Grade ASoul Food

Empire Soul Food Restaurant

547 LENOX AVENUE, Manhattan, 10037

Should you eat here?

Mostly OK — but 1 critical violation was found at the latest inspection (9 months ago). Details below.

Last inspected Oct 14, 2025 · New York City health department

A 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.
Critical
A cleanliness or sanitizing issue with surfaces, dishware, or the general premises.
Design, construction, materials used or maintenance of food contact surface improper. Surface not easily cleanable, sanitized and maintained.

Date	Result	Type	Violations
Oct 14, 2025	Grade A	Cycle Inspection / Initial Inspection	2 (1 critical)
Apr 10, 2025	Grade Pending	Pre-permit (Non-operational) / Compliance Inspection	2
Mar 31, 2025	Grade Pending	Pre-permit (Non-operational) / Re-inspection	4 (3 critical)
Mar 18, 2025	Grade Pending	Pre-permit (Non-operational) / Initial Inspection	5 (5 critical)

Issues cited at more than one inspection — a better signal than any single visit.

2×A staff hygiene issue, such as handwashing, glove use, or bare-hand contact with food.
2×A general health-code issue noted during the inspection.
2×Raw and ready-to-eat foods were not kept separate, risking contamination.
2×Raw and ready-to-eat foods were not kept separate, risking contamination.

City records for the building itself, not this restaurant’s inspection.

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