Repeat ProblemsSerious findings or closures appear in two or more of the last three inspections. Review the dated records below.
Quick Answers
When was El Rey last inspected?
The most recent inspection on record was on Nov 10, 2026. The result listed by NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene was “Violations cited”.
Were any violations recorded at the last inspection?
Yes: 2 violations recorded, none marked critical. Each one is listed below with the official wording.
How many inspections are on record?
4 inspections on record, from Sep 19, 2024 to Nov 10, 2026.
Has El Rey ever been closed by the health department?
No closure appears in the 4 inspection records we hold for this business. The earliest is dated Sep 19, 2024.
The Full Inspection History
4 inspections
Administrative Miscellaneous / Re-inspection
Nov 10, 2026
Violations cited
2 recorded violations
minorCode 19-10Permits, training, and postings
Official Wording
Failure to display required signage about plastic straw availability
In Plain English
A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.
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.
In Plain English
Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.
Evidence of mice or live mice in establishment's food or non-food areas.
In Plain English
The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.
Establishment is not free of harborage or conditions conducive to rodents, insects or other pests.
In Plain English
The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.
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.
In Plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
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.
In Plain English
The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.
Food contact surface not properly washed, rinsed and sanitized after each use and following any activity when contamination may have occurred.
In Plain English
Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.
Food Protection Certificate (FPC) not held by manager or supervisor of food operations.
In Plain English
A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.
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.
In Plain English
Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.
Shellfish not from approved source, not or improperly tagged/labeled; tags not retained for 90 days.
In Plain English
Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.
Pesticide not properly labeled or used by unlicensed individual. Pesticide, other toxic chemical improperly used/stored. Unprotected, unlocked bait station used.
In Plain English
The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.
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.
In Plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
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.
In Plain English
Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.