Manhattan, NY — Shelly's, a coffee and tea establishment at 99 Allen Street in Manhattan's Lower East Side, received a score of 33 during a health inspection conducted on March 18, 2026, placing it in Grade C territory. Inspectors documented one critical violation related to food contact surface sanitation and one non-critical violation involving restroom maintenance.

The inspection data was released by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) on March 20, 2026.

What Inspectors Found

The critical violation cited during the inspection involved food contact surfaces that were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized after each use and following any activity when contamination may have occurred. This violation falls under DOHMH code 06D and is classified as critical because improperly sanitized surfaces that come into direct contact with food — such as preparation counters, cutting boards, and beverage equipment — can serve as vectors for bacterial contamination and foodborne illness.

For a coffee and tea establishment, food contact surfaces may include espresso machine components, blender pitchers, serving utensils, and countertops where beverages and food items are prepared and served. Proper sanitation protocols require these surfaces to be washed, rinsed, and sanitized between uses, particularly when switching between different food products or after any potential contamination event.

Inspectors also noted a non-critical violation under code 10A for a toilet facility that was not properly maintained or provided with required supplies such as toilet paper, a waste receptacle, or a self-closing door. While classified as non-critical, restroom conditions are factored into the overall inspection score and reflect a facility's general maintenance standards.

Food Safety Context

Food contact surface sanitation is a foundational requirement under both NYC Health Code Article 81 and the FDA Food Code. These regulations establish that all surfaces and utensils that come into contact with food must undergo a three-step process: washing with detergent, rinsing with clean water, and sanitizing with an approved chemical solution or hot water at the required temperature.

The FDA Food Code specifies that food contact surfaces must be cleaned and sanitized at least every four hours during continuous use, or more frequently when there is a change in food type or when contamination may have occurred. Failure to follow these protocols can create conditions where bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, or Listeria may transfer from contaminated surfaces to food and beverages served to customers.

Restroom maintenance requirements under NYC Health Code Article 81 mandate that toilet facilities be kept in good repair and stocked with essential supplies including toilet paper, soap, and appropriate waste receptacles. Doors to restroom facilities are required to be self-closing to maintain separation from food preparation and service areas.

Inspection History

No prior inspection history is available for Shelly's in the DOHMH database. This may indicate that the March 18, 2026 inspection was the establishment's first recorded inspection, or that the business is operating under a new permit.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City assigns letter grades to restaurants based on the total violation points accumulated during an inspection. Fewer points indicate fewer or less severe violations:

  • A: 0–13 points — The establishment is in substantial compliance with food safety regulations
  • B: 14–27 points — Some violations were identified that require correction
  • C: 28 or more points — Significant violations were documented that need prompt attention

Shelly's score of 33 places it in the Grade C range. Restaurants that receive a Grade B or C on an initial inspection may request a re-inspection. If the score does not improve, the restaurant may contest the grade through an administrative tribunal hearing. During this process, a "Grade Pending" card may be displayed.

Consumers can look up inspection results for any New York City restaurant through the DOHMH restaurant inspection database, which is publicly accessible online. The data used in this report reflects information released by DOHMH on March 20, 2026, two days after the inspection was conducted.

More About This Restaurant

View the full inspection history for Shelly's including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.