YORKVILLE — Genesis Bar & Restaurant on Second Avenue was shuttered by the Health Department for evidence of rats and for not having a sink for hand-washing, records show.
During an April 7 inspection, the eatery — which serves burgers, salads, wings and pasta — was discovered with "evidence of rats or with having live rats present in food or non-food areas," and was promptly shut down.
It also had an "improper sewage disposal system" and did not have a sink in its bathroom or anywhere near its food preparation area, city records show. In addition, food was not protected from contamination.
The 1708 Second Ave. bar near East 89th Street was slapped with 54 violations total.
The restaurant was allowed to reopen on Monday afternoon after the inspectors returned and approved of the changes.
Fergal Burke, a co-owner of Genesis, said cleanliness is a top priority. He admitted that the health department found signs of rat droppings, but noted that a an exterminator was hired to take care of the problem.
"Anybody who knows Genesis knows we've consistently been getting A's," Burke said. "We got a B one time and it hurt us. Fifty-four points looks absolutely atrocious ... how do I recover?"
Genesis just celebrated its 10-year anniversary in January and recently underwent an interior renovation, Burke said.
The restaurant will get its new letter grade in roughly two weeks, Burke said.
