Queens, NY — Wake Cup Astoria, an American restaurant at 29-10 30 Avenue in Astoria, received a Grade B with a score of 27 following a New York City health inspection conducted on March 2, 2026. The score places the establishment at the top of the Grade B range, just one point below the 28-point threshold that triggers a Grade C designation. Inspectors documented two critical and two non-critical violations during the visit.

What Inspectors Found

The inspection identified two critical violations at the restaurant. Inspectors cited Wake Cup Astoria for cold time-and-temperature-controlled-for-safety (TCS) food items held above 41°F, a violation of temperature requirements designed to prevent bacterial growth. Cold TCS foods must be maintained at or below 41°F under NYC Health Code standards to remain safe for consumption.

The second critical violation involved food, supplies, or equipment not being adequately protected from potential sources of contamination during storage, preparation, or service. This citation also noted that condiments were not provided in single-service containers or dispensed directly by the vendor.

Inspectors additionally documented two non-critical violations. Non-food contact surfaces or equipment were found to be not properly clean or not constructed of acceptable materials, and the establishment was missing required posted signage, including the "Choking first aid" poster, the "Alcohol and Pregnancy" warning sign, and resuscitation equipment signage.

Food Safety Context

Temperature control violations are among the most commonly cited critical findings in NYC restaurant inspections. The FDA Food Code identifies the temperature range between 41°F and 135°F as the "danger zone," where harmful bacteria can multiply rapidly. Under NYC Health Code Article 81, restaurants are required to maintain cold TCS foods at or below 41°F at all times except during active preparation.

Food protection violations address the risk of cross-contamination, which can introduce allergens or pathogens into food that would otherwise be safe. Both critical violations documented at Wake Cup Astoria fall within categories that the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) considers directly related to foodborne illness risk.

Inspection History

Wake Cup Astoria's prior inspection record shows fluctuation between Grade A and Grade B scores:

  • Nov 13, 2024: Score 10 (Grade A)
  • Jun 24, 2024: Score 18
  • Mar 10, 2023: Score 12 (Grade A)
  • May 9, 2022: Score 23

The current score of 27 represents the highest score recorded for the establishment in the available inspection history. The restaurant had previously earned a Grade A with a score of 10 in its most recent prior inspection in November 2024, making the increase of 17 points a notable shift.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City assigns letter grades based on total violation points assessed during inspections:

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

Lower scores indicate fewer or less severe violations. Wake Cup Astoria's score of 27 places it at the maximum end of the Grade B range.

Inspection data was released by DOHMH on March 6, 2026. Consumers can verify current restaurant grades and inspection details through the DOHMH restaurant inspection database or by checking the letter grade posted at the establishment's entrance. All inspection results referenced in this article are based on public record data maintained by the City of New York.

More About This Restaurant

View the full inspection history for Wake Cup Astoria including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.