Harlem Shark Bar
341 Malcolm X Boulevard, Manhattan, NY 10027
American Central Harlem North-Polo Grounds (646) 251-3995
Grade C · as of Jan 29, 2026
Harlem Shark Bar was last inspected on May 1, 2026 and scored 7 points (A range). Inspectors found 2 violations.
Latest inspection
May 1, 2026 · Pre-permit (Operational) · Compliance Inspection
Score: 7 points (A range)
1 general1 paperwork-
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.
Inspection history
5 inspections on record
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C 51 points (C range)
Pre-permit (Operational) · Re-inspection
6 critical5 general Show violations
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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.
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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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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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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.
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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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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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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.
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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.
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GeneralFood handling
Frozen food was being thawed the wrong way.
Official wording (code 09B)
Thawing procedure improper.
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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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Smoke-Free Air Act · Re-inspection · Violations were cited in the following area(s)
1 paperwork Show violations
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PaperworkSmoke-free rules
Flavored tobacco products sold, offered for sale
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Smoke-Free Air Act · Initial Inspection · No violations were recorded at the time of this inspection
No violations
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39 39 points (C range)
Pre-permit (Operational) · Initial Inspection
Scored in the C range on an initial inspection, so no grade is given yet. A re-inspection follows.
2 critical1 general1 paperwork Show violations
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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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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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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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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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More in Central Harlem North-Polo Grounds
Source: NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) open data, refreshed hourly. Last inspection 6 months ago. Always confirm with the official record.