Brooklyn, NY — Trinidad Killa Smokehouse, a Caribbean restaurant located at 345 East 98th Street in Brooklyn, received a Grade C rating following a health inspection conducted on March 10, 2026. The establishment scored 29 points, just above the 28-point threshold that triggers a C grade under New York City's restaurant grading system.

Health inspectors cited one non-critical violation during the inspection, which was released to the public on March 12, 2026, through the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's (DOHMH) online database.

What Inspectors Found

During the March 10 inspection, health officials documented one violation related to equipment maintenance and cleanliness. Inspectors cited the restaurant under violation code 10F, which addresses non-food contact surfaces and equipment.

The violation indicated that non-food contact surface or equipment was made of unacceptable material, not kept clean, or not properly sealed, raised, spaced or movable to allow accessibility for cleaning on all sides, above and underneath the unit. This category of violation pertains to the maintenance and accessibility of restaurant equipment that, while not directly touching food, must meet specific standards for cleanliness and construction.

The DOHMH classified this violation as non-critical, meaning it does not pose an immediate risk to public health but still requires correction. The restaurant was not closed as a result of this inspection, and violations were cited in the area identified.

Food Safety Context

New York City's restaurant inspection system is governed by NYC Health Code Article 81, which establishes standards for food service establishments throughout the five boroughs. The regulations address everything from food storage temperatures to equipment maintenance and employee hygiene practices.

Non-food contact surfaces, while not directly touching food products, play a role in overall facility sanitation. According to FDA Food Code standards, which inform New York City's regulations, equipment must be designed and maintained to prevent harborage of soil, food particles, or moisture that could support bacterial growth or attract pests.

Violation 10F specifically requires that equipment be constructed of approved materials and positioned or designed to allow thorough cleaning of all surfaces. This includes ensuring adequate spacing from walls and floors, proper sealing of joints and seams, and the ability to access all sides of equipment for routine sanitation.

Inspection History

Public records show that Trinidad Killa Smokehouse has undergone multiple inspections in recent months:

  • March 10, 2026: Score 29 (Grade C)
  • February 21, 2026: Score 38 (Grade N)
  • January 5, 2026: Score 60 (Grade N)

The Grade N designation indicates the restaurant was not yet graded at the time of inspection, typically because it was a new establishment, had recently changed ownership, or was undergoing a grading cycle. The March 10 inspection represents the restaurant's first letter grade assignment in the current grading period.

The inspection history shows a pattern of improving scores, with the point total dropping from 60 in January to 29 in March. However, the March score still placed the establishment in Grade C territory.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City's restaurant grading system assigns letter grades based on the total number of violation points accumulated during an inspection:

  • Grade A: 0-13 points
  • Grade B: 14-27 points
  • Grade C: 28 or more points

Lower scores indicate better compliance with health code standards. Restaurants must post their current letter grade in a location visible to the public, typically in the front window or near the entrance.

Establishments that receive a Grade B or C have the option to request a re-inspection, which must occur within 30 days. If the score improves during the re-inspection, the restaurant receives the new, higher grade.

Public Health Resources

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene maintains a searchable database of all restaurant inspections at www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/services/restaurant-grades.page. Consumers can look up any food service establishment in the city to view current grades, inspection dates, and specific violations cited.

The DOHMH conducts unannounced inspections of food service establishments at least once per year, with additional inspections triggered by complaints or follow-up requirements. Inspectors evaluate facilities across multiple categories including food temperature control, personal hygiene, facility maintenance, and vermin control.

More About This Restaurant

View the full inspection history for Trinidad Killa Smokehouse including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.