A

Universe Cafe

929 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY 10462

Coffee/Tea Van Nest-Morris Park-Westchester Square (914) 295-4111

Grade A · as of Jul 2, 2025

Universe Cafe was last inspected on October 1, 2026 and scored 26 points (B range). Inspectors found 7 violations, 4 of them critical, including signs of pests.

Latest inspection

October 1, 2026 · Cycle Inspection · Initial Inspection

26

Score: 26 points (B range)

4 critical3 general

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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • GeneralOther

    No contract with a licensed exterminator, or pest-control records missing.

    Official wording (code 28-06)

    Contract with a pest management professional not in place. Record of extermination activities not kept on premises.

  • 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.

ABNov 26, 2024: 393924/11Dec 3, 2024: 2224/12Jul 2, 2025: 101025/07Oct 1, 2026: 262626/10
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 · Initial Inspection

    1 critical1 general Show violations
    • 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.

    • 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. 2 2 points (A range)

    Pre-permit (Non-operational) · 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.

  3. 39 39 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.

    1 critical3 general Show violations
    • 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.

    • 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

      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.

    • 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.

More in Van Nest-Morris Park-Westchester Square

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