Brooklyn, NY — Union Grounds, an American restaurant at 270 Smith Street in Brooklyn, received a score of 35 during a health inspection conducted on February 20, 2026, resulting in a Grade C designation. Inspectors documented three critical violations, including evidence of mice and food temperature control failures, marking a significant departure from the establishment's previously clean inspection record.
The inspection data was released by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) on February 23, 2026.
What Inspectors Found
The February 20 inspection identified three critical violations and no non-critical violations at the Smith Street location.
Inspectors cited the restaurant for failing to cook Time/Temperature Control for Safety (TCS) foods to required minimum internal temperatures. Under NYC Health Code Article 81 and the FDA Food Code, specific temperature thresholds must be met to ensure food safety. These include cooking poultry and stuffing containing poultry, meats, fish, or ratites to at least 165°F for 15 seconds, ground meat to at least 158°F for 15 seconds, and pork to at least 150°F for 15 seconds. All other foods must reach a minimum of 140°F for 15 seconds. Failure to meet these cooking temperatures can allow harmful bacteria to survive, posing a risk of foodborne illness.
The inspection also documented evidence of mice or live mice in the establishment's food or non-food areas. The presence of rodent activity in a food service establishment is considered a critical violation under NYC health regulations, as mice can contaminate food, preparation surfaces, and storage areas with pathogens.
Additionally, inspectors found that food, supplies, or equipment were not adequately protected from potential sources of contamination during storage, preparation, transportation, display, or service. Condiments were not maintained in single-service containers or dispensed directly by the vendor, creating opportunities for cross-contamination.
Food Safety Context
The violations documented at Union Grounds relate to fundamental food safety principles established in NYC Health Code Article 81 and the FDA Food Code. Proper cooking temperatures are among the most critical controls in a restaurant setting, as sufficient heat is necessary to eliminate harmful microorganisms such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter that may be present in raw animal products.
Rodent activity in food establishments is a persistent concern across New York City. DOHMH monitors for evidence of mice and rats during routine inspections because rodents carry disease-causing organisms and can contaminate food and food-contact surfaces. When evidence of mice is documented, establishments are expected to take immediate corrective action, including engaging licensed pest control services and eliminating conditions that attract or harbor rodents.
Proper food storage and protection from contamination are also essential safeguards. Condiment dispensing requirements exist to prevent customer cross-contamination and maintain product integrity throughout service.
Inspection History
Prior to the February 2026 inspection, Union Grounds had maintained a consistent record of compliance with NYC health regulations:
- 2024-08-01: Score 13 (Grade A)
- 2023-03-09: Score 11 (Grade A)
The score of 35 recorded in the most recent inspection represents a notable change from the restaurant's history of Grade A scores. Both previous inspections fell well within the Grade A threshold, indicating that the establishment had previously demonstrated strong compliance with health code requirements.
Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades
New York City assigns letter grades to restaurants based on the total number of violation points recorded during an inspection. Fewer points indicate fewer or less severe violations:
- Grade A: 0–13 points
- Grade B: 14–27 points
- Grade C: 28 or more points
Union Grounds' score of 35 places it in the Grade C range. Restaurants that receive a Grade B or C on an initial inspection have the option to request a re-inspection. The grade from the re-inspection or the result of an administrative tribunal hearing determines the final posted grade.
Residents and diners can verify restaurant inspection results and scores through the DOHMH restaurant inspection database, which is publicly accessible online. The database provides current and historical inspection data for all permitted food service establishments in New York City.
More About This Restaurant
View the full inspection history for Union Grounds including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.