A

Picanteria El Austro

37-08 83 Street, Queens, NY 11372

Latin American Jackson Heights (718) 396-9886

Grade A · as of Dec 16, 2024

Picanteria El Austro was last inspected on June 11, 2026 and scored 32 points (C range). Inspectors found 6 violations, 3 of them critical, including signs of pests.

Latest inspection

June 11, 2026 · Cycle Inspection · Initial Inspection

32

Score: 32 points (C range)

3 critical3 general

Scored in the C range on an initial inspection, so no grade is given yet. A re-inspection follows.

  • CriticalFacility

    A hand-washing sink was missing, blocked, or not stocked with soap and towels.

    Official wording (code 05D)

    No hand washing facility in or adjacent to toilet room or within 25 feet of a food preparation, food service or ware washing area. Hand washing facility not accessible, obstructed or used for non-hand washing purposes. No hot and cold running water or water at inadequate pressure. No soap or acceptable hand-drying device.

  • CriticalFood temperature

    Hot food was being held below 140°F, where bacteria can grow.

    Official wording (code 02B)

    Hot TCS food item not held at or above 140 °F.

  • CriticalPests

    Mice, or signs of mice, were found.

    Official wording (code 04L)

    Evidence of mice or live mice in establishment's food or non-food areas.

  • GeneralFacility upkeep

    Non-food surfaces or equipment were dirty, damaged, or made of unsuitable material.

    Official wording (code 10F)

    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.

  • GeneralFood handling

    Food-contact surfaces were in poor repair.

    Official wording (code 09C)

    Design, construction, materials used or maintenance of food contact surface improper. Surface not easily cleanable, sanitized and maintained.

  • GeneralPests

    The building wasn’t pest-proofed: gaps, holes, or clutter that let rodents or insects in or give them shelter.

    Official wording (code 08A)

    Establishment is not free of harborage or conditions conducive to rodents, insects or other pests.

ABJun 13, 2024: 242424/06Dec 16, 2024: 131324/12Jun 11, 2026: 323226/06
Inspection scores over time. Lower is better: 0–13 is an A, 14–27 a B, 28 or more a C.

Inspection history

3 inspections on record

  1. A 13 points (A range)

    Cycle Inspection · Re-inspection

    1 critical1 general Show violations
    • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

      Food or supplies weren’t protected from contamination during storage, prep, or service.

      Official wording (code 06C)

      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.

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Non-food surfaces or equipment were dirty, damaged, or made of unsuitable material.

      Official wording (code 10F)

      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.

  2. 24 24 points (B range)

    Cycle Inspection · Initial Inspection

    Scored in the B range on an initial inspection, so no grade is given yet. A re-inspection follows.

    2 critical2 general Show violations
    • CriticalFood temperature

      Hot food was being held below 140°F, where bacteria can grow.

      Official wording (code 02B)

      Hot TCS food item not held at or above 140 °F.

    • CriticalFacility

      A hand-washing sink was missing, blocked, or not stocked with soap and towels.

      Official wording (code 05D)

      No hand washing facility in or adjacent to toilet room or within 25 feet of a food preparation, food service or ware washing area. Hand washing facility not accessible, obstructed or used for non-hand washing purposes. No hot and cold running water or water at inadequate pressure. No soap or acceptable hand-drying device.

    • GeneralFood handling

      Frozen food was being thawed the wrong way.

      Official wording (code 09B)

      Thawing procedure improper.

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Non-food surfaces or equipment were dirty, damaged, or made of unsuitable material.

      Official wording (code 10F)

      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.

More in Jackson Heights

Source: NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) open data, refreshed hourly. Last inspection 5 months ago. Always confirm with the official record.