La Covacha
368 COLUMBUS AVENUE, Manhattan, 10024
Should you eat here?
Mostly OK — but 4 critical violations were found at the latest inspection (10 months ago). Details below.
Last inspected Sep 24, 2025 · New York City health department
What the inspector found on Sep 24, 2025
Food 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 staff hygiene issue, such as handwashing, glove use, or bare-hand contact with food.
Food worker/food vendor does not use utensil or other barrier to eliminate bare hand contact with food that will not receive adequate additional heat treatment.
CriticalRaw and ready-to-eat foods were not kept separate, risking contamination.
Food contact surface not properly washed, rinsed and sanitized after each use and following any activity when contamination may have occurred.
CriticalA staff hygiene issue, such as handwashing, glove use, or bare-hand contact with food.
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.
Critical
Inspection history
| Date | Result | Type | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 24, 2025 | Grade Pending | Cycle Inspection / Initial Inspection | 4 (4 critical) |
| May 23, 2024 | Grade A | Cycle Inspection / Re-inspection | 3 (2 critical) |
| Apr 17, 2023 | Grade Pending | Cycle Inspection / Initial Inspection | 3 (2 critical) |
Problems that keep coming back
Issues cited at more than one inspection — a better signal than any single visit.
- 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.
- 44 rodent inspections on record, 18 finding rat activity.
- 2 recent 311 complaints filed at this address.
Check any restaurant before you go
Radius puts New York City’s inspection record in your pocket, in plain English.
Looking for something else in New York City? Browse New York City inspections.