GRAMERCY — Crocodile Lounge bar — known for offering free personal pizzas with each drink — was shut down by the Health Department this week after inspectors found rats, mice and other violations, according to online records.
Inspectors shuttered Crocodile Lounge at 325 E. 14th St. on Wednesday after issuing 51 violation points for food that was not protected from contamination, dirty wiping cloths, improper plumbing and conditions that attracted vermin, plus evidence of live rats and mice, records show.
Crocodile Lounge posted a note on its Facebook page saying it had closed because of a broken pipe.
"Unfortunately we had a major pipe burst in the bar and we are closed for the evening, we hope to have the issue resolved by tomorrow," the bar posted on Wednesday night. "Thank you, and sorry for the inconvenience!"
Workers at the bar on Friday said they were doing renovations and hoped to reopen later in the day.
A Health Department spokeswoman said the bar was scheduled to be reinspected on Friday.
Crocodile Lounge draws crowds of college students with its pizza-and-drink special and branched out last summer to offer free two-egg omelets with mimosas and bloody marys during Sunday brunch. The bar also hosts trivia nights, Skee-Ball tournaments and bingo games.
