How to Compare Health Ratings in NYC for Restaurants and Food Trucks

When it comes to eating out in New York City, it is important to factor in your health needs. Many restaurants and food trucks in the city are required to display their health ratings, which can help you make informed choices about where to eat. Here are some tips on how to compare health ratings in NYC for restaurants and food trucks.

Check online resources: The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene maintains an online database of restaurant and food truck health ratings. You can search for a specific restaurant or browse ratings in your area.

Look for the letter grade: Restaurants and food trucks in NYC are required to display their health ratings in the form of a letter grade. An ‘A’ means the establishment had 0-13 violation points, a ‘B’ means 14-27 violation points, and a ‘C’ means 28 or more violation points. While an ‘A’ is ideal, a ‘B’ or ‘C’ doesn’t necessarily mean the establishment is unsafe. However, multiple ‘C’ ratings may be indicative of a consistent issue.

Read the inspection report: The health rating represents the results of the most recent health inspection. However, it is important to also read the full inspection report to understand the specific violations that led to the rating. Some violations, like incorrect food temperatures, can pose a serious health risk, while others, like a missing hairnet on an employee, are less concerning.

Consider other factors: Health ratings only tell part of the story when it comes to eating out. You may also want to consider other factors such as menu options, price, and customer reviews. You can also ask for recommendations from friends or look up restaurant reviews online.

Ultimately, it is up to you to decide how to prioritize health ratings when choosing where to eat. However, by following the tips above, you can make more informed decisions about dining out in New York City.