Reading Room
16 East 46 Street, Manhattan, NY 10017
American Midtown-Midtown South (980) 253-1187
Grade A · as of Jul 10, 2025
Reading Room was last inspected on October 13, 2026 and scored 26 points (B range). Inspectors found 6 violations, 3 of them critical.
Latest inspection
October 13, 2026 · Cycle Inspection · Initial Inspection
Score: 26 points (B range)
3 critical3 generalScored in the B range on an initial inspection, so no grade is given yet. A re-inspection follows.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Inspection history
4 inspections on record
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A 9 points (A range)
Cycle Inspection · Re-inspection
1 critical1 general1 paperwork Show violations
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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.
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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.
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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.
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39 39 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 critical1 general Show violations
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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.
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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.
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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.
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CriticalPests
Mice, or signs of mice, were found.
Official wording (code 04L)
Evidence of mice or live mice in establishment's food or non-food areas.
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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.
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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.
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Administrative Miscellaneous · Initial Inspection · Violations were cited in the following area(s)
1 paperwork Show violations
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PaperworkSigns & paperwork
Letter grade or Grade Pending card not visible from the street.
Official wording (code 20-05)
Current letter grade or "Grade Pending" card not conspicuously posted or visible to passersby
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More in Midtown-Midtown South
Source: NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) open data, refreshed hourly. Last inspection 3 weeks ago. Always confirm with the official record.