El Vaquerito
54-11 NORTHERN BOULEVARD, Queens, 11377
Should you eat here?
Mostly OK — but 1 critical violation was found at the latest inspection (5 months ago). Details below.
Last inspected Feb 20, 2026 · New York City health department
What the inspector found on Feb 20, 2026
Food was not stored, covered, labeled, or dated properly.
Sanitized equipment or utensil, including in-use food dispensing utensil, improperly used or stored.
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 staff hygiene issue, such as handwashing, glove use, or bare-hand contact with food.
“Choking first aid” poster not posted. “Alcohol and Pregnancy” warning sign not posted. Resuscitation equipment: exhaled air resuscitation masks (adult & pediatric), latex gloves, sign not posted.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 20, 2026 | Grade A | Cycle Inspection / Initial Inspection | 4 (1 critical) |
| Nov 25, 2024 | Grade A | Cycle Inspection / Re-inspection | 2 (1 critical) |
| Jun 10, 2024 | Grade Pending | Cycle Inspection / Initial Inspection | 7 (4 critical) |
| Mar 7, 2023 | Grade A | Cycle Inspection / Re-inspection | 3 (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.
- 3×A general health-code issue noted during the inspection.
- 2×Food was not stored, covered, labeled, or dated properly.
- 2×A cleanliness or sanitizing issue with surfaces, dishware, or the general premises.
- 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.
- 3 rodent inspections on record, 1 finding rat activity.
- 1 recent 311 complaint filed at this address.
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