El Tamalito
531 EAST 138 STREET, Bronx, 10454
Should you eat here?
Looks good — Grade A at the latest inspection (4 weeks ago), with no critical violations at that inspection.
Last inspected Jul 8, 2026 · New York City health department
What the inspector found on Jul 8, 2026
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 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.
Raw and ready-to-eat foods were not kept separate, risking contamination.
Single service article not provided. Single service article reused or not protected from contamination when transported, stored, dispensed. Drinking straws not completely enclosed in wrapper or dispensed from a sanitary device.
Inspection history
| Date | Result | Type | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 8, 2026 | Grade A | Cycle Inspection / Initial Inspection | 3 |
| Jan 7, 2026 | Grade B | Cycle Inspection / Re-inspection | 4 (1 critical) |
| Nov 25, 2025 | Grade Pending | Cycle Inspection / Initial Inspection | 10 (6 critical) |
| Jul 29, 2024 | Grade A | Cycle Inspection / Initial Inspection | 2 (1 critical) |
Problems that keep coming back
Issues cited at more than one inspection — a better signal than any single visit.
- 3×A cleanliness or sanitizing issue with surfaces, dishware, or the general premises.
- 2×A cleanliness or sanitizing issue with surfaces, dishware, or the general premises.
- 2×Signs of pests (like mice, rats, roaches, or flies) or conditions that could attract them.
- 2×Food was not kept hot or cold enough. Wrong temperatures let bacteria grow.
Around this address
City records for the building itself, not this restaurant’s inspection.
- 12 rodent inspections on record, 2 finding rat activity.
- 2 recent 311 complaints filed at this address.
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