Initial Tea

467 Dekalb Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11205
Café / Breakfast
Last inspected: Apr 14, 2026
61
Score
Medium Risk NYC Grade: Pending

Inspectors have visited Initial Tea four times, with records going back to 2023. On Apr 14, 2026, the health department conducted the most recent visit. Medium risk typically reflects a handful of issues that inspectors wrote up but didn't deem critical.

Violation counts have held steady across recent visits, averaging around four violations each.

When inspectors have written things up, “food contact surface not properly washed” has been the most frequent reason, cited three times.

Initial Tea's latest score of 61 falls below the Brooklyn average of 77. On the whole, the file is mixed but not concerning.

4
Inspections
3
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 14, 2026
Cycle Inspection / Initial Inspection
3 critical violations. 1 minor violation.
View 4 violations
Personal cleanliness is inadequate. outer garment soiled with possible contaminant. effective hair restraint not worn where required. jewelry worn on hands or arms. fingernail polish worn or fingernails not kept clean and trimmed.
06A
Evidence of mice or live mice in establishment's food or non-food areas.
04L
Wiping cloths not stored clean and dry, or in a sanitizing solution, between uses.
06F
Establishment is not free of harborage or conditions conducive to rodents, insects or other pests.
08A
61
Jul 21, 2025
Cycle Inspection / Re-inspection
2 critical violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food contact surface not properly washed, rinsed and sanitized after each use and following any activity when contamination may have occurred.
06D
Evidence of mice or live mice in establishment's food or non-food areas.
04L
Establishment is not free of harborage or conditions conducive to rodents, insects or other pests.
08A
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.
10F
67
May 13, 2025
Cycle Inspection / Initial Inspection
3 critical violations. 1 minor violation.
View 4 violations
Wiping cloths not stored clean and dry, or in a sanitizing solution, between uses.
06F
Food contact surface not properly washed, rinsed and sanitized after each use and following any activity when contamination may have occurred.
06D
Hot tcs food item not held at or above 140 °f.
02B
Dishwashing and ware washing: cleaning and sanitizing of tableware, including dishes, utensils, and equipment deficient.
10G
61
Dec 4, 2023
Cycle Inspection / Initial Inspection
1 critical violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food contact surface not properly washed, rinsed and sanitized after each use and following any activity when contamination may have occurred.
06D
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.
10F
Design, construction, materials used or maintenance of food contact surface improper. surface not easily cleanable, sanitized and maintained.
09C
Accurate thermometer not provided or properly located in refrigerated, cold storage or hot holding equipment
10E
74

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Initial Tea last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Initial Tea on file is from Apr 14, 2026. The public record contains four inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Initial Tea?

Across the inspection record, “food contact surface not properly washed” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at Initial Tea.

How does Initial Tea compare to other restaurants in Brooklyn?

Initial Tea most recently scored 61 out of 100, which is lower than the Brooklyn average of 77.

Has Initial Tea's inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Initial Tea have averaged around four violations per visit across the recent record.

What does a medium risk rating mean?

A medium risk rating at Initial Tea means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.

How often is Initial Tea inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Initial Tea is inspected around two times per year on average.