Empire Soul Food Restaurant
547 Lenox Avenue, Manhattan, NY 10037
Soul Food Central Harlem North-Polo Grounds (646) 724-9856
Grade A · as of Oct 14, 2025
Empire Soul Food Restaurant was last inspected on October 14, 2025 and scored 12 points (A range). Inspectors found 2 violations, 1 of them critical.
Latest inspection
October 14, 2025 · Cycle Inspection · Initial Inspection
Score: 12 points (A range)
1 critical1 general-
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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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.
Inspection history
4 inspections on record
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4 4 points (A range)
Pre-permit (Non-operational) · Compliance Inspection
2 general Show violations
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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.
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69 69 points (C range)
Pre-permit (Non-operational) · Re-inspection
3 critical1 general Show violations
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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.
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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
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CriticalFacility
No approved procedure for refilling reusable containers.
Official wording (code 05H)
No approved written standard operating procedure for avoiding contamination by refillable returnable containers.
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Ventilation was missing or broken, letting grease, heat, or fumes build up.
Official wording (code 10D)
Mechanical or natural ventilation not provided, inadequate, improperly installed, in disrepair or fails to prevent and control excessive build-up of grease, heat, steam condensation, vapors, odors, smoke or fumes.
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118 118 points (C range)
Pre-permit (Non-operational) · Initial Inspection
Scored in the C range on an initial inspection, so no grade is given yet. A re-inspection follows.
5 critical Show violations
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CriticalFacility
No approved procedure for refilling reusable containers.
Official wording (code 05H)
No approved written standard operating procedure for avoiding contamination by refillable returnable containers.
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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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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
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CriticalFacility
Not enough refrigeration or hot-holding equipment to keep food at safe temperatures.
Official wording (code 05F)
Insufficient or no hot holding, cold storage or cold holding equipment provided to maintain Time/Temperature Control for Safety Foods (TCS) at required temperatures
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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.
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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 13 months ago. Always confirm with the official record.