Red Hook Coffee Shop Shuttered For Mice, Sanitary Violations

RED HOOK, BROOKLYN — A local coffee shop was shut down this month after inspectors found more than double the number of health violations needed to close a business, records show.

Red Hook Coffee Shop, found on Van Brunt Street between Sullivan and King streets, was given 62 violation points during an inspection on May 3. Any score 28 points or more require that the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene close the business.

Inspectors visiting the cafe found that food had been adulterated, contaminated, cross-contaminated or not discarded properly. There was also evidence of mice or live mice in the facility and that the restaurant was not vermin-proofed.

The restaurant's food contact surfaces were also not properly rinsed or washed after each use, records show.

The inspectors also discovered that staff were using tobacco, eating or drinking in the food preparation, storage or dishwashing areas and that food was not protected from contamination. Thawing procedures at the cafe were also not done properly and the non-food contact surfaces were improperly constructed, or constructed without the acceptable materials.

A call to the Red Hook Coffee Shop for comment found that the cafe's phone number has been disconnected.

The cafe is advertised online as a spot for a quick bite, fast service and comfort food. It has been featured on both Yelp and Foursquare as one of the "best places for coffee" in or around the neighborhood.