BB King Blues Club Closed After Roaches, Mice Found: City

MIDTOWN MANHATTAN, NY — City health officials shuttered B.B. King Blues Club & Grill for three days this week after finding live roaches and evidence of mice there, city records show. The 42nd Street eatery and concert hall was ordered closed Tuesday after health inspectors found three "critical" violations there, according to the city Department of Health website.

The club passed a health inspection Friday morning and was allowed to reopen, Department of Health spokeswoman Carolina Rodriguez said in an email.

In additon to roaches and mice, inspectors found food preparation surfaces that weren't properly cleaned and conditions that made the space attractive to vermin, records show.

Health inspectors gave the club a warning on Dec. 21, when they found flies, roaches and evidence of mice there, as well as unwashed food surfaces and food that wasn't kept hot enough, records show.

No one answered a phone call to the club Friday afternoon. A spokesman for B.B. King Blues Club did not immediately return a voicemail message seeking comment. An email to the address for press inquiries posted on the club's website bounced back.

There was no mention of the closure on the club's website or Facebook page, which continue to advertise concerts and other events. A video from a concert was posted to the Facebook page Wednesday, a day after the Department of Health ordered the restaurant closed.

(Lead image: B.B. King Blues Club & Grill is seen on 42nd Street. Image from Google Maps)