Semicolon Cafe
516A 3 AVENUE, Manhattan, 10016
Should you eat here?
Mostly OK — but 4 critical violations were found at the latest inspection (7 weeks ago). Details below.
Last inspected Jun 17, 2026 · New York City health department
What the inspector found on Jun 17, 2026
An issue with how food is prepared, protected, or handled during service.
Food Protection Certificate (FPC) not held by manager or supervisor of food operations.
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.
CriticalFood was not stored, covered, labeled, or dated properly.
Wiping cloths not stored clean and dry, or in a sanitizing solution, between uses.
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.
CriticalA paperwork or posting requirement, such as permits, certificates, or required signs.
Failure to display required signage about plastic straw availability
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 staff hygiene issue, such as handwashing, glove use, or bare-hand contact with food.
Failure to post or conspicuously post healthy eating information
A general health-code issue noted during the inspection.
Providing single-use, non-compostable plastic straws to customers without customer request (including providing such straws at a self-serve station)
A cleanliness or sanitizing issue with surfaces, dishware, or the general premises.
Dishwashing and ware washing: Cleaning and sanitizing of tableware, including dishes, utensils, and equipment deficient.
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.
A staff hygiene issue, such as handwashing, glove use, or bare-hand contact with food.
“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.
Inspection history
| Date | Result | Type | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 17, 2026 | Grade Pending | Pre-permit (Operational) / Re-inspection | 11 (4 critical) |
| Apr 2, 2026 | Grade Pending | Pre-permit (Operational) / Initial Inspection | 8 (5 critical) |
Problems that keep coming back
Issues cited at more than one inspection — a better signal than any single visit.
- 2×An issue with how food is prepared, protected, or handled during service.
- 2×Raw and ready-to-eat foods were not kept separate, risking contamination.
- 2×A cleanliness or sanitizing issue with surfaces, dishware, or the general premises.
Around this address
City records for the building itself, not this restaurant’s inspection.
- 9 rodent inspections on record, none finding rat activity.
- 1 recent 311 complaint filed at this address.
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