Queens, NY — One Bar And Lounge, a Caribbean restaurant located at 125-17 Rockaway Boulevard in South Ozone Park, was closed by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) following a November 15, 2025 inspection that documented 12 critical and 9 non-critical violations, resulting in a score of 139 points.
The score places the establishment far above the 28-point threshold for a Grade C, the lowest grade issued under NYC's restaurant grading system. The closure was ordered due to the volume and severity of violations identified during the inspection.
What Inspectors Found
Among the most serious findings, inspectors detected elevated carbon monoxide (CO) levels exceeding nine parts per million on two separate citations during the inspection. Elevated carbon monoxide in an enclosed space poses a direct health risk to both workers and patrons.
Inspectors also cited the establishment for an inadequate potable water supply, noting that water or ice was not potable or was sourced from an unapproved supply. Additionally, the sewage disposal system was found to be improper, inadequate, or unapproved.
Food safety violations were documented extensively. Raw, cooked, or prepared food was found to be adulterated, contaminated, or cross-contaminated on two separate citations, indicating a failure to follow HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) protocols. Food, supplies, and equipment were not adequately protected from potential sources of contamination during storage, preparation, and service.
Inspectors noted the presence of filth flies or food/refuse/sewage-associated flies in the establishment's food and non-food areas. Conditions conducive to rodents, insects, or other pests were also documented.
Additional critical violations included tobacco or electronic cigarette use in food preparation areas, improperly stored wiping cloths not kept in sanitizing solution between uses, and food contact surfaces that were improperly constructed or maintained. The establishment was cited twice for lacking a culinary sink or acceptable method for washing food.
Non-critical violations included improper thawing procedures, failure to inform patrons of Smoke-Free Air Act prohibitions on two citations, drainage and back-flow prevention issues cited twice, unsanitary non-food contact surfaces, lack of proper single-service articles, and a general nuisance condition described as unsafe or hazardous.
Food Safety Context
NYC restaurant inspections are conducted under the authority of NYC Health Code Article 81, which establishes sanitation and food safety requirements for all food service establishments. The inspection process is aligned with the FDA Food Code, which provides science-based guidance for food safety practices including proper food handling, temperature control, and facility maintenance.
Carbon monoxide detection during a restaurant inspection is particularly notable. CO is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause symptoms ranging from headaches and dizziness to loss of consciousness at higher concentrations. The NYC Health Code sets a threshold of nine parts per million, above which a critical violation is issued.
The HACCP-related violations documented at One Bar And Lounge indicate failures in the systematic approach to food safety that restaurants are required to maintain. Cross-contamination between raw and prepared foods is one of the leading contributors to foodborne illness.
When DOHMH determines that conditions at a food establishment present an imminent threat to public health, inspectors have the authority to order an immediate closure. The establishment must correct all cited violations and pass a re-inspection before being permitted to reopen.
Inspection History
Prior to the November 2025 closure, One Bar And Lounge had recent inspection results on file:
- November 19, 2025: Score 5, Grade Z (grade pending adjudication)
- December 15, 2025: Score 13, Grade A
The December 2025 Grade A score indicates the establishment had previously demonstrated the ability to meet health code standards. The contrast between a score of 13 and a score of 139 represents a significant change in conditions at the establishment.
It should be noted that this inspection was conducted on November 15, 2025, with data released by DOHMH on February 27, 2026. The current status of the establishment may differ from what was documented at the time of this inspection.
Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades
New York City assigns letter grades to restaurants based on inspection scores, with lower scores indicating fewer violations:
- Grade A: 0–13 points
- Grade B: 14–27 points
- Grade C: 28 or more points
One Bar And Lounge's score of 139 points is more than ten times the upper limit for a Grade A and nearly five times the minimum threshold for a Grade C.
Residents can verify any restaurant's current inspection status and complete violation history through the DOHMH restaurant inspection database, available online. Inspection results for all NYC restaurants are public record and are updated as new inspections are completed.
More About This Restaurant
View the full inspection history for One Bar And Lounge including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.