Restaurant Report Card: August 2011

Each month, on the second Wednesday, we post a report of restaurants in the 10002 ZIP code that scored 28 points or more–the equivalent of a “C” grade–on their health department inspections the previous month. We also call out establishments that excelled, by earning three points or fewer. August proved a difficult month for several notable local restaurants—among them, Beauty & Essex, Kuma Inn and Falai (which is now closed)—as well as a handful of popular nightlife spots, such as White Star, Gallery Bar and Foundation (which was shuttered after an Aug. 19 inspection).

For details on how the city grades food establishments, see the guide (PDF). Because of the way the city’s online search function operates, we cannot link directly to individual reports here, but you can visit the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s website, type in the name of any restaurant and view the details of inspectors’ findings for all recent visits. For past months’ reports, see our Restaurant Report Card archives.

Here’s the report for August.

First, the good news: The new Café Grumpy outpost on Essex Street and the Thompson LES Hotel’s basement and seventh floor eateries all earned zero points. Hok Zhou Restaurant on East Broadway and The Raging Skillet on East Houston both scored 3 points this month.Va Bene Pizza earned only 2 points during a re-inspection on Aug. 17, allowing it to reopen after being closed by authorities Aug. 9, when it earned 81 violation points.

Here’s the full list of restaurants scoring 28 points or more, from most points to least. Please note that restaurateurs are permitted to post a “grade pending” certificate while they appeal an unsatisfactory score, so those listed here may not currently display a “C” in their storefronts.