Popular Windsor Terrace Coffee Shop Closed By City Health Inspectors

PARK SLOPE, NY — A local coffee shop was shut down this week after inspectors found more than double the number of health violations needed to close a business, records show.

Connecticut Muffin's indoor cafe at 206 Prospect Park W in Bartel-Pritchard Square in Windsor Terrace was closed by city health inspectors early this week, according to city data.

The popular coffee shop was given 64 violation points during a recent inspection. Inspection scores above 28 earn eateries a C grade and extra-close monitoring from the city’s health department – which could decide to shut them down.

Inspectors who visited the coffee shop discovered that food had been adulterated, contaminated, cross-contaminated, or improperly disposed of. There were also indications of mice or live mice on the premises, indicating that the restaurant was not vermin-proof.

The restaurant's food contact surfaces were also not properly rinsed or washed after each use, records show.

Inspectors discovered that certain items, including smoked or processed seafood, and raw eggs, were improperly stored, which means they were maintained at temperatures above what is safe. This increases the likelihood of germs multiplying and causing foodborne diseases.

The coffee shop was closed as of Friday morning.

Every year, inspectors arrive unannounced at more than 25,000 restaurants to examine health and safety standards.

Most eateries pass inspections, but some fall short of the city's standards, accruing violation points for everything from broken light bulbs to "public health hazards," like vermin and failure to follow food safety protocols.

Restaurants hit with non-food-safety violations might get a fine or a lower letter grade, with zero to 13 points warranting an 'A' and violations totaling 28 points or more earning a 'C' (this system is criticized for its efficacy by some gourmands).