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Grade ACoffee/Tea

Poetica Coffee

251 SMITH STREET, Brooklyn, 11231

Should you eat here?

Mostly OK — but 2 critical violations were found at the latest inspection (11 months ago). Details below.

Last inspected Aug 19, 2025 · New York City health department

What the inspector found on Aug 19, 2025

  • Food was not stored, covered, labeled, or dated properly.

    Wiping cloths not stored clean and dry, or in a sanitizing solution, between uses.

    Critical

  • Raw 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.

    Critical

  • A cleanliness or sanitizing issue with surfaces, dishware, or the general premises.

    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.

  • A paperwork or posting requirement, such as permits, certificates, or required signs.

    Current letter grade or Grade Pending card not posted

Inspection history

DateResultTypeViolations
Aug 19, 2025Grade ACycle Inspection / Re-inspection4 (2 critical)
Mar 14, 2025Grade PendingCycle Inspection / Initial Inspection6 (3 critical)
Apr 11, 2024Grade BCycle Inspection / Re-inspection5 (3 critical)
Oct 30, 2023Grade PendingCycle Inspection / Initial Inspection5 (2 critical)
Oct 28, 2022Grade ACycle Inspection / Initial Inspection1

Problems that keep coming back

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

  • 4×A cleanliness or sanitizing issue with surfaces, dishware, or the general premises.
  • 3×Raw and ready-to-eat foods were not kept separate, risking contamination.
  • 3×A general health-code issue noted during the inspection.
  • 3×A cleanliness or sanitizing issue with surfaces, dishware, or the general premises.
  • 2×A paperwork or posting requirement, such as permits, certificates, or required signs.
  • 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.

  • 1 recent 311 complaint filed at this address.

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