Brooklyn, NY — Poppy's - Pastry Kitchen, located at 191 Columbia Street in Brooklyn, was closed by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) following a health inspection conducted on February 18, 2026. The establishment received a score of 64, well above the 28-point threshold for a Grade C rating. The restaurant has since reopened following a subsequent inspection on February 24, 2026.
Poppy's - Pastry Kitchen restaurant inspection" width="400" height="225" loading="eager" decoding="async" class="article-featured-image">The inspection data was released by DOHMH on February 20, 2026, two days after the inspection took place.
What Inspectors Found
During the February 18 inspection, inspectors cited one non-critical violation at the Columbia Street bakery. The violation, documented under NYC Health Code 10B, pertained to plumbing and drainage deficiencies. Specifically, the citation noted that anti-siphonage or back-flow prevention devices were not provided where required, that equipment or flooring was not properly drained, and that the sewage disposal system was in disrepair or not functioning properly. Inspectors also documented improper disposal of condensation or liquid waste.
While the establishment recorded zero critical violations during this inspection, the DOHMH determined that the conditions warranted an immediate closure. The action taken noted that violations were cited and those requiring immediate action were addressed.
The score of 64 placed the establishment significantly above the Grade C threshold of 28 or more points. In NYC's inspection scoring system, lower scores indicate better compliance with health regulations, making a score of 64 notably elevated even within the Grade C range.
Food Safety Context
The closure of Poppy's - Pastry Kitchen was carried out under the authority of NYC Health Code Article 81, which governs food service establishments in New York City. Under these regulations, DOHMH inspectors have the authority to close an establishment when conditions are found that represent a public health hazard or when violations require immediate corrective action.
Plumbing and drainage violations, while categorized as non-critical in the inspection scoring framework, can pose significant food safety concerns. According to the FDA Food Code, proper plumbing infrastructure is essential to preventing contamination of food preparation areas. Back-flow prevention devices are specifically required to prevent wastewater from flowing backward into clean water supplies, which could introduce harmful bacteria or contaminants into areas where food is prepared or stored.
Sewage disposal system failures and improper drainage can create unsanitary conditions that affect the overall safety of a food service environment. Standing water or improperly disposed liquid waste can attract pests, promote bacterial growth, and create conditions that compromise food safety standards.
The FDA Food Code establishes that plumbing systems in food establishments must be designed, installed, and maintained to prevent cross-connections between potable and non-potable water sources. These requirements exist to protect both workers and consumers from potential waterborne contaminants.
Inspection History
DOHMH records show the following inspection activity for Poppy's - Pastry Kitchen:
- February 18, 2026: Score of 64 (Grade C range), establishment closed by DOHMH
- February 24, 2026: Score of 0 (Grade Z designation), establishment reopened
The February 24 follow-up inspection resulting in a score of 0 indicates that the establishment addressed the cited violations and was permitted to resume operations. A score of 0 means no violations were documented during the re-inspection. The Grade Z designation is an administrative code used when a restaurant reopens following a closure, rather than a reflection of ongoing food safety concerns.
The six-day turnaround between closure and reopening suggests that the establishment took corrective action to resolve the plumbing and drainage issues identified during the initial inspection.
Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades
New York City's restaurant grading system, administered by DOHMH, assigns letter grades based on inspection scores. The scoring system works on a points-based scale where lower scores indicate fewer violations:
- Grade A: 0 to 13 points — Establishment meets high standards of food safety compliance
- Grade B: 14 to 27 points — Establishment has moderate violations requiring attention
- Grade C: 28 or more points — Establishment has significant violations that need correction
Restaurants that receive a Grade B or C on an initial inspection have the opportunity to request a re-inspection. Establishments that are closed must address all conditions that led to the closure before being permitted to reopen.
All NYC restaurant inspection results are public record and are available through the DOHMH online database. Consumers can review inspection histories, scores, and specific violations for any inspected food service establishment in the city. The data is updated regularly as new inspections are conducted and results are processed.
Poppy's - Pastry Kitchen is located at 191 Columbia Street in the Columbia Street Waterfront District of Brooklyn, NY 11231. The establishment serves American cuisine. For the most current inspection information, residents can visit the NYC DOHMH restaurant inspection results page or call 311.
More About This Restaurant
View the full inspection history for Poppy's - Pastry Kitchen including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.