Initial Tea

467 Dekalb Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11205

Passed re-check · Jul 21, 2025 Directions
77
Fair BiteKarma score 77 out of 100
How the BiteKarma score works

Each routine inspection starts at 100 and loses 7 points for every critical violation and 2 for every other one, half again as much when the same problem was cited at one of the two inspections before. A failed inspection counts as 69 at most. The score averages the five newest routine inspections, with the most recent counting most, and stays below 70 for 90 days after a fail unless the restaurant passes again. 90 and up is excellent, 80s good, 70s fair, and below 70 poor.

At a glance

  • Passed 2 of 3 graded inspections since 2023.
  • Last inspected Jul 21, 2025: passed with 4 violations, 2 critical. That was a follow-up after failing on May 13, 2025. That was over a year ago, so things may have changed.
  • Keeps coming up: Food-contact surface not properly washed, rinsed and sanitized after each use and following any activity when contamination may have occurred, cited 3 times, plus 1 other repeat issue.
  • 5 critical violations in the last two years.

Inspection history 3 visits

  1. 2025
  2. Passed Jul 21

    Cycle Inspection

    4 violations, 2 critical
    • Critical Food-contact surface not properly washed, rinsed and sanitized after each use and following any activity when contamination may have occurred
    • Critical Evidence of mice or live mice in establishment's food or non-food areas
    • Minor Nonfood-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
    • Minor Establishment is not free of harborage or conditions conducive to rodents, insects or other pests
  3. Failed May 13

    Cycle Inspection

    4 violations, 3 critical
    • Critical Hot TCS food item not held at or above 140°F
    • Critical Wiping cloths not stored clean and dry, or in a sanitizing solution, between uses
    • Critical Food-contact surface not properly washed, rinsed and sanitized after each use and following any activity when contamination may have occurred
    • Minor Dishwashing and warewashing: cleaning and sanitizing of tableware, including dishes, utensils, and equipment deficient
  4. 2023
  5. Passed Dec 4

    Cycle Inspection

    4 violations, 1 critical
    • Critical Food-contact surface not properly washed, rinsed and sanitized after each use and following any activity when contamination may have occurred
    • Minor Design, construction, materials used or maintenance of food-contact surface improper. Surface not easily cleanable, sanitized and maintained
    • Minor Accurate thermometer not provided or properly located in refrigerated, cold storage or hot holding equipment
    • Minor Nonfood-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

Nearby

BiteKarma scores around Initial Tea, which is the dark pin. Zoom in to see the dots' scores, and tap a pin marked + to see everything at that address.

  1. 90 Dannee Thai 350 ft
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  3. 69 Punta Cana Coffee Shop & Restaurant 450 ft
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  5. 69 Taste Korea 0.1 mi