El Mexicano Restaurant & Cafe #4
1013 EAST 14 STREET, Brooklyn, 11230
Should you eat here?
Mostly OK — but 5 critical violations were found at the latest inspection (2 months ago). Details below.
Last inspected May 28, 2026 · New York City health department
What the inspector found on May 28, 2026
A general health-code issue noted during the inspection.
Hot TCS food item not held at or above 140 °F.
CriticalFood was not kept hot or cold enough. Wrong temperatures let bacteria grow.
After cooking or removal from hot holding, TCS food not cooled by an approved method whereby the internal temperature is reduced from 140 °F to 70 °F or less within 2 hours, and from 70 °F to 41 °F or less within 4 additional hours.
CriticalRaw and ready-to-eat foods were not kept separate, risking contamination.
Food, supplies, or equipment not protected from potential source of contamination during storage, preparation, transportation, display, service or from customer’s refillable, reusable container. Condiments not in single-service containers or dispensed directly by the vendor.
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.
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.
CriticalA 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 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.
Inspection history
| Date | Result | Type | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 28, 2026 | Grade C | Cycle Inspection / Re-inspection | 7 (5 critical) |
| Mar 10, 2026 | Grade Pending | Cycle Inspection / Initial Inspection | 2 (2 critical) |
| Aug 28, 2025 | Grade A | Cycle Inspection / Re-inspection | 2 (1 critical) |
| May 7, 2025 | Grade Pending | Cycle Inspection / Initial Inspection | 4 (3 critical) |
| Apr 22, 2024 | Grade A | Cycle Inspection / Re-inspection | 2 (2 critical) |
| Oct 30, 2023 | Grade Pending | Cycle Inspection / Initial Inspection | 3 (3 critical) |
Problems that keep coming back
Issues cited at more than one inspection — a better signal than any single visit.
- 3×A general health-code issue noted during the inspection.
- 3×Raw and ready-to-eat foods were not kept separate, risking contamination.
- 3×A staff hygiene issue, such as handwashing, glove use, or bare-hand contact with food.
- 2×Food was not kept hot or cold enough. Wrong temperatures let bacteria grow.
- 2×A cleanliness or sanitizing issue with surfaces, dishware, or the general premises.
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