Queens, NY — Redwood Cafe, an American restaurant located at 118-18 Queens Boulevard, was closed by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene on March 5, 2026, following a routine inspection that resulted in a score of 62 points. The establishment reopened March 10, 2026, after addressing violations requiring immediate action.

The closure represents a significant departure from the restaurant's recent inspection history, which had consistently shown strong compliance with health regulations. The March 5 inspection data was released to the public by DOHMH on March 9, 2026.

What Inspectors Found

During the March 5 inspection, health inspectors documented one non-critical violation at Redwood Cafe. The violation cited was failure to post a handwashing sign near or above the handwashing sink, designated as violation code 09E under NYC Health Code Article 81.

Despite receiving 62 points—a score that falls into the C grade range—inspectors noted zero critical violations during their examination of the facility. The Department of Health closed the establishment and required immediate corrective action before permitting operations to resume.

The restaurant remained closed for five days. On March 10, 2026, inspectors conducted a reopening inspection and documented a score of 7 points, allowing the establishment to resume normal operations.

Food Safety Context

NYC Health Code Article 81 establishes comprehensive food safety standards for all food service establishments operating in New York City. Under these regulations, the Department of Health conducts unannounced inspections at least once annually, with additional inspections scheduled when violations require follow-up.

Handwashing signage requirements, while classified as non-critical violations, serve an important role in food safety protocols. The FDA Food Code mandates that handwashing reminders be posted in employee restroom facilities and at handwashing sinks used by food workers. These signs reinforce proper hygiene practices that prevent the transmission of foodborne pathogens.

The closure action taken by DOHMH indicates that inspectors identified conditions requiring immediate correction before the restaurant could safely continue serving the public. When establishments are closed, operators must address all cited violations and request a reinspection before reopening.

Inspection History

Redwood Cafe's inspection record shows generally strong compliance prior to the March 5 closure:

  • March 10, 2026: Score 7 (Grade pending), reopening inspection
  • March 5, 2026: Score 62 (Grade C), closed by DOHMH
  • November 14, 2024: Score 9 (Grade A)
  • May 17, 2024: Score 18 (Grade A range)
  • December 22, 2022: Score 5 (Grade A)

The establishment had maintained Grade A status in its three most recent inspections before March 2026, with scores consistently below 20 points. The March 5 score of 62 points represents the highest point total documented in available inspection records for this location.

Following the closure, the March 10 reinspection showed significant improvement, with inspectors recording just 7 points—well within Grade A range. This rapid correction demonstrates the establishment's response to violations requiring immediate action.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

The New York City Department of Health assigns letter grades to restaurants based on points accumulated during inspections. The grading system works as follows:

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

Inspectors assign points for each violation observed, with critical violations carrying more points than non-critical violations. Lower scores indicate better compliance with health and safety standards. Establishments scoring 28 points or higher may receive a Grade C or may choose to post a "Grade Pending" card while working to improve their score through reinspection.

Restaurants that are closed by the Department of Health must undergo a reinspection and demonstrate compliance before resuming operations. Grade assignments following closure inspections may be delayed pending additional verification of sustained compliance.

Public Health Resources

The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene maintains inspection records for all food service establishments operating in the five boroughs. Consumers can access current inspection results, violation histories, and grade information through the city's restaurant inspection database at nyc.gov/health.

Questions about food safety practices or specific inspection results can be directed to the Department of Health's Food Safety Division at 311 or through the agency's website. Residents who observe potential health code violations at food service establishments are encouraged to report concerns to the Department of Health for investigation.

Inspection data reflects conditions observed on the specific date of inspection and may not represent current conditions at the establishment. The most recent inspection information is available through official DOHMH channels.

More About This Restaurant

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