Bronx, NY — The Rugelach Shop, a coffee and tea establishment at 3217 Philip Avenue in the Bronx, received a Grade C after a New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene inspection on April 1, 2026. Inspectors recorded a score of 41, placing the restaurant in the Grade C range. The inspection data was released by DOHMH on April 6, 2026.

The inspection identified one critical violation and one non-critical violation.

What Inspectors Found

The critical violation — Code 04J — documented that the establishment did not have a properly scaled and calibrated thermometer or thermocouple readily accessible in food preparation and hot or cold holding areas. Under NYC Health Code Article 81 and the FDA Food Code, food service operators are required to maintain accurate thermometers in areas where temperature-sensitive foods are cooked, cooled, reheated, or held. The absence of this tool makes it impossible to verify that temperature-controlled for safety (TCS) foods are being held at the correct temperatures to prevent bacterial growth.

The non-critical violation — Code 08A — noted that the establishment was not free of harborage conditions or conditions conducive to rodents, insects, or other pests. This category of violation covers structural gaps, debris accumulation, or other environmental conditions that could attract or shelter pests. While designated non-critical, pest harborage violations can escalate if left unaddressed.

No closure order was issued. The establishment remained open following the inspection.

Food Safety Context

The requirement for accessible, calibrated thermometers is a foundational element of food safety compliance. Under NYC Health Code Article 81 and the FDA Food Code, TCS foods — which include items like dairy, cooked proteins, and certain prepared beverages — must be maintained at specific temperatures: at or below 41°F for cold holding, and at or above 140°F for hot holding. Without a functioning thermometer on hand, staff cannot confirm compliance with these standards.

Even in a coffee and tea context, this requirement applies. Prepared beverages containing milk or cream, as well as any food items held for service, are subject to temperature control regulations. Inspectors are required to cite the absence of thermometers as a critical violation regardless of the establishment's cuisine type.

The pest harborage violation, while rated non-critical, is addressed under the same regulatory framework. NYC Health Code Article 81 requires food service establishments to maintain premises free from conditions that could attract or sustain pest activity. Repeated or escalating violations in this category can result in additional penalties.

Inspection History

No prior inspection history is available for The Rugelach Shop in the DOHMH public dataset. This appears to be the establishment's first recorded inspection under the current permit.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City's restaurant grading system is based on the total score assigned during an unannounced DOHMH inspection. Each violation carries a point value, and the final score determines the grade posted at the establishment:

  • A: Score of 0 to 13 points — indicates a high standard of food safety compliance
  • B: Score of 14 to 27 points — indicates some violations were found; the restaurant may request a re-inspection
  • C: Score of 28 or more points — indicates multiple or more serious violations were documented

When a restaurant scores in the B or C range on an initial inspection, DOHMH typically schedules a follow-up inspection. The grade posted publicly may reflect the initial score or the result of a subsequent inspection, depending on the timeline. A Grade C must be posted prominently at the entrance of the establishment.

Restaurants have the right to appeal violation findings. Scores can change following a re-inspection or a successful adjudication.

More About This Restaurant

View the full inspection history for The Rugelach Shop including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.