Manhattan, NY — Tramway Diner, a Greek restaurant located at 1079 1st Avenue in Manhattan, received a score of 28 following a health inspection conducted on March 24, 2026, placing it at the threshold for a Grade C rating under New York City's restaurant grading system. The inspection data was released publicly by the city's Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) on April 16, 2026.

Three non-critical violations were documented during the inspection. No critical violations were cited.

What Inspectors Found

Inspectors identified three areas of concern during the March visit:

The first violation, Code 08C, noted that pesticide was improperly stored or used, with an unprotected, unlocked bait station present on the premises. NYC Health Code Article 81 and FDA Food Code guidelines require that pest control measures be conducted by licensed individuals and that chemical agents be properly secured to prevent contamination of food or food-contact surfaces.

The second violation, Code 20-06, recorded that the restaurant's current letter grade or Grade Pending card was not posted in a location visible to the public. Under DOHMH regulations, all inspected restaurants are required to conspicuously display their most recent grade card, allowing customers to make informed dining decisions.

The third violation, Code 09C, cited improper design, construction, or maintenance of a food-contact surface — specifically, a surface found not to be easily cleanable, sanitizable, or properly maintained. Smooth, durable, and cleanable food-contact surfaces are required under FDA Food Code standards to prevent the accumulation of bacteria and other contaminants.

Food Safety Context

New York City's restaurant inspection program operates under NYC Health Code Article 81, which sets standards for food handling, facility sanitation, pest control, and employee hygiene. The program is administered by DOHMH, which conducts unannounced inspections of all permitted food service establishments at least once per year.

The FDA Food Code, adopted in substance by New York State and incorporated into local regulations, establishes the baseline safety requirements that city inspectors reference when issuing violations.

Non-critical violations, while less immediately dangerous than critical ones, can still contribute to conditions that may affect food safety over time. Improperly maintained food-contact surfaces, for example, can harbor bacteria if cleaning and sanitizing are not performed effectively.

Pesticide management is also taken seriously under city and state regulations. Unlocked or unprotected bait stations pose a risk of unintended exposure to food, food-contact surfaces, or individuals in the facility.

Inspection History

Tramway Diner's recent inspection record shows a pattern of fluctuating scores:

  • November 20, 2024: Score 33 (Grade N — score pending initial grade)
  • December 1, 2025: Score 91 — closed by DOHMH
  • December 5, 2025: Score 2 (Grade Z) — reopened
  • March 24, 2026: Score 28 (Grade C)

The restaurant was closed by health authorities following the December 1, 2025 inspection, which produced a score of 91 — a significantly elevated penalty total. The facility reopened just four days later on December 5, 2025, following a re-inspection that recorded a score of 2, indicating that the conditions prompting closure had been corrected.

The current score of 28, recorded approximately four months after that reopening, returns the restaurant to Grade C territory.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

DOHMH assigns letter grades based on the total point value of violations found during an inspection:

  • A: Score of 0–13 points (fewest violations)
  • B: Score of 14–27 points
  • C: Score of 28 or more points

A restaurant that scores in the B or C range during an initial inspection may request an administrative hearing and a re-inspection before a final grade is issued. The grade posted at the restaurant reflects the most recent adjudicated result.

Consumers can look up the full inspection history of any permitted restaurant in New York City through the DOHMH's online Restaurant Inspection Results database at nyc.gov/health.

More About This Restaurant

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