Manhattan, NY — The Elk On Mott, a coffee and tea shop located at 228 Mott Street in Manhattan, received a Grade B following a New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) inspection conducted April 2, 2026. The restaurant recorded a score of 22, placing it near the upper boundary of the B range and five points from the Grade C threshold. Inspection data was released by DOHMH on April 7, 2026.

What Inspectors Found

Inspectors documented one critical violation during the April visit, with no non-critical violations recorded.

The single violation cited — Code 03I — identified juice packaged on the premises with no label or an incomplete label, and no required warning statement. Under NYC Health Code Article 81 and FDA Food Code guidance, any juice packaged at a food service establishment for retail or customer use must carry a label that includes the product name, ingredients, allergen disclosures, and a consumer advisory warning that the product has not been processed to eliminate harmful pathogens. The warning statement is specifically required for unpasteurized or cold-pressed juices.

Critical violations are those determined by DOHMH to pose a direct risk to public health, including risks related to foodborne illness. A single critical violation carries a higher point value than non-critical violations, which accounts for the elevated score despite no additional violations being recorded.

Food Safety Context

NYC Health Code Article 81 governs food safety standards for all food service establishments operating in the five boroughs. The FDA Food Code, which New York City incorporates into its regulatory framework, sets baseline requirements for labeling of foods packaged at the point of sale, particularly those that may carry pathogen risks if consumed without heat treatment.

Juice packaged on premises without adequate labeling poses a consumer health risk because customers may be unaware of whether the product has been pasteurized. Unpasteurized juice can harbor bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Cryptosporidium. The required warning statement is designed to allow consumers to make informed decisions, particularly for vulnerable populations including pregnant individuals, young children, elderly diners, and those with compromised immune systems.

Inspection History

The April 2026 result represents a significant departure from the restaurant's recent record. Prior inspections on file show consistent Grade A performance:

  • 2026-06-15: Score 12 (Grade A)
  • 2024-11-15: Score 12 (Grade A)
  • 2023-06-26: Score 5 (Grade A)

The establishment had maintained Grade A status across all three prior inspections on record, with scores well within the lowest tier of the grading scale.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

DOHMH assigns letter grades based on inspection scores, which are calculated by adding point values for each violation found:

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

A score of 22 falls in the upper portion of the B range. Establishments receiving a B or C grade have the option to request a re-inspection before a final grade is issued.

Consumers can look up current inspection scores and violation histories for any NYC restaurant through the DOHMH's public Restaurant Inspection Results database at nyc.gov/health.

More About This Restaurant

View the full inspection history for The Elk On Mott including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.