Union Grounds

270 Smith Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231
American
Last inspected: Feb 20, 2026
50
Score
High Risk NYC Grade: Pending

Union Grounds has been inspected three times since 2023. The latest inspection on file is from Feb 20, 2026. High risk indicates the latest inspection turned up problems worth knowing about.

Things have moved in the wrong direction: violation counts went from four to six.

When inspectors have written things up, non-food contact surface or equipment made of unacceptable material has been the most frequent reason, cited three times.

That's lower than the typical Brooklyn restaurant, which scores around 77. Taken together, the history suggests a facility that has struggled with consistency.

3
Inspections
4
Critical latest
0
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 20, 2026
Cycle Inspection / Initial Inspection
4 critical violations. 2 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Evidence of mice or live mice in establishment's food or non-food areas.
04L
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
Time/temperature control for safety (tcs) food not cooked to required minimum internal temperature. • poultry, poultry parts, ground and comminuted poultry, all stuffing containing poultry, meats, fish or ratites to or above 165 °f for 15 seconds with no interruption of the cooking process • ground meat, and food containing ground and comminuted meat, to or above 158 °f for 15 seconds with no interruption of the cooking process, except per individual customer request • pork, any food containing pork to or above 150 °f for 15 seconds • mechanically tenderized or injected meats to or above 155 °f. • whole meat roasts and beef steak to or above required temperature and time except per individual customer request • raw animal foods cooked in microwave to or above165 °f, covered, rotated or stirred • all other foods to or above 140 °f for 15 seconds; shell eggs to or above 145 °f for 15 seconds except per individual customer request.
02A
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
Establishment is not free of harborage or conditions conducive to rodents, insects or other pests.
08A
50
Aug 1, 2024
Cycle Inspection / Initial Inspection
1 critical violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
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
Dishwashing and ware washing: cleaning and sanitizing of tableware, including dishes, utensils, and equipment deficient.
10G
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
78
Mar 9, 2023
Cycle Inspection / Initial Inspection
1 critical violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Cold tcs food item held above 41 °f; smoked or processed fish held above 38 °f; intact raw eggs held above 45 °f; or reduced oxygen packaged (rop) tcs foods held above required temperatures except during active necessary preparation.
02G
Pesticide not properly labeled or used by unlicensed individual. pesticide, other toxic chemical improperly used/stored. unprotected, unlocked bait station used.
08C
Lighting fixture located over, by or within food storage, preparation, service or display facility, and facility where utensils and equipment are cleaned and stored, which may shatter due to extreme heat, temperature changes or accidental contact; not fitted with shatterproof bulb or shielded and encased, with end caps or other device.
28-03
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
74

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Union Grounds last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Union Grounds on file is from Feb 20, 2026. The public record contains three inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Union Grounds?

Across the inspection record, non-food contact surface or equipment made of unacceptable material has been cited three times, more than any other issue at Union Grounds.

How does Union Grounds compare to other restaurants in Brooklyn?

Union Grounds most recently scored 50 out of 100, which is lower than the Brooklyn average of 77.

Has Union Grounds's inspection record improved over time?

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

What does a high risk rating mean?

A high risk rating at Union Grounds 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 Union Grounds inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Union Grounds is inspected roughly once per year on average.