A

Cafe 53

1301 Ave of Th Amer, Manhattan

American (212) 350-7441

Grade A · as of Apr 2, 2025

Cafe 53 was last inspected on August 4, 2026 and scored 22 points (B range). Inspectors found 4 violations, 3 of them critical, including signs of pests.

Latest inspection

August 4, 2026 · Cycle Inspection · Initial Inspection

22

Score: 22 points (B range)

3 critical1 general

Scored in the B range on an initial inspection, so no grade is given yet. A re-inspection follows.

  • CriticalPests

    Flies or other nuisance pests were found.

    Official wording (code 04N)

    Filth flies or food/refuse/sewage associated with (FRSA) flies or other nuisance pests in establishment’s food and/or non-food areas. FRSA flies include house flies, blow flies, bottle flies, flesh flies, drain flies, Phorid flies and fruit flies.

  • CriticalFood temperature

    Raw or undercooked food was served without the required warning.

    Official wording (code 02F)

    Meat, fish, molluscan shellfish, unpasteurized raw shell eggs, poultry or other TCS offered or served raw or undercooked and written notice not provided to consumer.

  • CriticalFood temperature

    Hot food was being held below 140°F, where bacteria can grow.

    Official wording (code 02B)

    Hot TCS food item not held at or above 140 °F.

  • GeneralPests

    Garbage bins were not pest-proof or not kept covered and clean.

    Official wording (code 08B)

    Garbage receptacle not pest or water resistant, with tight-fitting lids, and covered except while in active use. Garbage receptacle and cover not cleaned after emptying and prior to reuse. Garbage, refuse and other solid and liquid waste not collected, stored, removed and disposed of so as to prevent a nuisance.

ABMar 28, 2024: 131324/03Apr 2, 2025: 131325/04Aug 4, 2026: 222226/08
Inspection scores over time. Lower is better: 0–13 is an A, 14–27 a B, 28 or more a C.

Inspection history

3 inspections on record

  1. A 13 points (A range)

    Cycle Inspection · Initial Inspection

    2 critical1 general Show violations
    • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

      Food or supplies weren’t protected from contamination during storage, prep, or service.

      Official wording (code 06C)

      Food, supplies, or equipment not protected from potential source of contamination during storage, preparation, transportation, display, service or from customer’s refillable, reusable container. Condiments not in single-service containers or dispensed directly by the vendor.

    • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

      Wiping cloths were dirty or not kept in sanitizing solution.

      Official wording (code 06F)

      Wiping cloths not stored clean and dry, or in a sanitizing solution, between uses.

    • GeneralFood handling

      Food-contact surfaces were in poor repair.

      Official wording (code 09C)

      Design, construction, materials used or maintenance of food contact surface improper. Surface not easily cleanable, sanitized and maintained.

  2. A 13 points (A range)

    Cycle Inspection · Re-inspection

    2 critical Show violations
    • CriticalFood temperature

      Hot food was being held below 140°F, where bacteria can grow.

      Official wording (code 02B)

      Hot TCS food item not held at or above 140 °F.

    • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

      Food or supplies weren’t protected from contamination during storage, prep, or service.

      Official wording (code 06C)

      Food, supplies, or equipment not protected from potential source of contamination during storage, preparation, transportation, display, service or from customer’s refillable, reusable container. Condiments not in single-service containers or dispensed directly by the vendor.

Source: NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) open data, refreshed hourly. Last inspection 3 months ago. Always confirm with the official record.