El Despertar Marlene
849 PROSPECT AVENUE, Bronx, 10459
Should you eat here?
Caution — pest-related violations found across multiple inspections, including the latest (2 months ago).
Last inspected Jun 8, 2026 · New York City health department
What the inspector found on Jun 8, 2026
Signs of pests (like mice, rats, roaches, or flies) or conditions that could attract them.
Evidence of mice or live mice in establishment's food or non-food areas.
CriticalSigns of pests (like mice, rats, roaches, or flies) or conditions that could attract them.
Establishment is not free of harborage or conditions conducive to rodents, insects or other pests.
A staff hygiene issue, such as handwashing, glove use, or bare-hand contact with food.
No hand washing facility in or adjacent to toilet room or within 25 feet of a food preparation, food service or ware washing area. Hand washing facility not accessible, obstructed or used for non-hand washing purposes. No hot and cold running water or water at inadequate pressure. No soap or acceptable hand-drying device.
CriticalA problem with equipment or the physical facility (plumbing, floors, lighting, ventilation).
Live animal other than fish in tank or service animal present in facility’s food or non-food area.
CriticalRaw and ready-to-eat foods were not kept separate, risking contamination.
Raw, cooked or prepared food is adulterated, contaminated, cross-contaminated, or not discarded in accordance with HACCP plan.
CriticalFood was not kept hot or cold enough. Wrong temperatures let bacteria grow.
Cold TCS food item held above 41 °F; smoked or processed fish held above 38 °F; intact raw eggs held above 45 °F; or reduced oxygen packaged (ROP) TCS foods held above required temperatures except during active necessary preparation.
CriticalA general health-code issue noted during the inspection.
Hot TCS food item not held at or above 140 °F.
CriticalRaw and ready-to-eat foods were not kept separate, risking contamination.
Food contact surface not properly washed, rinsed and sanitized after each use and following any activity when contamination may have occurred.
CriticalA cleanliness or sanitizing issue with surfaces, dishware, or the general premises.
Dishwashing and ware washing: Cleaning and sanitizing of tableware, including dishes, utensils, and equipment deficient.
A cleanliness or sanitizing issue with surfaces, dishware, or the general premises.
Anti-siphonage or back-flow prevention device not provided where required; equipment or floor not properly drained; sewage disposal system in disrepair or not functioning properly. Condensation or liquid waste improperly disposed of.
A cleanliness or sanitizing issue with surfaces, dishware, or the general premises.
Design, construction, materials used or maintenance of food contact surface improper. Surface not easily cleanable, sanitized and maintained.
A cleanliness or sanitizing issue with surfaces, dishware, or the general premises.
Non-food contact surface or equipment made of unacceptable material, not kept clean, or not properly sealed, raised, spaced or movable to allow accessibility for cleaning on all sides, above and underneath the unit.
A staff hygiene issue, such as handwashing, glove use, or bare-hand contact with food.
Failure to post or conspicuously post healthy eating information
A paperwork or posting requirement, such as permits, certificates, or required signs.
Allergen or intolerance notice not translated into common language when required
Inspection history
| Date | Result | Type | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 8, 2026 | Grade Pending | Cycle Inspection / Initial Inspection | 14 (7 critical) |
| Feb 3, 2026 | Grade Pending | Administrative Miscellaneous / Re-inspection | 12 (5 critical) |
| Jan 13, 2026 | Grade Pending | Cycle Inspection / Initial Inspection | 4 (3 critical) |
| Dec 6, 2024 | Grade A | Cycle Inspection / Re-inspection | 2 (1 critical) |
| Jan 11, 2024 | Grade Pending | Cycle Inspection / Initial Inspection | 13 (5 critical) |
Problems that keep coming back
Issues cited at more than one inspection — a better signal than any single visit.
- 5×A general health-code issue noted during the inspection.
- 4×Signs of pests (like mice, rats, roaches, or flies) or conditions that could attract them.
- 4×Signs of pests (like mice, rats, roaches, or flies) or conditions that could attract them.
- 4×A cleanliness or sanitizing issue with surfaces, dishware, or the general premises.
- 3×A problem with equipment or the physical facility (plumbing, floors, lighting, ventilation).
- 3×Raw and ready-to-eat foods were not kept separate, risking contamination.
- 3×A cleanliness or sanitizing issue with surfaces, dishware, or the general premises.
- 3×A cleanliness or sanitizing issue with surfaces, dishware, or the general premises.
- 2×A staff hygiene issue, such as handwashing, glove use, or bare-hand contact with food.
- 2×Raw and ready-to-eat foods were not kept separate, risking contamination.
- 2×A cleanliness or sanitizing issue with surfaces, dishware, or the general premises.
- 2×A staff hygiene issue, such as handwashing, glove use, or bare-hand contact with food.
- 2×A paperwork or posting requirement, such as permits, certificates, or required signs.
Around this address
City records for the building itself, not this restaurant’s inspection.
- 4 rodent inspections on record, none finding rat activity.
- 5 recent 311 complaints filed at this address.
Check any restaurant before you go
Radius puts New York City’s inspection record in your pocket, in plain English.
Looking for something else in New York City? Browse New York City inspections.