El Sazon / Joey Bats
5 HUDSON STREET, Manhattan, 10013
Should you eat here?
Mostly OK — but 4 critical violations were found at the latest inspection (2 months ago). Details below.
Last inspected May 18, 2026 · New York City health department
What the inspector found on May 18, 2026
Raw 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.
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.
CriticalA general health-code issue noted during the inspection.
Hot TCS food item not held at or above 140 °F.
CriticalFood was not stored, covered, labeled, or dated properly.
Wiping cloths not stored clean and dry, or in a sanitizing solution, between uses.
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 paperwork or posting requirement, such as permits, certificates, or required signs.
Current letter grade or Grade Pending card not posted
A general health-code issue noted during the inspection.
Thawing procedure improper.
Inspection history
| Date | Result | Type | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 18, 2026 | Grade Pending | Cycle Inspection / Initial Inspection | 7 (4 critical) |
| Mar 2, 2026 | Grade Pending | Pre-permit (Operational) / Reopening Inspection | 0 |
| Jan 21, 2026 | Grade Pending | Pre-permit (Operational) / Initial Inspection | 8 (6 critical) |
Problems that keep coming back
Issues cited at more than one inspection — a better signal than any single visit.
- 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.
- 30 rodent inspections on record, none finding rat activity.
- 2 recent 311 complaints filed at this address.
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