MANHATTAN – Yet another Upper East Side eatery has been closed by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene over cleanliness concerns. Following the closure of two UES diners earlier this month for critical violations, a popular Indian restaurant was shut down after an inspection last week revealed critical violations involving dirty food preparation surfaces and vermin problems.
Yeti Spice Grill, located on First Avenue between East 91st and 92nd Streets in Yorkville, was closed after the DOHMH inspection on March 24th found evidence of rats in the restaurant— though its not clear where— as well as as well as food prep surfaces not getting cleaned or sanitized after each use, raising the risk for cross contamination.
“Closed,” reads the bright yellow notice on the door, in large black all-capital letters. “by order of the Commissioner of Health and Mental Hygiene.”
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In addition, DOHMH inspection records show that the wiping clothes at Yeti Spice Grill were either soiled or not stored in a sanitizing liquid and the restaurant itself is not vermin proof, a Health Department violation.
Prior to the March 24th visit by inspectors, Yeti Spice Grill had not been inspected by the Health Department since April 2019, when it had only eleven violation points, rather than the 45 racked up last week.
Yeti Spice Grill has four and a half stars on Yelp and reviews rave about their foods’ freshness and quality.
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Serving both Indian and Indo-Chinese cuisine, you’ll find staples like samosas and chicken tikka masala as well as fried rice and gobi Manchurian— fried cauliflower served dry or tossed in soy-based sauce.
The restaurant’s shutdown comes following the closure of two Upper East Side diners by the Health Department in March. Both diners have since made corrections, been reinspected and reopened to the public.
It’s not clear when Yeti Spice Grill will reopen. Upper East Site was unable to reach management for comment.
Update: Yeti Spike Grill has reopened after passing a follow-up inspection by the Department of Health
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The vermin problem is terrible around First Avenue and on 92nd Street. Worst block in the area. I try to avoid it. Walk down 92nd Street, and as you approach First, the rats will scamper on the sidewalk. They’re hiding under every bag of garbage on the street. Why doesn’t the city do something about that? I don’t really blame Yeti. The city has ignored the problem for years. I’ve called to complain, but I have never seen any city workers or crews there.