A

Em Star Cafe

19 Division Street, Manhattan, NY 10002

Chinese Chinatown (646) 506-8008

Grade A · as of Jun 8, 2026

Em Star Cafe was last inspected on June 8, 2026 and scored 13 points (A range). Inspectors found 3 violations, 1 of them critical, including signs of pests.

Latest inspection

June 8, 2026 · Cycle Inspection · Initial Inspection

A

Score: 13 points (A range)

1 critical2 general
  • CriticalFood handling

    Food was contaminated or cross-contaminated, or wasn’t thrown out when it should have been.

    Official wording (code 04H)

    Raw, cooked or prepared food is adulterated, contaminated, cross-contaminated, or not discarded in accordance with HACCP plan.

  • 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.

  • GeneralPests

    Pesticides were used or stored improperly, or open bait was used.

    Official wording (code 08C)

    Pesticide not properly labeled or used by unlicensed individual. Pesticide, other toxic chemical improperly used/stored. Unprotected, unlocked bait station used.

ABJan 9, 2024: 131324/01Mar 25, 2025: 262625/03May 8, 2025: 101025/05Jun 8, 2026: 131326/06
Inspection scores over time. Lower is better: 0–13 is an A, 14–27 a B, 28 or more a C.

Inspection history

4 inspections on record

  1. A 10 points (A range)

    Cycle Inspection · Re-inspection

    1 critical2 general Show violations
    • 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.

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Single-use items (cups, utensils, containers) were missing, reused, or left unprotected.

      Official wording (code 10H)

      Single service article not provided. Single service article reused or not protected from contamination when transported, stored, dispensed. Drinking straws not completely enclosed in wrapper or dispensed from a sanitary device.

    • 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. 26 26 points (B range)

    Cycle Inspection · Initial Inspection

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

    3 critical3 general Show violations
    • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

      Someone was eating, drinking, or smoking in a food prep or dishwashing area.

      Official wording (code 06B)

      Tobacco or electronic cigarette use, eating, or drinking from open container in food preparation, food storage or dishwashing area.

    • 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.

    • CriticalPests

      Live roaches were found.

      Official wording (code 04M)

      Live roaches in facility's food or non-food area.

    • GeneralPests

      The building wasn’t pest-proofed: gaps, holes, or clutter that let rodents or insects in or give them shelter.

      Official wording (code 08A)

      Establishment is not free of harborage or conditions conducive to rodents, insects or other pests.

    • GeneralFood handling

      Frozen food was being thawed the wrong way.

      Official wording (code 09B)

      Thawing procedure improper.

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Non-food surfaces or equipment were poorly built or maintained.

      Official wording (code 10G)

      Dishwashing and ware washing: Cleaning and sanitizing of tableware, including dishes, utensils, and equipment deficient.

  3. A 13 points (A range)

    Cycle Inspection · Initial Inspection

    1 critical3 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.

    • 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.

    • GeneralPests

      Pesticides were used or stored improperly, or open bait was used.

      Official wording (code 08C)

      Pesticide not properly labeled or used by unlicensed individual. Pesticide, other toxic chemical improperly used/stored. Unprotected, unlocked bait station used.

    • GeneralFood handling

      Frozen food was being thawed the wrong way.

      Official wording (code 09B)

      Thawing procedure improper.

More in Chinatown

Source: NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) open data, refreshed hourly. Last inspection 5 months ago. Always confirm with the official record.