A sign hung on the front door of Stella & Fly says the the beloved Upper East Side coffee shop and wine bar is closed for renovations, however, Upper East Site has learned it is the latest neighborhood establishment shut down by the New York City Department of Health over a number of sanitary violations including a “significant mouse infestation.”
“Temporarily closed for renovation. Sorry for the inconvenience,” reads a handwritten message taped to the front door of charming cafe and after work bar located at 1705 First Avenue, between East 88th and 89th streets, known for its lively, yet intimate atmosphere.
However, just above that note from Stella & Fly management is the unmistakable, bright yellow notice that tells the full story of why the popular first-date spot abruptly shut down on Tuesday, February 7th.
“Closed by Order of the Commissioner of Health and Mental Hygiene,” reads the notice, affixed to the front door of the coffee shop, hung after a failing inspection with safety issues that couldn’t be immediately corrected.
According to the inspection report, Stella & Fly racked up a total of 64 violation points across 8 sanitary infractions, half of them deemed to be critical.
ALSO READ | Another Popular UES Coffee Shop Ordered Closed by NYC Health Department
Cold food items were found to be kept dangerously warm, according to the inspection report, which also says that Stella & Fly didn’t even have a properly calibrated thermometer in the establishment. In addition, no one at the restaurant had received food handling safety training, officials say.
Dishes and utensils provided to guests were found to be dirty, according to the Health Department, and a “significant mouse infestation” was discovered inside the cafe boasting a small menu of hearty sandwiches, fresh salads and savory sharable snacks, in addition to a cocktail list that includes what some call one of the best espresso martini’s on the Upper East Side.
First aid, food allergy and hand-washing signs were noted as being missing from the establishment as well.
When reached for comment, Stella & Fly told Upper East Site “it’s just a temporary closure due to a certificate expiration. We are in the process of having it renewed today and hope to be back open [Thursday] or Friday latest.”
ALSO READ | Man & Woman Violently Assaulted in Front of Upper East Side Deli
Despite a previous ‘A’ rating by the Health Department, an inspection report from last August also shows a number of critical safety violations — totaling 48 points — including cross-contamination, dirty dishes, rodent concerns and a lack of proper food safety training by the kitchen supervisor.
Stella & Fly’s kitchen supervisor was also found not have the proper food handling safety training during the restaurant’s February 2020 inspection, which totaled 78 violation points.
For updates around the clock, follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook
