Inwood Party Spot La Marina Shuttered By Health Department

INWOOD, NY — The lively Inwood outdoor restaurant and event venue La Marina was shut down last week by the city Department of Health, according to public records.

The business, located on Dyckman Street by the banks of the Hudson River, failed a July 13 health inspection and was forced to close. Inspectors docked the popular party spot for unsanitary handling of food, evidence of mice and flies and improperly installed or maintained plumbing, according to city records.

The failed inspection forced the business — known for throwing raucous parties — to close for the weekend. A message posted to La Marina's website claims the business was closed for "emergency repairs" and that it would reopen on Wednesday.

La Marina opened in 2012 after its owners struck a deal with the city to open the business on land owned by the city Parks Department. Business owners pay the city to operate on what used to be public parkland located where Inwood Hill Park meets Fort Tryon Park along the Hudson River.

The business tallied up 74 violation points, well over the 28 point cutoff needed to score a dreaded "C." The Health Department generally opts to close restaurants after an inspection if it deems a violation a "public health hazard" that can not be corrected before an inspection ends or for "serious and persistent violations," according to its grading methodology.

La Marina also struggled with a June 5 health inspection. In June, the business earned 31 violation points for evidence of mice, improperly stored equipment and cooking utensils and mishandling of food.

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