El Palenque
181 WEST END AVENUE, Brooklyn, 11235
Should you eat here?
Mostly OK — but 2 critical violations were found at the latest inspection (2 weeks ago). Details below.
Last inspected Jul 23, 2026 · New York City health department
What the inspector found on Jul 23, 2026
Food 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.
Food contact surface not properly washed, rinsed and sanitized after each use and following any activity when contamination may have occurred.
Critical
Inspection history
| Date | Result | Type | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 23, 2026 | Grade A | Pre-permit (Operational) / Re-inspection | 2 (2 critical) |
| Jun 11, 2026 | Grade Pending | Pre-permit (Operational) / Initial Inspection | 10 (4 critical) |
Problems that keep coming back
Issues cited at more than one inspection — a better signal than any single visit.
- 2×Food was not kept hot or cold enough. Wrong temperatures let bacteria grow.
- 2×Raw and ready-to-eat foods were not kept separate, risking contamination.
Around this address
City records for the building itself, not this restaurant’s inspection.
- 1 recent 311 complaint filed at this address.
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