurants receiving a grade of B or C may request an adjudicatory hearing and a re-inspection. The grade card must be posted where it is visible to customers entering the establishment.

Consumers can look up inspection results for any New York City restaurant through the DOHMH website or the NYC Open Data portal. Inspection data is public record and is updated regularly as new inspections are completed and processed.

More About This Restaurant

View the full inspection history for Northern 160 including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.