Sweetea

167 Madison Avenue, Manhattan, NY 10016

Café / Breakfast

Last inspected: Jan 28, 2026

Score

High Risk NYC Grade: Pending

Inspectors have visited Sweetea three times, with records going back to 2024. On Jan 28, 2026, the health department conducted the most recent visit. High risk indicates the latest inspection turned up problems worth knowing about.

Compared to the prior visit, inspectors found more to write up: 13 violations versus four before.

Food contact surface not properly washed accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing three times across the record.

Sweetea's latest score of 32 falls below the Manhattan average of 77. Diners may want to scan the inspection details before deciding to visit.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Jan 28, 2026

Cycle Inspection / Initial Inspection

5 critical violations. 8 minor violations.

View 13 violations

No hand washing facility in or adjacent to toilet room or within 25 feet of a food preparation, food service or ware washing area. hand washing facility not accessible, obstructed or used for non-hand washing purposes. no hot and cold running water or water at inadequate pressure. no soap or acceptable hand-drying device.

05D

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

Food, supplies, or equipment not protected from potential source of contamination during storage, preparation, transportation, display, service or from customer’s refillable, reusable container. condiments not in single-service containers or dispensed directly by the vendor.

06C

Evidence of mice or live mice in establishment's food or non-food areas.

04L

Contract with a pest management professional not in place. record of extermination activities not kept on premises.

28-06

Nuisance created or allowed to exist. facility not free from unsafe, hazardous, offensive or annoying condition.

28-01

Anti-siphonage or back-flow prevention device not provided where required; equipment or floor not properly drained; sewage disposal system in disrepair or not functioning properly. condensation or liquid waste improperly disposed of.

10B

Establishment is not free of harborage or conditions conducive to rodents, insects or other pests.

08A

“choking first aid” poster not posted. “alcohol and pregnancy” warning sign not posted. resuscitation equipment: exhaled air resuscitation masks (adult & pediatric), latex gloves, sign not posted.

20-04

Dishwashing and ware washing: cleaning and sanitizing of tableware, including dishes, utensils, and equipment deficient.

10G

Pesticide not properly labeled or used by unlicensed individual. pesticide, other toxic chemical improperly used/stored. unprotected, unlocked bait station used.

08C

Design, construction, materials used or maintenance of food contact surface improper. surface not easily cleanable, sanitized and maintained.

09C

Jul 30, 2024

Cycle Inspection / Re-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

Design, construction, materials used or maintenance of food contact surface improper. surface not easily cleanable, sanitized and maintained.

09C

10B

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

May 14, 2024

Cycle Inspection / Initial Inspection

3 critical violations. 2 minor violations.

View 5 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

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

10B

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Sweetea last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Sweetea on file is from Jan 28, 2026. The public record contains three inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Sweetea?

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

How does Sweetea compare to other restaurants in Manhattan?

Sweetea most recently scored 32 out of 100, which is lower than the Manhattan average of 77.

Has Sweetea's inspection record improved over time?

No. Recent inspections at Sweetea have flagged more violations than earlier ones, ticking from about four per visit to around 13 more recently.

What does a high risk rating mean?

A high risk rating at Sweetea means the most recent inspection flagged either critical violations or a substantial number of smaller ones. Diners may want to read the violation details before deciding to visit.

How often is Sweetea inspected?

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

Nearby Restaurants

Score: 70 — Medium Risk

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