A

House of Joy

28 Pell Street, Manhattan, NY 10013

Chinese Chinatown (212) 285-8688

Grade A · as of Apr 29, 2026

House of Joy was last inspected on April 29, 2026 and scored 12 points (A range). Inspectors found 2 violations, 2 of them critical.

Latest inspection

April 29, 2026 · Cycle Inspection · Re-inspection

A

Score: 12 points (A range)

2 critical
  • 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.

  • 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.

ABJun 12, 2023: 232323/06Mar 18, 2024: 5524/03Jun 3, 2025: 12712725/06Jun 5, 2025: 3325/06Jul 16, 2025: 363625/07Oct 24, 2025: 575725/10Jan 5, 2026: 111126/01Apr 15, 2026: 444426/04Apr 29, 2026: 121226/04
Inspection scores over time. Lower is better: 0–13 is an A, 14–27 a B, 28 or more a C.

Inspection history

9 inspections on record

  1. 44 44 points (C range)

    Cycle Inspection · Initial Inspection

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

    6 critical2 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.

    • CriticalFacility

      Food-contact equipment or containers were made of unsuitable material or badly maintained.

      Official wording (code 05C)

      Food contact surface, refillable, reusable containers, or equipment improperly constructed, placed or maintained. Unacceptable material used. Culinary sink or other acceptable method not provided for washing food.

    • CriticalPests

      Live roaches were found.

      Official wording (code 04M)

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

    • 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.

    • CriticalFood handling

      Toxic chemicals or pesticides were stored where they could contaminate food.

      Official wording (code 04E)

      Toxic chemical or pesticide improperly stored or used such that food contamination may occur.

    • 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

      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.

  2. A 11 points (A range)

    Cycle Inspection · Re-inspection

    1 critical1 general1 paperwork Show violations
    • 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.

    • PaperworkFood handling

      No “wash hands” sign at the hand sink.

      Official wording (code 09E)

      Wash hands sign not posted near or above hand washing sink.

  3. 57 57 points (C range)

    Cycle Inspection · Initial Inspection

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

    5 critical2 general Show violations
    • CriticalPests

      Live roaches were found.

      Official wording (code 04M)

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

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • CriticalFacility

      A harmful gas or vapor was detected.

      Official wording (code 05B)

      Harmful noxious gas or vapor detected. Carbon Monoxide (CO) level exceeds nine (9) ppm

    • CriticalFacility

      A hand-washing sink was missing, blocked, or not stocked with soap and towels.

      Official wording (code 05D)

      No hand washing facility in or adjacent to toilet room or within 25 feet of a food preparation, food service or ware washing area. Hand washing facility not accessible, obstructed or used for non-hand washing purposes. No hot and cold running water or water at inadequate pressure. No soap or acceptable hand-drying device.

    • 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.

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Plumbing was missing protection against backflow, or floors didn’t drain properly.

      Official wording (code 10B)

      Anti-siphonage or back-flow prevention device not provided where required; equipment or floor not properly drained; sewage disposal system in disrepair or not functioning properly. Condensation or liquid waste improperly disposed of.

  4. C 36 points (C range)

    Cycle Inspection · Re-inspection

    4 critical1 general Show violations
    • 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.

    • 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

      Food wasn’t cooked to a safe internal temperature.

      Official wording (code 02A)

      Time/Temperature Control for Safety (TCS) food not cooked to required minimum internal temperature. • Poultry, poultry parts, ground and comminuted poultry, all stuffing containing poultry, meats, fish or ratites to or above 165 °F for 15 seconds with no interruption of the cooking process • Ground meat, and food containing ground and comminuted meat, to or above 158 °F for 15 seconds with no interruption of the cooking process, except per individual customer request • Pork, any food containing pork to or above 150 °F for 15 seconds • Mechanically tenderized or injected meats to or above 155 °F. • Whole meat roasts and beef steak to or above required temperature and time except per individual customer request • Raw animal foods cooked in microwave to or above165 °F, covered, rotated or stirred • All other foods to or above 140 °F for 15 seconds; shell eggs to or above 145 °F for 15 seconds except per individual customer request.

    • 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.

    • 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.

  5. GP 3 points (A range)

    Cycle Inspection · Reopening Inspection

    The Health Department allowed this restaurant to re-open.

    1 general Show violations
    • 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.

  6. Closed 127 points (C range)

    Cycle Inspection · Initial Inspection

    The Health Department closed this restaurant at this inspection.

    10 critical4 general Show violations
    • CriticalPests

      Live roaches were found.

      Official wording (code 04M)

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

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • CriticalFacility

      A hand-washing sink was missing, blocked, or not stocked with soap and towels.

      Official wording (code 05D)

      No hand washing facility in or adjacent to toilet room or within 25 feet of a food preparation, food service or ware washing area. Hand washing facility not accessible, obstructed or used for non-hand washing purposes. No hot and cold running water or water at inadequate pressure. No soap or acceptable hand-drying device.

    • 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.

    • CriticalPests

      Rats, or signs of rats, were found.

      Official wording (code 04K)

      Evidence of rats or live rats in establishment's food or non-food areas.

    • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

      Clean utensils or equipment were stored or handled in a way that could contaminate them.

      Official wording (code 06E)

      Sanitized equipment or utensil, including in-use food dispensing utensil, improperly used or stored.

    • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

      Workers’ personal hygiene was inadequate (dirty clothing, no hair restraint, jewelry).

      Official wording (code 06A)

      Personal cleanliness is inadequate. Outer garment soiled with possible contaminant. Effective hair restraint not worn where required. Jewelry worn on hands or arms. Fingernail polish worn or fingernails not kept clean and trimmed.

    • CriticalFacility

      Food-contact equipment or containers were made of unsuitable material or badly maintained.

      Official wording (code 05C)

      Food contact surface, refillable, reusable containers, or equipment improperly constructed, placed or maintained. Unacceptable material used. Culinary sink or other acceptable method not provided for washing food.

    • 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.

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Plumbing was missing protection against backflow, or floors didn’t drain properly.

      Official wording (code 10B)

      Anti-siphonage or back-flow prevention device not provided where required; equipment or floor not properly drained; sewage disposal system in disrepair or not functioning properly. Condensation or liquid waste improperly disposed of.

    • 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.

    • 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.

  7. A 5 points (A range)

    Cycle Inspection · Re-inspection

    1 general Show violations
    • 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.

  8. 23 23 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.

    2 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.

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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 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 Chinatown

Source: NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) open data, refreshed hourly. Last inspection 6 months ago. Always confirm with the official record.