A Sweetgreen location on New York City's Upper West Side has been temporarily closed after health inspectors found cockroaches and other significant sanitation violations. The restaurant, located at 311 Amsterdam Avenue, received a yellow notice on its door on Monday.
The New York City Health Department's report, dated August 24, indicated the presence of "Live roaches in facility's food or non-food area." It also noted that the "Establishment is not free of harborage or conditions conducive to rodents, insects or other pests."
Cockroaches can transfer germs from unsanitary areas to food and preparation surfaces, posing a contamination risk and potentially making diners ill. Their presence can also signify broader sanitation problems within a food facility.
Further violations cited in the health report included the absence of a backflow prevention device, a plumbing safety feature designed to prevent contaminated water from entering the clean water supply. The location was also cited for a floor that was not draining properly, a sewage disposal system in disrepair, and improper disposal of liquid waste. An additional sanitary violation concerned non-food contact surfaces or equipment that were not properly sealed, spaced, or designed for easy cleaning.
This was not the first time the location had faced scrutiny. A previous inspection on May 18, 2026, also documented live roaches and conditions conducive to pests. That inspection also found improper food handling, with items like eggs and fish stored above safe cold temperatures, which can promote bacterial growth.
The August inspection resulted in 39 violation points, earning the location a C grade, the lowest possible in New York City's grading system. In May, the restaurant had scored 26 violation points. Prior to these, it held an A grade in October 2024 with 10 points. While a C grade and 39 violation points do not automatically constitute a failed inspection, the health department has the authority to close a restaurant if it determines a significant public health hazard exists.
The Upper West Side Sweetgreen can reopen once it passes a subsequent health department inspection. Daily Mail has reached out to Sweetgreen for comment.