Semicolon Cafe
516a 3 Avenue, Manhattan, NY 10016
Coffee/Tea Murray Hill-Kips Bay (201) 937-9123
Grade Pending · as of Jun 17, 2026
Semicolon Cafe was last inspected on June 17, 2026 and scored 44 points (C range). Inspectors found 7 violations, 4 of them critical.
Latest inspection
June 17, 2026 · Pre-permit (Operational) · Re-inspection
Score: 44 points (C range)
4 critical2 general1 paperwork-
CriticalHygiene & sanitation
Wiping cloths were dirty or not kept in sanitizing solution.
Official wording (code 06F)
Wiping cloths not stored clean and dry, or in a sanitizing solution, between uses.
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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 handling
No one supervising the kitchen held a Food Protection Certificate.
Official wording (code 04A)
Food Protection Certificate (FPC) not held by manager or supervisor of food operations.
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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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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
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
3 inspections on record
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Administrative Miscellaneous · Re-inspection · Violations were cited in the following area(s)
4 paperwork Show violations
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PaperworkSigns & paperwork
Providing single-use, non-compostable plastic straws to customers without customer request (including providing such straws at a self-serve station)
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PaperworkSigns & paperwork
Failure to display required signage about plastic straw availability
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PaperworkSigns & paperwork
Required healthy-eating information wasn’t posted.
Official wording (code 20-08)
Failure to post or conspicuously post healthy eating information
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PaperworkSigns & paperwork
Required choking first-aid or alcohol-and-pregnancy signs (or resuscitation masks) were missing.
Official wording (code 20-04)
“Choking first aid” poster not posted. “Alcohol and Pregnancy” warning sign not posted. Resuscitation equipment: exhaled air resuscitation masks (adult & pediatric), latex gloves, sign not posted.
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36 36 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.
5 critical3 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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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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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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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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CriticalFood handling
No one supervising the kitchen held a Food Protection Certificate.
Official wording (code 04A)
Food Protection Certificate (FPC) not held by manager or supervisor of food operations.
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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.
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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
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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More in Murray Hill-Kips Bay
Source: NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) open data, refreshed hourly. Last inspection 5 months ago. Always confirm with the official record.