Manhattan, NY — Saigon Social, a Southeast Asian restaurant at 172 Orchard Street on the Lower East Side, received a score of 24 during a New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) inspection conducted on February 26, 2026. The score places the establishment in Grade B territory, near the upper boundary of the 14–27 point range and just four points from a Grade C designation.
Inspectors documented one critical violation and one non-critical violation during the visit. The inspection data was released by DOHMH on March 3, 2026.
What Inspectors Found
The critical violation cited during the inspection involved cold temperature control for safety (TCS) food items being held above 41°F. Under NYC Health Code and FDA Food Code guidelines, cold TCS foods must be maintained at 41°F or below to limit bacterial growth. Smoked or processed fish must be held at or below 38°F, and intact raw eggs at or below 45°F. Failure to maintain these temperatures can allow pathogens to multiply to levels that pose a risk of foodborne illness.
Inspectors also documented a non-critical violation noting that the establishment was not free of harborage or conditions conducive to rodents, insects, or other pests. This type of violation indicates that structural or environmental conditions were identified that could attract or shelter pests, though it does not necessarily confirm an active infestation.
Food Safety Context
Cold holding temperature violations are classified as critical under NYC Health Code Article 81 because improper food storage temperatures are among the leading contributors to foodborne illness. The FDA Food Code identifies the temperature range between 41°F and 135°F as the "danger zone," where bacteria can double in number in as little as 20 minutes under certain conditions.
A score of 24 is notable within the Grade B range. While still within the B classification, it represents one of the higher scores possible before crossing into Grade C, which begins at 28 points. Restaurants receiving scores in this upper portion of the B range are typically closer to conditions that regulators consider more significantly non-compliant.
Inspection History
Saigon Social's prior inspection record shows variable results:
- 2024-03-16: Score 7 (Grade A)
- 2023-05-06: Score 31
- 2021-12-03: Score 24
The restaurant earned a strong Grade A score of 7 in its most recent prior inspection in March 2024. However, the current score of 24 mirrors its December 2021 result exactly. The May 2023 inspection resulted in a score of 31, which would have placed the restaurant in Grade C range at that time.
Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades
New York City assigns letter grades to restaurants based on violation point totals:
- A: 0–13 points
- B: 14–27 points
- C: 28 or more points
Lower scores indicate fewer or less severe violations. Restaurants that receive a B or C grade on an initial inspection may request a re-inspection. Grade cards must be posted where they are visible to the public, as required under NYC Health Code Article 81.
Consumers can look up any restaurant's inspection history through the DOHMH restaurant inspection database, which is publicly available online. The data used in this report reflects publicly released DOHMH inspection records.
More About This Restaurant
View the full inspection history for Saigon Social including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.