Iconic NYC steakhouse sneakily displays ‘A’ health rating — when it earned a ‘C’

Jack Morphet, Natalie O'Neill
·4 min read

It’s a high-steaks scandal.

Iconic Big Apple Theater District steakhouse Gallaghers has been displaying an “A” health rating on its storefront while online city records show it earned a “C”— and some customers now have beef with the pricey eatery.

During its most recent reported inspection in May of last year, the white-tablecloth restaurant was found to have “filth flies” and workers with “inadequate” personal cleanliness such as untrimmed fingernails, according to online city Department of Health records.

The pricey Theater District steakhouse Gallaghers has been displaying an “A” health rating on its storefront while online city records show it actually earned a “C.” Stephen Yang
The pricey Theater District steakhouse Gallaghers has been displaying an “A” health rating on its storefront while online city records show it actually earned a “C.” Stephen Yang

The inspector also reported the eatery — which sells prime rib for $78 a plate, and filet mignon for $67 — had kitchen surfaces that were “not properly washed” and “conditions conducive to rodents, insects or other pests,” the records show.

In total, it racked up 56 health violation points, according to the city website.

But the popular restaurant, on 52nd Street and Broadway, was still showing off an “A” sign — with a five-year-old inspection date of May 6, 2019 — in its window Friday.

Diners said it left a bad taste in their mouths.

“What bothers me most is the lying, publishing they’re an ‘A’ when they’re actually not. At least take the ‘A’ down,” said Mark, a customer who gave only his first name.

“Lying bastards,” huffed one tourist.

During its most recent reported inspection, the white-tablecloth restaurant was found to have “filth flies” and workers with “inadequate” personal cleanliness such as untrimmed fingernails, according to online city Department of Health records. NYC Health
During its most recent reported inspection, the white-tablecloth restaurant was found to have “filth flies” and workers with “inadequate” personal cleanliness such as untrimmed fingernails, according to online city Department of Health records. NYC Health

“Seems like it should be illegal, right?” fumed another patron leaving with a doggie bag.

Indeed, it’s required by law for restaurants to post their letter grades, though a Post investigation found in 2010 — the year the grading system launched citywide — that eateries that earn “C”s often hide them.

In July 2022, Gallagher was also cited for 17 health violation points including for “filth flies,” unclean surfaces and food stored at the wrong temperature, the city records show.

Other diners said the restaurant didn’t look outwardly unhygienic and that their meals were good, if a little overpriced.

The inspector also reported the eatery — which sells prime rib for $78 a plate, and filet mignon for $67 — had kitchen surfaces that were “not properly washed” and “conditions conducive to rodents, insects or other pests,” records show. Stephen Yang
The inspector also reported the eatery — which sells prime rib for $78 a plate, and filet mignon for $67 — had kitchen surfaces that were “not properly washed” and “conditions conducive to rodents, insects or other pests,” records show. Stephen Yang

“You can’t tell that it’s a ‘C’ inside, it looks like a regular fancy restaurant,” Felipe Del Rio, 46, a tourist from Chile who sprung for the filet mignon, said as he left the eatery Thursday night.

“It was a good meal and good service.”

Indeed, it’s required by law for restaurants to post their letter grades, though a Post investigation found in 2010 — the year the grading system launched citywide — that eateries that earn “C”s often hide them. Stephen Yang
Indeed, it’s required by law for restaurants to post their letter grades, though a Post investigation found in 2010 — the year the grading system launched citywide — that eateries that earn “C”s often hide them. Stephen Yang

But he added, “It bothers me that they are lying.”

“The steak wasn’t hot,” another diner said.

“The way the presentation of the food is, I’m not surprised they got a C.”

“You can’t tell that it’s a ‘C’ inside, it looks like a regular fancy restaurant,” Felipe Del Rio, 46, a tourist from Chile who sprung for the filet mignon, said as he left the eatery Thursday night. Stephen Yang
“You can’t tell that it’s a ‘C’ inside, it looks like a regular fancy restaurant,” Felipe Del Rio, 46, a tourist from Chile who sprung for the filet mignon, said as he left the eatery Thursday night. Stephen Yang

One customer, a band manager in town from Los Angeles, was unfazed.

“I’ve eaten off the hot dogs off the worst food carts and I haven’t died yet,” Eddie Francoeur, 49, quipped, adding, “I live in LA. Everyone has a ‘C’ there.”

A spokeswoman for the restaurant said owners believed the “C” was a pending grade that they didn’t need to post because they’d be reinspected.

“We apologize if there was a misunderstanding or any confusion,” the spokeswoman said.

“However, when we received the rating on May 16, 2023, we were of the understanding that there’d be a follow-up with a reinspection within 30 to 60 days before that rating was instated,” she said.

“That was over a year ago and we have still not been reinspected,” she said.

“We continue to anxiously await our re-inspection and are very proud of our health and sanitation procedures.”

But a rep for the health department said the “C” grade was official, not pending.

“Gallagher Steakhouse was last inspected in May 2023 and received a C grade. The restaurant is due for reinspection this month. The penalty for not exhibiting the grade is a fine up to $1,000,” a spokeswoman for the agency said.

Additional reporting by Marie Pohl