Queens, NY — Yellowstone Sushi at 66-73 Selfridge Street received a Grade B rating after a health inspection conducted on March 9, 2026, with inspectors documenting 22 points worth of violations. The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) released the inspection data on March 11, 2026.
Health inspectors cited the Japanese restaurant for two critical violations during the inspection. Violations were cited in the following areas, and the establishment was permitted to continue operations.
What Inspectors Found
Inspectors documented evidence of rats or live rats in the establishment's food or non-food areas, a violation of NYC Health Code Article 81 Section 81.05. The presence of rodents in restaurant facilities poses direct contamination risks to food preparation and storage areas.
Additionally, inspectors cited the restaurant for failing to protect food, supplies, or equipment from potential sources of contamination during storage, preparation, transportation, display, or service. The violation also noted that condiments were not provided in single-service containers or dispensed directly by the vendor, contrary to food safety protocols outlined in the FDA Food Code.
Food Safety Context
NYC Health Code Article 81 establishes comprehensive standards for food service establishment operations, including requirements for pest control and food protection. The FDA Food Code, which informs New York City regulations, mandates that all food contact surfaces and storage areas remain free from pest activity and contamination risks.
Rodent activity in food service establishments represents a serious public health concern due to the potential transmission of foodborne pathogens and the contamination of food preparation surfaces. Proper food protection protocols require that all items be stored, prepared, and served in ways that prevent cross-contamination from environmental sources.
Inspection History
Yellowstone Sushi had maintained a consistent Grade A rating in previous inspections:
- November 19, 2024: Score 12 (Grade A)
- June 5, 2023: Score 12 (Grade A)
- June 23, 2022: Score 13 (Grade A)
The March 2026 inspection represents a departure from the establishment's prior inspection record, with the 22-point score placing the restaurant near the upper end of the Grade B range.
Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades
New York City assigns letter grades based on inspection point totals:
- Grade A: 0-13 points
- Grade B: 14-27 points
- Grade C: 28 or more points
Lower scores indicate fewer violations. The 22-point score recorded during this inspection falls within the Grade B category, approaching the 28-point threshold for Grade C.
Restaurants receiving scores of 14 points or higher may request a re-inspection, typically conducted within 30 days, to attempt to achieve a Grade A rating.
Public Health Resources
The DOHMH maintains current inspection records for all New York City food service establishments through its online restaurant inspection database. Consumers can access detailed violation information, inspection histories, and current grades at nyc.gov/health/foodsafety.
For food safety concerns or to report potential health code violations, the public can contact 311 or file reports through the NYC Health Department's online complaint system.
More About This Restaurant
View the full inspection history for Yellowstone Sushi including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.