Carbone isn’t the only establishment facing scrutiny.
Dinosaurs of West Village eateries were taken aback to learn that their bustling destinations, popular with celebrities, have been assigned a B rating that raised eyebrows following inspections by the NYC Health Department in July.
To make matters worse, instead of displaying shiny green letter-grade signs for all to see, this upscale Thompson Street restaurant kept a less favorable notice that had been in place since 2023, disregarding city regulations until last month’s reports came to light.
But, hold on to your wallets, New Yorkers: it’s really not the end of the world. The grade isn’t as shocking as what might be expected from lesser-known taco joints.
Here’s a look at ten other food spots, including a well-known fitness chain, that didn’t score well during random health inspections in 2025.
Essentially, restaurant ratings range from 0-13 violation points for an A, 14-27 points for a B, and 28 or more qualify for a C, along with a “Pending Stepwise” status.
We reached out to each restaurant, but the responses were varied.
Pierre Hotel, 2 E. 61st Street | Grade: C
The iconic establishment has become a shell of its former glory, with complaints about grey carpets and elevator malfunctions noted in a recent report. The main kitchen—a hub for A-listers—received a C grade, joining the ranks of about 200 other Manhattan venues facing similar issues.
Inspections revealed problems like inadequate personal hygiene and unkempt employee attire. Previous inspections raised alarms about live mice and improper cleaning practices.
STK Steakhouse, 1114 Avenue of the Americas | Grade: C
STK Steakhouse, a branch of an international beef chain, also found itself in the C category after its May inspection. Issues included noncompliance with temperature regulations for food storage and preparation. Cold dishes were found above acceptable temperature ranges, which isn’t encouraging.
In addition, inspectors noted that food contact surfaces were not cleaned properly, and there was evidence of pests in the area.
Bally’s, 135 W. 20th St. | Grade: C
This high-energy café at Bally’s, once thought to be synonymous with “clean eating,” unfortunately fell to a C grade due to various violations, including evidence of mice. It seems that not all wellness spots live up to their reputation.
Barbuto, 113 Horatio St. | Grade: B
Barbuto, a West Village staple, managed to secure a B grade, but not without challenge. Inspection reports indicated a failure to follow temperature protocols and issues with employee cleanliness.
Serafina, 22 E. 38th St. | Grade: B
This trendy Italian chain also found itself flagged for obscuring its ratings by displaying outdated signs. Violations included using shellfish that were not sourced from approved suppliers, raising serious food safety concerns.
Bobby Van Grill, 135 W. 50th St. | Grade: B
Bobby Van’s received a B after being flagged for various violations, including improper food storage procedures and problems with waste management. This restaurant, known for its hefty sirloin steaks, needs to tighten its operations.
Blue Ribbon Sushi Izakaya, 187 Orchard St. | Grade: B
Blue Ribbon Sushi Izakaya, which aims to bring an “adult dining experience” to its patrons, managed to maintain a B rating, although inspections showed failures in keeping hot foods at safe temperatures and issues with equipment cleanliness.
Rosa Mexicano, 61 Columbus Avenue | Grade: B
Rosa Mexicano, once an A-grade establishment, has since dropped to a B after a string of violations, including evidence of filth and poor food storage practices.
Jacob’s Pickles, 509 Amsterdam Avenue | Pending Grades
Jacob’s Pickles, a beloved brunch spot, is now facing significant challenges. After being temporarily closed due to unauthorized sewage disposal and finding live rats and cockroaches, they currently hold a “pending grade” after inspections indicated severe issues.
Soho Citizen, 201 Lafayette Street | Grade: C
Soho Citizen, an Australian-style eatery, recently encountered problems, landing a C grade after being cited for rodent concerns and improper food handling practices. A follow-up inspection showed persistence of past issues, leaving the restaurant in a tricky situation.
