Queens, NY — Royal Queen, a Chinese restaurant at 136-20 Roosevelt Avenue in Flushing, was re-closed by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) on June 27, 2026, just two days after inspectors had initially closed the establishment on June 25. The follow-up inspection produced a score of 13 points, placing the restaurant at the upper boundary of what qualifies as a passing grade under the city's grading system. Inspection data was made available by DOHMH on June 30, 2026.

What Inspectors Found

The June 27 re-inspection identified one non-critical violation under Code 10B, which covers anti-siphonage or back-flow prevention devices, proper drainage, sewage disposal systems, and the handling of condensation or liquid waste. Specifically, inspectors documented that a required anti-siphonage or back-flow prevention device was not provided where required, or that equipment or flooring was not properly drained, or that the sewage disposal system was in disrepair or not functioning properly.

While the single violation recorded during the re-inspection was classified as non-critical, the establishment remained closed under DOHMH authority. The prior closure on June 25, 2026 had resulted in a score of 59, indicating a substantially more extensive set of violations at that visit. The rapid sequence of inspections — initial closure, followed by a re-inspection and second closure within 48 hours — suggests that conditions identified on June 25 had not been fully remediated to the department's satisfaction by the time of the follow-up visit.

No critical violations were cited during the June 27 inspection.

Food Safety Context

Back-flow prevention and proper drainage are addressed under NYC Health Code Article 81 and align with standards set forth in the FDA Food Code. These requirements exist to prevent contaminated water or waste from flowing backward into potable water supplies or food preparation areas — a condition that can introduce pathogens into the food handling environment.

Anti-siphonage devices are mechanical safeguards installed on plumbing fixtures to prevent negative pressure from drawing wastewater back into clean water lines. Their absence or malfunction is considered a structural plumbing deficiency rather than an acute food handling failure, which is reflected in its non-critical classification. However, DOHMH regulations require that such equipment be installed and maintained in working order as a baseline condition of operation.

The re-closure of an establishment following a compliance inspection is not uncommon in cases where an initial closure reveals conditions requiring follow-up verification before the restaurant is permitted to resume service.

Inspection History

Royal Queen has a lengthy inspection history with consistently elevated scores over the past several years. The record shows a pattern of scores well above the threshold for a passing grade:

  • June 27, 2026: Score 13, re-closed by DOHMH
  • June 25, 2026: Score 59, closed by DOHMH
  • March 3, 2026: Score 35
  • October 17, 2025: Score 31 (Grade Z)
  • May 8, 2025: Score 51
  • March 19, 2025: Score not recorded
  • May 9, 2024: Score 51 (Grade C)
  • November 28, 2023: Score 45

The June 27 score of 13 represents the lowest score the establishment has recorded across this inspection history and stands in notable contrast to the 59-point score assigned just two days prior. Under the city's grading system, a score of 13 would ordinarily qualify for a Grade A posting, though the re-closure status affects normal grade posting procedures.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City's letter grading system is based on the numerical score assigned at the time of inspection. Lower scores indicate fewer violations and better compliance with food safety standards:

  • Grade A: Score of 0 to 13 points
  • Grade B: Score of 14 to 27 points
  • Grade C: Score of 28 points or higher

When a restaurant is closed by DOHMH, it must pass a compliance inspection before it is permitted to reopen. Grade posting may follow the subsequent scored inspection rather than the closure inspection itself. Consumers can look up the full inspection history of any permitted food service establishment in New York City through the city's public records systems.

For more information about restaurant inspection results in New York City, the DOHMH maintains a publicly searchable database of inspection records. Residents with food safety concerns related to a restaurant can contact 311 or submit a complaint through the city's online portal.

More About This Restaurant

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