Rats and Mice Found at Patsy's East Side Pizzeria

NYC health inspectors uncover pest issues at iconic pizza joint

Mar. 16, 2026 at 10:33pm

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A beloved New York City pizza institution, Patsy's Pizzeria on East 60th Street, is facing serious scrutiny after a recent health inspection uncovered evidence of both rats and mice on the premises. The inspection resulted in a score of 30 points, which would correspond to a 'C' grade if confirmed at a re-inspection, a dramatic drop from the restaurant's previous 'A' grade ratings.

Why it matters

The discovery of both rats and mice at Patsy's, a long-standing and iconic New York pizza brand, is concerning as it signals deeply entrenched pest issues rather than an isolated incident. This could significantly impact the restaurant's reputation and customer trust, especially in a city where rodent sightings have been on the rise in recent years.

The details

The March 11, 2026 inspection by the NYC Health Department cited Patsy's Pizzeria for 'evidence of rats or live rats' and 'evidence of mice or live mice' in the establishment's food and non-food areas. Inspectors also found issues with temperature control for safety (TCS) food, inadequate personal cleanliness among staff, plumbing deficiencies, and unclean non-food contact surfaces.

  • The March 11, 2026 inspection resulted in a score of 30 points, which would correspond to a 'C' grade if confirmed at a re-inspection.
  • Patsy's previous two inspections, in January 2025 and December 2023, had both earned scores comfortably within 'A' grade territory.

The players

Patsy's Pizzeria

A beloved New York City pizza institution with roots dating back to the 1930s, when Italian immigrant Pasquale 'Patsy' Lancieri opened the city's first pizzeria in East Harlem and is credited with inventing the concept of selling pizza by the slice.

NYC Health Department

The government agency responsible for inspecting and grading restaurants in New York City based on health and safety standards.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

Patsy's Pizzeria will face a mandatory re-inspection within 90 to 150 days to determine if the restaurant's grade will be downgraded from 'A' to 'C' based on the latest inspection findings.

The takeaway

The discovery of both rats and mice at the iconic Patsy's Pizzeria highlights the ongoing challenge of pest control in New York City's restaurants, even for well-established brands. This incident underscores the importance of consistent health and safety practices to maintain customer trust and protect public health.