Manhattan, NY — Vivi Bubble Tea, located at 49 Bayard Street in Manhattan's Chinatown neighborhood, received a score of 24 following a health inspection conducted March 17, 2026, placing the coffee and tea shop in the Grade B range. Data was released by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) on March 19, 2026.

A score of 24 falls within the Grade B band and sits four points below the threshold at which a restaurant would receive a Grade C, indicating a higher level of health code concern relative to most Grade B results.

What Inspectors Found

Inspectors documented three violations during the March inspection — one critical and two non-critical.

The critical violation, Code 02B, cited that a hot temperature-controlled for safety (TCS) food item was not held at or above 140°F as required. Maintaining proper hot-holding temperatures is a core food safety requirement designed to prevent bacterial growth that can cause foodborne illness.

Two non-critical violations were also recorded. Code 10B identified that anti-siphonage or back-flow prevention devices were not provided where required, or that equipment or floor drainage did not meet standards. Code 16-02 noted that original nutrition fact labels or ingredient labels for a cooking oil, shortening, margarine, or bulk food item — or acceptable manufacturer's documentation — were not maintained on site.

Food Safety Context

Under NYC Health Code Article 81, food service establishments are required to maintain hot TCS foods at or above 140°F at all times when holding for service. This requirement aligns with the FDA Food Code, which identifies improper temperature control as one of the leading contributing factors to foodborne illness outbreaks.

Back-flow prevention requirements under Code 10B are designed to protect the potable water supply from contamination. Proper drainage also reduces conditions that can harbor pests or bacteria. Nutrition labeling requirements under Code 16-02 are intended to support consumer awareness of ingredients and allergens.

Inspection History

Vivi Bubble Tea has a mixed inspection record over recent years. Prior inspections include:

  • April 2, 2025: Score 13 (Grade A)
  • October 22, 2024: Score 5 (Grade A)
  • September 25, 2024: Score 29
  • January 9, 2024: Score 16 (Grade B)
  • October 25, 2023: Score 26
  • June 6, 2023: Score 5 (Grade A)
  • April 19, 2023: Score 26
  • August 15, 2022: Score 21 (Grade B)
  • June 21, 2022: Score 19

The location has previously earned Grade A scores, including a score of 5 in October 2024, indicating strong compliance in recent prior cycles. However, the current score of 24 represents a notable increase from the last graded inspection.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

DOHMH assigns letter grades based on inspection scores as follows:

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

New York City requires restaurants to post their most recent letter grade in a visible location near the entrance. Inspection records for all city restaurants are publicly available through the DOHMH Restaurant Inspection Results database at nyc.gov/health.

More About This Restaurant

View the full inspection history for Vivi Bubble Tea including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.