Blue Willow
40 WEST 56 STREET, Manhattan, 10019
Should you eat here?
Mostly OK — but 4 critical violations were found at the latest inspection (3 months ago). Details below.
Last inspected Apr 21, 2026 · New York City health department
What the inspector found on Apr 21, 2026
A general health-code issue noted during the inspection.
Hot TCS food item not held at or above 140 °F.
CriticalA staff hygiene issue, such as handwashing, glove use, or bare-hand contact with food.
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.
CriticalRaw and ready-to-eat foods were not kept separate, risking contamination.
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.
CriticalFood was not kept hot or cold enough. Wrong temperatures let bacteria grow.
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.
CriticalA general health-code issue noted during the inspection.
Thawing procedure improper.
An issue with how food is prepared, protected, or handled during service.
Food Protection Certificate not available for inspection
A cleanliness or sanitizing issue with surfaces, dishware, or the general premises.
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.
A staff hygiene issue, such as handwashing, glove use, or bare-hand contact with food.
Wash hands sign not posted near or above hand washing sink.
Inspection history
| Date | Result | Type | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 21, 2026 | Grade Pending | Cycle Inspection / Initial Inspection | 8 (4 critical) |
| Dec 9, 2024 | Grade Pending | Cycle Inspection / Initial Inspection | 4 (2 critical) |
| Sep 25, 2023 | Grade Pending | Cycle Inspection / Initial Inspection | 5 (4 critical) |
Problems that keep coming back
Issues cited at more than one inspection — a better signal than any single visit.
- 3×Food was not kept hot or cold enough. Wrong temperatures let bacteria grow.
- 2×Raw and ready-to-eat foods were not kept separate, risking contamination.
Around this address
City records for the building itself, not this restaurant’s inspection.
- 8 rodent inspections on record, 2 finding rat activity.
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