It’s a high-stakes scandal.
Gallagher’s, an iconic steakhouse in the Big Apple Theater District, displays an “A” health rating on its storefront, but online city records show it earned a “C.” Some customers now eat beef at this expensive restaurant.
The latest inspection, reported in May last year, reportedly found the restaurant with white tablecloths had “filth flies” and workers had “poor” personal cleanliness, such as untrimmed fingernails. It turned out that someone was there. Online City Ministry of Health Records.
Inspectors also found that the eatery, which sells prime rib for $78 a plate and filet mignon for $67, had kitchen surfaces “not properly cleaned” and that “rodent, insect, The report said the environment was conducive to infestation of other pests, records show.
There were a total of 56 health violations, according to the city’s website.
But on Friday, the popular restaurant at Broadway and 52nd Street still had an “A” sign in its window with an inspection date of May 6, 2019, five years ago.
Those who ate said it left an unpleasant taste in their mouths.
“What bothers me the most is someone lying and announcing that they are an ‘A’ when in fact they are not. At least remove the ‘A’,” said Mark, a customer who only gave his first name.
“You liar,” said one angry tourist.
“That’s supposed to be illegal, right?” fumed another patron who left with a doggy bag.
In fact, restaurants are required by law to post letter grades, but in a post-survey conducted in 2010 (the year the grading system was introduced citywide), restaurants received a “C”. turns out to be often hiding it.
Gallagher was also charged in July 2022 with 17 health violations, including “filthy flies,” unclean surfaces and food stored at improper temperatures, according to city records.
Other customers said the restaurant didn’t look unsanitary on the outside and the food was good, if a little pricey.
Felipe Del Rio, 46, a tourist from Chile who came to try filet mignon, said as he left the restaurant Thursday night.
“It was delicious food and good service.”
But he added, “It bothers me that they’re lying.”
Another customer said, “The steak wasn’t hot.”
“Considering the presentation of the food, it’s no surprise that we got a C grade.”
One customer, a band manager in Los Angeles, was unfazed.
Eddie Francoeur, 49, added sarcastically: “I’ve eaten all the worst street hot dogs and I’m not dead yet.” Everyone has a “C” in there. ”
A spokesperson for the restaurant said the owners believed the “C” grade was a pending grade and did not need to be displayed as it was subject to re-inspection.
A spokesperson said, “We apologize if there was any misunderstanding or confusion.”
“However, when we received the rating on May 16, 2023, we understood that there would be a follow-up with a re-inspection within 30 to 60 days before that rating would be applied,” she said. Stated.
“That was over a year ago and we still haven’t had it retested,” she said.
“We continue to anxiously await retesting and are extremely proud of our health and hygiene protocols.”
But health department officials said the “C” grade was official and not pending.
“Gallagher Steakhouse was last inspected in May 2023 and received a C grade. The restaurant will be re-inspected this month. Failure to provide a grade could result in a fine of up to $1,000,” the agency said. said a spokesperson.
Additional reporting by Marie Pohl
