Rats, Roaches, and Flies: Unsanitary Secrets Behind Manhattan’s Favorite Restaurants Revealed
The Decline of Prestigious Culinary Establishments
Even iconic venues like The Pierre Hotel’s main kitchen in the Upper East Side earned a C rating, revealing a steep drop in hygiene standards. February 11 inspections highlighted issues such as inadequate personal cleanliness of staff, soiled outer garments, and failure to use proper hair restraints. Earlier inspections found evidence of live mice and improper sanitization of food contact surfaces.
Similarly, STK Steakhouse at Midtown’s 1114 Avenue of the Americas was cited for failing to maintain correct food temperatures and was found to have food/refuse/sewage-associated (FRSA) flies in its kitchen during a May inspection.
Unexpected Culprits: Fitness Clubs and Popular Chain Eateries
Even fitness-centered cafes are not immune. Barry’s at 135 W. 20th St., known for health-conscious offerings like protein shakes and fruit salads, received a C grade after several inspections uncovered evidence of mice and violations related to leadership’s lack of proper food protection certification. Notably, protein powders were flagged as containing “prohibited substances” under NYC regulations.
Other well-known restaurants such as Barbuto and Serafina received B grades but were cited for violations including improper food temperature protocols, inadequate employee hygiene, and the presence of rats and roaches. Serafina was briefly shut down in June due to pest infestations and sewage issues.
Widespread Violations Highlighted in NYC Health Department Reports
- Temperature control failures for hot and cold foods at various eateries
- Improper cleaning and sanitization of utensils and prep surfaces
- Employee hygiene violations including lack of hair restraints and contaminated clothing
- Evidence of rodents and infestation by several types of flies
- Failure to properly display grades and health certification compliance
Additional establishments with B ratings include Bobby Van’s Grill, Blue Ribbon Sushi Izakaya, and Rosa Mexicano, which each faced issues ranging from improper thawing procedures to pest control and surface contamination.
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Pending Grades and Ongoing Investigations
Jacob’s Pickles currently holds a Grade Pending status after accumulating numerous violations since December, while Citizens of Soho continues to contest its C rating despite inspections discovering ongoing rodent issues and improper food handling.
“We have requested a re-inspection from the Department of Health,” a Barry’s representative said. “While the timing of that re-inspection is at the discretion of the [health] department, we are confident that everything is now in full compliance.”
For a detailed look at the full list of these establishments and their inspection results, visit the original source at NY Post.
What This Means for Manhattan Diners
These unsettling findings raise critical questions about restaurant hygiene practices and transparency in New York City’s competitive dining scene. Despite some restaurants’ high prices and reputation, consumers should remain vigilant about the safety standards behind kitchen doors.
- Always check the posted NYC Health Department grade before dining.
- Be cautious of restaurants that avoid or conceal their health ratings.
- Understand that even top-tier establishments can have cleanliness issues.
Ongoing inspections and potential re-evaluations will determine how quickly these hotspots can clean up their act and regain public trust.