THE BACK ROOM

SCORE: 45 POINTS

Wednesday, March 18, 2026

Overview

THE BACK ROOM in Lower East Side underwent a NYC health inspection on March 18, 2026 and scored 45 points. The inspection found 1 violation, including 1 critical.

Read the full story: The Back Room Cited for Critical Violations - Manhattan →
Address
102 NORFOLK STREET
Manhattan, NY 10002
Cuisine
American
Inspection Type
Cycle Inspection / Initial Inspection
Violations
1 total
⚠ 1 critical
Facility History
5 inspections

Violations Cited

⚠ CRITICAL 04K

Evidence of Rats Present in Facility

Evidence of rats or live rats in establishment's food or non-food areas.

⚠️ Why This Matters

SEVERE BIOHAZARD: Rats carry 35+ diseases including Leptospirosis (kidney/liver failure), Hantavirus (38% mortality), Salmonella, and plague. One rat produces 40-50 droppings daily containing millions of pathogens. Urine aerosols spread disease throughout facility.

📋 Code Requirements

IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED: Close affected areas, Professional extermination within 24 hours, Clean/sanitize with 10% bleach solution, Discard ALL contaminated food, Seal holes over 1/2 inch, Remove food/water sources, Install bait stations, May require closure.

CDC Risk Factor: Contaminated Equipment/Environmental
NYC Health Code Article 81, Section 81.17
Inspector's Action:

Violations were cited in the following area(s).

View Facility Profile →

THE BACK ROOM — Inspection Questions

Did THE BACK ROOM pass their NYC health inspection on March 18, 2026?
THE BACK ROOM underwent inspection on March 18, 2026 with a score of 45 points. The inspection found 1 violation(s).
What critical violations did THE BACK ROOM have?
THE BACK ROOM had 1 critical violation(s) during their inspection. Critical violations directly contribute to foodborne illness and must be corrected immediately. These include issues with temperature control, hand washing, cross-contamination, and pest infestations.
What does violation code 04K mean in NYC restaurant inspections?
NYC violation 04K (Evidence of Rats Present in Facility) is a critical violation. Rat droppings, gnaw marks, burrows, or live rats observed in facility. SEVERE BIOHAZARD: Rats carry 35+ diseases including Leptospirosis (kidney/liver failure), Hantavirus (38% mortality), Salmonella, and plague. One rat produces 40-50 droppings daily containing millions of pathogens. Urine aerosols spread disease throughout facility.