In a city that's not exactly known for being the cleanest, a health-rating system for restaurants is a helpful tool for figuring out where to and not to eat.
Some people follow the system, which grades restaurants on an A to C scale, religiously. If it's not an A, they won't dare go in. But others are far more lax, claiming that places with truly authentic flavors may just end up with a B or C, and it won't deter them.
New York City isn't the only place with this sanitary rating system.