A

Roots Cafe

639 5 Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11215

American Park Slope-Gowanus (315) 529-6536

Grade A · as of Aug 4, 2025

Roots Cafe was last inspected on October 20, 2026 and scored 20 points (B range). Inspectors found 3 violations, 3 of them critical.

Latest inspection

October 20, 2026 · Cycle Inspection · Initial Inspection

20

Score: 20 points (B range)

3 critical

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

  • CriticalFood temperature

    Cooked food wasn’t cooled down quickly enough.

    Official wording (code 02H)

    After cooking or removal from hot holding, TCS food not cooled by an approved method whereby the internal temperature is reduced from 140 °F to 70 °F or less within 2 hours, and from 70 °F to 41 °F or less within 4 additional hours.

  • CriticalFood temperature

    Cold food was kept warmer than 41°F, where bacteria can grow.

    Official wording (code 02G)

    Cold TCS food item held above 41 °F; smoked or processed fish held above 38 °F; intact raw eggs held above 45 °F; or reduced oxygen packaged (ROP) TCS foods held above required temperatures except during active necessary preparation.

  • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

    Surfaces that touch food weren’t properly washed and sanitized.

    Official wording (code 06D)

    Food contact surface not properly washed, rinsed and sanitized after each use and following any activity when contamination may have occurred.

ABJan 3, 2024: 9924/01Aug 4, 2025: 121225/08Oct 20, 2026: 202026/10
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 12 points (A range)

    Cycle Inspection · Initial Inspection

    2 critical2 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

      Surfaces that touch food weren’t properly washed and sanitized.

      Official wording (code 06D)

      Food contact surface not properly washed, rinsed and sanitized after each use and following any activity when contamination may have occurred.

    • GeneralOther

      Adulterated or mislabeled food was on the premises.

      Official wording (code 28-05)

      Food adulterated or misbranded. Adulterated or misbranded food possessed, being manufactured, produced, packed, sold, offered for sale, delivered or given away

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Non-food surfaces or equipment were dirty, damaged, or made of unsuitable material.

      Official wording (code 10F)

      Non-food contact surface or equipment made of unacceptable material, not kept clean, or not properly sealed, raised, spaced or movable to allow accessibility for cleaning on all sides, above and underneath the unit.

  2. A 9 points (A range)

    Cycle Inspection · Initial Inspection

    1 critical1 general 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.

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Non-food surfaces or equipment were dirty, damaged, or made of unsuitable material.

      Official wording (code 10F)

      Non-food contact surface or equipment made of unacceptable material, not kept clean, or not properly sealed, raised, spaced or movable to allow accessibility for cleaning on all sides, above and underneath the unit.

More in Park Slope-Gowanus

Source: NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) open data, refreshed hourly. Last inspection 2 weeks ago. Always confirm with the official record.