Riccardo’s By the Bridge (Google Maps)
April 5, 2018 By Tara Law
Community mainstay Riccardo’s By the Bridge has been closed temporarily by the Health Department.
The 67-year-old banquet hall and caterer, located at 21-01 24th Ave., is known for hosting weddings, anniversary parties and other events. The space was closed after receiving 43 violation points in an inspection on April 3.
The inspector described several infractions, including evidence of mice or live mice. The Health Department listed the following violations; the first two were listed as critical.
1) Evidence of mice or live mice present in facility’s food and/or non-food areas.
2) Food not protected from potential source of contamination during storage, preparation, transportation, display or service.
3) Facility not vermin proof. Harborage or conditions conducive to attracting vermin to the premises and/or allowing vermin to exist.
4) Thawing procedures improper.
5) Food contact surface not properly maintained.
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31 Comments
I have been going to Riccardo’s ever since I was a child. My family and friends always have their special event parties and has always been a great success. In fact I had my wedding there and it will always be a memorable day for me thanks to everyone at Riccardo’s. I am in the process of having another party there in July, would not have it anywhere else. It is the finest in Astoria. Anyone that has anything negative to say about Riccardo’s does not know the finer things in life. If anyone that has tried to sabotage their reputation, SHAME ON YOU.. it didn’t work. Riccardo’s will always and forever be number one. We are all truly blessed to have this amazing catering hall right in Astoria. Thank you Riccardo’s for the greatest memories ever. We love you?
Shame on you Astoria Post for trying to tarnish reputation of a business that’s been around for forever. I had my daughter sweet 16, my wedding and MY christening there.
They are human and fixed the problem quickly . Find something better to report.
The Astoria Post was not the only media to report it. Patch did too.
https://patch.com/new-york/astoria-long-island-city/2-queens-restaurants-close-after-mice-found-health-inspections
Hello, Astoria Patch. Not too stealthy LOL
If a place I frequented got closed down for so many health violations I’d like to know and read about. Information like this can’t and shouldn’t be swept under the carpet. It is the public’s right to know and well done Astoria Post for reporting on it.
Of course, but they were reopened by the time this article was posted. Also nobody ever reached out to the management to request a comment, a evidenced in the absence of any comment in the article. Both seem kind of strange. Makes it look a little bit like a hit piece.
As many have mentioned, there is no shortage of developers that would love to get their hands on this place as it’s a prime piece of corner real estate and a huge plot. Makes me wonder whether there are ulterior motives going on in inspecting a place right after demolition is done next door, Even though the place has gotten straight A ratings for 10 years plus.
They are open. Closed for one day got reinspected and got a perfect score
(Who downvotes this? LOL)
I feel there is a rodent epidemic in NYC due to the massive amount of construction going on in Queens. Never heard of so many cases! Every day I hear about it. I now have them in my building, due to demolition of yet another house. My friend has them due to never ending street construction. One of the institutions i deal with has seen an onslaught. We need to be very careful. No food left out. Everything in glass or plastic bins.
Midtowngirl…. you are so right… the construction here in Astoria has been horrendous!! And everyone should know what that causes!
Well said!
There’s a rodent epidemic in NYC because people are slobs and garbage is everywhere. If rodents had nothing to eat, they would die.
In any case, the only place I ever see rodents is running around on subway tracks.
These places charge thousands and thousands of dollars and can’t keep up with keeping these businesses clean it’s sad. Pay the right staff that is going to do the right thing. Stop being cheap by not having enough people.
A lot of assumptions in there. This seems to be related to the construction/demolition next door.
The other stuff is just routine restaurant stuff that sounds a lot worse in government-speak than it is.
It’s the Best Catering Hall in Astoria. So many Beautiful memories. I can’t thank them enough for all the good they have done for many families . Thank you Riccardo’s we love you And hope you open real soon we have a big party in July.. it will be the Best party ever.
They’re open! Got their second perfect score in 6 months after mandatory 24-hour waiting period. They also got a perfect score in November.
Wonder if someone has some enemies in the BOH?
They opened 24 hours later with an A rating. This seems to have been an isolated event.
It was a low low end catering hall 40 plus years ago and it never ever changed
I had my wedding there in 2011 and my cousin’s fiance thru her a birthday in the downstairs room later the same year. Everything from food to service was top notch.
I guess you’ve never been to a high end place then.
The reality is it’s not a “high-end” place. It’s a local catering hall that’s hosted generations of affordable parties for Astoria and the community. If you want “high-end” you pay for high-end. Riccardo’s is nothing if not affordable, and many folks who could otherwise not afford a catered party have found a home at Riccardo’s with a staff that treats them beautifully and with food and service that is better than what they paid. I’ve hosted about 12 affairs there and I’ve never had anything but an excellent experience.
Haters gonna hate though.
even high-end places get shut down so what is your problem –
It’s not high-end, but it’s many miles away from low-end.
Why such animosity?
There is major demo going on next door. The removal of the building adjacent can be creating the vermon issue. Although if it closes permanently that is without a doubt a huge lot and a no doubt a developers wet dream!
Very true!
Major demolition went on next door to Riccardo’s
Everything was cleared up and Riccardo’s is open for business.
Great place!
This is just another old place that needs to go.
tell me why- this place is excellent – i guess you are not from around here people from all over queens have functions here — even the best of places get closed for violations —
You’re just another entitled trust fund non-native New Yorker that needs to go.
How do you know this person’s personal situation?
no I am not another entitled trust fund non-native New Yorker I was born in Astoria and still live here – so be careful with your words and I am not a hipster either —
67 years old? I’m feeling old.
Looks like a pretty standard violation list for a big restaurant, no doubt someone slacking off. Hopefully back up and running soon.
They’re open.
A rating.
This was so unfortunate to happen to Tony.